Debates - Friday 6th March, 2015

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DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FOURTH SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH ASSEMBLY

Friday 6th March, 2015

The House met at 0900 hours

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

______ 

RULING BY MR SPEAKER

RULING BY THE HON. MR SPEAKER ON THE ADMONITION OF MR GARY NKOMBO, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR MAZABUKA CENTRAL PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY FOR UTTERING AN OBSCENE WORD ON THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE AGAINST THE DEPUTY MINISTER FOR NORTHERN PROVINCE, HON. FREEDOM SIKAZWE, MP, ON WEDNESDAY 17TH DECEMBER, 2014.

Mr Speaker: I Order you, Mr Garry Nkombo, Member of Parliament for Mazabuka Central Parliamentary Constituency, to stand up in your seat. 

Mr Nkombo rose.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members will recall that on Wednesday, 17th December, 2014, when the House was considering Question for Oral Answer No. 299 and the Member for Chitambo Parliamentary Constituency, Hon.  Mushili Malama, MP, was asking a supplementary question, the Member for Mazabuka Central Parliamentary Constituency, Mr G. Nkombo, MP, rose on a Point of Order, during which he uttered an obscene word against the Deputy Minister for Northern Province, Hon. Freedom Sikazwe, MP. 

Hon. Members will further recall, as the verbatim record of the proceedings of the House on the material day will show, that, when Mr G. Nkombo, MP, uttered the obscene word, I, being unsure of the exact word uttered, indicated to the House that I would review the verbatim record of the proceedings of the House to ascertain the exact word uttered by Mr G. Nkombo, MP, and would then revisit the issue, if found necessary. 

Hon. Members, I did review the verbatim record, and it revealed that Mr G. Nkombo, MP, did utter the obscene word. Accordingly, I established a prima facie case of contravention of parliamentary privilege and etiquette against Mr G. Nkombo, MP, and referred the matter to the Committee on Privileges, Absences and Support Services for determination.

The Committee on Privileges, Absences and Support Services met to consider the case of breach of privilege and etiquette against Mr G. Nkombo, MP. The task of the Committee was to carefully study the case so as to determine whether Mr G. Nkombo, MP had breached parliamentary privilege and etiquette, and determine an appropriate punishment to be meted out against him, if he was found guilty. 

Hon. Members, in line with parliamentary practice and procedure, and the rules of natural justice, Mr G. Nkombo, MP, appeared before the Committee for the purpose of according him an opportunity to be heard on the charge of parliamentary breach of privilege and etiquette.

In his submission to the Committee, Mr G. Nkombo, MP, admitted uttering the alleged obscene word, a conduct which he regretted. 

Hon. Members, after considering the matter and hearing the hon. Member’s submission, the Committee established that by uttering the obscene word, the hon. Member for Mazabuka Central was in breach of parliamentary privilege and etiquette. The following authorities attest to the breach and support the decision of the Committee: 

Section 19(e) of the National Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act, Cap 12 of the Laws of Zambia states:

“19. (e) Any person shall be guilty of an offence who commits any other act of intentional disrespect to or with reference to the proceedings of the Assembly or of a committee of the Assembly or to any person presiding at such proceedings.” 

Further, Rule 32 of Chapter 5 of the National Assembly Members’ Handbook, 2006, provides as follows:

“32. Members should not use words containing insinuations and offensive and unparliamentary expressions …” 

Furthermore, Erskine May, in his book entitled Parliamentary Practice, 24th Edition, at page 444-445 states:

“… Although it is perfectly in order to criticise the role and functions of the other House, abusive language and imputations of falsehood uttered by Members of the House of Commons against Members of the House of Lords have usually been met by the immediate intervention of the Chair to compel the withdrawal of the offensive words, or, in default, by the punishment of suspension.”

Additionally, Audrey O’Brien and Marc Bosc, in their book entitled House of Commons Procedure and Practice, 2nd Edition, 2009, on page 618, state: 

“The proceedings of the House are based on a long standing tradition of respect for the integrity of all Members.  Thus, the use of offensive, provocative or threatening language in the House is strictly forbidden. Personal attacks, insults and obscenities are not in order.”

