Wednesday, 1st July, 2015

The House met at 1430 hours

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER
_________

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR SPEAKER

Mr Speaker: I wish to acquaint the House with the presence, in the Speaker’s Gallery, of the following hon. Members of the Committee of the Commission on Members’ Welfare and Members of Staff from the Parliament of Kenya.

Senator B. W. Mugo – Vice-Chairperson of the Commission of the Parliamentary Service Commission, and Leader of the Delegation;

Hon. G. Wanga, MP – Chairperson of the Commission on Information and Public Communication;

Hon. Dr. Lonah Mumelo, MP;

Hon. Dr. A. I. Ali, MP;

Mrs C. Monga – Senior Deputy Clerk, Senate;

Mr G. Okola – Director, Administrative Services;

Mrs N. N. Mukunya – Director, Speaker’s Office;

Mr J. N. Mutega – Principal Clerk Assistant II;

Mr P. Meikoki – Senior Accountant;

Ms L. Wata – Senior Human Resources Officer;

Mr C. Tima – Clerk Assistant III;

Mr P. Maina – Aide to the Senator Mugo.

I would like, on behalf of the National Assembly of Zambia, to receive our distinguished guests and warmly welcome them in our midst.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
_________

RULING BY MR SPEAKER

RULING BY THE HON. MR SPEAKER ON THE POINT OF ORDER RAISED BY MR STEPHEN KATUKA, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR MWINILUNGA PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY, AGAINST THE HON. MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR DAVIES MWILA, MP.

Hon. Members will recall that on Thursday, 18th June, 2015, when the House was considering Question for Oral Answer No. 531 on the Order Paper, and the hon. Member of Parliament for Chadiza Parliamentary Constituency, Mr Allan D. Mbewe, MP, was on the floor, Mr Stephen Katuka, hon. Member of Parliament for Mwinilunga Parliamentary Constituency raised a Point of Order. In the Point of order, Mr Katuka, MP, stated that a few weeks ago, the Republican President instructed hon. Members of Parliament to go to their constituencies to sensitise the people on the on-going national registration card issuance exercise. Following His Excellency the President’s pronouncement, the hon. Member travelled to his constituency so that he could address his constituents on the registration exercise.

The hon. Member alleged that the police obstructed him from holding a meeting in his constituency to address the constituents, on the ground that he had not given the police seven days notice prior to the meeting, as required under the Public Order Act, Cap. 113 of the Laws of Zambia. The hon. Member, therefore, sought a ruling on whether the Ministry of Home Affairs was in order to prevent the meeting, when the then Minister of Home Affairs, now His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, had, through a ministerial statement on observance of the Public Order Act rendered to this House on 17th July, 2013, assured this House that hon. Members were free to visit their constituencies whenever they so wished and were free to hold meetings with their constituents without obtaining a police permit.

In my immediate response, I reserved my ruling to a later date to enable me to study the point of order. Hon Members, I have since studied the point of order and now render the ruling.

Hon. Members, let me begin by stating that the Republican Constitution, Cap. 1 of the Laws of Zambia guarantees to every citizen the right to freedom to peaceful assembly, which is the right to gather publicly or, indeed, privately, and collectively express, promote, pursue and defend common interests. This right includes the right to participate in peaceful assemblies, meetings, protests, strikes, demonstrations and any other temporary gatherings for a specific purpose.

Hon. Members should, however, note that the right to freedom of peaceful assembly is not absolute, but may be subject to certain restrictions prescribed by law. This is, of course, necessary in a democratic society in the interest of national security or public safety, public order, the protection of public health or morals or, indeed, the protection of the rights and freedoms of others. Therefore, consequent to this derogation, a person who intends to hold a public meeting in exercise of the freedom to peaceful assembly is required to notify the police of the meeting, at least, seven days prior to the day of the meeting.

 However, with regard to hon. Members holding meetings in their constituencies to address constituents on various governance issues, the Government has clearly made its position on this matter known to the House. The House will recall that on Wednesday, 17th July, 2013, the then hon. Minister of Home Affairs, now His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, issued a ministerial statement on the observance of the Public Order Act, following numerous complaints by hon. Members on the administration of the Act. In that statement, the hon. Minister clarified the Government’s position on whether hon. Members are required to notify the police when they intend to address public meetings in their respective constituencies. For the benefit of reminding the House of what the hon. Minister stated, I wish to quote part of the statement, which is relevant to my ruling. It reads as follows:

“First and foremost, I would like to state that our current Constitution guarantees us the freedom to associate as well as freedom to assemble. Nonetheless, it is advisable and necessary to inform the Zambia Police Force whenever citizens assemble for a public meeting, a public rally and any other public gatherings. The local police need to be informed whenever such assemblies or gatherings are planned for. This is primarily intended as a precautionary measure in the event that the security and the safety of the hon. Members of Parliament is compromised. This measure is in no way intended to be a pre-condition for hon. Members of Parliament to hold their public meetings. Let me hasten to state here that hon. Members of Parliament may hold such meetings or public rallies without informing the Zambia Police Force at their own peril if trouble should arise in distant places where the Zambia Police Force is not present and aware of such public meetings or public rallies. Hon. Members of Parliament are free to proceed to their constituencies any time, any day, to go and perform the functions of their offices.”

Further, hon. Members will recall that pursuant to the ministerial statement, the then hon. Minister of Home Affairs, now His Excellency the President of the republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, issued a circular on 11th  December, 2013, to all hon. Members, which was copied to me, and the Inspector-General of the Zambia Police Force. The circular read as follows:

“This serves to inform and confirm to you that hon. Members of Parliament do not require police authority or permission to visit their constituencies in the course of carrying out their duties, or indeed as mere visitors. I am however, encouraging all hon. Members to positively consider informing the police about their presence in their respective constituencies as this helps the police in providing services to the hon. Members if need be.”

Hon. Members, based on the ministerial statement, and the circular, it is clear that hon. Members of Parliament are free to go to their constituencies any time, if they so wish, to carry out the functions of their office, which includes, having meetings with the constituents. This does not require hon. Members to give the seven days notice to the police, as provided for under the Public Order Act. I must hasten to mention that, in his statement, the erstwhile hon. Minister, however, advised the hon. Members to consider notifying the police of their presence in their respective constituencies and their intention to hold meetings with their constituents. According to the hon. Minister, the notification in this case is necessary, namely as a precautionary measure and not a pre-condition to impair the essence of the right of an hon. Member to hold a meeting in his or her constituency. This is why the hon. Minister stated that the hon. Member who holds a meeting in his or her constituency without notifying the police did so at his or her peril if the hon. Member’s security and or safety was compromised during a meeting. The police are aware of this privilege accorded to the hon. Members, because as I have stated above, the circular was copied to the Inspector-General of the Zambia Police Force. The police are, therefore, expected to safeguard hon. Members enjoyment of this policy and not to impair it.
This House, therefore, is concerned to hear from Hon. S. Katuka, MP, that he was hindered from addressing his constituents because he did not give the police the seven days notice of his intention to address a meeting in his constituency. The Executive branch of the Government is, therefore, being reminded of their undertaking given to this House, through the ministerial statement and the circular, that the hon. Members of  Parliament are free to go to their constituencies and address meetings without police authority and permission, but merely to inform the police of their presence in the constituency. This is in line with their constitutional mandate to represent and to attend to the people who elected them.

My ruling, therefore, is that if the incident, as alleged by Hon. S. Katuka, MP, did occur in his constituency, then, the police were in breach of the privilege accorded to hon. Members to visit their constituencies whenever they so wish and to hold meetings with their constituents without police authority and that they are merely required to inform the police of their presence in the constituency.  I, therefore, appeal to the hon. Minister of Home Affairs to take the necessary measures to protect hon. Members’ enjoyment of the privilege of freely assembling with their constituents and ensure that such an unfortunate incident does not recur.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

______

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

WATER RETICULATION SYSTEM IN SENANGA

571. Mr Mutelo (Lukulu West) (on behalf of Mr Mufalali) (Senanga) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a)    when the Government would improve the water reticulation system in Senanga District; and

(b)    what the cause of the erratic water supply was.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr N. Banda): Mr Speaker, the Government is currently sourcing external funding towards improvement of water supply and sanitation in the urban areas of the Western Province. Once this support is approved, Senanga District …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order, on my right!

Mr N. Banda: … will be one of the beneficiaries.

Sir, the cause of the erratic water supply in Senanga is mainly due to old water infrastructure and equipment which results in water leakages and service interruptions.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, recently we have heard of monies going to the Western Province for water reticulation programmes. Why is the hon. Deputy Minister, then, saying that the ministry is currently sourcing external funding? May I have clarification concerning the monies going towards water reticulation programmes in the Western Province, of which Senanga is part and parcel?

Mr N. Banda: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member is right to ask for clarification. The project which was launched by the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing in the Western Province is for rural water supply. This Question, however, seeks to find out when the Government would take care of the urban water supply and the response is what I have indicated.  The two programmes are different.  

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muntanga (Kalomo Central): Mr Speaker, I am wondering whether Senanga is rural or urban. Since water is life, would the hon. Minister not consider getting some money from the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) to solve the problem of water provision in Senanga.

Mr N. Banda: Mr Speaker, Senanga has both rural and urban areas. The ministry has not treated the situation in Senanga as something that demands disaster intervention. The water utility company in the district has already taken precautions and put measures in place to ensure that water supply to urban areas in Senanga is taken care of. The company has rehabilitated the old infrastructure to ensure that the people of Senanga are supplied with water.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker, before I open my mouth, …

Laughter

Mr Mbewe: … I want to congratulate the Patriotic Front (PF) for scooping all the three parliamentary seats.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbewe: I also want to tell my colleagues in the PF that we are going to give them a good run and we shall continue dividing them.

Laughter

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, water utility companies in all provinces, the Western Province included, are going through difficulties due to lack of funds.  

Mr Speaker, what is the Government doing to make sure that these water utility companies provide a good service to the district in terms of supplying quality water to the people? What measures are being put in place to ensure good water reticulation in districts such as Senanga?

