Debates- Friday, 2nd February, 2007

DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FIRST SESSION OF THE TENTH ASSEMBLY

Friday, 2nd February, 2007

The House met at 0900 hours

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MR SPEAKER

APPOINTMENF OF DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP

Mr Speaker: I wish to inform the House that I have received notification from His Honour the Vice-President and Leader of Government Business in the House that the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) has appointed Mr Ackimson Banda, Member of Parliament for Serenje Parliamentary Constituency, as Deputy Chief Whip.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

WORKSHOP ON THE ROADS STRUCTURE IN THE COUNTRY

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, the House will recall that, on Wednesday, 22nd November, 2006, when the House was considering a Ministerial Statement delivered by the Hon. Minister of Works and Supply on the Roads Structure in the Country, I guided the House that the Hon. Minister of Works and Supply should consider the possibility of holding a workshop, sometime in the new year, where hon. Members would be afforded an opportunity to ask as many questions as possible on the subject.
I now wish to inform the House that, following my guidance on the matter, the Hon. Minister of Works and Supply has organised a one-day workshop for hon. Members of Parliament on Monday, 5th February, 2007, in the Amphitheatre, starting at 0800 hours. A detailed programme on the workshop will, in due course, be circulated to all Hon. Members.

As I had guided the House on that day, the workshop will provide a platform for Hon. Members to examine the roads structure in the country from a much broader understanding. This is an opportune moment for Hon. Members to pose any constructive questions they may have; and the Government will stand ready to provide answers on this important subject. I, therefore, call on all Hon. Members to attend the Workshop.

I thank you.

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BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

The Vice-President (Mr R. Banda): Mr Speaker, I rise to give the House some idea of the business it will consider next week.

Sir, on Tuesday, the 6th of February, 2007, the business of the House will begin with Questions, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any.

On Wednesday, 7th February, 2007, the business of the House will commence with Questions, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider Private Members’ Motions, if there will be any.

On the Thursday, 8th February, 2007, the business of the House will begin with Questions, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Mr Speaker, it is my intention on this day to move a motion to suspend Standing Orders 19 and 20, to enable the House sit at 1415 hours on Friday, 9th February, 2007. This is in order to allow the Hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning to deliver to the House the Budget Speech for 2007.

Mr Speaker, on Friday, the 9th February, 2007, at 1415 hours, the Hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning will deliver to the House the Budget Address for 2007.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

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MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

PLAGUE IN EASTERN PROVINCE

Mr Speaker: I have permitted the hon. Minister of Health to make a ministerial statement.

The Minister of Health (Ms Cifire): Mr Speaker, I would like to inform the House that there is an outbreak of a plague in the Eastern Province of Zambia. The plague broke out on 13th January, 2007. The disease is caused by a bacterium which is spread by fleas. The fleas usually bite rodents and are found in areas with a high population of rats. Due to heavy rains, the rats have moved from their natural habitats into the human population where it is drier and food is in abundance. Consequently, the fleas have moved into human settlements as well. This has led to increased contact between human beings and fleas and consequently, fleas biting human beings. The fleas are therefore, spreading the germ they carry to human beings hence, the cause of the epidemic.

Sir, control of the disease is of major importance as it hinders people from going on with their day-to-day activities as it causes weakness, fever, headaches, painful swellings on the body and other unpleasant experiences. Apart from the discomfort experienced by patients, it is a drawback to our economy as the farmers and other productive persons are unable to do their work.

Mr Speaker, may I also bring to your attention the fact that since the plague started, we have cumulatively recorded 143 cases. Currently, the ones who are sick and are on treatment are seventeen. We have recorded two deaths, and these were due to:

(a) immunodeficiency (low immunity due to another underlying disease); and

(b) absconding from treatment.

Sir, may I now have the honour to inform you about the measures the Government has taken.

(a) Communication

The ministry has issued statements in the press to alert the public and provide the needed information. Further, the provincial and local staff has embarked on a massive sensitisation campaign including health education fro the public.

(b) Laboratory tests

Specimens from patients sent to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) have verified the germ causing the disease. Results attained on Monday 29th January, 2007 reveal that the causative organism is a bacterium called Yesinia Pestis which is the known cause of the plague.

The ministry has sent adequate amounts of the appropriate and most effective drugs to the affected areas to enable staff on the ground treat patients.

In order to control the flea population, insecticides have been procured and pumps with other accessories mobilised and sent to the affected areas. We have further placed more supplies on standby, just in case the epidemic escalates.

Expert-on-Site Analysis

(d) A team of experts has been sent to the area to provide technical assistance in the affected areas. This expert team re-enforces the local staff that have been on site since the plague began.

Staff Re-enforcement

(e) More staff have been mobilised from the provincial office and the local offices and are currently on the ground carrying out the following activities:

(i) preventive measures – mainly control of the flea population; and

(ii) curative measures i.e. treatment of patients.

Mr Speaker, may I conclude that the Ministry is treating the plague with high priority and shall make sure that the situation is brought under control.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members may now ask questions on points of clarification on the statement which has just been made by the hon. Minister of Health.

Mr Muntanga (Kalomo): Mr Speaker, since the rodents are a delicacy in the Eastern Province, what have they done to ensure that those who will eat the rodents will not be infected?

Ms Cifire: Mr Speaker, much as this is our delicacy, there is also a possibility that this situation may arise in the Southern Province. We are also taking measures to counteract possibility, but the awareness campaign to the public is to notify them that as much as it is easy to get these rodents that are dying from the use of insecticides, they should not be eaten. We are sensitising the people on the dangers of eating these rodents because some people are eating them and this is making it very difficult for us to overcome the disease in a shorter period.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Njovu (Milanzi): Mr Speaker, I would like to inform the hon. Minister that this is not the first time we have had this disease in the area, and therefore, I would like to know what permanent measures the Ministry is taking to control the plague in the area. I would also like the hon. Minister to state exactly which chiefs’ areas have been affected by the disease.

Ms Cifire: Mr Speaker, I am glad the hon. Member has stated that it is not the first time we are having this plague. A plague is something which happens at a particular time. It is periodical has to be treated as an emergency. It is not something that you can eradicate because you are talking of rodents from the bush that have to survive because of climatic change. Eradicating mice altogether would create an ecological imbalance, I am sure. The hon. Member is academically qualified to understand such issues.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Order! Which chiefs areas are affected?

Ms Cifire: Mr Speaker, it is mostly in Chief Nyanje’s area.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mukanga (Kantanshi): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the Hon. Minister whether the people with the disease can transmit it to their fellow human beings and if so, are there any plans to stop the people of the Eastern Province from leaving the province so that they do not infect others?

Laughter

Ms Cifire: Mr Speaker, so far, there is no indication that this can be transferred because it is just the person who is bitten by the flea who gets sick and also it will be very difficult to isolate us from you.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chimbaka (Bahati): Mr Speaker, knowing that rodents …

Mr Kambwili: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, I rise on a very serious point of order which hinges on the integrity and misinformation of the world and the Zambians at large by the Minister of Information (Mr V J Mwaanga) as reported in today’s Zambia Daily Mail where he says:

‘All political parties have been invited to the functions in receiving the Chinese President’.

Mr Speaker, the Hon. Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services has categorically stated that all political parties have been invited except the Patriotic Front because they do not recognise the People’s Republic of China. This is misinformation to the world and to the nation because what we stand for as Patriotic Front is against the street-vendor-Chinese investors and not that we do not recognise the people of China.

Mr Kambwili laid the paper on the Table.

Mr Speaker: Although the hon. Member for Roan has not properly formulated his point of order. I will guide him as follows.

If he so wishes to raise that matter, he may do so during His Honour the Vice-President’s Question Time. His Honour the Vice-President would be in a position to handle this matter, especially, in the sense that the issue of the visit of the Head of State from The People’s Republic of China has not been raised in this House. Therefore, I guide him accordingly.

The hon. Member for Bahati was raising a supplementary question.

Mr Chimbaka (Bahati): Mr Speaker, what medically is the cause of the plague especially that my cousins in the Eastern Province are malleable to rodents?

Ms Cifire: Mr Speaker, as I stated earlier, the disease is as a result of the fleas which bite the humans because they are the ones that carry the bacteria.

I thank you, Sir.

Mrs Musokotwane (Katombola): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what plans they will put in place to prevent the rodents from going to other places that do not yet have the plague such as the Southern, Western and Northern provinces.

Ms Cifire: Mr Speaker, unfortunately, we live with rodents, as I stated earlier on. During the rainy season, when there is water all over, the rodents move to a drier place because the water makes their natural habitat inhabitable. Therefore, they look for higher grounds or drier areas and this happens to be where human beings live and mostly this will be in our homes. They get into our homes and the fleas that normally live off the rodents move with them into the homes, and consequently we are in contact with them. The fleas now have a choice between the rats and the human beings with whom they are in contact. Therefore, the only measure is to kill the rodents as they come into our homes.

I thank you, Sir.

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VICE-PRESIDENT’S QUESTION TIME

Mr Kasongo (Bangweulu): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from His Honour the Vice-President when the exercise of re-stocking of fish in the Lake Bangweulu will begin.