Hon. Members, in determining the punishment to mete out against Mr G. Nkombo, MP, the Committee noted that, considering that the hon. Member was a whip of his party and a member of the Committee, the offence committed by Mr G. Nkombo, MP, was a serious one. However, taking into account that the hon. Member did not waste the Committee’s time, but admitted uttering the obscene word; was a first offender; quick to regret his utterance; and had shown remorse for his contemptuous conduct, the Committee elected to exercise leniency and resolved that Mr G. Nkombo, MP, be admonished on the Floor of the House as punishment for the breach he committed. 

Mr G. Nkombo, MP, as recommended by the Committee on Privileges, Absences and Support Services, I will now admonish you.

Mr G. Nkombo, I must inform you that your conduct is shocking not only to me, as Speaker, but also to the House as a whole, let alone the public at large. This is because you are a long-standing hon. Member of this House, a whip of your political party, and a Member of the Committee on Privileges, Absences and Support Services. Your conduct, therefore, should be exemplary. I must imagine it was awkward for your fellow Committee members to consider a matter involving one of their own. I hope that this is the last time you will be the subject of a matter before the Committee. 

Mr G. Nkombo, I hope that you realise and regret that your conduct became a subject of public discussion in a manner demeaning the House. Your conduct lowered the integrity and dignity enjoyed by this House. Let me remind you that your title of honourable Member demands that you conduct yourself in a manner that upholds the integrity, prestige, decorum and dignity of the House. I, therefore, call upon you to conduct yourself in a manner befitting your title of honourable Member, and more so, a whip of a political party and member of the Committee charged with the noble duty of protecting the rights and privileges of the House. A repetition of such conduct on your part will attract a stiffer penalty in future.

I now order you, Mr G. Nkombo, MP, to render your apology to the House before you resume your seat.

I thank you.

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, …

Mr Speaker: Order!

Let us take a moment and allow those that are standing to take their seats. You may pause, hon. Member.

Hon. Members resumed their seats.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member, you may proceed with your apology.

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, with pleasure.

Mr Speaker, I, Gary Nkombo, hon. Member of Parliament for Mazabuka Central Constituency, do unreservedly apologise to you, this august House, and the nation at large for using an obscene word against Hon. Sikazwe on the Floor of this House, contrary to the rules of the House.

Mr Speaker, I have reflected carefully on my action. I do not only take responsibility, but also agree that it amounted to a very serious breach of the rules of procedure, and I apologise for that. I have listened very carefully to the wise counsel and guidance that you have given me in your discourse of admonition. It is for this reason that I wish to give you and this august House an unwavering assurance that in the future, near or far, I will abide by the rules and procedures of this House. In all ways, I will act in a manner befitting an hon. Member of this House. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you for the leniency, and beg to resume my seat.

I thank you, Sir. 

_________

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR SPEAKER

CLARIFICATION ON THE INFORMATION AND QUESTION ARISING FROM LAST WEEK’S SESSION OF HER HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT’S QUESTION TIME

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that before Her Honour the Vice-President’s Question Time, there is some information that Her Honour the Vice-President would like to provide, arising from a question from last Friday’s Vice-President’s Question Time. Thereafter, any questions hon. Members would like to ask on the information provided can be done during Her Honour the Vice President’s Question Time.

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BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

The Vice-President (Mrs Wina): Mr Speaker, I rise to acquaint the House with the business it will consider next week.

Mr Speaker, on Tuesday, 10th March, 2015, the Business of the House will begin with Questions for Oral Answer, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. 

Mr Speaker, on Wednesday, 11th March, 2015, the Business of the House will begin with Questions for Oral Answer, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will deal with presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. The House will then deal with Private Members’ Motions, if there will be any.

Mr Speaker, on Friday, 13th March, 2015, the Business of the House will begin with Her Honour the Vice-President’s Question Time, and this will be followed by Questions for Oral Answer, if there will be any. After that, the House will deal with presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Then, the House will consider the adoption of the Report of the Parliamentary Select Committee on the Presidential appointment of Mr Denny Hamachila Kalyalya to the position of Governor of the Bank of Zambia (BoZ).

I thank you, Sir. 

________

HER HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT’S QUESTION TIME

Mr Speaker: Her Honour the Vice-President will now proceed to issue a statement of clarification on the information and question arising from last week.

