DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FOURTH SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 17th March, 2015

The House met at 1430 hours

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

____

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR SPEAKER

EXHIBITION OF 1.6 KM PAINTING

Hon. Members, this morning, I launched the exhibition of a 1.6 km-long painting whose theme is, “A Journey in History”. The painting is a collaborative effort, involving 2,000 children drawn from all the ten provinces across the country. The painting was undertaken with the help of the United National Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Zambia Telecommunications Company (ZAMTEL), Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO), the Former First Lady, Dr Christine Kaseba Sata, and the Visual Arts Council.

The project was aimed at helping Zambian children participate in the historic Golden Jubilee Celebrations and was also part of the efforts to preserve Zambia’s journey through history for posterity. The artworks were first showcased at the Hero’s Stadium on 24th October, 2014.

In order to avail hon. Members the opportunity to view the paintings, they will be exhibited in front of the main entrance to the Chamber from today until 20th March, 2015.

I thank you.

__________

RULING BY MR SPEAKER

RULING BY THE HON. MR SPEAKER ON THE POINT OF ORDER RAISED BY HON. J. J. MWIIMBU, MP, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR MONZE CENTRAL PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY, AGAINST THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK, HON. GIVEN LUBINDA, MP

Hon. Members will recall that on Wednesday, 4th March, 2015, when the House was considering Question for Oral Answer No. 363, the Member of Parliament for Nangoma Constituency, Hon. B. Hamusonde, MP, raised a supplementary question, asking the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock to state what the symptoms of the East Coast Fever (ECF) were. In response, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Hon. G. Monde, MP, said that he did not know the symptoms of the disease.

Hon. Members, during consideration of the same question, Hon. D. Livune, MP, in his supplementary question, asked whether it would not be prudent for the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock to come back to the House at a later date with a statement explaining the symptoms of the ECF so that the hon. Members would later explain the same to the farmers who were interested to know the symptoms.

The House will recall that the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock responded that farmers who needed information on livestock diseases and their symptoms should consult the Government Department of Veterinary Services. The hon. Minister further stated that the role of the Government was to communicate to the public, through Parliament, its policies and programmes on the eradication of diseases such as the ECF and not to advise or educate the public about the symptoms of the disease.

Hon. Members, the hon. Minister’s response prompted the Member of Parliament for Monze Central Constituency, Hon. J. J. Mwiimbu, MP, to raise a point of order, asking whether the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock was in order to state that it was not the responsibility of hon. Ministers to inform this House and the nation at large about the symptoms of particular diseases, and that that responsibility lay with the technocrats in the various ministries where hon. Ministers and their hon. Deputy Ministers were collectively accountable to the House.

In my response, I reserved my ruling to a later date. I have since studied the point of order and now wish to render the following ruling:

Hon. Members, Ministers and their Deputies are collectively accountable to the National Assembly for actions of the Executive Branch of the Government. One way in which the hon. Ministers and their Deputy Ministers are accountable to the National Assembly is through questions posed by Members, seeking information from the Government on matters falling under their various portfolios. The only basis, therefore, upon which an hon. Minister is expected to answer a question is that it must relate to a matter within his/her portfolio. Thus, where an hon. Minister is not in a position to adequately respond to a supplementary question, he/she is at liberty to seek leave of the House to render an appropriate and fuller response at a later date. In addition, hon. Ministers have, in the past, requested hon. Members to approach their offices or other offices in the ministry to obtain information that they have been unable to provide to hon. Members on the Floor of the House. As hon. Members will recall, the House has accepted such responses and practice.

Therefore, hon. Members, to the extent that the hon. Minister’s answer was suggesting an alternative solution to the hon. Member’s question, which would enable the hon. Members to acquire the information on the symptoms of the ECF, the hon. Minister was not out of order. However, to the extent that the hon. Minister went further to state that the role of the Government did not include explaining the symptoms of diseases such as the ECF, but was restricted to communicating to the public, through the House, the Government policies and programmes on the eradication of diseases such as the ECF and, therefore, not obliged to advise or educate the public about the symptoms of diseases, the hon. Minister was certainly out of order, …

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: … because the statement amounted to evading or plainly turning down the request that was put to him. In fact, hon. Members of the Executive should always prepare adequately …

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: … and be anticipatory when answering questions. Where hon. Members of the Executive are not fully conversant with an issue, they should seek leave to revert to the House with the necessary information or answer at a later date.

Thank you.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

___________

MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

THE GROWTH OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES AND QUALITY
OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN ZAMBIA

The Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Dr Kaingu): Mr Speaker, thank you very much …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Dr Kaingu: … for according me the opportunity to present a ministerial statement on higher education in Zambia, with specific reference to the quality in the provision and output of our higher education system.

Sir, over the past twenty years of the development of our education system, emphasis has been placed on lower levels of education, with greater focus and investment in primary education. Consequently, the upper secondary education and higher education sectors are now presented with serious problems in respect of quality and access. In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education has taken major initiatives to balance capital and investment outlays across the entire education, science and skills training system in order to improve the overall human development process, in accordance with its national development objectives.

Mr Speaker, my address will focus on the area of higher education. For many years, the provision of higher education has been the preserve of public higher education institutions. These are the University of Zambia (UNZA), Copperbelt University (CBU) and Mulungushi University. Over the past ten years, the private sector has taken a keen and growing interest in the provision of higher education in Zambia. This is a welcome development. It is the intention of the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education to develop a higher education system in which both the public and private universities work together to provide human resource for the development of our country.

Sir, in our effort to expand access to higher education, the Government has earmarked over K650 million for the rehabilitation and expansion of infrastructure in the public higher education sector. In this respect, my ministry has embarked on the construction of five new universities. These are King Lewanika University in Mongu, Luapula University in Mansa, Solwezi University College of Science and Technology, Nalolo University College of Science and Mathematics, and Petauke University College of Applied Arts. The university colleges in Solwezi, Nalolo and Katete will be constructed with additional support of external financing.

In addition, Mr Speaker, the Government has embarked on the upgrading of Palabana University in Lusaka Province as well as the construction of Paul Mushindo and Robert Makasa universities in Muchinga Province.

Mr Speaker, in 2014, my ministry upgraded three teachers’ training colleges into universities. These are Chalimbana, Kwame Nkrumah University and Mukuba. Major investments in infrastructure development are currently being undertaken at these institutions which are now operational as universities and whose councils have been appointed. Infrastructure at the three existing public universities, namely UNZA, the CBU and Mulungushi, and the Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce, will soon be upgraded by expanding student accommodation to create about 10,000 bed spaces.

Mr Speaker, we recognise that our existing higher education institutions are currently faced with major financial, human resource and infrastructure challenges which include:

(a)    inadequate financing for operations and other higher education programmes,
including lecturing and research staff;

(b)    insufficient infrastructure for both teaching and learning, and accommodation for students; and

(c)    statutory and other personal emolument-related debt.

Mr Speaker, it is sometimes tempting to be consumed by the existing challenges to the exclusion of strategic visioning for the development of the sector. As we face the challenges in our existing institutions of higher education, we must not lose focus of the future. So, my ministry will learn from the current challenges and design alternative strategies to avoid those actions that brought about the current challenges.

Mr Speaker, I have already referred to and welcomed the entry of the private sector into the provision of higher education. It is the intention of my ministry to create a common platform for the operations of both public and private universities, built on both legal and institutional arrangements. In respect to legal arrangements, my ministry is now implementing the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013 and the Zambia Qualifications Authority Act No. 13 of 2011. The boards of both the Higher Education Authority and Zambia Qualifications Authority have been set up. The Higher Education Authority has completed the Draft Quality Assurance System for Higher Education in Zambia. This document is now available to the public and interested parties for their comments and suggestions. The Quality Assurance System has been designed to accomplish the following:

(a)    criteria and guidelines for the registration of private universities;

(b)    classification of universities on a quality scale; and

(c)    accreditation of higher education learning programmes.

Mr Speaker, allow me to lay a copy of this document on the Floor of the House.

Dr Kaingu laid the paper on the Table.

Dr Kaingu: Sir, the quality management system, which will be operated by the Higher Education Authority, will provide for the measurement and improvement of quality in both public and private higher education learning institutions. Further, the quality assurance system does not discriminate between public and private education providers, and is intended to lift the quality of standards in all our institutions of higher education.

Mr Speaker, in addition to the Higher Education Authority, my ministry has established the Zambia Qualifications Authority which will be the custodian of all our qualifications in Zambia and will manage the Zambia Qualifications Framework. The Zambia Qualifications Framework will set the standards of all our qualifications and also serve as a platform to determine the equivalency of qualifications obtained outside Zambia.

Finally, Sir, as earlier illustrated, my ministry is now on a clear path for the development of the higher education sector in Zambia. It is the intention of my ministry to have the higher education sector produce the world class human resources that we need to propel Zambia to a prosperous middle-income nation as embodied in the Vision 2030.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. MMD Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the ministerial statement given by the hon. Minister.

Ms Imenda (Luena): Mr Speaker, the ministry has an ambitious programme intended to raise the standards of education in the country. However, the major challenge is that of finances. Further, standards of lower level education in the country have gone down. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what the ministry intends to do to raise the standards of education at primary and secondary school levels because, currently, Grade 9 pupils are unable to read the Bible even in the local languages.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, my statement was on higher education. However, let me inform the hon. Member for Luena that my ministry has embarked on infrastructure development with focus on improving the standards of learning and reduce the learner-teacher ratio. We have also embarked on a programme to come up with a new curriculum which we strongly believe will attend to all the problems that are being faced in our education system.