The Vice-President (Mr Banda): Mr Speaker, I know it is not the procedure, but I wish he had given a notice so that I could give him a definite answer. All the same, I am sure that the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives that is responsible for this particular problem will take note of his question and, at an appropriate time, give him an answer.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from His Honour the Vice-President when his office will address this august House over the intended adoption of the new Constitution?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, once again, I thank my colleague for raising that question. All hon. Members are aware of the announcement the Cabinet and the Government of the Republic of Zambia has made with regard to the Constitution. We have made out the roadmap which will be followed in the adoption of the new Constitution. We are taking it a step at a time following the set roadmap so that, at an appropriate time, the Office of the Vice-President or any appropriate ministry in the Government will give the Members of this House a clear statement on when the Constitution will be presented to this House.

However, I would like to point out also, Mr Speaker, that the adoption process of a Constitution is complicated. As we know from the history of this country, from the time we got our independence in 1964, there have been several attempts at giving this country a Constitution that will stand the test of time. That is why the New Deal Government of His Excellency the President, Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, SC, has ensured that the process is followed through so that all the opinions and stakeholders in this country are understood. We want a Constitution to stand the test of time so that we do not spend money by adopting a new Constitution each time there is a new Government. I thank you so much for that question and I hope that the answer is satisfactory for the time being.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kambwili (Roan): Mr Speaker, I thank you for guiding me over the point order. I will now rephrase my question. I would like to find out from the Vice-President whether this Government is serious with political reconciliation, in view of the fact that the Hon. Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services is quoted in today’s The Daily Mail, as having stated that all political parties have been invited to the banquet to be hosted in honour of the visiting Chinese President except for the PF. He went on to say that we, the PF, have not been invited because we do not recognise The People’s Republic of China. This is misinformation to the world. Therefore, I would like to find out whether, PF has communicated to them that we do not recognise The People’s Republic of China.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Roan for raising this question. It is appropriate because it impacts strongly on the policies of this Government. On the specific question of not being invited because the PF does not recognise the Government of The People’s Republic of China, I wish that the hon. Member of Parliament would have also stated in his question that he does recognise this State.

Dr Scott interjected.

The Vice-President: There is only one Zambia and one Government and that is the current Government. It is the Government which decides which Governments and countries they recognise. I would like to remind him and my good friend, Hon. Dr Guy Scott, who was interjecting as I was speaking, that it is your side that has caused this misinformation of the people in this country and the world at large. It may be you who have conveniently decided to forget that your illustrious President, Mr Sata, was …

Dr Guy Scott interjected.

The Vice-President: … yes, but you are speaking on his behalf, Dr Scott. Your President just before the inauguration of the current Government went to the Office of the Secretary to the Cabinet and the High Court and said that he wished to submit his list because in his way of thinking, he thought that he would win the elections. Therefore, he decided to give a list of countries that he recognised and leaders whom he wanted invited …

Interruptions

The Vice-President: … to the inauguration.

I would like to remind this House and the rest of the country that his choice was Taiwan. Unfortunately, he is not the head of this country. The head of this country and its Government and its people recognise the Government of China whose President …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: … is visiting our country tomorrow. I would like to take this opportunity to answer the question, which my cousin and friend the hon. Member has raised. This is an important visitor to Africa and the people of this country. Please, note that for Hon. Kambwili to raise this question, it means that he is concerned that the record should be set straight. The President who is coming to this country tomorrow is the President of a country that will be well recognised and was always recognised even during the struggle of independence of this country.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the Honour

Mr Shakafuswa: His Honour!

Mr Mbewe: You have heard.

Mr Mbewe: … what the Government is doing to prevent further encroachment on the land at the Natural Resources Development College (NRDC) Ranch which has been encroached to the extent that the students do not have adequate land for them to do their practicals.

The Vice-President: I wish to assure the hon. Member that the Government will not allow this. If there are people encroaching on this land, by the very definition of the word ‘encroach’, they will be dealt with and moved out of the land which was put aside for use by students.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr D Mwila (Chipili): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from His Honour the Vice-President whether the Government has any plans to amend the Employment Act, Cap. 268 on the redundancy package which stipulates two months pay as a redundancy package. The people have been complaining that their packages are too low. Not only that, there are companies, which are paying above what is in the Act, such as the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) and Chambeshi Metals that give three-months pay for each year served. Could the Vice-President, please, clarify the Government position on this matter.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, please, excuse me, I would like my hon. Colleague to repeat that question. I have a problem understanding my cousin’s English pronunciation. Please, repeat the first part of your question.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter

Mr D Mwila: I think, Mr Speaker, …

Mr Speaker: Order!

Do you wish to rephrase your question so that His Honour the Vice-President may answer you properly?

Mr D Mwila: Mr Speaker, it is with regard to the Employment Act Cap. 268 on the redundancy package, which allows for a two-months pay for each year served. I would like to find out whether the Government has any plans to review that Act so that if people, at the end of the day, are pruned or retrenched, they leave with a reasonable package.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, thank you for being kind enough to rephrase the question. The Government is …

Mr Shakafuswa: Tawaishiba icisungu, iwe.

The Vice-President: … reconsidering the Act in order to make appropriate amendments for the benefit of all the people.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Matongo (Pemba): Mr Speaker, I am sure that His Honour the Vice-President will agree with me that national economic development will be greatly enhanced if the pace of decentralisation was accelerated and the budgetary arrangement put in place. In view of this, what is the timeframe of the accelerated national decentralisation? Please, inform the House whether, under the new system, the roads shall be classified as agricultural, council and national.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Pemba, an old friend of mine for that question. I know people are thinking that I am delaying the debate, but I would like everybody to understand that this hon. Member has been in this House for a long time and always raised questions in the interest of the country.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: The national economic development of this country will be enhanced and speeded up as a result of the Decentralisation Policy of this Government. We all know that this is an on-going exercise where more power will be passed on to the provinces, districts, right up to the villages so that when the Government is making policies, the suggestions and ideas of the grassroots are known right up to the Cabinet who are directly affected by the issues that the Government wishes to address.

It is the plan of the Government to continue this process of decentralisation. With regard to the road network, they are already considered as national programmes, except for those in areas within the district which are attended to by the district. However, the budgetary plan is to include those under the districts and the provinces so as to improve the roads and any other facilities and amenities in the country.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr V Mwale (Chipangali): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out what the Government is doing to ensure the safety of Archbishop Milingo who is reported to be in bad health and whose whereabouts are not known.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Chipangali who must be congratulated on being one of the giant killers in this House.

Laughter

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: He got rid of one of the oldest serving Members of Parliament and I wish that his question and my answer will show the people of Chipangali that they made the right choice.

Laughter

The Vice-President: With regard to Archbishop Milingo’s whereabouts, the Government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, has no record to show the entry of Archbishop Milingo into Zambia. The Government has also not received any presentation from relatives, friends or citizens, regarding his whereabouts. Presently, the information that the Government has is as good as anyone’s because we have also just been getting it through the media. So far, to our knowledge, Bishop Milingo, is still at his place of residence abroad. It should be noted that Zambia has adequate embassy facilities abroad and that if for some reason at all there was something happening to Archbishop Milingo, our embassies or high commissions would be the first to know about it.

At the moment, there are no adverse reports either through the Ministry of Home Affairs or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Archbishop Milingo. It is in this light that the Government, while recognising its responsibility to its nationals, cannot pursue Archbishop Milingo’s whereabouts for fear of interfering with his freedom or human rights. However, the Government, just like any responsible citizen, is concerned with what is reported in the media. We would like this matter to come to an end.

In view of the foregoing, the Government wishes to appeal to individuals, hon. Members of Parliament, civic societies and the general public who would happen to have any information on this issue to make it available to the Government so that we have the correct perception. We wish to reiterate that, so far, no formal representation has been made to enable the Government take a positive and meaningful action.

Last, but not least, it is our wish and belief that Archbishop Milingo is well and going about his normal day- to-day tasks.

Interruptions

The Vice-President: It looks like hon. Members do not want to listen any more.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Members: Ah.

Mr Munaile (Malole): Mr Speaker, what is the Government doing to assist the Tanzania/Zambia Railways (TAZARA) which is facing a lot of operational problems?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I wish to thank the hon. Member for Malole for raising this question which is of great concern to all Zambians and their representatives in this House. It is a major issue for the Government and the people of Zambia to ensure that the problems of TAZARA are sorted out. As to the exact method which will be taken, that should be left for further studies and discussions by the Government because as we all know TAZARA has got operational and financial problems. The Government is looking into this matter and I am sure that we will come up with a solution to the problems of TAZARA as soon as possible. I wish to thank, once again, the hon. Member who is a great soccer player and fan

I thank you, Sir.

Mr C. K. B. Banda (Chasefu): Mr Speaker, now that the Government roadmap on the Constitution is out, when and how does the Government intend to engage other stakeholders in order to solicit their input on the world map?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, sorry for leaving the Table. You ruled last time, Mr Speaker, that I should remain standing here, but sometimes I think the hon. Members want …

Hon. Opposition Members: Answer.