Mr N. Banda: Mr Speaker, that question is appreciated. It is important to inform the hon. Member of Parliament that the eleven utility companies in the country are at different levels of capacity. The ministry is supporting these utility companies through grants. Some of them have already been supported while others are still on the waiting list. The Western Province utility company is one of the companies that has received grants in support of its work in the past. This is an on-going demand and the ministry intervenes as situations arise.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Antonio (Kaoma Central): Mr Speaker, the Zambezi River passes right in the town of Senanga. Is it not just negligence on the part of the Government that the people of Senanga, who live on the banks of this river, should talk about water problems?

Mr N. Banda: Mr Speaker, as the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, we appreciate that the hon. Member identifies this water body as important for water supply.

The Government is putting in place a number of programmes. These programmes include the Government’s intervention in support of the operations of these utility companies. We are, therefore, alert to the fact that we need to utilise water from the Zambezi River to supply enough water to the people. This is a priority of the Government. However, …

Mr Livune: Question!

Laughter

Mr N. Banda: … with the availability of resources. Therefore, utility companies will tap into this need.

I thank you, Sir.

LAND FOR ZAMBIANS IN THE DISPORA

Mr Mutale (Kwacha) asked the Minister of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection:

(a)    whether the Government had any plans to provide land for development to Zambians in the Diaspora; and

(b)    if so, what the procedures to acquire land would be.

The Deputy Minister of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (Mr Mwango): Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to provide land for development to Zambians in the Diaspora. Currently, the Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is developing the Diaspora Policy which will include the land allocation process for Zambians living in the Diaspora.

Sir, the procedures for acquiring land for Zambians in the Diaspora will be outlined in the Diaspora Policy, once it is in place. However, in the meantime, Zambians in the Diaspora are acquiring land through the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection and also through the councils, under the Lands Circular No. 1 of 1985.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Namulambe (Mpongwe): Mr Speaker, waiting for the Diaspora Policy may cause the people with money to acquire land to misuse it. Can the Government consider giving those who are interested in land farming blocks such as Nansanga Farming Block, for instance? Should the people in the Diaspora wait for the Diaspora Policy or can they acquire land now?

Mr Mwango: Mr Speaker, just like any other Zambian, the people in the Diaspora are free to apply for land through the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection or through the councils to acquire land. We will not treat people in the Diaspora with special attention.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mutale: Mr Speaker, how often do people in the Diaspora get information about the availability of land so that they can apply? They do not know about most advertisements.

Mr Mwango: Mr Speaker, we normally do not advertise land. Those that are looking for land apply and when it is available, we normally allocate it to them. Even the people in the Diaspora who are looking for land for the construction of houses or for farming are free to apply and land will be allocated to them when it is available.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member for Kasempa, Chembe and then Kalomo Central.

Mr Pande (Kasempa): Mr Speaker, in the last Government, there was a system in place and a desk of Diaspora at State House. Those in the Diaspora would use this desk to apply for land. I wonder what the content of the policy would be if the hon. Minister is saying that there would be no difference between those in the Diaspora and those who are here. What will the contents of this policy be? If this is something which has already been happening, why continue doing what was done before? There was a desk at State House and I know that a number of people in the Diaspora had landed allocated to them through it.

The Minister of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (Ms Ngimbu): Mr Speaker, …

Hon. Members: Mic!

Ms Ngimbu: … the hon. Member just mentioned that there was a desk at State House in the previous Government and that the people in the Diaspora used to apply for land through that it. Although they were applying through that desk, there was no policy in place, which means that there was no proper procedure.

Sir, as a result of there being no policy in place, I am sure that things were not as easy. Therefore, the Patriotic Front (PF) Government has seen it right that people should apply through the right procedures by starting with putting this policy in place. This way, issues will be interpreted properly through it.

Furthermore, Sir, any Zambian, whether in the Diaspora or not, is free to apply for land. As we speak, we have so many applications from people in the Diaspora and we are considering them.

I thank you, Sir.  

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbulakulima (Chembe): Mr Speaker, I am aware that we are talking about a policy on the Diaspora, but allow me to find out whether a policy has been put in place to help vulnerable Zambians. While we have access to land, we have the vulnerable in places like Misisi, Chibolya, Chayisa and other areas who do not have an area specifically allocated to them. Does the Government have any good intentions, such as the one being put in place to help the people in Diaspora, to help the vulnerable …

Interruptions

Mr Mbulakulima: … Zambians locally?

Ms Ngimbu: Mr Speaker, there is no specific land set aside, especially for the people in the Diaspora. Like I stated earlier on, Zambians are free to apply for land through the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection and the councils, which are our agents. There are no special portions reserved for people in the Diaspora. However, while we are working on the policy, Zambians in the Diaspora are free to apply for land and we will be able to allocate it to them depending on the land available in the country.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: The question from the hon. Member for Chembe was whether there is a provision for persons whom he described as vulnerable or of the low income class, any special dispensation?

Ms Ngimbu: Mr Speaker, no. However, they are treated like any other Zambians and are free to apply. The vulnerable are also Zambians and they are free to apply, but there is no special arrangement for them.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, …

Interruptions

Mr Muntanga: I would not do that because opening the mouth …

Mr Speaker: Order!

Just proceed with your question, hon. Member for Kalomo Central.

Laughter

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister said that there would be a policy for people in the Diaspora to acquire land while the hon. Minister is talking about the Land Policy which is generally for people who want land. Is it really necessary to have a policy on acquiring land for only one section of Zambians while the majority of Zambians have no policy on how to acquire land?

Ms Ngimbu: Mr Speaker, there is a general policy, but the question here is on a special policy for the people in the Diaspora. There are two different issues that are being discussed here.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Namugala (Mafinga): Mr Speaker, it is a fact that the majority of Zambians are finding it difficult to access land. That being the case, why does the ministry feel that there must be specific policy for people in the Diaspora? Why should there be a specific policy for people in the Diaspora to easily access land when so many people here at home are unable to access land easily?
Ms Ngimbu: Mr Speaker, we are not just acting from without. There was a complaint by the people in the Diaspora. Their plea is to be considered because they are away from home. The Government has seen it necessary to put this policy in place so that these people are also accommodated.

Mr Speaker, I want to correct the hon. Member that Zambians have access to land. They are free to apply for land. As we are speaking, we have so many applications which are under consideration and people are having land allocated  to them.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mucheleka (Lubansenshi): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has left me a little uncertain. I must admit that I am confused.  Hon. Minister, what are you talking about?

Laughter

Mr Mucheleka: Sir, can you clarify whether there is a land policy in this country because as far as I know, there is no land policy in this country.

Mr Speaker: Do you want to ask a question and answer it?

Laughter

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister clarify whether or not we have a land policy in this country before she confuses us more.

Ms Ngimbu: Mr Speaker, the land policy is under consideration.

Interruptions

Ms Ngimbu: Mr Speaker, it is there and we are yet to revise it.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, whereas those in the Diaspora have complained, it is also true that, through us, many of the poor people that we represent have been complaining about the challenges they face to acquire land. Can the hon. Minister tell me and the nation what the Government is doing to make it easy for the poor at home to access land.

Ms Ngimbu: Mr Speaker, it should be easy for the Zambian people to access land because as you are aware, in this country, we have customary land and State land. Therefore, I wish to inform the hon. Member that the people should access land through their chiefs.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Antonio: Mr Speaker, I want to take advantage of the answer which has been given by the hon. Deputy Minister. Last Monday, I was in my constituency. While there, I attended a full council meeting and the agenda was land. During the meeting, there was a letter from the Permanent Secretary indicating that land must be advertised, but the hon. Minister is now saying that land is not advertised. Who is telling us the truth? Is land advertised or not? If it is not, I would like to tell my Council Secretary (CS) to throw away that letter which came from the PS.

Ms Ngimbu: Mr Speaker, land is either advertised or not advertised. Therefore, both answers are correct.

I thank you, Sir.

Interruptions

RECOMMENDED SIZE OF LAY-BYS

573. Mr Simfukwe (Mbala) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:
(a)    what the recommended size of lay-bys on highways was;

(b)    whether the lay-bys such as Chipoka and Chumula on the Nakonde/Mbala Road, which was under construction, met the recommended standards;

(c)    if not, whether the contractor would be directed to expand the lay-bys; and

(d)    when expansion works would commence.

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Dr Mwali): Mr Speaker, the recommended length of lay-bys ranges from 40m to 100m. The minimum recommended width is 3.5m. This is in accordance with the Southern Africa Transport and Communication Commission (SATCC), Code of Practice for the Geometric Design of Trunk Roads of September, 1998.

Mr Speaker, the lay-bys at Chipoka and Chumula on the Nakonde/Mbala Road are 85m long and 3.5m width. Therefore, they meet the required standards for lay-bys. The contractor will not be directed to expand, as standards have been followed and met. Hence, no expansion works are necessary.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Simfukwe: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that the SATCC standards require that for roads above 60km per hour, lay-by must have an island?

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, as I mentioned, we are following the SATCC standards and are aware of what the hon. Member is talking about.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, if you are aware that a road must have an island if it is that long and that in this particular there is no island on that road, would you not find it necessary for the contractor to go back and create an island so that the SATCC standards are met in totality?

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, we did not ask for information on that aspect. We will, therefore, go back and ask the resident engineer and the contractor for that information.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

CHIEF MLOLO’ RECOGNITION

574. Mr Mbewe asked the Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs:

(a)    when Chief Mlolo of Chadiza District would be recognised; and

(b)    what had caused the delay in recognising the chief.

The Deputy Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs (Mr Kufuna): Mr Speaker, the Government recognises Chief Mlolo of Chadiza District in the Eastern Province after receipt of selection minutes for a new chief. The delay is because the Government has not received selection minutes which have been cleared by the Chewa Traditional Authority.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, I would like to inform the hon. Minister that the chief in question was removed two days ago.

Interruptions

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, what sensitisation plans is this Government putting in place to make sure that the royal family submits the minutes earlier? I am saying so because this chief was installed in 1988 and he was only removed two days ago.