I thank you, Sir.

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, in 2000, Heads of State and Governments committed themselves to the attainment of millennium development goals (MDGs). Clearly, these will come to an end this year. I welcome the inclusion of the private sector. However, with this thrust on tertiary education, how will the ministry realise this partnership when the fees for affiliation, as suggested by the Higher Education Authority, are so exorbitant that they prohibit the full participation of would-be new private universities?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, let me thank the hon. Member for Mumbwa, who is my predecessor and many others, including my immediate predecessor, Hon. Dr John Phiri, for the copious amount of work they performed in the education system to a level where Zambia is recognised as one of the countries that has done very well in universal primary education today. I thank all those who ran the ministry before me, as I stand on a firm platform because of them.

Sir, in as far as the fees are concerned, I would like to inform the hon. Member of Parliament for Mumbwa that we do not dream up the fees. They are arrived at in collaboration with our partners. We, therefore, believe that fees are affordable to the parents. However, if there is a serious problem that still exists, this is not cast in stone. So, we are still open to dialogue.

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo West): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for that well-presented statement.

Sir, in 2012, during the Official Opening of the current Parliament, the late President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, stated that a college of Mathematics and Science would be built in Kabompo, Northern-Western Province; Senanga, Western Province; and Katete, Eastern Province. Surprisingly, the hon. Minister has just mentioned five colleges, including Luapula and Mongu. I would like to find out if the assurance, which was given by His Excellency, the late President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Sata, has also gone with the demise of the late President, may his soul rest in peace, and has been obliterated from the plans of the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education. If that is the case, why should such an assurance by the highest office of this nation be forgotten by the current Administration?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, development is cumulative. So far, we have indicated that we are going to build university colleges in Solwezi, Petauke and Nalolo, which is more or less Senanga.

Interruptions

Dr Kaingu: Sir, it is within Senanga. It has just been alienated. Otherwise, it was part of Senanga.

Mr Speaker, as long as this Government remains in power, development will be rolled out to all the parts of the country.

 Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kaingu: It is our intention to roll-out the infrastructure in order to fulfil the promises that were made by the late President. May his soul rest in Peace.

 Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kaingu: If the statement made by the late President which, I believe, could be an accusation, indicated that there would be a university college in Kabompo East Constituency, then, there will be one eventually.

 I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mutati (Lunte): Mr Speaker, there is no finish line to development. The hon. Minister has announced that the Government is going to embark upon the construction of five universities. Could the hon. Minister be kind enough to indicate when the ministry is programmed to build a university in the Northern Province and Kasama in particular.

 Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I understand the concerns of the hon. Member of Parliament for Lunte. If resources were available, I would also want a university in Mwandi. Suffice it to say that although these universities are built in our provinces, they are not meant for the children in that province only. I know that some people who have been to the University of Zambia (UNZA) are not from Lusaka Province. Some are from the Northern Province while others are from the North-Western Province.

Sir, the House may wish to know that we have a very good university by the name of Robert Kapasa Makasa in Chinsali which we shall be commissioning very soon.  As resources are made available, this Government will fulfil its promise of building a university in every province. So, as resources are acquired, the people of the Northern Province, who made it possible for us to be here, will also have a university.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!     

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education for the statement he has delivered to the House.

Sir, I would like to remind the hon. Minister that the Government of the Republic of Zambia has not built any college in the Southern Province. Most of the colleges in the province were built by Church-based organisations. I have in mind the Catholic Church and the United Church of Zambia (UCZ). Having said this, does the hon. Minister not think that it would have been prudent to consider the Southern Province as one of the priority areas where a university or university college should be established, considering that no educational college has been built in the Southern Province since Independence?    

Dr Kaingu: I would like to thank the hon. Member for Monze Central for that question and for also letting me to some information. Based on that information, I would like to thank all the churches and other co-operating partners who put up institutions of learning in the Southern Province. This is the kind of relationship that we want as the Government.

 Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kaingu: Sir, as the Government, we want to see corporate social responsibility being extended to the education sector. We would like non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that are building churches and hospitals to extend their services to the education sector because education is a fundamental dimension to social and economic change. Therefore, let me assure Hon. Jack Mwiimbu that, as the Government, we appreciate the people who have put up education institutions in the Southern Province. I can see some brilliant young men and women from those colleges. If they are doing what we are doing, then, they are with us. However, to put the hon. Member for Monze Central at ease, I promise that as long as he works with this Government, …

Laughter

Dr Kaingu: … it will see to it that a university is built in the Southern Province in the next phase. After all, this Government has been well balanced. I, for one, come from the Southern Province. So, I would like to assure the hon. Member for Monze Central that our province will get a university in the next phase.

I thank you, Sir.

 Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
                                                                                                                  

Dr Musokotwane (Liuwa): Mr Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Minister for outlining his vision for higher education in this country. I have indicated before that on the verge of Independence in 1964, there were four graduates from Liuwa who were ready to serve in President Kaunda’s Government. Today, schools in Liuwa, some of which produced the four graduates I spoke about, only have one to three teachers for Grades 1 to 9. In view of this, why should the Government build new universities and colleges before providing teachers for these schools? By doing this, does the Government think it is serving the people of Liuwa and giving children an equal chance to attain the same level of education as their grandparents did?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I hear the hon. Member of Parliament for Liuwa’s cry and share his concern about that situation. This is the more reason the Government is going to recruit an unprecedented 5,000 teachers at once. He can rest assured that the problem of teachers in rural areas, which affects almost all of us, including those in the Executive, will be solved.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyanda (Mapatizya): Mr Speaker, currently, all our three public universities, that is, the University of Zambia (UNZA), Copperbelt University (CBU) and Mulungushi University, have low staffing levels. In a quest to provide quality education, especially at university level, what measures are being put in place to address the shortfall in lecturers and researchers? There is a need to recruit or train more lecturers to teach at the universities that the Government intends to construct countrywide.

Dr Kaingu: Sir, it is true that we have a problem regarding lecturers. This problem is not only at the three universities that the hon. Member has mentioned, but also at private universities. Currently, one lecturer is engaged by more than one university. In some cases, one lecturer from UNZA lectures at four or five private universities. So, I agree with the hon. Member that this is a problem. Nonetheless, we are engaging our universities to seriously look into the issue of staff development. I am aware that universities are now focusing their attention on staff development because they have realised that there is a problem.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mufalali (Senanga): Mr Speaker, how many times is the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education going to come to this House and make the same assurance that has been made before? He keeps on saying that the Government is going to build a university in Namushakendi and King Lewanika University in Mongu, but this has not happened. When, exactly, are King Lewanika and Nalolo universities going to be built? We are tired of listening to the same assurance.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member wants to know how many times I shall come here to make assurances. I will do this as many times as possible, as long as I am the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kaingu: I will continue assuring this House that this Government is working towards service delivery. As for the construction of King Lewanika University, again, I want to assure the hon. Member that we have reached an advanced stage with the engagement of contractors. Soon, we shall see some works being undertaken. So, I will not fail to come here and assure hon. Members.

Thank you, Sir.

Laughter

Mr Namulambe (Mpongwe): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has announced the formation of the National Qualifications Authority. Can he clarify the functions of this authority. Is it going to grade the degrees from private universities lower than those from public institutions? Further, can he clarify whether the operations of this authority are going to be funded by the Government or students through their universities and colleges?  

Dr Kaingu: Sir, I am surprised that the hon. Member of Parliament for Mpongwe has said it is me who has come up with the establishment of this institution. This was done through an Act of Parliament. We did this together. So, I am wondering why he is saying it is me who has come up with this idea.

Nonetheless, Sir, I want to assure the hon. Member that there will be no difference in terms of how the degrees, diplomas or certificates from both public and private institutions will be looked at by the authority. I made it very clear, in my statement, that there will be no bias towards public institutions. The authority that has been established by this very House will look at the qualifications without any discrimination whatsoever.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kalila (Lukulu East): Mr Speaker, some scholars have indicated that for every one degree, you need at least forty technicians or artisans to drive the economy because these are the people who do the building. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether, as a policy measure, we should not emphasise on technical skills development rather than what we are seeing now where there is a lot of zeal and vigour to expand university education.

Hon. Member: Very good question.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I can hear somebody saying that is a very good question. All the questions are very good, but this one, in particular, is very good.

Sir, I agree with the hon. Member of Parliament for Lukulu East that education is a tool. People should be satisfied with what they have. Not everybody here is a degree holder, but we have all achieved a lot in life. That is why we are here today. So, I want the people to know that as much as we would want to have university education, it is important that we are satisfied with what we have achieved and put it to good use. We have looked at the quality of education that we have been delivering to our learners. That is the more reason we have come up with a new curriculum, and I want to thank my predecessor for this.

Mr Speaker, we have a situation where a student at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) gets a diploma after two years and becomes a magistrate, while a student who has been at the University of Zambia (UNZA) School of Law for three years and is redirected does not qualify to be a magistrate. So, there must be connectivity between UNZA and our colleges.