The Vice-President: I am answering. Before I answer, I would like to thank my young brother, the hon. Member for Chasefu, …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: … for raising this question that seems to concern all of us at all times because it keeps on being asked. It was earlier asked and it has been asked again. The policy of this Government is to continue to consult and engage all those concerned. The roadmap is clear. It has been announced. Now, it is up to the hon. Members to help the Government to know exactly what it is that they would like to be included in the roadmap itself or in the whole constitutional arrangement, which will eventually emerge from this road map.

Once again, I would like to thank the hon. Member for Chasefu.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Order! The Chair hereby modifies its guidance regarding His Honour the Vice-President that he may take short breaks in-between questions.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr I. Banda (Lumezi): Mr Speaker, has the Government got any immediate plans to review chiefs’ boundaries and, if so, when?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I wish to thank the hon. Member and I would not forget to thank him for raising this important question.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: I also wish to thank Mr Speaker giving me a little bit of breathing space between questions by allowing me to sit down.

Laughter

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the question is the issue of mediation between the chiefs and their boundaries. This is an on going process and the Government will continue to engage the chiefs themselves and their advisers on how to resolve these boundaries.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Masiye (Mufulira): Mr Speaker, I thank you. I can see Mr Speaker recognises gender balance. Thank you, Sir.

Laughter

Ms Masiye: Mr Speaker, since there is only one Government and one country, Zambia, and Zambia recognises The People’s Republic of China, and there is no further communication from the Patriotic Front to the Government that the party does not recognise China, could His Honour the Vice-President confirm to this House and the people of Zambia, through you, Mr Speaker, that the Government will extend its invitation to the Patriotic Front as a gesture of goodwill to all Zambians and to preach to the nation that the freedom of association is upheld by this Government.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Mufulira and I agree with her wholeheartedly that the practice of gender balancing must continue.

Laughter

The Vice-President: It is so good to see our good lady able to ask this question.

Laughter

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I think we all agree that actions speak louder than words.

The actions of our brothers and sisters from the Patriotic Front Party (PF) have not shown, up to now, that they agree with the Government on the issue of the recognition of China. However, I am very happy to hear that the hon. Member is implying that she also, like the Government, agrees that China is a true representative of all the Chinese people. Therefore, I wish to assure her that what she has said will be taken into account. We will pass on the message to the authorities.

It would be a good thing, however, for the sake of this country, if both your the President and Secretary-General would stand up and say likewise.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Scott (Lusaka Central): Mr Speaker, I do not understand, following the Vice-President’s answer, what it is a political party in a multi-party dispensation has to do with the recognition or non-recognition of a country as that is a diplomatic position, and one that only a Government can have. I would expect somebody with his great experience even of a one-party State, whatever it might be, to know that.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank my Hon. Friend, Dr Guy Scott for his comments.

Dr Scott chatted with Hon. Lubinda.

The Vice-President: I wish he could listen so that we do not have to argue for the sake of arguing. This is truly a diplomatic problem, but with his great experience, as he has been part and parcel of the politics of this country for a long time, and with his good education, he will understand that diplomacy and politics go together.

It is on record, on many occasions, that the PF has said, and even now, he is refusing to say what the hon. Member of Parliament for Mufulira has said. He is not willing to stand up and say he is agreeing with her. However, it may please the hon. Members of Parliament, those not in PF and those in PF to know that Her Worship the Mayor of Lusaka will be at the airport with all the councillors of PF in Lusaka and we cannot give more evidence of our working together than that. We are always very happy to receive the PF Members who are willing to participate in the development of this country. Unfortunately, while I speak, I cannot hear what they are saying.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: The time is up.

Laughter

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QUESTIONS

NUMBER OF STOLEN AND RECOVERED VEHICLES ON THE COPPERBELT FROM 2002 TO 2006

189. Mr Mukanga (Kantanshi) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

(a) how many registered vehicles were stolen from the Copperbelt from 2002 to 2006; and

(b) how many of these vehicles were recovered.

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Ms Njapau): Mr Speaker, one hundred and five (105) registered motor vehicles were stolen from the Copperbelt from 2002 to 2006 and Mr Speaker, fifty (50) registered motor vehicles were recovered.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out what problem the ministry had in recovering the vehicles that were stolen from the Copperbelt into the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Minister of Home Affairs (Lieutenant-Colonel Shikapwasha): Mr Speaker, we do not have many problems recovering vehicles from the DRC now. The DRC is part and parcel of the rest of Southern Africa through SAPCO to try and recover stolen vehicles. Vehicles are being recovered, hence, the number of recovered vehicles is going up every time.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Nsanda (Chimwemwe): Mr Speaker, due to the thefts on the Copperbelt, could the hon. Minister tell this House why Chimwemwe Police in Chimwemwe Constituency has got no motor vehicle in a good condition to patrol the area?

Mr Speaker: The Hon. Minister of Home Affairs may give a bonus answer.

Lieutenant-Colonel Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, we will look into it and provide transport to Chimwemwe Constituency soon.

I thank you, Sir.

BOREHOLES TO BE SUNK IN KAWAMBWA IN 2007

190 Ms Chitika (Kawambwa) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing how many boreholes the ministry was expected to sink in Kawambwa District in 2007.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Kazonga): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this House that my ministry does not determine the number of boreholes to be sunk in the districts, and that includes Kawambwa. The number of boreholes to be sunk in any district is determined by the councils themselves according to the District Water Supply and Sanitation Plan.

Mr Speaker, the Government has sourced external financial support from the African Development Bank (ADB) to sink boreholes in Kawambwa, but, as mentioned above, the number of boreholes to be sunk will be determined by Kawambwa District Council.

I thank you, Sir.

DEPLOYMENT OF A DISTRICT MARKETING OFFICER TO MPOROKOSO

191. Mr Misapa (Mporokoso) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives when the Government would send a District Marketing Officer to Mporokoso District to fill the position which had remained vacant for many years.

The Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives (Mr Kapita): Mr Speaker, the position of District Marketing Officer, formerly District Marketing and Co-operatives Officer, in Mporokoso will be filled this year, 2007, when the candidates who were interviewed recently for jobs are admitted into the Civil Service and have been posted to the Northern Province for onward posting to respective districts. We are sending officers to each of the seventy-two districts where we do not have District Marketing Officers yet.

I thank you, Sir.

REHABILITATED SCHOOLS IN CHITAMBO CONSTITUENCY FROM 2004 TO-DATE

192. Mr Hamir (Chitambo) asked the Minister of Education how many schools had been rehabilitated in the Chitambo Parliamentary Constituency from 2004 to date.

The Deputy Minister of Education (Ms Changwe): Mr Speaker, the ministry has undertaken the rehabilitation of classrooms and teachers’ houses in eight schools in the constituency from 2004 to date. These are as follows:

Name of Basic Schools No. of Classrooms No. of Houses
1. Gibson 3 1
3. Mwimbula 2 -
2. Mpelembe 2 1
4. Kasuko 2 -
5. Nakatambo 2 -
6. Chalilo Nil 3 -
7. Chitambo 3 -
8. Mabonde 4 1.3 flat
Total 21 6.3

Mr Speaker, in addition to the rehabilitation stated above, there are a number of on going projects to construct classrooms, teachers’ houses, VIP toilets including the planned construction of Chitambo Girls’ High School in the constituency.

I thank you, Sir.

NUMBER OF INVESTORS IN THE MANUFATURING

193. Mr Chimbaka (Bahati) asked the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry how many foreign investors had invested in the manufacturing industry since 2001.

The Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Mr Konga): Mr Speaker, the total number of foreign investors that have invested in the manufacturing sector since 2001 is 197. These have created 13,352 jobs and have brought, to the country, a total sum of US$648, 259,184.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chimbaka: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what plans the Government has to resuscitate industries that are in the rural areas such as the Mwinilunga Canning Factory, Mansa Batteries Factory and the famous Kapiri-Glass Factories. What plans has the Government put in place to ensure that these factories begin to manufacture and create employment, especially that the President in his inaugural speech, last year, said he would like to market Zambian products abroad?

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, the Government, through the Private Sector Delivery Programme, has initiated actions to revitalise industries in the rural areas as has been mentioned in Mwinilunga, Kawambwa, Mansa and many other parts of the country.

The Government will not start these industries, but it is working with the private sector. The Government is also offering incentives to the private sector, especially those that are going to invest in the rural areas as has been provided in the Zambia Development Act.

Mr Speaker, therefore, I would like to bring it to the attention of this House that the Government is already talking to some foreign investors to resuscitate Mwinilunga Canneries. The Government is alluring local investors to resuscitate Mansa Batteries. The Government is also talking to both local and foreign investors to continue the operations at the Kawambwa Tea Factory.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lubinda (Kabwata): Mr Speaker, there were some foreign investors that were registered in Zambia and had expressed interest in some companies such as ZAMHORT, Mongu Mango Pulping and Cashew Company. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether the foreign investors who transported equipment from ZAMHORT and Mongu Mango Pulping Plant are amongst the investors whom he has referred to? If so, when shall we see the revival of such institutions or companies?