Mr Kufuna: Mr Speaker, the selection minutes for the chief were first submitted in 1997 then later, the traditional authorities rejected them because they did not follow the right procedure. The set up is that the traditional authorities are supposed to clear the selection minutes before they can be sent to the ministry. In 2003, they followed the right procedure and sent those selection minutes, but the Chewe Traditional Authorities have not yet cleared them. So, we are still waiting for them to send them to the ministry and thereafter, we will forward them to His Excellency the President so that the chief can be gazetted.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, the hon. Member asked a general question. What are you doing to ensure that such minutes, wherever they are, are generated and dispatched to your office?

Mr Kufuna: Mr Speaker, in 2007, we reminded the traditional authorities about the clearance of the minutes and we, again, reminded them in 2011 and last year, in 2014.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Namulambe: Mr Speaker, at the moment, there is no written procedure on how a chief is elected. Is it possible that the Government, through the House of Chiefs, could consider coming up with written procedures which people should follow, taking into account family trees, as well as their succession processes, chiefdom by chiefdom?

The Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs (Dr Katema): Mr Speaker, each royal establishment has its own rules and regulations on how to select a chief. As a Government, when we want to recognise a given chief, we just look at how the selection was done and if it was made within those regulations which are set out by the different royal establishments.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker: The question was: Would you consider generalising the standard?

Dr Katema: Mr Speaker, it is not possible to generalise because each tribe and ethnic grouping has its own rules and regulations. For instance, the Ngonis are patrilineal and the other tribes are matrilineal. If we generalise, then, we will be infringing on the rights of the other ethnic groups.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Pande: Mr Speaker, I would like to disagree with the hon. Minister that the Government cannot put some guidelines. The ministry considers certain requirements and if such requirements are not met, then, they do not recognise that particular chief. Therefore, is it not possible for the ministry to put up requirements since it considers certain issues as they submit the names of the chiefs?

Mr Speaker: Or put it this way, is it possible to develop minimum standards?

Mr Pande: That is right.

Dr Katema: Mr Speaker, each and every royal establishment has its own rules and guidelines and we have them in the archives and at the ministry and those are the ones which have been developed by traditional authorities. For us to standardise or generalise those rules and regulations will, again, be infringing on the rights …

Mr Livune: Question!

Dr Katema: … and traditions of those others whom we are going to consider. So, I am saying that we look at the guidelines which have been generated by different royal establishments.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, I probably risk repeating the question, but I am seeking clarity. Is it not possible for the hon. Minister to undertake a detailed research into the various requirements by each chiefdom? If they do not have these guidelines as the hon. Minister said, what guides them to determine that a selection has not been proper or has been proper?

Dr Katema: Mr Speaker, I said that the guidelines come from different royal establishments and those are the guidelines which we follow.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, Chief Mulolo of Chadiza was first recognised in 1988 and later in 1997. From my understanding, he has been receiving allowances from the ministry. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister why they continued paying this chief if they did not have the minutes as he claims?

Dr Katema: Mr Speaker, the Government has not recognised and gazetted Chief Mulolo. As for the fact that we are paying him, I do not know where the hon. Member of Parliament got that information from or maybe he pays him …

Laughter

Dr Katema: … from his own pocket.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kazabu (Nkana): Mr Speaker, as a matter of minimum standard …

Interruptions

Mr Kazabu: … and at most, how long should a succession wrangle be allowed to persist before it is put to bed? The reason I have asked this question is because in my chiefdom, we have not had a chief for the past ten years …

Mr Livune: Aah!

Mr Kazabu: … and I consider that to be a tragic. So, maybe, the hon. Minister as a matter of minimum standard can guide the House.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Katema: Mr Speaker, I think, we have belaboured the issue of minimum standards because each royal establishment sets its own standards. The royal establishments should assist the Government to look through their own set of rules and come up with one candidate whom they can flaunt to Government to be recognised. However, if the royal establishments fight amongst themselves and take themselves into the courts of law, then the courts of law have to decide and we have to wait until that dispute is disposed of and they come up with only one selected chief whom we should recognise and gazette. Short of that, we will be interfering in the royal establishment.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

NAKONDE/KANYALA ROAD

576. Mr Sichula (Nakonde) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:

(a)    when the upgrading to bituminous standard of the Nakonde/Kanyala Road would commence;

(b)    how many kilometers of the road would be upgraded;

(c)    what the cost of the exercise was; and

(d)    what the timeframe for completing the exercise was.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that it is envisaged that the upgrading of the Nakonde/Kanyala Road will commence in 2017, upon completion of the design and procurement of the works’ contractor.

Sir, a total of 84km will be upgraded under this contract and the cost of the project will be known after the designs have been completed.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Sichula: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that the Malawian Government has worked on 5km of the road in question into Zambia. How has this gesture by the Malawian Government to Zambia been taken?

Dr. Mwali: Mr Speaker, we are not aware.

 I thank you, Sir.   

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, since the hon. Minister is now aware, is he not ashamed that the Malawian Government has made a move, but the Government has kept? What is the Zambian Government going to do in that respect?

The Minister of Transport, Works, supply and Communication (Mr Mukanga): Mr Speaker, I would like to tell the hon. Member for Chadiza that we are not ashamed as Government. The hon. Member may be aware that the reason the feasibility study is being conducted is to know what the exact status of the road is. Therefore, once, the status is verified, we will be able to execute the project. It is for this reason that the hon. Deputy Minister said that the project will commence in 2017 because the feasibility study takes twelve months to be completed.

 I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, since the hon. Minister is not aware that 5 km of our land has been tarred by Malawi, where is the feasibility study being carried out for the people engaged in it not to see that 5 km of that road has already been tarred?

 Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member for Kalomo Central may wish to know that when you are carrying out a feasibility study, it is part of the findings on the ground that are contained in the report. What we are saying, therefore, is that if 5km of the road have been worked, as purported, it will be cheaper for us because instead of tarring 84km, we will only work on the 80km-stretch. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Malawian Government for tarring part of the road in question, if that is the case. Hon. Muntanga should know that we use the feasibility study as a guide to give us direction on what course of action to take.

 I thank you, Sir.

DEBS TRANSPORTATION IN MITETE DISTRICT

577. Mr Mutelo asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a)    when appropriate types of transportation would be provided to the office of the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) in Mitete District; and

(b)    what measures had been taken, in the interim, to facilitate the work of the DEBS Office.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House and the people of Mitete that the ministry is aware that most district education offices, especially the newly-created districts, Mitete inclusive, have transport challenges. However, the ministry is currently working on a programme to purchase motor vehicles, most of which will be distributed to newly-created districts, including Mitete.

Sir, as an interim measure, Mitete District can collaborate with her provincial education office of Lukulu District from which it was delinked in terms of transport.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for that assurance. The hon. Minster has said that it is not only Mitete that has transport challenges, but also other newly-created districts. He has further said that there is hope to purchase motor vehicles to be distributed not only Mitete, but to also other newly-created districts. Although this has been said, my interest is in knowing when a motor vehicle will be bought for Mitete District, taking into account that Lukulu, which as a mother district, is also grappling with transport.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I wish to tell the hon. Member that, at the moment, I cannot state the time when the vehicle will be bought. Of course, there are negotiations going on with relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Finance. When we are ready, we will come back to the House with the factual answer. As for now, there are discussions that are currently going on.

 I thank you, Sir.

Mr Livune: Mr Speaker, the last time the hon. Minister made a pronouncement on the ministry trying to get a loan from which vehicles would be bought. Therefore, I would want to get an assurance on whether Mitete will be catered for among the vehicles that will be bought from the loan.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I would not want to make an assurance. Therefore, I would rather stick to what I have said which is that negotiations on how to procure these vehicles are currently going on. So, I would not want to confirm that there is a loan arrangement. All I can say is that we are having internal discussions to procure vehicles and when those vehicles are procured, Mitete District, as a new district, will be considered.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Antonio: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the Government why the ministry has taken so long to organise transport for the newly-created districts such as Mitete Educational Board.

 Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, as the hon. Member for Kaoma Central may be aware, as regard the time frame, the Government is doing its level best to provide facilities to the newly-created districts. I am sure that transport is one of the challenges most districts are facing. I am just coming from Luapula, Chembe in particular, where fantastic housing facilities are being built. Therefore, it is the question of resources. When the resources are available, the ministry will be able to buy vehicles for the newly-created districts so that the officers there can be mobile.

 I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has indicated that it is not only the newly-created districts that are facing transport problems, but also other districts. He has also said that when money is available, the Government will concentrate on providing transport in the newly-created districts. I would like to know whether the ministry has a programme to ensure that even the old districts that do not have transport are taken care of.

 Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I totally want to agree with what Hon. Muntanga has said. It is for this reason that I said that other than the newly-created districts, even the old districts have transport challenges. The hon. Member may wish to know that we are working on a programme, in terms of our internal discussion, to ensure that we can buy as many vehicles as possible for the districts of the Republic of Zambia.

Mr Speaker, on far we will go with those discussions is a matter that we will be able to inform this august House about at a later stage.

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

NALOLO AND SENANGA DISTRICTS’ AGRICULTURE COORDINATING OFFICERS’S WELFARE

578. Mr Mufalali (Senanga) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock:

(a)    when the recently rehabilitated house for agriculture extension officers and veterinary officers  in Mata Ward in Senanga District would  be occupied; and

(b)    when the District Agriculture Co-ordinating Officers’ office in Senanga and Nalolo districts would be provided with new motor vehicles for their operations.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr Ng’onga): Mr Speaker, there are two houses for agriculture officers located in Mata Ward in Senanga District. The veterinary camp house has since been occupied, while the agriculture camp house will only be occupied after an officer has been deployed to the area. We are happy to indicate that authority to employ was granted by the Treasury and the ministry is now processing the recruitment of agriculture officers.

Sir, the ministry has made a provision of K10 million, in its 2015 budget, for the procurement of twenty motor vehicles. Each province will get two vehicles. These vehicles will be stationed at the provincial offices, but are expected to service the districts. Therefore, Senanga and Nalolo districts will benefit from the two vehicles that will be allocated to the Western Province.