Mr Speaker, we are also looking at how our senior secondary schools can be engaged with trade schools. For example, we would like Munali or David Kaunda secondary schools to start teaching skills that are taught in colleges. In fact, this has already started. A pupil from Mungwi Technical Secondary School should be as good as one from Lukashya Trades Training Institute. The learner should be made to understand that education is a tool. So, once you have got it at whatever level, it will work for you. I agree with the hon.  Member that, today, the world is being developed by artisan technologists. However, we also need engineers, doctors and lawyers.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Pande (Kasempa): Mr Speaker, I would also like to thank the hon. Minister for the statement. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether the Government is considering increasing the figure of recruitment, maybe not for this year, but for next year, to more than 5,000 in view of the high attrition figures for teachers. One of the witnesses to one of your Committee sittings, Mr Speaker, indicated that the attrition figures are quite high in the range of 4,000 to 5,000 teachers per year. This could be due to retirements, resignations and deaths. So, when 5,000 teachers are recruited, it is just as good as not having recruited any teachers at all. Is there any consideration to increase that figure?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, let me thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Kasempa for his question. Yes, the attrition levels are quite high but, I think, 4,000 is a bit of an exaggeration. At the moment, the resource envelop can only accommodate the recruitment of 5,000 teachers. Nevertheless, I agree with him that we need to recruit more teachers. Only 5,000 teachers are provided for in our budget for this year. I know the figure is not enough to replace those who have left or died but, it will mitigate the problem.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Phiri (Mkaika): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for that statement.

In his statement, the hon. Minister mentioned the opening of Katete University College. May I find out if at all the construction works for the university college will commence this year.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, initially, the university college that is in Petauke should have been put up in Katete. However, it was found that Petauke is more central than Katete in the Eastern Province. This is why we moved it to Petauke.

Mr Speaker, in any case, Katete is very near to Petauke as those who have travelled on the Great East Road will know.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbulakulima (Chembe): Mr Speaker, I hope I will thank the hon. Minister after he has answered my question. The foundation stone for the much-talked-about Luapula University was laid two years ago. That stone has not only been outgrown by grass, but has also been washed away. I would like to go back to Luapula Province when the House rises. Hon. Minister, when is the construction of this university coming through?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Chembe for his question. I am sure he will thank me after I have answered it.

Mr Mbulakulima: Yes.

Laughter

Dr Kaingu: Plans to construct Mansa and King Lewanika universities are at the same stage. We have now engaged the contractors. I want to assure the House that you will see some works as we go towards the end of this year. However, I am not in a position to say when exactly. As the hon. Member may be aware, to build a big university such as the one we have in mind starts with clearing the land and landscaping, negotiations, quotations, and other such things. So, we are almost done with that and are almost finalising the contracts.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the programme to build colleges and universities.
 
Sir, universities and colleges can be but built, if students fail get into those universities and colleges because of a lack of funds, then, the colleges and universities are useless. When the colleges are not funded by the Government, then, equally, they are not helping the Zambians. May I find out from the hon. Minister what plans have been put in place in terms of loan schemes for students. When will you start giving out loans so that vulnerable students can access them?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, allow me to use this occasion to talk about my visit to Chadiza Secondary School that was a wonderful experience. How I wish all our secondary schools were run like Chadiza Secondary School. It is so self-reliant that it has helped parents in terms of fees. Like I said, education is but a tool.

Sir, Chadiza Secondary School rears cattle and pigs, among other things. I wonder why other boarding secondary schools are failing to copy the model of Chadiza Secondary School.

I also want to agree with the hon. Member that we can no longer support tertiary education. You are aware, Mr Speaker, that the education sector takes about 20 per cent of our National Budget. However, even that 20 per cent is not enough. Therefore, I agree with you on the need to fast-track the idea of student loans. However, I want to appeal to former students of the University of Zambia (UNZA) – do not look down, to help the university, through the establishment of alumni associations, like someone said. I do not want to mention names. Do you think that it is enough for you to study at the university, come here and make money without contributing anything to the institution? When I say, “here,” I mean the country.

Laughter

Mr Livune: Question!

Dr Kaingu: Sir, all of us must consider assisting the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education. The hon. Minister of Finance alone cannot meet the requirements of this ministry. All of you who are graduates of UNZA owe that institution some money.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mulomba (Magoye): Mr Speaker, is the construction of the Kabompo College of Mathematics and Science, as assured by the late President, Mr Michael Sata, still on the cards? If so, when exactly will its construction be embarked upon?

Mr Speaker: For avoidance of doubt, hon. Minister, you may answer.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, what is fundamental is to have a university college in the North-Western Province. The university college is being built as per the promise made by the late President. However, to clear your minds and, borrowing from what the hon. Member of Parliament for Lunte said, development will come and go.

Interruptions

Dr Kaingu: At the moment, ...

Mr Speaker: I am not sure whether that is what the hon. Member for Lunte said.

Laughter

Dr Kaingu: I am sorry for putting words in his mouth.

Laughter    

Dr Kaingu: Maybe, the better quotation would be that there is no finish line for development. Sir, I would like to assure the hon. Member of Parliament for Magoye that as resources are found from your taxes, a university will be put up in Kabompo eventually.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Antonio (Kaoma Central): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education mentioned that the contract for the construction of King Lewanika University in Mongu is at an advanced stage. May I find out the contract sum for the university.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I am not able to come up with a figure at the moment, but I can avail it to the hon. Member at a later date.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

THE MAIZE AND WHEAT SITUATION IN ZAMBIA

The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr Lubinda): Mr Speaker, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to update this House and the nation on the maize and wheat situation in Zambia. I will start with the update on maize.

Mr Speaker, in the past four to five years, the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has bought maize in excess of what it had planned for. Every year, over the last five years, the FRA …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order, on the right!

Mr Lubinda: … has planned to have strategic reserves of 500,000 metric tonnes. However, the procurement over the years was as follows:

    Year     Metric Tones
    
    2010      883,000
    2011    1,751,660
    2012    1,045,891
    2013      426,248
    2014    1,310,303

Mr Speaker, 2013 was the only year when the FRA procured less than what had been planned, as stated above.

Mr Speaker, this year, again, Zambia has sufficient stocks of maize to meet the country’s national requirement. The country recorded 3,350,000 metric tonnes of maize in 2014, resulting in a surplus of 1,152,505 metric tonnes after the national consumption of plus or minus 2,200,000. Sufficient stocks of maize are available to meet the domestic requirement with significant surplus for export.

Mr Speaker, the FRA currently has 1,261,000 metric tonnes of maize in stock. The private sector, particularly grain traders and millers, are holding on to 156,000 metric tonnes.

Sir, the 1,261,000 metric tonnes held by the FRA is a composition of carryover stocks as follows:

    Year    Carryover Stocks
         (Metric Tonnes)

    2011        154
    2012        93,699
    2013        186,109
    2014        984,412
    Total        1,261,000

Sir, my ministry is in the process of carrying out crop forecasting survey which will indicate the country’s anticipated crop production for the 2014/2015 agriculture season. I am aware that there have been sporadic incidences of drought in some parts of the Southern, Western and Central provinces. However, the scenario is that the country will produce surplus maize this year again.

Mr Speaker, as I said, the country has been producing more than is required for local consumption. Against this background, it is disheartening to note that in the abundance of maize, some Zambian families cannot afford to have three square meals a day because the consumer price of mealie-meal is as high as it is. In view of the foregoing, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, under the dynamic leadership of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, …

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

Mr Lubinda: … and its well-positioned Cabinet, has decided to allow the FRA to offload maize on the domestic market at a subsidised price ranging from K76 per 50 kg bag to K65 per 50 kg bag. Further, the Government has approved the sale of up to 1 million metric tonnes of maize on both the local and export markets. Whereas the domestic price of maize will be K65 per 50 kg bag, the price of exported maize will range from US$195 to US$240 per metric tonne, which translates to an average of K80 per 50 kg bag.

Mr Speaker, a positive consequence of the reduction in the selling price of maize on the domestic market is that mealie-meal prices should and must come down. Following consultations held between my ministry and the milling industry, the millers have agreed to reduce the wholesale price of mealie-meal further from K61 for a 25 kg bag of breakfast meal to K56, and the wholesale price of roller meal will not exceed K37 per 25 kg bag. These prices have been arrived at in view of the fact that some of the millers are still holding on to maize procured at higher prices than the subsidised price. As such, the Government will, from time to time, review this position.

Mr Speaker, let me, again, clarify that the K56 per 25 kg of breakfast meal, and K37 per 25 kg bag of roller meal is not a uniform price, but the maximum price that we have agreed upon with the millers. We, therefore, expect others to sell at lower prices than the ones indicated. Further, I would like to appeal to the retailers across the country to stick to the recommended retail margin of K3 per 25 kg bag for both roller and breakfast meal. The retailers must pass on the benefit of this reduction to the consumers.

Mr Speaker, let me emphasise that if all the maize that we are holding on to was to be sold at a subsidised price of K65 per 50 kg bag, the Government would incur a revenue loss of K221 million. This must be passed on to the consumers, and must not be kept in the hands of neither millers nor retailers. My ministry will continue to monitor the situation regarding the issue of mealie-meal prices in order to ensure that the benefit of the reduction in the maize price is passed on to the consumers. To allow us to ensure that the benefits are passed on to the consumer, the FRA will only sell to registered and traceable millers. So, any miller who shall not pass on the benefit to the consumer shall not be allowed to make further orders with the FRA.

Mr Speaker, in order to enjoy the benefits of this Government’ s intervention, I urge consumers to purchase their mealie-meal from milling company outlets and other establishments that will stick to the recommended retail margin.