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that these investors are not among those who had taken equipment out of the mentioned institutions. These are new investors and some of them are Zambians. The Government is also talking to investors who have shown interest in investing in the Cashew Nut Factory in Mongu.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister why investors who come to Zambia, and in rural areas in particular, do not build their own buildings, but instead rent already existing infrastructure in the rural areas?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, the investors who invest in rural areas do talk to their potential landlords. I am sure they do a business study and see whether they can construct their own structures or whether it is cheaper to rent property which is already there. When they rent property, Zambians also benefit. Otherwise, their property may not be profitable if not rented out. Therefore, it is just appropriate that the property should be rented out so that owners could earn some money from that.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hachipuka (Mbabala): Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister make a ministerial statement on the operations of the Zambia Investment Centre or the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) or his department on the progress made by these investors? We need to know this. Could he make a ministerial statement in the House because it is not enough to only talk about investors coming to this country? We, as Parliamentarians, need to know what progress the investors have made. We need to know what kind of investments have been made and how the investments are proceeding in this country.

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, I totally agree with the views expressed by the hon. Member and, at an appropriate time or very soon, I will make a ministerial statement on this matter.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Imbwae (Lukulu-West): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister talked about new investors showing interest in investing in Zambia. I am aware that Kapiri-Glass Factory has been sold to a Zambian investor. Has the Government got any plans to attract another investor in making glass from the sands of the Western Province?

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, as I alluded to earlier on, the Government is inviting the private sector, both local and foreign to invest in the immersed potential that exist in this country. Therefore, as there has been a request by the hon. Member for Lukulu West, we will talk to potential investors who will show interest in investing in glass manufacturing using the sand of Lukulu West, if there will be any.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Njobvu (Milanzi): Mr Speaker, I would like to ask the hon. Minister whether the Government still has the policy of giving tax incentives and tax holidays to foreign investors.

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, the policy of this Government is to give tax incentives to foreign investors and not tax holidays.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Chanda (Kankoyo): Mr Speaker, our industrial base has collapsed because of unfair competition from national companies. Does the Government have a policy in place to protect local companies from the unfair competition?

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, it is very important that wealth is created in Zambia. Therefore, it is the intention of the Government that jobs that are generated in this county are protected. However, the Government is also a signatory of various conventions and agreements with other countries as is the case with COMESA, SADC and the World Trade Organisation. Notwithstanding this, the Government does endeavour to protect the jobs that are created locally.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR TRINED TEACHERS
FROM 2002 TO 2005

194. Mr Mukanga asked the Minister of Education:

(a) how many teachers were trained by the Government from 2002 to 2005;

(b) how many teachers were trained by the private sector in the same period as above;

(d) how many teachers were needed per year in Zambia in the following schools:

(i) primary schools; and

(ii) secondary schools.

Ms Changwe: Mr Speaker, there were 15,934 teachers trained by the Government from 2002 to 2005 broken down per year and by gender as follows:

Year Male Female Total

2002 2,207 2,426 4,633
2003 2,078 2,663 4,741
2004 1,736 1,834 3,570
2005 1,613 1,377 2,990
Total 7,634 8,300 15,934

Sir, there were 2,974 four teachers trained by private colleges from 2002 to 2005 and the break down is as follows:

Year Male Female Total

2002 141 221 362
2003 184 472 656
2004 321 717 1,038
2005 360 558 918
Total 1,006 1,968 2,974

Sir, the average annual cost of training a primary and secondary school teacher is approximately K16.8 million per annum. This translates into K1.4 million per month per one student.

The Ministry’s annual teacher requirement has been projected as follows taking into consideration the eminent expansion at all levels:

Level Grade 2007 2008 2009 2010

Basic 1-7 3,519 3,826 4,163 4,532
8-9 952 1,059 1,178 1,311
High School 10-12 792 892 1,004 1,311

Mr Speaker, however, it is imperative to note that the projections at the high school level are always influenced by the subject specialisation at the level which the ministry plans to ascertain by undertaking a teacher head count at all levels during the course of this year.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister then confirm that the reason why this Government has not been able to employ all the trained teachers at a great cost of a tax payer’s money is not because of lack of funding, but lack of planning.

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, I am not quite sure what the hon. Member is referring to by lack of employment of teachers who are trained. The Government already has in place the employment programme for the teachers. The figures of how many teachers were employed last year were laid on the Table this week. Again, statistics of how many teachers are going to be employed this year and next year, including the projected output of teachers from our teacher training colleges and the expected requirements of teachers in our system are already in place. If all these figures which are put in place are not a reflection of the training process that is going on in the Ministry of Education and the Government, then I am not very quite sure what our hon. Member understands by planning because all these are indications of detailed planning which is going on in the ministry.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Opposition Member: A lecture!

Mr E. C. Mwansa (Chifunabuli): Mr Speaker, taking into account the answer the hon. Minister has given concerning the plan for the future, what measures have been taken to address the issue of lack of teachers in most of the primary schools in our country? We cannot wait because this is a crisis and emergency measures must be put in place as opposed to the slow ones that are being taken.

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, we have said that we are employing teachers and we have given figures of how many teachers we employing every year. This is an indication of our attention to the current problem of teacher staffing in our education systems. As has been stated in the House, we have already projected how many teachers the system needs every year, including the numbers which are being trained in our colleges. Therefore, this is what we are doing to address the shortage of teachers in the schools. Perhaps, it s a question of understanding the statistics which we are presenting, but we can explain them.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kasongo (Bangweulu): Mr Speaker, during the election period, Zambians were assured by the MMD Government that all teachers who were looking for employment, without exception, would be employed by the Government of the day. When will the Government honour this promise?

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, the process of getting all the backlog of teachers who were trained and did not get into our school system has already started. Last year, we employed 7,100 teachers. This year, we are, again, employing over 6,000 up to next year. By next year, we should complete the engagement of the backlog of teachers. Otherwise, the process has already started.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Bonshe (Mufumbwe): Mr Speaker, we have heard a number of teachers being employed, but is the accommodation of these teachers taken into account because when you go into rural areas, the teacher accommodation is pathetic. Teachers have no houses.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order! The Hon. Minister was preparing to answer the question that was posed on the Floor.
He may answer the question.

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, if you will allow me, I will just give a brief background.

Sir, the period from 1991 to 2001 is recognised as a lost decade in education development in this country. That is the decade when there was very low resource inflow in the education sector. Consequently, dilapidation of infrastructure, lack of extension in infrastructure and lack of education materials in the system were a consequence of a lost decade in education investment and development. Since 2002, tremendous effort has been made to address the lost decade in education investment.

Teachers’ housing in the rural as well as in the urban areas is part of the current revitalisation of the education sector. We have a programme in place to construct teachers’ houses in an effort to address this problem.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Imbwae: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out what the ministry intends to do to make sure teachers who are posted to the rural areas where there are only mud schools and houses can be encouraged to teach the whole year round.

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, first of all, as a ministry as well as a Government, we are paying attention to the poor and mud structures in our system. These are the structure which we call temporally structures. Beginning this year, we have put in our budget a programme to address the poor and mud structure beginning with those which were inherited from the colonial period. We should have addressed those temporally structure which we inherited in the colonial system thirty-two years after independence, but we are beginning to do that this year.

Coming back to the question, the poor and mud structures are the temporally structures which we are addressing by firstly introducing a construction programme to construct permanent structures. Therefore, this programme is in place. We also have rural hardship allowance which, of course, is an incentive given to the teacher who find themselves in the multi-rural areas.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Chitonge (Mwansabombwe): Mr Speaker, according to what I know, teaching is more practical than theoretical. Could the hon. Minister, being a teacher before, confirm if a teacher can really discharge the teaching stuff effectively if he is employed seven years after being trained.

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, teaching is a profession and our teachers are professionally sound. They are employed by a number of countries around us because they are professionally efficient. Therefore, even if a teacher takes two to three years before teaching, he can still go back in the classroom and display his/her profession when the opportunity avails itself. In addition, in our system, we have what we call a Professional Investment Programme through in-service training and that is a continuous programme which we avail to teachers in order to continue enhancing and refresh their skills.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Ms Kapata (Mandevu): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister on what policy the Government has on community schools. I am saying so because we have a lot of community schools in our communities, but the Government does not fund them.

Mr Speaker: I not sure whether you got that question clearly due to the discussions in that area. I shall make a special dispensation.

The hon. Member for Mandevu may restate her question.

Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, my question is on whether the Government has got any policy on community schools. I am asking so because we have many community schools, but the Government does not fund them.

The Minister of Education (Professor Lungwangwa): Mr Speaker, definitely that is a new question. The question on the Floor is about teachers. I would request the hon. Member, through you, Mr Speaker, to ask another question since the one she has asked is not related to the question on teachers which is on the Floor.