In addition, Sir, the ministry has also made a provision, in the budget, for K4 million, which has to be allocated to the purchase of motor cycles for all the districts that are experiencing serious shortages of field transport. Once these funds are released by the Treasury, the ministry will purchase the motor cycles that will be used in the affected districts.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, are you not considering giving Senanga one of the two vehicles since the district is in need of these vehicles? I say so because I do not see how two vehicles will service all the districts in the Western Province.

Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, we understand and know that there are transport challenges in the two districts that the hon. Member has mentioned. The ministry is doing everything that it can to ensure that officers on the ground are mobile. That way, the officers will be able to service the farmers adequately.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Antonio: Mr Speaker, since the hon. Minister decided to allocate two vehicles to the Western Province when he is aware that the province now has about seventeen districts, is he able to avail us the plan of how those two vehicles will service the entire province with seventeen districts?

Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member is aware that we currently have vehicles that are servicing some of the districts in the Western Province. This is not a one-off measure. There are other measures that the ministry has put in place to ensure that our officers on the ground are mobile and able to do their job effectively.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, the people who are affected by that problem in Senanga are those at the lower level. Would it not have been better for the ministry to consider buying more motorcycles to service the people most affected than buy two vehicles which those at the provincial centre will fight for?

The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr Lubinda): Mr Speaker, incidentally, this question concerns Senanga, and this afternoon, somebody from Senanga sent a message to me saying I should come and say congratulations ki six kwa noto referring to the win by the Patriotic Front (PF).

Mr Livune: Question!

Mr Muntanga: What is kwa noto?

Mr Lubinda: Kwa noto means six to zero.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, you proceed.

Laughter

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I would like to remind Hon. Muntanga that the hon. Deputy Minister stated that K4,302,828 has been allocated for the purchase of motor cycles, which will be distributed to districts countrywide, including Senanga. So, the two vehicles that we are talking about are just an addition to the vehicles that are already in the Western Province. As we await the procurement of the motor cycles, which will be distributed countrywide, Senanga and Nalolo, hopefully, will be serviced by those vehicles that the hon. Minister referred to.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Namulambe: Mr Speaker, looking at the geographical landscape of the Western Province, it is not possible that the two vehicles can service Nalolo and Senanga. This would only be possible if the provincial team was working in Nalolo. If those vehicles are to service Nalolo and Senanga, why can one vehicle not be stationed in Senanga so that it can service the two districts?

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, the province has vehicles. It is not as though these are the only two vehicles that the province will have. Furthermore, we do not have sufficient vehicles to allocate one or two particularly to Senanga at this moment. The two vehicles we are talking about will be positioned at the provincial headquarters and will service all the districts, including Senanga.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

STATE HOUSE AS A TOURIST ATTRACTION

579. Mr Chipungu (Rufunsa) asked the Minister of Tourism and Art:

(a)    whether State House was one of Zambia’s tourist attractions; and

(b)    if so, when it would be opened to the public.

The Deputy Minister of Tourism and Arts (Mr P. Ngoma): Mr Speaker, hon. Members of this august House may wish to know that State House is not one of the tourist attractions, at the moment, because it does not have security features common to State Houses used as tourist attractions in other countries. For example, a tourism facility needs to have certain minimum facilities open to members of the public such as conveniences and eating places, among others. Our State House, at the moment, does not have any of those facilities that I have mentioned for members of the public to use. Therefore, it will be inappropriate to open it up to members of the public.

Sir, as I stated earlier, the Government has no immediate plans to turn State House into a tourist attraction.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chipungu: Mr Speaker, at the State House entrance, there are two features that are interesting. These features, just like when the Presidential motorcade is entering State House, are very interesting. I want to know what one needs to do to witness these two functions.

Mr Speaker: I did not get the last part of the question.

Mr Chipungu: Mr Speaker, what does one do or what can I do if I want to watch these two very important features that I have mentioned?

Mr P. Ngoma: Mr Speaker, once the motorcade enters State House, it is difficult for anybody to watch what happens afterwards.

Laughter

Mr P. Ngoma: If Hon. Chipungu is an hon. Members of Parliament who has never been to State House, then, he needs to make certain appointments for him to find himself inside there. Probably, he will see how the presidential motorcade enters State House. However, the best way of doing it is for him to position himself along the roads the motorcade uses and see it pass by.

Laughter

Mr P. Ngoma: Mr Speaker, that is the only time he will be able to see what goes on with regard to this feature.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Pande: Mr Speaker, I know the ministry is promoting local tourism and I am sure people coming from other areas would be interested to know where State House is located. Would it not be prudent for the ministry to include driving around State House in the package for promoting local tourism?

Mr P. Ngoma: Mr Speaker, until certain features are in place, like I have already stated, it will not be possible for us to do that at present. I do not know when these features will be put in place, but not for now State House is not a tourist attraction.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

ROAD TARRING IN MWINILUNGA DISTRICT

580. Mr Katuka (Mwinilunga) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a)    when the tarring of township roads in Mwinilunga District would commence;

(b)    what the name of the contractor was; and

(c)    what the duration of the project was.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Ching’imbu): Mr Speaker, the contract for upgrading of 16.1km of Mwinilunga urban roads to bituminous standard has been signed and the contractor will soon mobilise. The contractor is China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation in joint venture with a local contractor called Nakangea. The project duration is fourteen months from the time the contractor moves on site.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Katuka: Mr Speaker, how soon will the contractor mobilise?

Mr Ching’imbu; Mr Speaker, in fact, the contractor will mobilise this month.

I thank you, Sir.

TEACHERS’ HOUSES AT PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN MPONGWE CONSTITUENCY

581. Mr Namulambe asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a)    how many primary schools were built in Mpongwe Parliamentary Constituency from 2006 to-date;

(b)    whether teachers’ houses were built at the schools at (a);

(c)    if not, how many schools had no teachers’ houses;

(d)    when construction of teachers’ houses would commence; and

(e)    what the time frame for constructing teachers’ houses in the constituency was.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, eleven primary schools which were on green sites were built in Mpongwe Parliamentary Constituency from 2006 to-date. Teachers’ houses were not built at all these schools. In other words, all these new schools have no teachers’ houses. The Government is discussing with some investors to pursue a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement to construct houses for teachers. The timeframe for construction of these houses will largely depend on the signing of the agreement with the investors. This will be done between now and 2016, when the negotiations are expected to be completed.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Namulambe: Mr Speaker, I have heard that the Government is going to sign a pursue a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement with some investors to build teachers’ houses. Will these schools generate income for the private investors?

The Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Dr Kaingu): Mr Speaker, teachers receive housing allowances. The investor or investors who will be participating in this project will obviously expect to get a return on their investment. Let me use this opportunity to call upon the general secretaries of trade unions to come on board and join the Government on this project because this is a business opportunity. Once the houses are built, the teachers will be paying rent using the allowances they receive.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Pande: Mr Speaker, will this idea of building teachers’ houses through PPPs be replicated at other schools in the country?

Dr Kaingu: Yes, Sir. We cannot just do it in Mpongwe. We want to motivate our teachers countrywide so that they find pleasure in working with the Government of the day now, in 2016 and beyond.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Livune: Question!

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, is it possible for the hon. Minister to take this question seriously and provide honest answers in view of the fact …

Mr Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Lubansenshi, please, withdraw the word ‘seriously’. All questions, as a matter of course, are taken seriously. Not long ago, I mentioned that if you ask plain questions, you will not create difficulties. It is the sarcasm that holds us up. There is no need for unfair sarcasm, if there is any fair sarcasm anyway.

Laughter

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, I obligingly withdraw the word ‘seriously’. However, to what extent has the hon. Minister done a very serious …

Interruptions

Laughter

Mr Mucheleka: Sorry, Mr Speaker. I withdraw the word ‘serious’. Returns on investments in rural areas take too long to yield the desired results. Has the hon. Minister conducted a feasibility study to understand whether building teachers’ houses in the rural areas, through PPPs would be viable, especially for the private sector?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank Hon. Mucheleka for that question.

Mr Speaker, last week Hon. Mucheleka asked almost a similar question about teachers houses in his constituency. The only most sensible solution to the construction of teachers’ houses is this approach. We have already been approached by three investors and modalities are being crafted. These will be passed on to the hon. Minister of Justice before implementation.

Thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, the question was that was there any study undertaken to establish whether this project is economically viable, especially for the private sector, which is the investors.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, thank you for that observation. Yes, Sir, a feasibility study has been carried out and what makes the project attractive is the fact that the teachers themselves will be paying rent using their housing allowance, since they are already enjoying the allowance.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyanda (Mapatizya): Mr Speaker, generally, in our country, the pricing of accommodation is on the high side. Therefore, I want to find out from the hon. Minister how much money we are talking about when he says that teachers are being paid allowances and, therefore, they will be able to pay for their accommodation. How much money are teachers paid as in allowances, especially in Mpongwe?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, although it is very difficult to discuss people’s salaries, allowances are given according to salary scales. What I know is that the lowest paid gets about K700 per month. I have not done the calculation to know how much the highest paid teacher gets, but the minimum is K700.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, this issue of housing, especially for our teachers, is a countrywide problem. I am aware that, through the Housing Empowerment Policy, quite a number of our teachers benefitted by buying houses as sitting tenants. The question I want to ask the hon. Minister is how the Government or, indeed, the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education intends to assist those of our teachers who did not benefit from the sale of Government houses.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, that is a tricky question and addressing it to the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education poses a challenge because that scheme, I think, was being administered by the Ministry of Local Government and Housing. So, I am unable to answer that question that has been posed by the hon. Member of Parliament for Nkana.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Thank you for that answer.

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo West): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned that the minimum housing allowances due to the teachers is K700 and probably, the maximum might be in the range of K1,000 or so. Given these amounts, …

Mr Speaker: The upper one, off course, you are conjecturing.

Mr Lufuma: Yes, Mr Speaker. I am just approximating.

Given these figures, K700 in your opinion, hon. Minister, will this suffice as monthly rentals to these private investors?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament should know that the houses that will be constructed may not be like the one that he is living in. We are discussing with the investors. What we want is a reasonable house that a teacher will enjoy living in as he delivers his services.