Mr Speaker, let me now turn to the situation on wheat. Wheat production in Zambia has increased over the past five years, largely due to the heavy investment that has been made by the commercial farmers. On behalf of the Government, I wish to commend all the hardworking farmers who have shown that Zambia can produce more wheat than is required for local consumption. On behalf of the Government, I would also like to urge them to continue on this trajectory. Further, the Government wishes to encourage the small-scale farmers to also get involved in the production of wheat. Although wheat production in Zambia has been increasing over the past five years, demand for wheat has also been increasing both locally and in neighbouring countries. The wheat production figures for 2014 indicate that the country has a deficit of 150,000 metric tonnes before the next expected harvest in August, 2015. The decline in wheat production was due to insufficient water for irrigation in dams, especially in some of the major wheat producing areas such as Mkushi. The estimated wheat demand for the country stands at 396,000 metric tonnes per year, while the estimated production for 2014 was 215,593 metric tonnes.

Mr Speaker, after consultations with various stakeholders in the wheat industry, the Government decided that it is necessary for Zambia to import wheat in order to forestall the shortage. The proposed cut-off date for the importation of wheat is 31st August, 2015, and the initial quantity of wheat to be imported is 75,000 metric tonnes. After 31st August, 2015, no more imports of wheat will be allowed into the country. The importation is in line with Statutory Instrument No. 134 of 2011, under the Control of Goods Act Cap  421 of the Laws of Zambia,  and the Control of Goods (Import and Export) (Agriculture) (Prohibition of Importation) (Revocation) Order of 2011, which revoked the ban on the importation of wheat.

Mr Speaker, there is no duty on wheat imported from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region. However, some of the wheat will have to be imported from non-SADC countries because there is insufficient wheat stock in the SADC Region.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

May I have order on the right?

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, the wheat from non-SADC countries attracts a 15 per cent duty. To help cushion our dear consumers for whom we are extremely concerned, the Government has decided to waive the 15 per cent duty on wheat from non-SADC regions. I wish to assure consumers that they will not experience any shortage of wheat, wheat flour or wheat flour products. I further wish to reassure our farmers that the Government will strictly monitor wheat imports so as not to allow the significant growth in local wheat production that the country has achieved so far to be threatened by over importation. I, therefore, call upon all our farmers to continue investing in increased wheat production.

Mr Speaker, import permits for wheat shall only be granted to registered and traceable millers to allow the Government to monitor the movement of the wheat and prices of wheat flour so as to protect the consumer.

Mr Ng’onga interjected.

Mr Lubinda: In view of this, the Government looks forward to maximum co-operation from the millers of flour, mealie-meal and other associated products.

Mr Speaker, I would like to join the citizens in commending President Edgar Chagwa Lungu …

Mr Livune: Question!

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: …and his Government for being so considerate that he has allowed market prices for these commodities to be reduced to affordable levels.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the ministerial statement issued by the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock.

Mrs Masebo (Chongwe): Mr Speaker, I wish to thank the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock for the timely statement because these are issues of survival for our people, especially in rural Zambia.

Mr Speaker, in his statement, the hon. Minister referred to a survey that was conducted and that, according to the survey, Central, the Southern and another province which I cannot recall …

Mr Pande: Western.

Mrs Masebo: Ah!

 … and Western Province, may experience some drought which may result in food shortage and low crop production.  

I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether he is aware that Lusaka Province, particularly Chongwe District, may also experience a drought as a result of poor weather patterns. Further, the rains, which started late, have stopped abruptly and some farmers received the inputs late despite their having paid for them because the owners of the warehouses where the urea fertiliser is stored are claiming that the Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) has not paid rentals for the ware houses.

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, we are aware that there is localised drought in some parts of the three provinces, and Lusaka may be one of them. However, like I said, our preliminary forecast shows that we will have much more produce than is required. We will have surplus production.

As regards the question on the late release of inputs, which the hon. Member for Chongwe is trying to sneak in through this ministerial statement, which is solely to do with maize prices, I would like to suggest to her, like you guided earlier, Sir, to file in a question so that we can give her an adequate answer.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chishimba (Kamfinsa): Mr Speaker, for those of us who interact with big milling companies on the Copperbelt, this is a very welcome statement.

Sir, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister how many registered millers have been allowed to import wheat and how much tonnage each registered miller has been allowed to import.

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I regret that I did not bring with me the list of the millers who were considered for permits that was submitted to my office by the Millers Association of Zambia. However, I would like to mention that, whereas the national requirement between now and August is 150,000 metric tonnes, we are only going to issue permits, in the interim, for 75,000 metric tonnes so that we can monitor the development on the market before we issue permits for the other 75,000 metric tonnes.

Mr Speaker, from my recollection, there are not more than fifteen millers across the country.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister will agree with me that this is not the first time that we have seen the Government intervene by way of the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) releasing maize onto the market.

Hon. Minister, you will also agree with me that the cartels in your industry are as powerful as those in the petroleum industry. After the reduction of the price of a 25 kg bag of breakfast meal from K61 to K56, plus the retail mark-up, according to your estimations as the Government, what do you think will be the average price of a 25 kg bag of breakfast meal and roller meal so that the people out there can be ready to buy mealie-meal at a reasonable price?

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I indicated that the ministry had agreed with the millers not to sell at any price above K56 for a 25 kg bag of breakfast meal and any price above K37 for a 25 kg bag of roller meal. In my statement, I also made an appeal to the retailers not to increase the margins above K3 per 25 kg bag. So, the hon. Member for Chembe who is also the Secretary-General for the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) can simply add the K56 and the K3, and the K37 and K3 to realise that we are hoping that the retailers will not sell breakfast mealie-meal for anything more than K59 and roller meal for anything more than K40. I am appealing to the hon. Member for Chembe, who is also a resident of Kabwata Constituency, …

Mr Mbulakulima: Order!

Laughter

Mr Lubinda: … to make sure that when he goes to buy mealie-meal, he goes to the outlets that will stick to the recommended prices so that those who are creating cartels and trying to exploit the citizens are cut out of the business. This way, we shall regulate the price of mealie-meal. This should not be the responsibility of the Government alone, but that for all the consumers, including the hon. Member for Chembe.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Simuusa (Nchanga): Mr Speaker, I wish to find out from the hon. Minister the status of maize export. How is it going?

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, we allowed the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to export, albeit, a smaller quantity than the 1 million metric tonnes. However, the export has not been up to expectation. We were hoping that the traders would export larger quantities than they have done this far. It is our hope that after the announcement that we are allowing 1 million metric tonnes to be offloaded onto the market, the grain traders will take advantage of this opportunity and export more quantities outside Zambia.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, I am thankful for the statement which, to me, denotes State policy on flour and mealie-meal pricing.

Sir, do you believe in the fact that sometimes trial and error is more helpful than reading the manual because what you did this afternoon is basically reintroducing subsidies on consumption? If that is the case, how sustainable will this solution that you have read out to the country through the Floor of this House be?

Further, since you have said that only registered millers will be allowed to sell the subsidised maize from the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), what sanctions will you impose on the outlets that will be selling above your recommended prices, considering that grain, by its nature, does not have serial numbers to denote whether it is actually from the FRA because some people have foiled contracts that they will buy maize and speculate on it in future.

Mr Speaker, what sanctions will you impose on those whose market you have distorted by this filibustering that you have conducted this afternoon?

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, let those who have ears hear.

Hon. Opposition Members: Ah!

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, it seems to be fashionable to prick other people’s hearts, and yet defend our own hearts when the same measure of hurt is exchanged.

Sir, when I presented my statement, I said the following …

Mr Nkombo: Kohwiila.

Mr Lubinda: Let me reiterate what I said. Let those who have ears hear.

Sir, I said:

“A positive consequence of the reduction in the selling price of maize in the domestic market is that mealie-meal prices should and must come down further. Following consultations held between my ministry and the milling industry, millers have agreed to reduce the wholesale price of mealie-meal further from a maximum of K61 to K56 per 25 kg of breakfast meal and not exceeding K37 per 25 kg bag of roller meal.”

Mr Speaker, I also said that any millers who shall not abide by these prices will not be allowed to have any further orders with the FRA. I was accused of filibustering, and yet I was succinct and clear. How clearer should I be? I said that millers who will buy maize from the FRA, but not stick to the agreed prices will not be allowed to order fresh maize. What more should I say? I rest my case.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mtolo (Chipata Central): Mr Speaker, allow me to thank the hon. Minister for his clear statement. I would like to alert him to the fact that such programmes failed in the past not because of the millers, but because we have no control over the retailers. Therefore, I hear the hon. Minister’s plea to the nation to be alert, but we must have a more innovative way of managing the retailers.

Sir, I worry for the millers who bought maize using their own resources and have kept it for a long time. The management costs of maize could lead some of the millers into bankruptcy. Could the hon. Minister tell us the real cost of the maize which the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) will release onto the market, taking into account the cost of the syndicated financing that was used to purchase the maize and the storage costs that we have incurred, especially that we have got maize stocks being kept for periods of over three years. It would be nice for the nation to be alerted to the real cost of what we do when we ask the FRA to buy above its planned quantities so that we can protect the agency from collapsing.

Mr Speaker, what is the real cost to the Government of this maize amounting to 1,261,000 metric tonnes which the agency is keeping, knowing that each metric tonne of maize will cost not less than US$1.50 per month to keep?