COMMENCEMENT OF WORKS ON MONGU/SIKONGO ROAD

195. Mr Ndalamei (Sikongo) asked the Minister of Works and Supply when works on the Mongu/Sikongo Road up to the border with Angola, would commence.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Kazonga): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that on the Mongu/Sikongo/Angolan Border Road Construction, the construction to tarmac standard of the road between Mongu and Kalabo commenced in August 2002. However, the works on the thirty-four kilometres of the flood plain could not proceed as programmed because the constructed embankment was breached at a number of places during the 2004/2005 rainy season, calling for a review in the design of the road in the flood plain. This has subsequently been carried out. The embankment in the flood plain will have several larger openings of bridges.

At the meeting of co-financiers and the Zambian Government held in January 2007, the co-financiers pledged financial support to the Zambian Government to complete the remaining thirty-four kilometres of the flood plain. However, the Zambian Government would source its own funds to procure the mobile bridges. To this end, the ministry has provided an amount of K20,000,000,000 in the 2007 Budget for the purchase of the mobile bridges.

Further, the co-financiers pledged financial support for extending the construction of the road from Kalabo to the Angolan border through Sikongo.

The works for both sections of the project road are expected to commence in September, 2008.

I thank you, Sir.

PLANS TO CONVERT SIKONGO COMMUNITY SCHOOLS TO GRZ SCHOOLS

196. Mr Ndalamei asked the Minister of Education whether there were any plans to transform the six community schools in the Sikongo Parliamentary Constituency to Government schools.

The Deputy Minister of Education (Ms Changwe): Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to transform the six community schools in Sikongo Parliamentary Constituency in Kalabo to Government school status. Community schools are established on the basis of partnership between the community and the ministry. As such, the community has the sole ownership of the schools.

In addition, the policy of the Government is not to deny the ownership of the schools by the community, but rather to offer support in terms of grants, teaching and learning materials and, where possible, provide qualified teachers. To this effect, the ministry is developing a policy framework on community schools to provide guidance to stakeholders.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Silavwe (Nakonde): Mr Speaker, the reason there is a low passing percentage in rural areas is because of mushrooming of these community schools. Now, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister, at what stage these community schools are supposed to be taken over by the Government. I say so because we have seen a number of community schools which are from Grade 1 to 7, but the teachers there are not competent enough to produce good results.

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, as we stated in the answer, community schools are an integral part of our school system. It is part of our policy as a Government to encourage partnership in education provision, partnership with the Government and other actors. Therefore, community schools are being encouraged to operate with support from the Government where necessary. It is not the policy of the Government to take over all the community schools, but to encourage and facilitate their development.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Machungwa (Luapula): Mr Speaker, community schools, especially in the rural areas come up because there are no Government schools. My understanding is that it is the responsibility of the Government to provide education to all Zambian children. If a person has ten children and has limited food, he will share the little among all the children rather than select five to eat and others not to eat. Why is the Government not trying to extend the little resources to try to assist these community schools as much as possible so that all children in Zambian can get some education rather than saying that it is the responsibility of the community?

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, it is clear to me that the hon. Member probably did not get the answer. We pointed out in our response that support to community schools is being rendered and that is being done. However, community schools are springing up in different parts of the country at different times and therefore, not all community schools that are springing up in different parts can be supported at any time. However, a support system to community schools is already in place.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kasongo: Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister assist this House by informing us at which stage a community school can be adopted by the Government. There are a number of factors that should be taken into consideration which may persuade a community to put up a community school. Firstly, there is the factor of distances from a Government school to a community school and also the population growth. At what stage can the Government adopt a community school?

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, again, the principle of partnership must be clearly understood. There are a number of community schools that are operating effectively following laid down guidelines and those are being encouraged to operate and exist, with, of course, the support of the Government.

There are other community schools which may not be operating satisfactorily and, as a ministry, we are putting in place the guidelines which have to be followed by the community schools. Now it is not the policy of the ministry to take over all the community schools, but rather to encourage the development of the community schools with support mechanisms in place for their effective operation. Now, all this is being done within the framework of a policy that is in place and which encourages the participation of different actors in the education provision.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

UPGRADING SQUATTER COMPOUNDS IN LUSAKA

197. Mr Imenda asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing whether there were any plans to upgrade squatter compounds located at the main entrance points to the city of Lusaka in order to improve the image of the city.

Mr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, plans are underway to upgrade squatter compounds located at the main entrance points to the City of Lusaka in order to improve the image of the city.

Currently, my ministry is working with the Lusaka City Council to complete the legalisation of Misisi and John Laing compounds which started in 2004 when the council resolved to recognise these compounds. The two compounds will soon be gazetted as improved areas when all the procedures are completed. In the same vein, my ministry is implementing the decision of this august House to improve the image of the city at its entrance points from the south by extending the central business districts, otherwise known as the Cairo Road Commercial Zone.

From Kafue Road to Makeni Turn Off, a 300-meter radius on either side of the road was declared in 1998 by my ministry as a commercial zone with certain requirements such as a minimum of two-storey commercial buildings to be allowed along this commercial corridor.

Currently, some private investors who have been allocated the plots that were invaded by squatters are compensating them on humanitarian grounds in order to free the land for commercial development. Two notable investors are Coral Investments and Engine Centre who, in conjunction with the Ministry of Lands, Zambia Investment Centre then and my ministry have, so far, done a commendable job in that direction in Misisi Compound. My ministry will ensure that both the legal owners of the commercial stands and the squatters are treated fairly so that land is developed for the purpose …

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1045 hours to 1100 hours.

Mr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, when business was suspended, I was responding to the question raised by the hon. Member for Lukulu-East. Sir, the Northern entrance to the city has also been encroached by squatters. However, Chazanga Compound which occupies the area has already been declared an improvement area and plans are underway to upgrade it, funds permitting. The western entrance to the City is occupied by Kanyama Compound which has since been declared an improved area. Lusaka City Council is continuing to control the proliferation of the compound around Garden House Hotel.

Mr Speaker, my ministry is working towards achieving His Excellency the President’s vision on the issue of squatter upgrading, as reflected in his speech to this august House at the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the Ninth National Assembly in January, last year.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Imenda: Mr Speaker, the upgrading of squatter compounds arrests issues of cholera by way of improved water and many other utilities that the council provides to the people. Is the ministry in a position to state whether the people that are currently being shifted, through the purchasing of plots by investors, are going to be given an area where they will settle in an organised manner.

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, the squatters that have occupied the 300 metres along the Kafue Road on both sides, which area was declared by the Government in 1998 as a commercial zone, are people who are there illegally. Most or almost all the plots were already allocated to investors and these people have failed to construct their structures because of the squatters who are squatting on that piece of land illegally.

Mr Speaker, most of these investors are now engaging the squatters and on humanitarian grounds, the investors are agreeing to pay something to these people to encourage them to move and where they are moving to, I do not know.

Mr Speaker, as I said yesterday, we do not have enough space in Lusaka. Lusaka has no plots for allocating to people. We cannot find land for everybody in Lusaka. Some of these people come from Chipata, Samfya and other places where there is a lot of land where they can settle. I would expect these people to consider going back to settle in other districts that are not congested. We should not encourage congestion in a city which does not have land as this is why we end up with all the problems of cholera and so on.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mooya (Moomba): Mr Speaker, are there any plans to control the mushrooming of substandard buildings in Lusaka? I ask this question because designers such as architects are putting the blame on the Lusaka City Council (LCC) which is also saying something else.

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, yes, the LCC has such plans and one of them is to ensure that if a house is of substandard, it must be demolished.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I wish to agree with the hon. Minister and state that the LCC recognises the fact that the 300-metre zone on either sides of the Kafue Road is an attempt at screening off the shanty compound, but that, in itself, does not constitute upgrading of shanty compounds. What I would like to know, Sir, is whether in this year’s Budget the allocation that I expect to see for upgrading shanty compounds, as we saw in 2005, shall actually be released so that the LCC can upgrade the shanty compounds and avoid the rhetoric and statistics which are presented here without actual releases of funds to the LCC with the hon. Minister to make such undertakings, Sir.

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, I am not the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, …

Laughter

Mrs Masebo: … but suffice it to say that, as a ministry, we have plans to upgrade slums in Zambia, generally. In fact, if you recall, the President gave this directive and has written to say that he would like to see a number of our unplanned settlements in Zambia upgraded. Yes, upgrading of slums simply means provision of services such as water supply, sanitation, roads and so on and so forth. To this effect, my ministry has written to all the local authorities in Zambia to firstly, begin the process of identifying and looking around the localities to make resolutions on which of the unplanned settlements should be legalised under the Improvement Areas Act. Secondly, they should be upgraded by making provisions of basic facilities. To this extent, my ministry continues to budget and make proposals for resources to the Ministry of Finance and National Planning. However, it is for the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to come on Friday and tell us what, in their view, are the priorities. In the Fifth National Development Plan and the Vision 2030 the issue of upgrading slums is a priority for this administration.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned the fact that the Ministry of Local Government and Housing has control over a stretch of land of 300 metres along Kafue Road, and that one of the conditions of putting up structures along that road is to have two-storey buildings put up by investors. I would like to find out why the ministry has allowed substandard structures to be built along the Kafue Road, which does not comply with their law and what they are going to do with those people who put up substandard structures along that road.