I thank you, Sir.

TRAFFIC DECONGESTION BETWEEN CENTRAL STREET AND NDOLA/KITWE DUAL CARRIAGE WAY

582. Mr Mutale asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a)    what plans the Government had to decongest traffic between Central Street in Kitwe and the Ndola/Kitwe Dual Carriage Way;

(b)    when the plans would be implemented; and

(c)    what the cost of the exercise was.

Mr Ching’imbu: Mr Speaker, in response to the question raised by the hon. Member of Parliament for Kwacha Constituency, I wish to inform the House that the Government has planned to decongest traffic between Central Street and Ndola/Kitwe Dual Carriage Way by upgrading the stretch from the Central Street to the dual carriage way.

Mr Speaker, the process for implementation has already started, as the Road Development Agency (RDA) is currently working on designs for the road.

Sir, the estimated cost of the works will only be known once the designs are finalised.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mutale: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for that elaborate answer. During the planning of the decongestion of that road, would the ministry consider putting up a roundabout, as the case is at Arcades in Lusaka, so that there is free flow of traffic?

Mr N. Banda: Mr Speaker, the design is being done by the Road Development Agency (RDA) and I am sure that professionals will take into account that request.

However, Sir, it would be important for the hon. Member of Parliament to indicate his desire, through the local authority, at the point when the consultant is on the ground to ensure that it is taken into consideration.

I thank you, Sir.

BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION ON THE LUKUSUZI AND LUMEZI RIVERS

583. Mr I. Banda (Lumezi) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication when bridges would be constructed at the following points:

(a)    Lukusuzi River on the Chikomeni/Mwanya Road to connect Kakulo Community School to Chief Mwanya’s area in Lundazi District; and

(b)    Lumezi River on the road from Chief Kazembe in Lumezi Parliamentary Constituency to Mapamba School in Chama South Parliamentary Constituency.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the construction of a bridge across the Lukusuzi River will be considered in the 2016 Road Sector Annual Work Plan.

Similarly, Sir, the construction of a bridge across the Lumezi River will be considered in the 2016 Road Sector Annual Work Plan.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

CONSTRUCTION OR REHABILITATION OF ROADS LEADING TO RURL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

584. Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication when roads leading to public schools in rural areas countrywide would be constructed or rehabilitated.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, using an integrated approach, the Government has commenced in the implementation of road projects where schools and other infrastructure development will immediately be supported by access roads. Also, the implementation of the Link Zambia 8,000km Road Project will help to improve access to some public schools in rural areas.

Mr Speaker, it is also envisaged that works on access roads to some public schools in rural areas will be done under the Output Performance Based Contracts on primary feeder roads, which is expected to commence in 2016.

The consultancy for the design and packaging of the rolling out for this programme is one of the projects contained in the 2015 Road Sector Annual Work Plan.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

TAZARA RECAPITALISATION

585. Mr Mucheleka asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:

(a)    how much money was spent on recapitalising the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) in 2014 and 2015;

(b)    what activities the money was spent on; and

(c)    what the total liabilities of TAZARA were, as of April, 2015.

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Mr Siamunene): Mr Speaker, the recapitalisation effort has been two-fold. There has been direct funding by the two shareholding Governments of the United Republic of Tanzania, the Republic of Zambia and through the 14th and 15th Protocols of Economic and Technical Co-operation with the People’s Republic of China.

As regards the funding by the Government of Zambia, TAZARA received K18,353,109 and K19,500,000 in 2014 and 2015 respectively. This brings the total to K37,853,109.

 

Mr Speaker, as regards recapitalisation through Protocols, TAZARA received seventeen various operational and maintenance equipment; US$400,000 was received to procure cement for reinforced concrete sleepers; Set of permanent way spares were received and are being distributed for use; and materials and spares for concrete sleeper plant are undergoing clearance at the port.

Sir, under the same protocols TAZARA received four new main line locomotives, eighteen passenger coaches and associated spares were expected by September, 2015.

Mr Speaker, by the time the funds were received, the company had accumulated salary arrears and, therefore, all the funds were utilised on paying salary arrears for TAZARA workers in the Zambian region for ten months from March, 2014 to December, 2014. So, no funds were spent on recapitalising TAZARA.

Sir, the total liability of TAZARA as at April, 2015 is US$67,531,574.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1615 hours until 1630 hours.

[THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON in the Chair]

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister how soon the Government will be able to settle the US$67.8 million liability. I would like the hon. Minister to also indicate the timeframe within which TAZARA should be expected to fully resume operations and help to off load cargo on the roads.

Mr Siamunene: Mr Speaker, there are serious discussions underway between the Zambian and Tanzanian Governments to fully recapitalise TAZARA. We are expecting a Tanzanian delegation this Friday. Thereafter, we will inform the nation on when we will have all other issues that surround TAZARA sorted out. We will have this information in due course.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Konga (Chavuma): Mr Speaker, today in the news it has been reported that the operations of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) in Zambia have been suspended. When will the hon. Minister inform the House and the nation at large when the operations of TAZARA will resume within Zambia?

Mr Siamunene: Mr Speaker, it has just been indicated that the operations are likely to be suspended, but the operations have not been suspended yet. The operations are still going on and I think that that is the information that we have. The operations have not been suspended yet.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, what is the current rolling stock and stock for locomotive engines for the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA)?

Mr Siamunene: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member has completely diverted from the question that was put on the Floor of the House. That is a new question.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Mr Speaker, the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) was an economic solution in the United National Independence Party (UNIP) days. Are we achieving the ideal purpose for that railway line? What is the major problem concerning that railway line? Is it the Government’s inertia in running the operations? If that is the case, why not involve private hands so that TAZARA can yield the benefits it was intended to give.

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I appreciate the question that has been given by the hon. Member of Parliament for Ikeleng’i.

Mr Speaker, when the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) was constructed, the prevailing environment was slightly different, politically and economically. However, currently, in order for us to open further private investment for TAZARA, we are looking at the two Acts, that is the Act in Zambia and the Act in Tanzania. That is being taken care of. That is why a team is coming from Tanzania. This Friday, we are sitting so that we can see how we can synchronise the two Acts.

I thank you, Sir.

__________

MOTIONS

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES

Ms Kalima (Kasenengwa): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do adopt the Report of the Committee on Government Assurances for the Fourth Session of the Eleventh National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on 26th June, 2015.

Mr Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

Mr Sichula (Nakonde): Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

Ms Kalima: Mr Speaker, in line with its terms of reference, your Committee considered about twenty new assurances and over thirty outstanding assurances during this session. Your Committee also undertook local trips to Kabwe, Lusaka and part of the Southern and Western provinces to assess the extent of the implementation of some assurances which were made on the Floor of the House.

Mr Speaker, your Committee’s observations and recommendations on the various assurances which were probed are documented in your Committee’s report, copies of which were distributed to all the hon. Members in advance. I will, therefore, just highlight a few of the assurances contained in your Committee’s report, with the hope that the hon. Members have had ample time to familiarise themselves with the contents of your report.

Mr Speaker, on Friday, 7th December, 2012, His Honour the Vice-President, assured this House with regard to the re-opening of Mulungushi Textiles as follows:

“The project to get Mulungushi Textiles working again is underway. We are expecting it to be open, again, as a textile factory, and not as a dairy or piggery, within the next year.”

Mr Speaker, according to this assurance, it was expected that Mulungushi Textiles in Kabwe would be re-opened in the course of 2013. It has been over two years since the assurance was made and the status quo has remained. The people of Kabwe have been eagerly waiting for the resuscitation of Mulungushi Textiles, which was one of the main employers in Kabwe. Your Committee is wondering why the re-opening of the strategic company has dragged on for so long.

Mr Speaker, I urge the Government to state, through this House, to the people of Kabwe, what the hold up in the re-opening of Mulungushi Textiles is and what steps are being taken to ensure that the company is re-opened without further delay.

Mr Speaker, let me draw the attention of the House to the assurance under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. On Tuesday, 17th June, 2014, the hon. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock made the following assurance:

“Sir, the Government has made significant investments in the development of farming blocks, irrigation schemes, agro-processing, and livestock and animal health services.”

Mr Speaker, in line with this assurance, your Committee undertook a local tour to carry out on- the-spot checks of developments in the livestock sector in some districts of the Southern Province, namely Mazabuka, Gwembe, Monze, Namwala, and Choma. Your Committee interacted with the officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, farmers and the private sector corporations, which are investing in the livestock sector. Your Committee found out that, indeed, the Government had embarked on the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrading of some livestock services centres across the province. In this regard, your Committee urges the Government to put up more of such facilities, which are vital in disease management and control.

Mr Speaker, interaction with the farmers on the ground revealed a lot of challenges in this sector. These challenges are explained in detail in your Committee’s report. It will suffice to say that the Government should consider addressing the following concerns:

(a)    introducing a ban on the export of maize bran, which is an important source of cattle feed, especially in the dry season;

(b)    improve the state of feeder roads to ease movements to livestock service centres and milk collection areas;

(c)     step-up security measures to curb stock thefts and consider stiffening the penalty for the vice;

(d)    harvesting more water in reservoirs or dams, especially in the high land areas, which are drought prone;

 
(e)     increase funding to institutions such as the National Artificial Insemination Service Centre and the Zambia Institute of Animal Health, which are vital in the provision of extension services to farmers;

(f)     declassifying East Coast Fever as a management disease to an economic disease so that its control can receive robust response; and

(g)      as a matter of urgency, improve the state of veterinary camps and provide adequate logistical support to agriculture and veterinary officers so that they can reach the farmers in far-flung areas.

Mr Speaker, in as far as reducing poverty is concerned, the livestock sector is key, especially in rural communities. The findings of your Committee during its local tour are remarkable.

Sir, dairy farmers in the areas visited are doing reasonably well and have the potential to thrive if the Government can address some of the challenges I have just highlighted. A number of co-operatives have been formed and are collecting milk from dairy farmers on a daily basis. This, in turn, is sold to a number of milk processing companies for the benefit of the farmers.