Mr Nkombo: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, the first question the hon. Member asked was whether we could come up with a better way of controlling retailers. There is no other way that we can control retailers in a liberal economy such as the one that we are operating in. Unlike those who think you cannot trace maize back to the miller, there is no miller who does not package their mealie-meal. So, the packaging will point to us who the miller is.

Sir, the Government has agreed with the millers to monitor the retailers. There is no miller who does not want to buy maize from us at the subsidised price. So, they will participate with us in ensuring that their retail outlets abide by the recommended retail price. If the price at which the mealie-meal is being sold at the retail outlets is higher than what we have agreed, then the one who shall receive punitive measures is not the retailer but the miller. We hope that mechanism can be used to moderate those who would like to exploit the consumer.

Mr Speaker, in regard to the cost of maize, studies have been conducted, and there is empirical evidence that ever since the FRA started buying maize, whether at or above strategic reserve quantity, it has always been offloaded onto the market at a lower price than the cost of buying and managing the maize. So, the Government has always subsidised the maize. Sometimes, openly and other times discreetly.

Interruptions

Mr Lubinda: However, this Government has decided that we shall not do it discretely and will inform the Zambian people because the difference between the cost of the maize and the price at which we are offloading it is a cost to the taxpayer. We would rather make sure that the taxpayer, who is subsidising the maize, is the one who benefits by our passing on the benefits to the consumer.

Mr Speaker, currently, the stocks that are being held by the FRA are costing us K116 per 50 kg bag. So, the difference between that K116 and the K65 at which the maize is sold is a direct cost to the Treasury and a benefit that we want to pass onto the consumer. We are doing this conscious of the fact that we do not want to subsidise the export market at the expense of the consumer.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ntundu (Gwembe): Mr Speaker, at the moment, in places such as Gulumunyanga, Kkotakkota and Siamuba in Gwembe, a bag of mealie-meal costs K100. If you buy a bag of mealie-meal from Monze, it costs K10 to transport it to Chipepo. To transport it from Chipepo to Siamatuba, you have to use a boat, and it costs another K10. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether for special places such as Gwembe, individuals will be allowed, since kuli higayo ku Gwembe, …

Laughter

Mr Ntundu: … to purchase maize from the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) at a reduced price. There are hammer mills in Gwembe.

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, on behalf of the Government, I feel for the people in places such as Gulumunyanga …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: …who are buying mealie-meal at K100 per 50 kg bag. They are buying a bag of mealie-meal at K100 when the FRA released the maize at K76 per bag. It is the Government’s hope that drop in the FRA price to the miller will also have an impact in Gulumunyanga. However, beyond that, I want to encourage the rural millers, wherever they are, to go and present their needs to the FRA which will release the maize to them directly. This programme is not only for urban areas, but also for the whole country. With this statement, the Government is instructing the management of the FRA, wherever they are, that when registered millers come and present their need for maize, they should release it at not more than K65 for a 50 kg bag. Bringing policies that will impact positively on the people of Gulumunyanga, whom we care about, will improve their standard of living.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, the millers are in business, and their overheads are quite high in some cases. If the millers decide to export mealie-meal to other countries and cause a shortage here in Zambia, how are you going to control that?

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, this Government would be extremely delighted if millers exported mealie-meal and not maize. If there was sufficient milling capacity in Zambia to satisfy the local market and also export, we would be very happy. We are not stopping any miller from exporting mealie-meal because we have sufficient stocks for local consumption. I would like to encourage my dear brother that if he has the capacity, should, please, put up a mill in Chadiza and export mealie-meal to Malawi and Mozambique so that we can earn foreign exchange.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mufalali: Mr Speaker, …

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1615 hours until 1630 hours.

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Mufalali: Mr Speaker, before business was suspended, I was about to say that two weeks ago, I attended a Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) in my district, and I was told that the poor people would be allowed to buy up to five bags of maize from the Food Reserve Agency  (FRA) at K70 per 50 kg bag. May I find out if there are any deliberate measures in place to ensure that this reduction that has gone to the millers is also extended to the peasant farmers.

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, the Cabinet approved that there be a subsidy on maize to commercial millers from K76 to K65 per 50 kg bag and for community use such as what the hon. Member of Parliament for Senanga mentioned. Small communities that have grinding mills can access the FRA maize at K60 per 50 kg bag. This is limited to communities in the rural areas and not urban areas. I want to emphasise this so that we do not create a ram on the FRA by people organising themselves and saying that they are a community and can buy maize at K60 per 50 kg bag in Lusaka. That maize at K60 per 50 kg bag is meant for the rural areas that depend on grinding mills and pounding mortars.

For the sake of my friend who is not here (Mr Ntundu), with regard to Gulumunyanga, in the same manner that we are going to curtail the sales of maize to millers who over priced mealie-meal, we shall also curtail the sales of maize to communities that use the maize to brew gankata.

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: Sir, once we see that they are using the maize to brew gankata in Gulumunyanga, …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mr Lubinda: …we shall curtail the sale because the subsidy is meant to impact mostly on the young children.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, the people of Kazungula got some money from the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) when they sold their maize from the last farming season. After getting the money, they bought fertiliser and seed. Currently, the entire crop is a sorry sight. People are mourning because they have no money left and their crop has failed. When will the Government consider giving the people of Kazungula relief food?

Mr Lubinda: Sir, I thank the hon. Member for that important question because it enables me to explain that the people that he represents, like the people that all of us from farming communities represent, plan ahead. The people that my brother talked about did not anticipate a harvest in March, but later on in the year around May/June and July which, therefore, means that they had reserves to take them up to the next harvest season. However, when the next harvest season comes and there is crop failure, this Government has in place a well-versed Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) under the Office of the Vice-President.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: The hon. Colleague can easily go there and register the needs of the people that he represents and the Government will respond accordingly. That is the reason the Government did not offload all the 1.2 million metric tonnes of maize onto the market. The Cabinet approved the offloading of 1 million metric tonnes so that we could have 261,000 metric tonnes in reserve to take care of the needs such as the one that has been expressed. So, he need not fear because this country is in very good hands …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: … and is being protected …

Mr Mushanga: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: … by a competent team of the President and hon. Ministers.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for that statement on the introduction of subsidies on maize. I think it is a welcome move.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister, in his statement, spoke about a deficit in wheat and that the consumption is 396,000 metric tonnes per annum while the estimated production for 2014 was …

Mr Livune: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Not during this segment.

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo: … 215,593. He also stated that he would allow the importation of 150,000 metric tonnes in two tranches. However, when one adds 150,000 and 215,593, it still leaves a shortfall of 30,407 metric tonnes. Can the hon. Minister assure the House that there will not be increases in the price of wheat flour by some wheat flour millers which we have seen in the past three months because wheat flour has become one of the staple foods in our country?

Mr Lubinda: Sir, the assurance I can give is that there will not be a shortage of wheat as a result of the Government’s decision to allow its importation. With regard to pricing, as the hon. Member of Mumbwa will be aware, the price of the commodity will depend on a number of factors which includes the exchange rate of the United States Dollar and Kwacha. If the kwacha loses value, obviously, the landed cost of the wheat in Zambia will increase. I cannot give any guarantee on that, but can only give assurance that there will not be an increase in the price as a result of the shortage of the commodity because the 150,000 metric tonnes that the Cabinet has approved to be imported is enough to mitigate that shortage. I also had discussions with the millers and we agreed that before they come for the next tranche of allocation, we shall, again, look at the exchange rate so that we do not allow them to increase the prices arbitrarily.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Konga (Chavuma): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister, in his response to a follow-up question, encouraged the export of maize and, in response to the question by the hon. Member for Chadiza, he further encouraged the exportation of mealie-meal to Malawi. Considering that the Government has subsidised the price of maize from K116 to K80 per metric tonne for exports, does it mean that the Government has allowed the Zambian taxpayer to subsidise foreigners through the export of subsidised maize and, in the same vein, through the export of mealie-meal which will be subsidised by the Government?

Mr Lubinda: Sir, as things are at the moment, millers are exporting mealie-meal to Katanga Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). I stated that the Cabinet approved the export of maize at an average of K80 per 50 kg bag and K65 for the domestic market. I also said that this Government is not banning the export of mealie-meal. Some of the millers who will export mealie-meal from the maize bought at K65 will extend that subsidy to the consumers. However, we are more concerned about the large stocks of maize that we have and will be happier if they export some of it in the form of mealie-meal because they would have added value to the maize. If they export maize, they will buy it at K80 and not K65. If they buy the maize at K65, mill it and create employment for our youths, then, we have no problem with that. However, this is a temporary arrangement that will last until after the next harvest season.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the statement.

Sir, it has been known, for a long time, maybe, 200 to 300 years, that there is a relationship between Government spending and the exchange rates. Where a government spends more than what it really collects may result in the exchange rate of the currency such as the Kwacha losing value.

Interruptions

 Mr Speaker: Order, on the left!

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, we have been told that this is definitely a subsidy whose expenditure was never budgeted for, hence the overspending. Can the hon. Minister assure the Zambian consumers that what they will gain through what you see as a possible price reduction in mealie-meal will not be swallowed, eaten away or evaporate as a result of the exchange rate which continues to lose value, resulting in the price of inputs such as petroleum and many others going up. Could the hon. Minister assure the Zambian people that this measure is not cosmetic and that it will not cause them severe loss as the exchange rate continues to depreciate.

 Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, my statement was on the subsidy on maize. I did not touch on the cost of other attendant products such as fuel or other products. What I have concentrated on, in my statement, is maize.

Sir, to extend the argument, let us assume that the fear raised by the hon. Member for Liuwa that commodity prices increased because of the exchange rate was to be the case, at least, as a result of this Government decision, the people will continue to be cushioned by this subsidy. Without this subsidy, the price of the commodity that we are talking about like maize, will escalate. So, the subsidy will continue with or without an escalation in the cost of other products. Otherwise, this is a subsidy on mealie-meal and maize to the consumer. I am sure the hon. Member for Liuwa realises that whether or not fuel costs increase, the fact that we have reduced the price of mealie-meal will mean that the consumer will now buy it at a lower cost. That is the position.

Sir, assuming the cost of living increases by 10 per cent, it will not increase by 10 per cent from K76.00, but from K65.00. Therefore, that is a cushion that is going to withstand the pressure of the exchange rate.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. UPND Member interjected.

Mr Speaker: I thought you were present, hon. Member. Listen carefully.

Mr Namulambe: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister gave a very good statement regarding surplus maize. I am sure this is as a result of the contribution of the small-scale farmers.

Sir, I would like to find out what measures the Government is putting in place to encourage more people to grow wheat so as to avoid importing. Is the Government considering introducing a new variety of wheat that can be grown by small-scale farmers so as to help the production of wheat because this is a high-value crop?

 Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, that is a very progressive question. I want to commend my colleague for that question.

Sir, the Government is looking for ways of encouraging increased production of wheat not only by the commercial farmers, but also the small-scale farmers. The Zambia Agriculture Research Institute is conducting research in the possibilities of coming up with varieties that are less thirsty than the varieties we have at the moment.

Sir, in addition to that, the Government has been investing money in irrigation schemes for small-scale farmers so as to encourage them to also grow the very thirsty wheat so that this country is sufficient in wheat not only for local consumption, but also for export. Unlike maize, wheat fetches a higher parity price than maize. Therefore, that is a very commendable thing and I want to assure my brother that our researchers are not spearing any effort in addressing that need.

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Ms Lubezhi (Namwala): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister when the Government is going to effect the subsidised prices, considering that millers are holding onto thousands of tonnes of un-subsidised maize.

 Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, in my statement, I said that we arrived at the prices, taking into account the fact that there are some millers who are holding onto maize which they bought at un-subsidised prices. I clearly said that after agreeing on this subsidy with the Cabinet, and discussing with the millers, we have since realised that some of them are holding onto maize which they bought before the subsidy. Therefore, we are also trying to cushion them. That is how we arrived at those prices. We also calculated how much of the subsidised maize they will use between now and the time the first fresh crop is ready and what equilibrium we can draw to make sure that they do not suffer.

Sir, with regard to when this will be triggered, I want to say that all those who want to go and buy subsidised maize must place their order from Monday next week. This is in order to allow the ministry to make sure that we take stock of all the maize that we have and also make sure that the FRA is ready for that reduction.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Antonio: Mr Speaker, I do not know whether I got the hon. Minister right when he talked about the list of millers that qualify to purchase from the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) subsidised price. What about those that are not on that list, but have maize? How is the ministry going to reconcile the two prices from two different traders?

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, when I spoke about millers, I said that they were not more than fifteen in number. That was in response to a question posed by the hon. Member for Kamfinsa who wanted to know the eligible millers we would give permits to import wheat. I said that the subsidy on maize will be extended to registered millers.

Sir, in answering the question about the 150,000 metric tonnes of maize that is being held by the millers, I indicated that we took that into account. So, we know which millers are holding onto maize and those that do not have maize because the ministry updates itself on the food basket on a regular basis. Therefore, we know that if there are millers or farmers in the rural areas who have maize, that is not going to influence the price.

 I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Milambo (Mwembeshi): Mr Speaker, we have carry-over stocks of maize from 2011. I would like the hon. Minister to justify the use of the Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) Principle at the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).

 Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, the FRA stocks are not held in one place, but are held across the country. Therefore, we release the FRA maize depending on demand.

Sir, let us assume that we are holding onto to 100,000 metric tonnes of maize in Mwembeshi, and the demand in Mwembeshi for that year is only 50,000 metric tonnes, we will not get the maize from localities such as Mwembeshi, for instance, where the maize is stored, and take it to Kasama, but we shall leave it in Mwembeshi. This is the reason there are carryover stocks from 2011, 2012 and 2013. We would not like to incur costs of transferring maize from one surplus area to another when we know that in the next season, that maize may be required. Therefore, in every shed, we use the principle of First-In, First-Out (FIFO).

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!    

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, in the first instance, I would like to appreciate the clear statement by the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock on the reintroduction of consumer subsidies in our economy. However, for avoidance of any doubt, could he kindly confirm whether this action is not tantamount to price controls being reintroduced by the Patriotic Front (PF) Government.

Mr Lubinda: Sir, I want to thank the hon. Member for appreciating the very clear statement that I made. The Food Reserve Act stipulates the role or roles that the FRA plays. The main mandate of the FRA is to maintain strategic reserves and use them to influence supply and demand of commodities on the market. When the FRA, under this very responsible Government, realises that there is a shortage of maize, it will perform the function of stabilising prices by introducing fresh maize on the market in order to avoid people being exploited.

Sir, we are doing exactly the same thing with wheat. We are allowing the importation of wheat now when we have realised that there is a looming shortage so that we can protect the honourable people of Kabompo, Mwinilunga and Chizera. We cannot let our people be exploited by allowing a shortage of wheat. That is what we are using the FRA for.

Sir, it is surprising that the hon. Member says we are introducing price controls. We are not introducing price controls. I have stated before that arriving at the new mealie-meal prices was through a process of negotiation. I did not say that we have fixed the prices as the Government. I said that we negotiated the prices with the millers. So, all of us must commend the millers for agreeing to this subsidy.

I thank you, Sir.

¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬_____________

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

MUKULA AND MUKWA TIMBER EXPORTS

427. Mr Chipungu (Rufunsa) asked the Minister of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection:

(a)    how many tonnes of mukula and mukwa tree logs were exported from January to October, 2014;

(b)    to which countries the logs were exported, by tonnage and by country;

(c)    how much revenue was raised from the export; and

(d)    whether the Government had any plans to ban the export of such logs.

The Deputy Minister of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (Mr Mwango): Mr Speaker, there were no logs of mukula and mukwa that were exported from January to October, 2014, as the logs of these tree species or any other species are not eligible wood products for export. The Forests (Timber Export) Regulations, through Statutory Instrument No. 7 and 9 of 1997, specifies the products that are eligible for export, and tree logs or round wood are not allowed for export from Zambia.

Mr Speaker, no timber logs were allowed for export to any country. Therefore, no revenue was realised. The above-mentioned regulations of 1997 continue to prohibit the export of round logs, and the Government will continue to invoke the existing forest regulations.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Chipungu: Mr Speaker, …

Mr Nkombo: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, thank you for allowing me to raise this point of order which is occasioned by what I see as inconsistencies in the manner in which the Government is operating. This point of order is specifically on four hon. Members of the Cabinet, namely the Chairperson of the Cabinet, His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Ministers of Mines, Energy and Water Development, Hon. Christopher Yaluma and ; Youth and Sport, Hon. Vincent Mwale; and last but not least, the Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Chishimba Kambwili.

Sir, in raising my point of order, I want to make reference to Volume II of the Laws of the Republic of Zambia under Part III, Article 9, which I will quote.

Mr Speaker: What Act is that?

Mr Nkombo: Sir, this is Cap.16 of the Laws of Zambia.

Mr Speaker: Just state the title of the Act in full for the record.

Mr Nkombo: Sir, the title is the Parliamentary and Ministerial Code of Conduct Act. Thank you for the guidance.

Sir, I will quickly take an excerpt of what the Act says at Part III (9) (1):

“A person holding Ministerial office shall not do anything that is inconsistent with the principle of the collective responsibility of Ministers for the policy of the Government and the conduct of its affairs and, in particular, shall not−

(a)     publicly contradict or disassociate himself from any policy adopted by Cabinet.”

Sir, under a fortnight ago, Zambia started experiencing a petrol shortage. I want to draw excerpts from what the hon. Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development, who is the subject of my point of order, said to this House. I will just quote a bit of what he said regarding the fuel situation in the country. On page 1 of his statement, he said:

“The House may wish to note that as of 9th March, 2015, 590,000 litres of petrol were uplifted by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) from the Lusaka depot to feed the Southern Circuit. This, you will note, is about double the daily requirement, and we see no reason for the continued shortages that are being experienced, especially in Lusaka.

“Mr Speaker, this august House may wish to note that as at 1700 hours yesterday, the Lusaka Depot had received fifteen trucks carrying 525 litres of petrol. This fuel is available for sell to OMCs as I address this House now. In addition, seventy trucks, carrying an estimated 2.450 million litres of petrol are enroute from Dar-es-Salaam to Zambia.”

Under solutions, the hon. Minister indicated that:

“The Energy Regulation Board has been directed to carry out a snap survey on the OMCs depots as well as filling stations to bring to book those who may be unnecessarily hoarding the product of petrol.”