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, as a ministry, we are gulping with the problem of lack of respect for law in this country. In some cases, it has been difficult for us, as a ministry, to enforce the law on account of a number of our leaders politicking in this country. I hope a time will come when we shall begin to have leaders who have vision, leaders who do not use issues such as settlement for political gain. To this extent, as a ministry, we have directed all local authorities in the country to strictly enforce the law and ensure that anybody who constructs a substandard structure, or indeed, puts up an illegal structure, should have their structure demolished.

Mr Speaker, I note that sometimes the local authorities themselves are culprits in this issue. Again, it is incumbent upon the policy makers to ensure that officers who are not performing to expectations be disciplined, but, as usual, we have a problem even when it comes to that issue because of nepotism and all such type of vices that are manifesting themselves in the local authorities.

I thank you, Sir.

ARTEFACTS EXPORTS AND ART SECTOR CONTRIBUTION TO GDP

198. Mr Lubinda asked the Minister of Finance and National Planning:

(a) what the value of Zambian artefacts exported from 1964 to 2005 was;

(b) which countries were the main destinations of the above exports; and

The Deputy Minister of Finance and National Planning (Mr Shakafuswa): Mr Speaker, there is no data on exports of artefacts in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s. According to the data obtained from the Central Statistical Office, for the period 1999 to 2005, the value of Zambian artefacts exported were as follows:

Year Value (Kwacha)

1999 16,788,445,908
2000 12,481,302,989
2001 26,363,228,919
2002 29,269,732453
2003 24,621,176,023
2004 65,440,555,328
2005 87,804,401,807

The source, Mr Speaker, is the Central Statistical Office, External Trade Section

Mr Speaker, the main export destinations are European countries, Asian and Far East, within Africa, the Middle East and Americas. In total, there are seventy-one countries.

Mr Speaker, the main export definitions are European countries, Asia and the Far East, within Africa, the Middle East and America. In total, we exported to seventy-one countries.

What has been the contribution of the art sector to GDP since 2000 year by year? Mr Speaker, the table below illustrates contribution of art sector via the wood and wood product sector. GDP in Zambia is calculated by sector and the art sector falls within the wood and wood product industry.

Year GDP at Current Prices GDP at Constant
(k’billion) (k’billion)

2000 64.1 19.3

2001 89.9 20.3
2002 118.4 21.9
2003 164.7 24.4
2004 222.2 25.4
2005 273.4 26.3

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for that elaborate answer. It is clear from the answer that the art sector is making a reasonable and growing contribution to the GDP. I would like to find out whether the Government is going to live by its pledge made in the year 2004 that annually, it shall continue providing incentives to the art sector as provided for in the Cultural Policy.

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Mr Magande): Mr Speaker, yes, we intend to live up to our promises. I guess the hon. Member is referring to the time that we gave incentives to the musicians by reducing duty on some magnetic tapes used for producing musical items. I am sure that he has seen what has happened to our music industry.

Last year, we were also involved in looking at the wood industry and you will recall that we had intended to introduce some tax on this, but when we were approached by the Timber Association, we also lifted that as an incentive.

Mr Speaker, right now, we are trying to encourage the wood industry by coming up with the Forestry Credit Facility Fund, which is operated by the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources. I would like to say that the definition of artifacts is not what Hon. Lubinda is saying. That is why I am giving him this definition. It also goes to the people who actually manufacture timber doors which are required and are in high demand because of our hard wood in the country. That is an artifact which is manufactured from timber. We are encouraging the growth of the industry.

I thank you, Sir.

AUDITING OF ACCOUNTS IN LUKULU DISTRICT COUNCIL

199. Mr Imenda asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a) how often accounts of district councils were audited;

(b) when accounts of Lukulu District Council were last audited; and

Mr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that accounts for councils are supposed to be audited annually, but due to financial constraints, this is not usually done. However, the ministry, within the available resources, managed to audit fifty-three out of seventy-two councils by December, 2004. Further, the ministry has been lobbying the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to increase funding the ministry for the auditing activity so that audits of councils can be done expeditiously.

Sir, Lukulu District Council annual accounts have been audited up to 2004. The ministry has commissioned an external auditor to conduct a Statutory Audit for the Lukulu District Council for the year, 2005.

HOMES FOR THE AGED IN ZAMBIA

200. Mr Lubinda asked the Minister of Community Development and Social Services:

(a) how many homes for the aged were in operation in Zambia and what the ownership status was;

(b) what was the recommended number of people in the above homes at the end of June, 2006; and

The Deputy Minister of Community Development and Social Services (Mr N Banda): Mr Speaker, at the moment, the Government, through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, runs two homes. There is Maramba in Livingstone, which has the capacity of forty persons. By December, 2006, the Government had provided K54 million in support to this home. The actual number in this home for the aged persons is twenty-four. There is also Chibolya in Mufulira with a capacity of forty-two and the actual number present is nineteen. The Government, by December, 2006, had given it K55 million.

Sir, there are also other homes that are run by the Catholic Church. These are Divine Providence in Lusaka, which has the capacity of twenty and the actual number is nineteen. The Government supported the home by giving it K23,929,472. There is also Mitanda in Ndola, which is run by the Salvation Army. It has the capacity of forty, but the actual number there is twenty. The Government supported this home by funding, by December, 2006, K23,730,956.

Lastly, Mr Speaker, Mwandi in Sesheke has a recommended capacity of twenty persons and an actual capacity of twelve which it is accommodating at the moment. The Government has supported the home by giving it K18,500,000. It is run by the United Church of Zambia.

Mr Speaker, at the moment, the total number of homes for the aged in Zambia is five.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, our extended family system has totally broken down in this country and the aged are totally dependent on the extended family system. I would like to find out from the Government whether they are aware of the fact that a lot of the aged are living in squalor and have they any energy, we could have also –…

Interruptions

Mr Lubinda: … if Hon. Shikapwasha is willing to listen, let him listen, and if not, if he may kindly ask that he goes outside instead of heckling me, I will appreciate that very much.

Mr Speaker, I understand that the Government is aware that had it not been for the local energy in this country, we should have had a new syndrome of the aged on the street. In view of this, I would like to find out from the Government whether it has any plans whatsoever to increase provisions to the aged on whose sweat the current generation is proud to call themselves Zambians. I would also like the ministry to make reference to the fact that from the total amount of provision made last year for the sixty aged people, it only translates to K13,000 per month per old person in those homes.

The Minister of Community Development and Social Services (Ms Namugala): Mr Speaker, it is true that the financial allocations to the homes are not adequate. We are aware that in the Government-run homes, we have an average of twenty-one people per home. What we are currently giving them is just about K4.5 million per month. However, under the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, we have what we call Public Welfare Assistance Skill where we give rations. We also use this skill to supplement these homes.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Sampa-Bredt (Chawama): Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister of Community Development and Social Services inform the House whether the homes mentioned include the one that is run by the Catholic Church in Chawama.

Ms Namugala: Mr Speaker, yes, it includes the one that is run by the Catholic Church in Chawama which is called the Divine Providence and the capacity for this home is twenty. Currently, they have nineteen aged persons or senior citizens under their care.

I thank you, Sir.

ABOLITION OF STREET VENDING

201. Mr Mwangala (Nalolo) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing what plans the Government had taken to stop street vending in townships and cities.

Mr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this House that my ministry, through councils, has embarked on the following strategies in order to address the problems arising from uncontrolled street vending:

(i) creation of selling points also known as open markets – councils have started creating spaces in town centres where vendors can be selling their merchandise once a week. The Lusaka City Council has already started this practice by organising Sunday markets in selected areas of the City;

(ii) Creation of more modern markets – This will create an atmosphere where vendors can trade confidently and allow shoppers to access them freely. The Ministry of Local Government and Housing has been supporting councils to construct and rehabilitate existing markets both in rural and urban areas so that these markets can accommodate more vendors;

(iii) Designating special areas for vending – Councils are also considering the concept of creating pedestrian grounds where trading may be permitted on designated streets where spaces would be provided for pedestrians to walk around freely; and

(iv) Driving back vendors in the markets – A vendors’ study conducted in most councils revealed that a good number of street vendors have stalls in existing markets, where the councils would like them to return to and trade from.

Mr Speaker, in order for the above measures to take root, local authorities will need support from all stakeholders, including hon. Members and other politicians both inside and outside this august House. Uncontrolled street vending, if not checked, deters development and scares away investors and tourists.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwangala: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that the mushrooming of more illegal squatter compounds in our cities is a contributing factor to street kids? Is there any plan by the Government to make an end to this scourge?

Mrs Masebo: Sorry, Mr Speaker, I did not get the question. If you may, please, allow him to repeat it.

WORKS ON THE SIMUNGOMA/MULOBEZI ROAD IN MULOBEZI

202. Mr Mwangala asked the Minister of Works and Supply:

(a) when works on the Simungoma/Mulobezi Road linking Mwandi and Mulobezi Parliamentary constituencies would commence; and

(b) which contractor would be awarded the tender to carry out the works.