Mr Speaker, may I reiterate the need by the Government to assist the farmers in the livestock sector in view of the potential that the sector has to create wealth for both the farmers and the nation.

Sir, before I conclude, allow me to highlight one more assurance. On Friday, 16th March, 2012, the hon. Minister of Tourism and Arts assured the House as follows:

“Mr Speaker, I will try to inform the nation that we are looking at ways of increasing accessibility to all tourist sites.”

Mr Speaker, in line with this assurance, your Committee decided to visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Livingstone. Your Committee is glad to report that despite being the smallest national park in Zambia, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is one of the most profitable parks and is easily accessible throughout the year. Through its interaction with officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Arts and the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA), your Committee learnt that almost all the national parks in Zambia had very poor access and game viewing roads.

Mr Speaker, during the rainy season, parks which are economically viable, like the Lower Zambezi, Kafue, Liuwa and Sioma Ngwezi are flooded and there is virtually no activity in these parks. Your Committee, therefore, strongly urges the Government to make all-weather roads in these important national parks so that they can be accessible throughout the year and, in turn, generate income for the Government.

Mr Speaker, another important issue which arose during your Committee’s interactions was the proposed conversion of ZAWA into a department under the Ministry of Tourism and Arts and the impact it will have in the wildlife sector. Your Committee probed this matter in detail and made very important findings.

Sir, your Committee notes that the current operational challenges that ZAWA is going through are primarily because of underfunding. The challenges of ZAWA require adequate financing in order to be addressed. Whether ZAWA is transformed into a department or remains as it is, it will continue to experience the current challenges if it is not capitalised by the Government. What your Committee is proposing is to leave it as it is, but fund it adequately and address some of the problems associated with accessibility to the national parks, as earlier mentioned.

Mr Speaker, your Committee’s interaction with ZAWA officials revealed that in terms of management and administration of the wildlife sector, the authority was better placed to carry out this function due to the expertise that officers have acquired over the years. If these officers are taken to a department under the ministry, they will either be de-motivated or the nation risks losing them together with the unique expertise that they have acquired.

Mr Speaker, the House may be aware that the wildlife sector is a very sensitive sector which if not properly managed, may breed corruption. This in the long run may lead to revenue losses for the country.

Sir, on the African Continent and in countries where wildlife has thrived such as Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Zimbabwe, the management of this sector is in the hands of quasi-Government institutions, akin to ZAWA, which are well-funded and supported by their governments. In view of the aforementioned, your Committee urges the Government to rescind its decision to collapse ZAWA into a department, as doing so may have far-reaching consequences which will adversely affect the industry and make it unprofitable.
 
Mr Speaker, the wildlife sector has huge potential to contribute to Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The solution in making this sector viable, however, does not lie in converting ZAWA into a department, but in improving the conditions of services for the lower ranked officers, recapitalising it and allowing it to enter into partnership with private sector players who are willing to invest in the sector.

Mr Speaker, let me reiterate that ZAWA has the necessary expertise and commitment in its rank and file and should be given financial support by the Government to necessitate it to viably run the sector.

In conclusion, Sir, I wish, on behalf of your Committee, to thank you for according us the opportunity to serve on this Committee. I wish to also thank the Clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia and her officers for the professional support rendered throughout this session.

Mr Speaker, I beg to move.

The Deputy Chairperson: Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?

Mr Sichula: Now, Sir.

Mr Speaker, I rise to second the Motion which has been moved by the Acting Chairperson of your Committee that this House do adopt the Report of the Committee on Government Assurances for the Fourth Session of the Eleventh National Assembly.

In seconding this Motion,  Sir, I will restrict myself to two general observations which I would like to bring to the attention of the Executive. The first issue relates to the attitude exhibited towards work by local or Zambian contractors at some of the Government projects visited by your Committee during local tours. I do not intend to paint local contractors black, however, in comparison to their foreign counterparts, your Committees can attest to the fact that of all construction projects in the health and livestock sector visited by your Committee, generally speaking, those under the management of local contractors were either of poor quality or the contractor had abandoned the site.

Mr Speaker, I have in mind the regional veterinary laboratory under construction in Choma and the emergency or trauma centre under construction at Kabwe General Hospital. The regional veterinary laboratory in Choma is a sorry site. Construction of this project started in 2012, but the state of the building looks like it was constructed during the colonial Government.

Laughter

Mr Sichula: This is partly due to poor workmanship on the part of the contractor and a lack of proper supervision on the part of the Provincial Building Department.

Mr Speaker, the lack or poor supervision by the provincial buildings engineers brings me to my second point. It is sad to note that despite the numerous Government development projects taking place in many sectors of our economy, some Government engineers at provincial and district level have not risen to the occasion by providing effective supervision of Government construction projects. It is the expectation of everyone that the Government will derive value for money from the many development projects. However, the Government’s engineers are letting us down.

Sir, the two construction projects I have already mentioned are good examples of where the provincial buildings engineers have failed or neglected the supervision of construction works. At Kabwe General Hospital, for instance, the construction of the trauma centres has had to undergo numerous variations partly because the contractor was not properly supervised. The situation at the Regional Veterinary Lap in Choma is even worse. The provincial building engineer has completely failed to supervise the construction of the project despite the Government releasing colossal sums of money for its construction.

Mr Speaker, as I draw to a conclusion, I would like to appeal to the Government, particularly the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication, to reprimand those Government engineers who are failing to perform their duties, especially failure to supervise Government Projects. The Southern Province is one such case where the ministry needs to move in and shake-up the Provincial Building Department, otherwise the quality of Government projects will continue to be of poor quality, resulting in huge financial losses to the Government.

Sir, with these few words, I support the Motion.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, please, excuse my voice. I am a bit under the weather.

Sir, I would like to start by saying that I support this report and would like to thank the mover and the seconder of this Motion.

Mr Speaker, this report is generated by your General Purposes Committee and under Standing Order 155 (2), it gives the boundaries of responsibility for this Committee. I have read through the report and although the seconder of the Motion did not want to categorically paint the contractor black, he did so in a very skilful manner. My question is: Who supervises the contractor and makes these Government assurances? I think everything stems from this Chamber. This report, once read thoroughly should teach our colleagues on the right that they must always measure what they say on the Floor of this House for certain statements are bloated and unachievable.

Sir, on page 4 of your report, there is an issue related to a Government assurance about a named health post in Chasefu Constituency. Your Committee’s observation does not give me a lot of hope for it says that the completion of this health post in Chasefu was to be crowded among the 650 health posts that were the brainchild of the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) in 2010 and 2011.

Mr Speaker, we have been waiting. We expected that this health post in Chasefu Constituency would have been given the attention that it deserved in a singular manner because the Government assurance was given in a singular manner. The controlling officer’s response to the Committee was that results for the health post in Lundazi District of Chasefu, which is coincidentally the constituency which you represent, Sir,  would start showing only when the rainy came to an end in March or April. Under your Committee’s observation, the following is said:

“In noting the submission, your Committee resolves to wait for a progress report on the commencement of the construction of the health posts.”

Sir, this has been rhetoric since the Patriotic Front (PF) came into Government. The MMD had laid a foundation for itself because it is the one that procured these 650 health pots. However, I am consoled to see that the MMD, which was the brain child of this particular programme, has started engulfing the PF and taking over.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Nkombo: I am sure that we will soon start seeing the actualisation of these particular projects.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo: It is as simple as that. The MMD started this project and over the years, the building of these health posts has just been a song by the PF. However, I am happy that the former ministry of health in the MMD is sitting on the Government side. Please, consult him on how to implement the construction of these health posts so that you do not crowd everything under the guise of the 650 health posts. It is important that this health post in Chasefu, which is referred to in the Government assurance, is given the attention that it deserves.

Sir, on page 7 of your report, there was another Government assurance related to the palace of Chief Simwatechela in Kalomo. You can see from the findings of the Committee that there is absolutely no plan by the PF to construct this chief’s palace. You can see from the answers that are given in this particular report that the hon. Minister was probably not paying attention to what the Government’s priorities were when he was giving this assurance.

Hon. Opposition Member: Jameson.

Laughter

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, the assurance read as follows:

“The construction of palaces for chiefs in Zambia will commence this year.”

Sir, in case people require to be reminded, this is 2015. The assurance goes on to say:

“The Ministry is currently working out modalities for a standard design and criteria of the distribution. Sir, there is a provision in the 2013 Budget for construction and rehabilitation of palaces amounting to K11,215,500.”

Mr Speaker, this is 2013 and we know that the PF is in the habit of overrunning the Budget like it has done this year. The PF overran the Budget in 2013 and Chief Simwatechela does not have his palace, up to this moment, even if his palace was supposed to be among those constructed in the pilot project.

Sir, this should remind the Government to weigh what it says when responding to questions on the Floor of the House so that this document will not be as bulky as it is. This document has sixty-seven pages and your Committee only took a sample of twenty old assurances and thirty new assurances, according to what the mover of this report said. The two examples I have given are a clear indication of how the Government does more talking and less acting. How I wish that the man of action was still with us because he would have been whipping the people on your right to do what they say.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker, on page 15 of the report, it states:

“On Tuesday, 17th June, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock made the following assurance:

‘Sir, the Government has made significant investments in the development of farming blocks, irrigation schemes, agro-processing, livestock and animal health services  …’”

Mr Speaker, if you go back to see whether this statement given on this particular day has been actualized, you will find that actually, this is an empty statement. This particular report gives us what the Government intended to do in the Nansanga Farming Block. The same report tells us how the people who were domiciled in that particular farming block are still waiting for the Government to actually put together the out-grower scheme and money so that this particular farming block can be functional.

Sir, to bring the argument closer to home, there is a very gloomy picture painted on page 35 of your report about the assurance that was made in Mazabuka, a constituency that I represent. This is related to the Zambia Institute of Animal Health (ZIAH), an institution that was created in 1943. This is an institution that is supposed to help Zambia to escalate its beef and milk production to levels of small countries, in terms of population, such as Botswana. You know that the beef industry in Botswana does contribute quite handsomely to that country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The Czech Republic Government gave this Government money in order to revitalise the ZIAH. It put in a colossal amount of money.