Sir, the hon. Minister of Information, who is also the Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Kambwili, was quoted as having said that:

“The Government had found alternative sources of fuel when it was communicated that there will be a delay in the shipment of crude oil to the country.”

Sir, as far as I know, and as far as facts remain, Zambia has never imported crude oil.

Mr Speaker: What is the source of the quote, for the record?

Mr Nkombo: It was quoted from one of the broadcasting institutions that Zambia had found an alternative source of crude oil …

Mr Speaker: Please, state which broadcasting institution and the date because we shall need to look up at these things.

Mr Nkombo: For purposes of my point of order, Sir, maybe, that can be left out of my point of order because I will not be able to give you which institution exactly and I am not allowed to be inconsistent …

Mr Speaker: So, obliterate that.

Mr Nkombo: Yes, on the Floor of this House.

Therefore, it follows that Hon. Kambwili automatically falls out of my point of order.

Finally, Sir, the last two hon. Members of the Cabinet are quoted in today’s Zambia Daily Mail as follows:

“President Edgar Lungu will set up a criminal and administrative inquiry to look into the shortage of fuel which is being experienced in some parts of country. The President made an announcement when he addressed a Cabinet meeting at State House yesterday. President Lungu said criminal administrative issues regarding the fuel crisis will be scrutinised during the inquiry.”

The Acting Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Vincent Mwale, when he briefed the media after the Cabinet meeting, said as part of the reason there is this looming shortage:

“Mr Lungu regretted that during the transition following the death of President Michael Sata, some people conspired to fix the price of fuel at higher prices than what was obtaining on the market.”

Mr Speaker, this, to me, occasions a contradiction between Hon. Yaluma stating that the OMCs were to blame for hoarding fuel on one hand, whereas his colleagues, the hon. Minister of Sport and His Excellency the President, are insinuating that the problem was created by certain people who, during the time when we lost our beloved President, did certain things that have put us in this situation.

Sir, is the Government, therefore, in order to give us contradicting statements about the real situation regarding the shortage of fuel, petrol, to be specific, which is now spreading rapidly from Lusaka to other parts of the country.

Sir, I seek your ruling on this matter.

Mr Speaker: From the material you have quoted, I am not able to discern a contradiction. Instead, what I am able to discern are two positions stated on one hand by the hon. Minister and, on another, specifically by the President, where he is urging an inquiry.

If you recall, that is if you were present, though I am not sure whether you were present but, if you were present, the hon. Minister went to great pains to explain, on the Floor of the House, that they were trying to figure out what the problem was. The hon. Members were even suggestions put to him whether or not this was in anticipation of a price hike. He said he was not able to confirm that. That is what he said on the Floor of the House. So, as I see it, the positions are actually complementary. The only difference is that the President has been much more specific in stating that, perhaps, this matter needs to be inquired into further. I do not see any contradiction.

That is my ruling.

The hon. Member for Rufunsa may continue.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: Give back his papers.

Laughter

Mr Chipungu: Mr Speaker, I am perplexed. Where, then, do the logs that are impounded and those being cut and smuggled go to.

Mr Mwango: Mr Speaker, it is true that the mukula tree is being cut, and there were some logs which were impounded after the truck that was carrying them was intercepted in Malawi. At the time this question was raised, there was no record of any export of the mukula timber.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kalila (Lukulu East): Mr Speaker, it is becoming almost impossible, I must say, to find mukwa trees, particularly in the Western Province – let me say all the hard wood, including rose wood.

Hon. Opposition Members: Yes!

Dr Kalila: I just want to find out from the hon. Minister responsible whether they do not consider it as an emergency to try to do something about this wanton deforestation, particularly of these hard woods to the extent that experts have said 250 to 300 hectares of forest are lost per year through this kind of deforestation. After fifty years, Zambia is likely to become bare with no vegetation and forest. Hon. Minister, what do you intend to do about this very important issue?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (Ms Ngimbu): Mr Speaker, the Government is also concerned about the same matter. I should report to the House that we have started looking into the matter to ensure that the existing law is repealed. So, very shortly, we should expect the Act to be repealed so that the situation is corrected.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Shakafuswa (Katuba): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister and the ministry whether their not being able to know what species of trees have been exported is because there are no ba kapendamabula or forest rangers anymore. Previously, we used to have people who used to take care of the forests. Now, the whole country has no officers who are capable of finding out who is felling these trees. As a result, you come to this House and tell us that you are not aware when trees are being cut every day. When you go to Rufunsa, you find huge tracts of bare land, and it is becoming a desert.

Ms Ngimbu: Mr Speaker, the ministry is considering recruiting more forest rangers to address the situation. We are concerned about the situation and are in the process of correcting it.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mushanga: Ah!

Imwe, pafimutifye mulefwaya ukushupa.

Ms Imenda (Luena): Mr Speaker, …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: There is only one hon. Member of Parliament for Luena.

Ms Imenda: Mr Speaker, I would like to ask the hon. Minister a very simple question. Is she aware that, currently, logs are kept in various places such as Luena and transported in the night via Lusaka to unknown destinations?

Ms Ngimbu: Mr Speaker, I am not aware of that. I will, however, investigate and, if that is happening anywhere in this country, it will be corrected.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister referred to some clauses in an Act which is supposed to be repealed. I would like to find out which Act this is and what she wants to correct.

Ms Ngimbu: Mr Speaker, the Forests Act of 1999 is the law that will be repealed.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

428. Mr Mbulakulima (Chembe) asked the Minister of Home Affairs when police services would be provided to the following areas in Chembe Parliamentary Constituency:

(a)    Lungo Mukuta;

(b)    Kafwanka; and

(c)    Ngomba.

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Col. Kaunda): Mr Speaker, …

Hon. Government Member: One Zambia!

Col. Kaunda: One nation!

Laughter

Col. Kaunda: Mr Speaker, the Government has no immediate plans to construct police posts at Lungo Mukuta, Kafwanka and Ngomba in Chembe Parliamentary Constituency. However, these areas are currently being serviced by Chembe Police Post.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, today, the hon. Deputy Minister tried to be slow in giving his response.

Laughter

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, sometimes, it is very difficult to ask follow-up questions. All these places are being serviced by Chembe Police Post. For people who know Zambia, Chembe is at Levy Mwanawasa Bridge while Kafwanka is closer to Tuta Bridge. This is a distance of over 300 km.

Mr Mbewe: Ah!

Mr Speaker: What is your question?

Mr Mbulakulima: How possible is it that these three areas can be serviced by Chembe Police Post? Is that the answer that the people of Milenge and Chembe really deserve? I need a serious answer from Hon. Col. Panji Kaunda.

Col. Kaunda: Mr Speaker, we are aware of the distances. The distance from Chembe to Kafwanka is 170 km and, from Chembe to Lungo Mukuta, it is 165 km. These areas will have mobile patrols until we have enough manpower to be stationed at the posts.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Shakafuswa: Mr Speaker, since we are talking about patrols, I would like to know how many vehicles and personnel are at the Chembe Police Post that can cater for a radius of over 200 km. Is it adequately staffed?

Col. Kaunda: Mr Speaker, at the moment, the police is facing a critical shortage of vehicles, and the motor vehicle at Chembe is broken down. However, Mansa Police Station, which is the major station, will patrol these areas for now.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Speaker: Next question.

Mr Mbulakulima: I hope I will find solace in the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education.

Laughter

429. Mr Mbulakulima asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a)    why the construction of Itemba School in Milenge District had stalled; and

(b)    when the project would be completed.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Mr Mushanga): Mr Speaker, the construction of Itemba School in Milenge District stalled because the project ran out of funds. The total budget for the project was K225,000 and the Government, through the ministry, provided K180,000 to the province.

Sir, the project will be completed this year.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

430. Mr I. Banda (Lumezi) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock:

(a)    how many livestock officers’ camps there were in the following Parliamentary Constituencies:

(i)    Chasefu;
(ii)    Lumezi; and
(iii)    Lundazi;

(b)    how many camps at (a) were manned by livestock officers;

(c)    when the livestock officers’ houses would be rehabilitated; and

(d)    what the cost of the rehabilitation exercise would be.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr Ng’onga): Mr Speaker, there are three veterinary camps in Chasefu, four in Lumezi and five in Lundazi.

Mr Speaker, all the camps at (a) are manned except Mwasempangwe.

Sir, camp houses in Chikomeni and Buleti in Lumezi Parliamentary Constituency have been rehabilitated. Other camps in the three areas will be considered for rehabilitation after the ministry has conducted a national inventory and has come up with a national plan for the rehabilitation of existing camp houses.

Sir, the total cost of rehabilitating the camp houses in Chikomeni and Buleti in Lumezi Parliamentary Constituency was K74,000.00.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr I. Banda: Mr Speaker, will the Government consider connecting power to the rehabilitated houses, especially those in Lumezi and Chasefu?

Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, it is the desire and intention of the Government to make the lives of our officers, wherever they are serving, as comfortable as possible. Therefore, if the power lines are nearby, consideration will be made to connect power to the houses, and make the officers’ lives much better.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma): Mr Speaker, I was told that livestock officers have no transport. May I find out from the hon. Minister when they will be given transport.

Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, that question is not in line with the principal question. However, plans have been put in place to procure motorbikes. Two or three weeks ago, there was a question of a similar nature. Camp officers will be accorded the opportunity to get transport once it is made available.

I thank you, Sir.