The Vice-President (Mrs Wina): Mr Speaker, before I respond to the question, allow me to use this opportunity to pay tribute to the women of Zambia and thank them as we commemorate the International Women’s Day on 8th March, next Sunday. 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the women of this country are making tremendous contributions to the socio-economic development of our country, and I salute them for this. 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, 8th March will be followed by the commemoration of the Youth Week in which we take stock of what this country is doing to empower the young people. Let me also congratulate the children who celebrated their week of broadcasting. This was a clear demonstration of the young people’s participation in the democratic dispensation of our country.

Mr Speaker, on Friday, 27th February, 2015, I had indicated that I would return to the House to make clarifications on one issue which was raised by the Member of Parliament for Pemba Constituency, Hon. Mutinta Mazoka, during the Vice-President’s Question Time. The hon. Member wanted to know whether it was the Government’s policy to exclude south-bound buses from loading at designated bus stations around Lusaka. 

Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that it is not the Government’s policy to deny any bus operators from loading at any designated bus station around Lusaka. The allegations were circulated on social media, and the police constituted a team of investigators to follow up this matter. The findings could not reveal any evidence …

Hon. Opposition Members: Ah!

The Vice-President: … to support the allegation. It was further noted that some bus operators …

Mr Mwamba entered the Assembly Chamber.

Hon. Opposition Members: GBM, GBM!

Mr Speaker: Order!

The Vice-President: … decided to withdraw their bus services prior to the elections for fear of their properties being damaged if the results were not in their favour.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Let us have order.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, after the elections, all the operators returned to the bus stations and continued to operate normally. 

As a preventative measure, police officers have been deployed to ensure that law and order is maintained in market places, shopping malls and bus stations. 

Finally, members of the public who have complaints bordering on safety and security are free to report to any police station. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kambwili: Hear, hear!

Well done, mama.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, it is now time for Her Honour the Vice-President’s Question Time. 

Ms Sayifwanda (Zambezi East): Mr Speaker, the International Women’s Day, which was gazetted by the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), will clock ten years next year. However, the budget for women empowerment is meagre. I would like to find out from Her Honour the Vice-President whether this Government will increase the budgetary line for women empowerment in 2016.  

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, this House has the power to increase the budget allocation ….

Hon. Opposition Members: Mm!

The Vice-President: … for the Ministry of Gender and Child Development. If we lobby the House enough, I am sure that we will see some appreciation in the allocation to this ministry. The Government is working tirelessly to ensure that adequate resources are given to the ministry of Gender and Child Development for the economic empowerment of women. Furthermore, we have co-operating partners who work with the Government to provide resources for the empowerment of women in the country.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Mr Speaker, the Zambian people appreciate infrastructure development. 

The Patriotic Front (PF) Government embarked on serious infrastructure development, including roads and schools countrywide. To our disappointment, most of this infrastructure is incomplete. For example, Ikeleng’i Boarding School in my constituency has no foundation to date. 

Your Honour, how are you reconciling these massive projects which you have announced to the people of Zambia with what you intend to do? Are you sure you will finish these projects within the next one year? Could you give us an assurance.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, if a foundation for a school has been laid and it is at a certain level, surely, the hon. Member cannot say that there is no infrastructure. Some of these projects are quite huge and need massive resources to complete. As such, monies to finish the various projects, including schools, are allocated in stages. I am, therefore, sure that the school in Ikeleng’i will be completed in due course when the Treasury provides the resources. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

 Mr Milambo (Mwembeshi): Mr Speaker, we have now entered into the last quarter of the year. Your Honour the Vice-President, …

Hon. Opposition Members: First quarter!

Mr Milambo: I beg your pardon, first quarter of the year. 

Your Honour the Vice-President, when will your Government undertake the crop forecast for the 2014/2015 farming season?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I understand the assessment will be made in the second quarter of this year. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Musonda (Kapiri Mposhi): Mr Speaker, we hear that His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, …

Mr Livune: Question!

Mr Musonda: … will be travelling to Namibia for the inauguration of the President Elect and will be accompanied by Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda and veteran politician, Mr Vernon Johnson Mwaanga. 