Mr Speaker, I want to demonstrate to you how hollow the statement that was made by the hon. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock regarding how the PF views agriculture and how much they have put in to revitalise is.

Sir, on page 37, the report states:

“Your Committee was informed that the institution suffered from erratic funding from the Government. For example, in the 2014 financial year, only 13 per cent of the approved funding was released thereby, forcing the college to heavily rely on students’ user fees.”

Mr Speaker, this is the demonstration of not being serious. Even in your own home, if you budget for food in a month and you only meet 13 per cent of that, you must rest assured that your children will probably be residing at your neighbour’s house. 13 per cent achievement of a plan, a wish list or a budget is extremely poor. The Czech Republic Government gave us money and equipment to restore the Liquid Nitrogen Plant, at this particular institution, was bought. This equipment is supposed to help us develop human capital of people of experts in animal husbandry.

Sir, it was learnt by your Committee, on page 36 of your report, that this Liquid Nitrogen Plant was malfunctioning. The ZIAH now has to buy nitrogen liquid from Affrox and Balmoral Farm at a cost that is a bit exorbitant and inhibitive. How can we train people in the artificial insemination which the presenter of this report gave if we do not have the facilities to store semen? This particular liquid nitrogen is essential in holding bulls’ semen. At the right time, when the heifers are primed, they have to inseminate this semen to make them pregnant. When said in simpler terms, there is no facility at that particular institution that is available to hold semen. You cannot draw a programme to artificially inseminate and multiply the population of cattle if you do not have the basic requirement of an institution such as that one. The Committee has been a little bit lenient on the Government because instead of funding activities which are deemed unhelpful, the Government can revitalise this Nitrogen Liquid Plant which was broken in order to prove that it attaches importance to the livestock industry.

Sir, on Tuesday, 25th February, 2014, with regards to health, on page 26 of your report, the hon. Deputy Minister of Health, who is sitting here calculating something on his phone, said this:

“Mr Speaker, under the hospitals’ modernisation programme that my ministry is undertaking, …

Dr Chilufya: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

The Deputy Chairperson: A point of order is raised.

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, this is the first time I am rising on a point of order. Is the hon. Member of Parliament in order to hallucinate, as he is making his presentation, by seeing phones that are not existent?

 Mr Speaker, I seek your serious ruling.

The Deputy Chairperson: The serious ruling is that to the extent that he thought you were playing with your phone when in fact not, he was out of order.

 The hon. Member may continue.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister who rose on a point of order a minute ago said the following:

“Mr Speaker, under the Hospitals’ Modernisation Programme that my ministry is undertaking, the Government has plans to have dialysis machines in all ten provinces.”

Sir, I am very sure now, going by the answers that I will give, that the hon. Minister was definitely hallucinating that afternoon.

Laughter

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, the observations of the Committee …

The Deputy Chairperson: Order! May you, perhaps, take your seat. I think as we debate, let us ensure that we are civil to one another. I think that is what will enrich the debates. Let us by all means avoid being sarcastic and throwing jabs at each other. I do not think we are enriching the debate by doing that.

 Continue, hon. Member bearing that reminder in mind.

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister is my brother-in-law. Therefore, I want to take this comment back wholeheartedly and that it was put in a jest.

Laughter

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, I do not know what could have really happened or what state of mind he could have been in because these words were actually said. He said that dialysis machines were going to be installed in ten provinces. You know that renal failure in this country has become one of the most life taking ailments. As though it is not enough, we mourned one of our fellow hon. Members of Parliament who suffered from renal failure. This is not even a secret. May his soul rest in peace. The last time I recall him debating, he made a declaration on the vitality and importance of these dialysis machines. Today, we only have dialysis machines at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and at Kitwe Central Hospital, and yet these words were uttered by the hon. Minister. This is what this report is saying. This is called a Government Assurance and I want to congratulate the Committee for picking up such an important component in the words of the Executive. Let it match its words with  deeds.

Sir, if I take you back to just a few days ago, the amount of money that we all collectively spent in these by-elections that happened yesterday should have been sufficient, in my view, to buy dialysis machines.

Mr Kalaba interjected.

Mr Nkombo: Keep quiet. It would have been enough …

Mr Kalaba: You lost.

Mr Nkombo: Yes, we lost and that is fair. However, I think, I need protection from the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs because he is busy engaging …

The Deputy Chairperson: It is important that you address the Speaker. If you address the Chair, I think you will pay less attention to the heckling.

You may continue.

Mr Nkombo: Sir, if money was to be put where our mouths are, we would achieve a lot. This is simply what my point is. Whether one likes it or not, the amount of money that we spent in these by-elections would have been sufficient to procure one or two or even three dialysing machines in order to save lives. You read how costly the consumables for a session of dialysis are. It is close to K400 per session of two or three hours. Therefore, why can the Government not attach importance to such things other than sponsoring by-elections every other month so that the country is not engulfed into all these unnecessary vices such as gun trotting cadres shooting people from left to center?

Mr Mwila interjected.

Mr Nkombo: Mwaiche.

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Please, let us allow the hon. Member to debate …

Interruptions

The Deputy Chairperson: … and, please, Order, on my right! Let us desist from debating while seated. I think it is absolutely important that we observe the rules of the game.

You may continue, hon. Member.
 
Mr Nkombo: Sir, it is tragic that we have lost our culture and elders are not respected. I am much older than some of the hon. Members who are debating while seated and hence the word mwaice, which means young one. I think we should culture ourselves that the young ones should respect elders and also continue to oversee one another so that we can make pronouncements that hinge on people’s lives because social issues are just politics, but disguised.

Mr Speaker, as I am talking, somebody has a challenge with his/her renal system. That is precisely what my point was. Someone has a challenge and he/she cannot go to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and get immediate attention because this report informs us that when your Committee visited the UTH, it found a queue of people who were seeking attention to save their lives. For me, this is precisely what my point was and if I laced it with sarcasm, I think, take me as I come because we are all colleagues and friends and, sometimes, it would be fair to allow light moments, especially when it comes to younger brothers who have ascended to ministerial portfolios. However, I want to remind them that age is still a factor even as we perform our national duties.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Mr Speaker, I appreciate the mover and seconder of this Motion. Government assurances create hope for the Zambians. When we assemble here, in councils and elsewhere, we always want to hear what the Government is promising and will do for the improvement of the people that it governs.

Sir, I have been in this Parliament for the past nine years. When hon. Ministers stand to respond to different questions, they make promises and should mean what they say. The seconder talked about contractors. What has gone wrong with this country? Is it corruption? I would say, yes. The money meant for the works is not all being utilised on the jobs which are contracted, but it finds itself into people’s pockets and that causes problems. The construction of roads requires engineers and consultants and they are supposed to be held responsible for those works. In other countries, they can be arrested if they do not supervise according to the terms of reference.

Mr Speaker, let me talk about the President’s and Budget speeches. In this country, these speeches are just laid here in Parliament and we do not subject them to a review. We do not review our own Budgets to see if the money that was appropriated achieved what it was intended for because they are Government assurances.
 
Sir, four years ago, the Government promised to construct a road from Kaoma to Kabompo and, today, it still remains a song. That is what the Committee observed, and yet the Government is supposed to fulfill its promises. After the presentation of the Budget, we are supposed to review how much was appropriated, what has been achieved or not because of inefficiency, misappropriation or corruption. That way, we could all understand and people could have hope. In developed countries, leaders are elected based on the promises and speeches they make to the people. However, in this country, we are very far from the truth.

Mr Speaker, there was a Government pronouncement about the rehabilitation and construction of about 500 dip tanks. Money was released, but to date, we do not know how many have been constructed. What is happening? These are Government assurances and we want responses from the Government. When you talk about the construction of the Jimbe Road, we do not want to hear a song, but want the actual job to be done. These are assurances because the money that is appropriated has to benefit the people. Whatever answers you give and speeches that you read that are written by those technocrats should be counter checked because they are assumed to be assurances and people have to rely on such assurances. So, my colleagues on the other side, do not say anything just for the sake of appeasement. When you say something, you should do it otherwise that results into failure.

Sir, the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) Government contracted a loan of US$33 million in order to connect electricity to rural areas that included Ikeleng’i and other parts. To date, we do not know how that money was spent. I asked that question here and was assured by the Government that a follow-up would be made. We are about to have another election next year and we do not even know how the money was spent and how it will be repaid.

Mr Speaker, Government assurances are critical because they ensure that we are responsible to the people of Zambia. Most of us here, apart from the young ones, went to primary schools which were built not even by engineers, but the local contractors in the villages. Those schools are still standing to date. I am fifty-eight years old and when I go to Ntambo in the North-Western Province, I still see the school at which I did my Sub A. However, today, our contractors have degrees and master degrees, but they produce poor quality structures. Who is to be blame for that?

Mr Speaker, it could be that we are not supervising them the way we are supposed to. Let us separate ourselves from these contractors because what is causing this is greed. The reason we are seeing shoddy works and money going somewhere else than where it is intended is because you are using a basket to draw water. Year in and year out, we are wasting money and, therefore, not achieving anything at all.

Mr Speaker, the report has talked about livestock. In this regard, I always refer to Botswana, which is just next door. How is Botswana managing its livestock sector when we are unable to do it in Zambia? Most of the lecturers and nurses who are in Botswana all came from the University of Zambia. If you look at the meat production and export in Botswana, it is far much better than this country is doing. There must be something wrong.

Sir, the issue of engaging cadres to do contractual works should stop. Let us appease our cadres in a different way because if we continue to engage them to do things which they do not even understand and, thereafter give them a lot of money is what is causing all this. As a result of this, the Government is failing to meet its targets. People will laugh at you because they will compare this administration to the previous Governments. This Government may wish to know that people are already comparing how the MMD stood with whatever is happening today.

Mr Speaker, what I am trying to say is that in as far as Government assurances are concerned, I would want this Government to be serious with research and also to be answerable to the people who placed the responsibility of it occupying office. You are not just supposed to talk about academics each time you stand on the Floor of this House, fool people around and say whatever you want. We have to be honest in whatever we do so that tomorrow, people will remember us.