Mr Tetamashimba: Mr Speaker, the maintenance of the Simungoma/Mulobezi Road has been included under the European Union and Zambian Government Finance Programme of periodic maintenance of trunk, main and district roads by output and performance-based road contracts. The maintenance of the Simungoma/Mulobezi Road commenced on 1st December, 2006. The project road will undergo light rehabilitation which is expected to be completed within six months, that is, by the end of May this year.

Mr Speaker, upon completion of the light rehabilitation, maintenance will continue to be carried out for three years and six months. The European Union has released the full amount of K7.2 billion required for the light rehabilitation.

The subsequent amount required for maintenance will be included in the annual budget and will be financed by the Fuel Levy Account. Light rehabilitation means maintenance activities that will bring the rate to existing condition of a define level of service that will allow vehicles to travel at a speed of about 40 kilometres per hour.

The maintenance of the 95 kilometres of Simungoma/Mulobezi Road has been awarded to Messrs Road Construction Contractor/Zambia Phoenix Material Joint Venture at a contract sum of K8.9 billion.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwangala: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that works on this road have not yet started owing to the fact that the Zambia Revenue Authority is still holding the equipment?

Mr Tetamashimba: Mr Speaker, when we signed the contract of K7.2 billion for this road, we did not know that some machinery had been impounded by the ZRA. In fact, I am hearing it for the first time from the hon. Member of Parliament. He was in my office yesterday, and I expected him to have mentioned matters such as this one.

Mr Speaker, I am surprised that he could not bring this to my attention at the office where we had all the directors who could have helped him, instead he opted to come and ask a question on the Floor of this House. Therefore, we are not ready to answer to him because we did not know about it, but we shall find out in the course of next week, by Monday.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mooya: Mr Speaker, following the tour by the Ministry of Works and Supply, at one stage, he said that there was a lot of corruption in the awarding of contracts. I would like to find out how he is going to fight this malpractice?

Mr Tetamashimba: Mr Speaker, when we come to this House, we are always looking to the hon. Member of Parliament for Moomba who is an Engineer to ask good questions such as the one on the Floor.

Mr Speaker, our ministry at the moment, has decided, and I think, I have stated this before, that when it comes to awarding of contracts to the applicants, and since many hon. Members of Parliament have complained about shoddy works and contractors not doing their job when they have been paid some money, we are going to be transparent and making sure that the people’s representatives know what we are doing vis-à-vis of selection. We believe that with what the ministry has put in place, I can assure you that you will not worry about those underhand methods during the stay of the two politicians at the Ministry of Works and Supply.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

AU’S RESPONSE TO SLAUGHTERED SUDANESE NATIONALS IN DARFUR REGION

203. Mr Imenda asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs:

(a) what the African Union’s response was to the continued slaughter of Sudanese nationals in the Darfur Region; and

(b) what was the position of the Zambian Government on this matter.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (Mr Mulongoti): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that the African Union had deployed a peacekeeping mission in Sudan AMIS to protect the innocent civilians from the attacks of the Arab militiamen known as Jangjaweed.

The African Union has been involved in the mediation between the Sudanese Government and the rebels operating in the Darfur Region. It is because of the AU mediation that the full peace agreement was signed on 5th May, 2006 between the Government of Sudan and the major rebel movement called Sudanese Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Mr Minni Minawi

Although another minority Sudanese Liberation Movement (SLMS) faction and the Movement for Justice and Equity (MJE) have not signed the peace agreement, the African Union continues to maintain contacts with them with a view of persuading them to join the peace agreement. The AU is also party to the established Darfur Peace Agreement to implement the agreement.

Mr Speaker, as regards the position of the Government on this matter, in keeping with the country’s pursuit of international peace and security and the respect of Human Rights, the Zambian Government condemns any actions, which violate Human Rights and are likely to endanger international peace and security. The events occurring in the Darfur Region of the Sudan are a clear violation of the Human Rights of the people of the Darfur Region and jeopardise international peace and security as they have repercussions not only in the neighbouring Chad and Central African Republic, but the whole of Africa.

The Zambian Government therefore, condemns what is happening in the Darfur Region and urges the Government of Sudan to take all the necessary measures to address the grievances of a section of its own population.

Mr Speaker, Zambia has lent support to the African Union’s efforts to bring an end to the armed conflict and restore peace in Darfur.

Mr Speaker, the Government further advocates for a peace settlement of the Darfur conflict. It is in Africa’s interest that this be done as a matter of urgency.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Imenda: Mr Speaker, as a country, we are privileged to have very experienced high standing personnel in the light of His Honour the Vice-President and the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services. Why are we not taking advantage of such personnel in taking a leading role in matters relating to conflict resolutions?

Mr Mulongoti: Mr Speaker, to appreciate the identification of eminent Zambians who are able to help in this area, I can assure the hon. Member and the House that we also have other equally qualified Zambians who have been deployed in this respect.

Therefore, it is not a matter of not recognising the abilities of those whom he has referred to. We have taken note of them so that, at an appropriate time, if there would be need for them, we shall send them there.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Sikota (Livingstone): Mr Speaker, I have noted that His Excellency the President whilst in Ethiopia met with fellow Heads of State with regards to the African Peer Review Mechanism. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether the issue of Darfur was discussed during this meeting and whether Sudan has made itself subject to the African Peer Review Mechanism?

The Minister of Foreign Affairs (Mr Sikatana): Mr Speaker, during the sitting of the recently concluded summit in Addis Ababa, the issue of Darfur came up for debate and it was at the time that it was discovered that the world was not aware of what is happening in Darfur.

The people there are living under horrible conditions. Anybody Black in Darfur is at risk of being killed. Fortunately, there was a representative from the Chad who took on the leadership of the Sudan issue and reviewed several instances where Africans have been made to suffer a great deal. As a result, the summit has immediately decided to take immediate action to assure itself of the actual and true picture of what is happening in Darfur. It is a result of the conditions under which the black people in the Darfur are living that the summit unanimously refused to allow the Sudan to take the Chairmanship of the AU even when they were entitled by the system of rotation.

Mr Speaker, finally, the AU Summit has taken a very serious view of the racist approach in the Darfur. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, in addressing the summit, also drew the AU’s attention to the deteriorating conditions in the Darfur. He has since called for a joint solution by both the AU and the UN to bring the atrocities in the Darfur to the end.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kakoma (Zambezi-West): Mr Speaker, early last year, the former UN Secretary-General Koffi Annan described the situation in the Darfur Region as one constituting genocide because it involves the killing of Blacks by the Arabs. Does the Zambian Government agree with Koffi Annan’s description of the killings as consisting genocide and can Zambia now look at the authorities in Sudan as perpetuated genocide?

Mr Sikatana: Mr Speaker, Zambia takes the happenings in the Darfur seriously. We see, on a daily basis, through the media, that these atrocities are racist-oriented and intended to annihilate any black person in the Sudan. Therefore, Zambia has taken a leading role in joining those who mean well in the Sudan. We have openly told the Sudanese leadership that we shall not tolerate any continued racist attitude against the blacks in the Sudan. We believe that not enough has been done in the past. Fortunately, the new Chairman of the AU, the Ghanaian President, has undertaken immediate measures to bring these atrocities and vindictive racist actions by the Arabs against the blacks to an end.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Machungwa: Sir, the killing of some citizens of the Sudan has been going on for quite a while and most Governments in Africa are aware. Now, there is, of course, a racist aspect which the hon. Minister has very adequately explained. Is it not amazing that for the last two years or so when this has been going on, there has not been any strong concerted effort by African Governments to do something to stop it. Instead, we have been trying to plead with these people.

In fact, it is the Governments outside Africa such as the Americans and British who have strongly condemned these actions. Why is it that we sit, as Africans, when atrocities and genocide is being conducted on our own continent? It appears that we are incapable of exerting pressure on the Sudan or even impose sanctions, as a continent against the Sudan, so that this can stop. Why is it that we sit and have to wait for others to come and do it for us?

Mr Sikatana: Mr Speaker, on the contrary, Zambia has taken active steps by providing forces on the ground in the Darfur Region. In fact, the leader of the forces there is a Zambian. I think you cannot do more than what this country is doing. It is risking its own sons and daughters in the region. I agree with the hon. Member that, maybe, Africa is not doing enough. This is why we have appealed to the UN to come in with its forces which the Sudanese Government is against. We do not need to get the agreement of the Sudan to provide a joint force of the UN and AU to bring the atrocities to an end.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Milupi (Luena): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that the persecution of the blacks in Darfur is not only limited to that area in the Sudan, but has also extended to the Southern Sudan? Is the hon. Minister aware that because they are attempting to set up their own administration, in fact, they have their own Parliament, certain countries such as Tanzania have recognised their Parliament? What is the hon. Minister doing to help the Southern Sudanese people such as recognising their Parliament? Will the hon. Minister take up the issue with the Chinese President, because internationally China is one of those countries that is currently supporting the Government of Sudan?