FRA DEPOTS IN MITETE

431. Mr Mutelo (Lukulu West) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock:

(a)    how many Food Reserve Agency (FRA) depots were in Mitete District as of 31st December, 2014; and

(b)    of these, how many were operational.

Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, Mitete is a new district which was previously under Lukulu District. As at 31st December, 2014, there were four Food Reserve Agency (FRA) satellite depots. These are:

(i)    Kawaya/Luntembwe;
(ii)    Chinonwe;
(iii)    Lupui and Mitete Central.

Mr Speaker, out of the four satellite depots, only one, which is Kawaya/Luntembwe, was operational at the time in question.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, out of the four depots mentioned, there is only one in Mitete, which is Mitete Central. How many will there be this year since Mitete is now a district? It is no longer mwa Lukulu.

Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, the setting up of satellite depots is demand driven. I would appreciate it if the area hon. Member of Parliament could engage with the FRA so that he can indicate where he would like the satellite depots to be located. Depending on the production levels and distances, I am sure that the FRA will be able to give us an additional number of satellite depots.

I thank you, Sir.

POLICE POST AT KEEZWA IN NANGOMA

432. Mr Hamusonde asked the Minister of Home Affairs when a Police Post at Keezwa in Choma Ward in Nangoma Parliamentary Constituency would be constructed.

Col. Kaunda: Mr Speaker, Keezwa Police Post in Nangoma Parliamentary Constituency was constructed using the Constituency Development Funds (CDF), and was completed in 2012. The police post is not operational, as staff houses are yet to be built. The Ministry of Home Affairs intends to commence the construction of five staff houses in 2016 at a cost of K3 million.

I thank you, Sir.

ROAD FROM POLICE CHECKPOINT AT ZAMTAN KAKOLO VIA MUFUCHANI BRIDGE IN RIVERSIDE

433. Mr Chishimba (Kamfinsa) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:

(a)    whether the Government had any plans to construct a road in Kitwe, from the Police Checkpoint in Zamtan Kakolo via Mufuchani Bridge to Riverside;

(b)    if so, when feasibility studies would be carried out; and

(c)    what economic benefits would be derived from the project.

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Mr Siamunene): Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to construct a road from Zamtan Police Checkpoint to Mufuchani.

Mr Speaker, feasibility studies for the road from Zamtan Police Checkpoint via Mufuchani to the Ndola/Mufulira Road will commence in the second quarter of 2015.

Mr Speaker, there are many economic benefits that will be derived from the construction of the road from Zamtan Police Checkpoint via Mufuchani to the Ndola/Mufulira Road. Some of the anticipated benefits are as follows:

(i)    promotion and growth of agriculture in the farming area by facilitating the free movement of agriculture produce and reduced transport costs;
(ii)    reduced travel time for traffic passing through Kitwe;
(iii)    reduction of congestion in the City of Kitwe; and
(iv)    reduced vehicle operating costs.

I thank you, Sir.

LAND FOR CONSTRUCTION OF RESIDENCES FOR FORMER PRESIDENTS

434. Mr Mwanza (Solwezi West) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:

(a)    what progress had been made in identifying land for the construction of residences for all Former Presidents;

(b)    when the construction of the houses for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Republican Presidents would commence; and

(c)    what had caused the delay in commencing the construction works.

Mr Siamunene: Mr Speaker, land for the construction of residences for all Former Presidents has been identified in the following areas:

 President     Area

Second     Lilayi
Third    Silverest
Fourth    Lilayi
Fifth    State Lodge    

Mr Speaker, the construction of houses for the Second and Third Republican President’s commenced on 23rd September, 2014, and 6th January, 2014, respectively. The contract period for the Second Republican President’s house is fifty-two months, while that for the Third Republican President’s house is fifty weeks.

Mr Speaker, support infrastructure for the Fourth Republican President’s house such as a fence, staff houses, guard house, boreholes and power supply has been completed. The construction of support infrastructure for the Fifth Republican President’s residence is underway and will be completed by the end of this year.

Sir, the construction of the main house for the Fourth and Fifth Republican Presidents is expected to commence in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Delay in commencing the construction works has been due to inadequate funds for the projects.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mwanza: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether he is aware that the land earmarked for the construction of the Third Republican President’s residence, which is overgrown with grass, is just next to some very prosperous housing area along the Great East Road. So, hon. Minister, what do you mean when you say that something is happening there?

The Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Mr Mukanga): Mr Speaker, I appreciate the question by the hon. Member. I wish to state that what the hon. Deputy Minister said is happening there is what is actually happening. We are aware of what the hon. Member is talking about. That piece of land in Silverest has been earmarked for the construction of the house for the Third Republican President, and support structures have already been completed. The dates that the hon. Deputy Minister gave out are the ones which we shall stick to. This is our target, and we shall complete the structure in fifty weeks.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo west): Mr Speaker, going by the progress that we have achieved so far, it is obvious that our eyes are bigger than our stomachs.

Laughter

Mr Lufuma: In other words, we bite more than we can chew. That is why only one house has been completed so far. Given the fact that this country lacks resources, …

Mr Livune: Ah!

Mr Lufuma: … as has been stated by the hon. Minister in his response, is this Government considering doing away with this programme because it seems to be unique in the region. Why can you not get rid of this programme because you are not able to implement it?

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, for now, we are committed to carrying out this project. If, at a later stage, the Cabinet feels that it is not appropriate for us to continue with it, then, the Cabinet will sit and decide. Once this happens, the Bill will be brought to this House for hon. Members of Parliament to debate. As at now, however, this programme is in accordance with the current Act. So, we have to ensure that we give our former leaders their benefits.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, this programme of constructing houses for Former  Presidents is expensive. Could I know if there are other costs that accumulate in terms of securing the premises until the actual construction starts.

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, there are no other costs that accumulate. Every project is taken as a single project and has a starting as well as a finishing date. So, there are no other costs that accumulate.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, from the hon. Minister’s response, finances have clearly been a constraint to the accomplishment of the projects which are embedded in the law under Former President’s benefits.

Mr Speaker, one of the provisions therein that a former Head of State will choose a house of his choice is fairly elastic. This is why money cannot easily be sourced. The hon. Minister indicated that as soon as they believe that this programme is not sustainable, the Cabinet will sit in order to make amends to the Act.  

Hon. Minister, while you are waiting for the Cabinet to make this decision, could there not be an amendment to the law so that, maybe, a standard house befitting a former Head of State can be built. Why not repeal that law altogether so that when a President finishes his term, he builds a house of his/her own choice like Mr Hakainde Hichilema has done?

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, this programme is not for ordinary citizens of this country.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwewa: Bwekeshapo!

Mr Mukanga: It is a programme for Presidents. As such, we shall build houses for them. If anything, there is a standard design for the houses which …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mr Mukanga: … can be adjusted so that they can contribute to the way they want their house to be built. So, we have a standard design for the residences of Presidents, the people who actually win elections.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

EMPLOYMENT OF PERMANENT STAFF AT LANDS TRIBUNAL

435. Mr Nkombo asked the Minister of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection:

(a)    whether the Government had employed permanent staff at the Lands Tribunal;

(b)    if so, what the current staffing levels were;

(c)    why the tribunal had a backlog of cases; and

(d)    what measures had been taken to ensure timely disposal of cases by the tribunal.

Mr Mwango: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government has employed permanent staff at the Lands Tribunal. The current staffing levels for the tribunal are one registrar, one accountant, one personal secretary, one registry clerk, one senior office orderly, one cleaner and one driver. The above staff provide support services to the operations of the Lands Tribunal which operates as a circuit court and sits to hear land disputes wherever there is a land dispute in the country. The current Lands Tribunal consists of eleven members who are all part-time.

Sir, currently, the Lands Tribunal has a backlog of 453 cases which was much higher than this. The cases accumulated from 2009 when the tribunal’s operations were suspended to pave way for the amendment of the Lands Tribunal Act. However, much of the backlog has since been cleared this year when the tribunal held a number of sittings across the country.

Mr Speaker, it is also important to note that the increase in the cases being handled by the tribunal is as a result of the expansion of the mandate of the tribunal to hear and adjudicate in land disputes related to customary land which could not be heard by the tribunal before the amendment of the Lands Tribunal Act.

Sir, the measure that has been taken to ensure timely disposal of the cases by the Lands Tribunal is the splitting of the Lands Tribunal into two separate panels to enable it to handle as many cases as possible across the country.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, one of the reasons a body like this would succeed is if it received financial support for its operation. Yes, the tribunal was suspended for a long time and one of the reasons was that there was insufficient funding. Has the issue of funding to the tribunal to facilitate the sitting of the court at its headquarters or during circuit court sessions in the provinces been attended to by the ministry?

Mr Mwango: Mr Speaker, that issue has been attended to and the Lands Tribunal is currently sitting.

I thank you, Sir.

ROAD FROM KAMFINSA STATE PRISON TO SAKANYA

336.    Mr Chishimba asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication when the road to Kamfinsa State Prison to Sakanya would be upgraded to bituminous standard.

Mr Siamunene: Mr Speaker, there are no plans in the 2015 Road Sector Annual Work Plan to upgrade the road from Kamfinsa State Prison to Sakanya to bituminous standard, as the road was not prioritised. However, the road will be considered for inclusion in future annual work plans subject to its being prioritised.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Livune: Question!

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order!

__________

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to.

The House adjourned at 1749 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 18th March, 2015.

_________