People are always talking about the late President, Mr Patrick Levy Mwanawasa, SC., because he left a legacy in the sense that whatever he said is what he did.

Mr Speaker, this report…

Interruptions

Mr Muchima: Sir, whatever I say in this House is what I do hence, the main reason I will bounce back in 2016. I can assure you that I am coming back to this House and that is my assurance because I do …

Mr Chisala interjected.

Mr Muchima: Sir, I have been to Chilubi Island. Hon. Chisala, it will be by luck if you will come back.

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Is the hon. Member on the Floor through with his debate?

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, through you, …

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

If the hon. Member on the Floor is through with his debate, …

There is only one person whom you have to address if you want to enjoy the protection of the Chair. Please, desist from debating with people who have no right to debate when you have been given the right to debate. If such continues, I will not hesitate to curtail your debate so that we take those who will seriously concentrate on debating on what they want to debate.

 The hon. Member may continue with that reminder.

Hon. Government Members: Long live the, Chair!

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, I was saying that let us be serious with the assurances that we make to the Zambian people. After all, we are not only doing it for ourselves, but for the future generations because we want this country to be one that the future generations and our grandchildren will rely on.

Sir, with these few words, I would like to thank you and support this report.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Hon. Member, I thought you were almost at the end.

Mr Mucheleka (Lubansenshi): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Motion that is asking us to adopt your report on Government assurances.

Sir, the mover and the seconder of the Motion have ably explained the issues contained in your report and the observations that have been made.

Mr Speaker, at the risk of being reprimanded by you, I would like to say that I am a bearer of a message from the people of not only Lubansenshi Parliamentary Constituency in Luwingu District, but also the people of Kabwe. I have many friends and relatives in this town. Apart from that, I also spent my formative years in Kabwe as well.

Sir, the assurances that are given in this House are taken very seriously by the hon. Members seated on your left. An assurance was given on Floor of this House on Mulungushi Textile by the Executive and we took it seriously. It is unfortunate if some hon. Members on your right took that assurance as a mere political rhetoric.

Sir, the House may wish to know that the people of Kabwe have lamented the status quo at Mulungushi Textiles. The economy of Kabwe has negatively been affected because of Mulungushi Textiles. There are high levels of poverty and youth unemployment is the order of the order in Kabwe.

Mr Speaker Mulungushi Textiles has become a political issue. During campaigns, Mulungushi Textiles is always discussed and different political parties have made promises on how they intend to re-open Mulungushi Textiles as soon as they are voted into power. During the last presidential by-election, we saw the District Commissioner (DC) and, with your permission, I am not trying to embarrass my friend and brother, Hon. Kapyanga from Kabwe flanking the DC as he signed the contract in Kabwe over Mulungushi Textiles.

Laughter

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, we were assured that the Mulungushi Textiles would be re-opened

Mr Kapyanga: On a point of order, Sir.

The Deputy Chairperson: A point of order is raised.

 Mr Kapyanga: Mr Speaker, is the debater on the Floor of the House in order to bring my name in his debate? Are we here to debate names? I need your serious ruling.

 The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Could the hon. Member on the Floor take that point of order into account.

 Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, we saw the DC signing a contract with somebody from Tanzania who was masquerading as an investor. What has emerged? A few weeks ago, we read, and it is in public domain, that this so-called investor understood the terms of reference not have meant that he was to re-open Mulungushi Textiles. Instead, he was asked to donate campaign funds to a particular candidate of a certain political party. Therefore, as far as he was concerned, he did that. Therefore, if anyone expected him to re-open Mulungushi Textiles, it was not under his terms of reference. He wanted to use the factory as a storage facility for transporting things like fertilizer and other agro-products from Tanzania. This is a very unfortunate situation, given the fact that the people of Kabwe were assured that the factory would be re-opened.

Sir, for those that make false assurances, time will catch up with them because the people of Kabwe are still waiting. They want jobs. The youths from Kabwe want more money in their pockets because that was a promise.

 Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, is it possible for the Government to make a solid assurance that can be actualised and operationalised?

How long does it take to deal with issues? If at all there are some challenges regarding the relationship between Zambia and China, who are the shareholders of Mulungushi Textiles, is it possible to have those issues dealt with, as a matter of urgency? That way, the people of Kabwe can have hope of Mulungushi Textiles being re-opened. If the equipment has become obsolete, why do you not go to the drawing board and discuss that with the other shareholders and find an amicable solution to the challenges of Mulungushi Textiles, as opposed to appealing to the emotions of the people of Kabwe by telling them that that facility will re-open and that they will have jobs. You should tell the people the truth. If you are not able to re-open Mulungushi Textiles, you indicate that it is beyond your capacity and there is nothing that you can do other than use the facility for storage purposes.

Mr Speaker, another issue that has been brought out in your report is that of contractors. When you go out there, you will see how some of the abandoned projects have become eyesores. For instance, in Lubansenshi, there is a farmer training centre that was constructed, but not completed. I have asked questions in this House concerning that centre and all I get are assurances of it being completed. However, that facility is abandoned and some of the things that had been put up have been vandalised. People have not seen any use for it and they are not getting the value for money.

Sir, is it possible that assurances, once made, will be followed up to ensure that projects being embarked on using taxpayers money are completed within the specified timeframe as opposed to the current situation where there are so many abandoned projects? When you look at that, what is evident is that it is a symptom of corruption. There is a relationship between poor service delivery or the non-completion of projects and corruption. If the Executive was doing its job, then, there would not be so many projects being abandoned. The contractors should be taken to task and made to complete those projects. However, I sense an element of collusion where the same contractors are being used as a conduit to finance the never-ending by-elections. If you count the number of by-elections that the country has held from 2011 to date, how much money has been spent on them and where is that money coming from? The only money that can officially be accounted for is that which is allocated through the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). What about the campaign funds, which some people are boasting about? People are now moving around with very big brown envelopes full of money. So, where is that money coming from? Will it be wrong for someone to speculate that this money might be coming from the same contractors who abandon projects? This is why the Committee on Government Assurances should be taken seriously. This will ensure that those projects are completed, if not, then, we shall speculate that they are part of this syndicate of corruption.

Mr Speaker, …

Mr Mwila: On a point of order, Sir.

The Deputy Chairperson: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, thank you for allowing me to raise this point of order. Is the hon. Member of Parliament for Lubansenshi Parliamentary Constituency in order not to congratulate the Patriotic Front (PF) for winning three by-elections?

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Deputy Chairperson: Since he is still debating, maybe, he will come to that later.

Laughter

The Deputy Chairperson: You may continue.

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, it is not my way of doing things to congratulate corruption. How can I congratulate corruption?

Interruptions

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Mr Mucheleka: I am allergic to corruption.

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

I think that the rules of debate require that we must be factual in our debates. Unless you can lay the evidence of corruption on the Table, it may not be advisable to debate along those lines.

 You may continue with your debate, but take that reminder into account.

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, it is suspected corruption, but if you want me to bring evidence, I can go out there to investigate and then bring the evidence. I want to appeal to the Executive that the Committee on Government Assurances, at the risk of being reprimanded by you, must be taken very seriously, …

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

We do not reprimand for the sake of it. If you know that you risk being reprimanded, then veer away from that which will warrant you being reprimanded.

You may continue.

Laughter

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, in conclusion, …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, is Hon. Vincent Mwale, … do you want me to report you?

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Can you address the Chair, please.

Mr Mucheleka: Sir, can I respond to him, please?

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Mr Mucheleka resumed his seat.

The Deputy Chairperson: You may continue.

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, I want these people to take the report of the Committee on Government assurances seriously. The Zambian people are watching. Even as the PF is taken over by the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD), that is not my problem, but yours. When Hon. Siliya comes to the House, I may congratulate her, especially that she is coming to take over from you (pointing at Hon. Mwale). You will be relegated t,o Deputy Minister.

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Hon. Member, are you done?

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, I am not done.

Laughter

Mr Mucheleka resumed his seat.

Laughter

Mr Mucheleka: Sir, I support your report.

Sir, I thank you.

The Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Mr Mukanga): Mr Speaker, thank you for giving me an opportunity to say a few words on this important Motion. Firstly, I want to say that I was expecting hon. Members from the other side to congratulate us on the deserved victory.

Mr Mwila: Hear, hear!

Mr Mukanga: The Patriotic Front (PF) is always winning. However, I am surprised that this has not been mentioned. We are winning because of the many assurances we have made and the people are seeing these assurances being implemented. So, it is surprising to hear the hon. Member of Parliament for Lubansenshi saying that the PF Government is not implementing its assurances. The people out there are able to see these assurances being implemented. We spoke on the Floor of this House that we would embark on the Link Zambia 8,000 km Road Project and we are doing it. The people voted for us because of what we are doing. So, as far as the implementation of these assurances is concerned, we are more than committed to ensuring that everything is achieved.

Sir, when it comes to some projects that have been mentioned like Mulungushi Textiles, the Government is committed to ensuring that such projects are revived. We are aware that reviving these projects will result in employment creation.

Sir, as regards contractors, I have always said that the Government has been doing all it can to ensure that all projects are closely monitored and the engineers and consultants execute their duties and jobs. We are carrying out a vendor rating system on all the contractors. Therefore, the contractors who do not perform well will definitely have to be punished. As for those who perform well, we will continue making use of their services.

Mr Speaker, the other issues that were talked about such as the quality of health posts and many others are also being addressed.  All in all, I would like to just appreciate the work of your Committee and the report that has been given. As the Executive, we will put in place mechanisms of tracking the implementation of all the assurances that we have given.

With these few words, I would like to say thank you very much, Mr Speaker.

Ms Kalima: Mr Speaker, let me take this opportunity to just say thank you to the hon. Members that contributed to the debate on the Motion on the Floor. I also thank the hon. Minister for answering all the questions raised on this discussion. Finally, allow me to congratulate the PF …

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Kalima: … for the wonderful victory and hard work put in to win the three by-elections.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Question put and agreed to.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

Question put and agreed to.

_____________

The House adjourned at 1748 hours until 1430 hours on Thursday, 2nd July, 2015.