Mr Sikatana: Mr Speaker, much as Zambia has often supported the unification of the Sudan to include the Southern Sudan that is mainly composed of Africans, we shall not support anybody that would want to divide this land. We, instead encourage them to recognise that with the support of the international community there can be peace in the Sudan. These efforts must continue.

Yes, China is getting a lot of oil from the Sudan and we do openly interact with the Chinese to encourage them to see the need to encourage the Government in Sudan to do more. In fact, there are measures that are being suggested to the Chinese such as there being a lot of oil elsewhere. If the Chinese Government could withdraw its business dealings with the Sudan, maybe that could compel the Sudanese Government to change its policy both in the Darfur and the Southern Sudan. We now believe that the new Chairman of the AU and the new Secretary-General of the UN mean their words and are moving to provide the solution to the issue.

I thank you, Sir.

RATIONALISATION OF PROCUREENT OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

204. Mr Kasongo asked the Minister of Energy and Water Development whether the Government had any plans to rationalise the procurement of petroleum products.

The Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Development (Mr Sichilima): Mr Speaker, following the recommendations of the INDENI Forensic Audit commissioned in 2005, the Government has embarked on a process of rationalising the procurement of crude oil for refining at INDENI through a competitive process. The details of the procurement mechanism are being determined by the INDENI Board. With regard to the importation of finished petroleum products, the following mechanisms apply:

During the period when INDENI is operational, all the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are free to import finished petroleum products as long as they obtain a licence from the Energy Regulation Board (ERA).

To safeguard the supply of fuel during the period when INDENI is on shut down, the Government enters into a special arrangement with the successful bidder to import finished petroleum products to meet the national requirements. Whilst the Government enters into these arrangements, all other OMCs are however, free to import finished petroleum products. They, too, need to obtain a licence from the Energy Regulation Board.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

IMPROVEMENT OF QUALITY OF EDUCATION AFTER GRADE 7 EXAMINATIONS

205. Mr Mwenya (Nkana) asked the Minister of Education:

(a) what measures the ministry intended to take to improve the quality of education once Grade 7 examinations were abolished; and

(b) how boys and girls graduating from primary schools would be evaluated.

Ms Changwe: Mr Speaker, the ministry has already introduced continuous assessment to learners as part of the teaching and learning processes. At the same time, there has been some reforms in the curriculum.

Sir, the reforms have introduced the learning that is based on competences. The curriculum also provides for appropriate teaching and learning materials that go with this kind of curriculum. Additionally, teacher training curriculum has equally undergone changes to accommodate the reform while, on the other hand, teacher resource centres have designed an in-house teacher professional development programme to retrain teachers in the new methodology. All these measures will ensure that quality education is enhanced even in the long term when Grade 7 examinations are abolished.

Mr Speaker, however, the elimination of the Grade 7 Examinations will be a gradual process that will be done when adequate places are created to accommodate all those graduating from Grade 7 to Grade 8 countrywide.

Mr Speaker, pupils graduating from middle basic to upper basic will be evaluated by using a combination of continuous assessment, competences achieved and final examinations.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what is happening with the Grade 9 results. It is now end of January and we have not heard anything yet.

Mr Speaker: The question sounds irrelevant, but the hon. Minister is free to provide the answer if he so wishes.

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, the information will be presented at an appropriate time shortly.

I thank you, Sir.

CONSTRUCTIONOF A HYDRO-POWER STATION AT SIOMA FALLS

206. Mr Sinyinda (Senanga) asked the Minister of Energy and Water Development whether the Government had any plans to build a hydro-power station at Sioma Falls.

Mr Sichilima: Mr Speaker, the current priority of the Government is to forestall the looming power shortage. To do that, power generation projects have been prioritised. Among the projects to be implemented first are the following:

(i) Itezhi-tezhi Project – 120 Mega Watts

(ii) Kariba North Bank Extension

(iii) Kafue Gorge Lower Project – 600 Mega Watts

(iv) Kalungwishi Project – 163 Mega Watts; and

(v) Kabompo Gorge Project – 30 Mega Watts

Sir, in addition to these are some mini-hydro stations that have been identified including a 1 Mega Watt plant to be built at Shiwang’andu in Chinsali District. While the site at Sioma Falls cannot be ruled out, there is need to conduct the feasibility study in order to ascertain capacity, environmental impact and cost effectiveness. This is necessary because any attempts to build a power station upstream of the Victoria Falls requires careful consideration due to the likely effects that such a development would have on the water flow to the Victoria Falls and neighbours.

The Government does not have a plan to have a power plant at Sioma Falls at the moment.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Sinyinda: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that if a power station was constructed at Sioma Falls, it would have the potential of not only supplying power to the whole of the Western Province, but also to export it to Angola.

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, we are fully aware that if a power plant was developed at Sioma Falls, it would have the potential of exporting power into Angola and indeed, supply the whole of the Western Province. In view of the looming shortage, we are identifying the developments that will have a greater impact on the power balance in Zambia. We are looking at putting in place hydro expansion of at least 200 Mega Watts in the next two years. At Sioma Falls, we can only generate about 30 Mega Watts, which will not address the looming power shortage.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Milupi (Luena): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister willing to allow and encourage private investors to develop and run a river power station at Sioma, which will have absolutely no impact on anything down the stream of Sioma Falls such as Victoria Falls?

The Minister of Energy and Water development (Mr Mutati): Mr Speaker, what we have done in phase one is identify hydro sites that we have offered to the private sector and these are Kalungwishi and Kabompo. We are waiting to see the responses and the implementations of these two sites before it is expand to other sites.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

COMPLETION OF SENANGA/MONGU ROAD REHABILITATION

207 Mr Sinyinda (Senanga) asked the Minister of Works and supply when the rehabilitation of Senanga /Mongu Road would be completed.

The Deputy Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Tetamashimba): Speaker, I wish to inform the House that currently, there are no works being undertaken on the Senanga/Mongu Road. The latest work which was carried out on the Senanga/Mongu Road was holding maintenance at a contract sum of K10,800,000,000 and Messrs Roads and Paving was engaged as contractor. The objective of the holding maintenance works was to halt further deterioration of the road while arrangements were being made between the Danish Government and the Zambian Government to carry out the full rehabilitation of the road. The holding maintenance of the road was completed in September, 2006.

However, there is a provision of K23 billion in the 2007 Budget for the full rehabilitation of the project road to be financed by the Danish Government.

Mr Speaker, K10.8 billion was to fill up the potholes from Mongu to Senanga. The K23 billion is for the whole road by laying asphalt and this will make the road durable for next fifteen years from this year, that is, in 2022.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

COMMENCEMENT OF REHABILITATION OF THE BRIDGE ON KATELE ROAD IN KAPUTA

208. Mr Sikazwe (Chimbamilonga) asked the Minister of Works and Supply when works on the broken bridge on Katele Road in Kaputa would commence.

The Deputy Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Tetamashimba): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the ministry intends to construct a vented drift across the Malindi stream in 2008 on the road leading to Katele. The Regional Engineer for the Northern Province has been requested to carry out an assessment of the works required in order to establish the cost for a vented drift construction which will be included in the 2008 Budget.

Mr Speaker, Katele Road is just a branch off from the Mporokoso/Kaputa Road which is D37 Road.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Misapa (Mporokoso): Mr Speaker, I realise that the people of Katele area are completely cut off. How do we expect them to have a bumper harvest especially that these …

Mr Speaker: Order! The hon. Member is debating. Could you ask your question, please.

Mr Misapa: Mr Speaker, I thank you for your advice.

Mr Speaker, how will the people in that area transport their agricultural inputs especially at the end of this rainy season?

The Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Simbao): Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Mporokoso for his concern for another place.

Mr Speaker, first and foremost, we have said that we have to ask our Regional Engineer to go to the place and make an assessment so that he can advise us accordingly. After we have been advised, we will definitely make a follow up and see how we can help the people of Katele.

At the same time, we would like to advise hon. Members of Parliament that issues of feeder roads are a responsibility of the local authorities. We, as a Ministry of Works and Supply, cannot know all the names of roads that we do not have in our catchments. Therefore, whenever there are problems of this nature, it is important they immediately talk to the local authorities. At the same time, issues of emergencies fall under the Office of the Vice-President under the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit. We do not have money to cater for emergencies of this nature as a Ministry of Works and Supply. All the same, we are one Government and we have asked the Regional Engineer to go to this place.

Mr Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to announce that we will receive the hon. Minister of Works and Supply and Transport of Norway in this country on Saturday. She is coming here for two things.

Norway is building eight modern weighbridges in this country. One of them is at Kapiri Mposhi which is already completed and she is coming to commission it. Apart from that, she is also coming to look at the work of Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). DANIDA are working on feeder roads in the Northern Province and Mumbwa and she wants to take a look at the operations of DANIDA so that she can go back and urge Norway to do the same in another area of this country. Therefore, I would like to urge hon. Members of Mumbwa, Kazungula and Kapiri Mposhi to be present when she will be visiting their areas.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

______

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

Question put and agreed to.
__________

The House adjourned at 1214 hours until 1430 hours on Tuesday, 6th February, 2007.

____________________

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