Mr Speaker, there are allegations by some politicians that President Lungu is hiding behind Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda …

Interruptions 

Mr Musonda: … and that it is Mr Rupiah Banda who is running this country.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Musonda: Your Honour the Vice-President, may I, please, have your comment. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Let us have some order so that Her Honour the Vice-President can respond. 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I am surprised to hear such remarks from a Member from a party that wanted Mr Rupiah Banda to be their campaign manager. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Let us have some order. The clock is ticking away. 

Mr Mwale interjected.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, order!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I believe that the association of some Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) and Patriotic Front (PF) Members of Parliament has had an unsettling effect on some politicians in the country. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, His Excellencies Mr Rupiah Banda and Dr Kenneth Kaunda, and Mr Mwaanga are freedom fighters who fought for the Independence of this country.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwila: And the region.

The Vice-President: They did not fight the struggle in isolation, but in association with the leadership in the region. As such, they made friends with the leaders in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and other countries. As a matter of fact, the new President of Namibia lived in this country as a political refugee and was Head of the Namibian Institute.

Mr Mukanga: Yes.

The Vice-President: As such, he made friends in this country. That is why he invited His Excellencies Mr Rupiah Banda and Dr Kaunda, and Mr Mwaanga to be present at his inauguration. I wonder why these insinuations of President Edgar Lungu hiding behind Mr Rupiah Banda are surfacing, especially coming from those that were not even born in 1964.

Laughter 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. Government Member: Gary Nkombo.

Interruptions 

Mr Mwila: Ka Mweetwa.

Hon. Government Members: Mweetwa!

Mr Kambwili: Akamwaiche akepala!

Mr Speaker: Order!

Laughter 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, this country paid dearly for the freedom of Southern Africa and it is only befitting that the leaders of this country are invited to participate in the inauguration of the new President of Namibia. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, it would appear that the governance of this country has had an unsettling effect on the Patriotic Front (PF) Government.

Hon. Government Members: Ah!

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, what is good for the goose, is good for the gander. 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, we have noted, with concern, that hon. Members of Parliament who supported the United Party for National Development (UPND) during the recent presidential election are being expelled from the Ruling Party for being insubordinate and failing to adhere to the rules of the party.

Hon. Opposition Members: Yes!

Mr Mwiimbu: However, we have noted, with interest, …

Mr Livune: Indeed, with bemusement.

Mr Speaker: Order! 

Just a moment. There is only one hon. Member asking a question.

Mr Mwiimbu: … that hon. Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) Members of Parliament who supported the PF …

Mr Muntanga: Kaingu (pointing at Dr Kaingu).

Dr Kaingu indicated assent. 

Mr Mwiimbu: … and Mr Edgar Lungu during the recent Presidential Elections are being praised for being patriotic and exercising their right of choice. We have also noted that those who are claiming to be UPND … 

Laughter 

Mr Mwiimbu: … Members also supported the PF during the last elections.

Mr Nkombo: That is true.

Mr Mwiimbu: However, they are saying that those have been exercising their right of choice. 

Mr Speaker, I would like Her Honour the Vice-President to tell me why they have now become discriminatory and selective in their endeavour to get rid of Hon. G. B. Mwamba and …

Mr Kambwili: Amayashi ya muntu.

Mr Mwiimbu: … Hon. Masebo …

Mr Muntanga: Meaning what?

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, you have just ruled on the Floor of this House pertaining to second languages which are not allowed …

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member, …

Hon. Opposition Members: Ba Kambwili: 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member, pause. Let us have order.

Mr Mwamba interjected.

Mr Speaker: You are complaining, and yet you have continued commenting. Let me make this point. There are running commentaries from both the left and right and this is not the first time that this is happening. There are a lot of things which have been said even in the last 48 hours which are very embarrassing, but I have ignored some of them. Let us watch ourselves. We, on both sides, are national leaders and these proceedings are broadcast live. We have just finished addressing a cognate issue.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Please, let us restrain ourselves. I know that these are politically-charged issues, but that is not the reason for failing to exercise self discipline. 

The hon. Member is asking a question. So, both sides should give him an opportunity to do so. I know that there are people on the left who are excited about the question and are passing running commentaries and so is the right. We are wasting time. This session is only 30 minutes. I should not be intervening in this manner. This is your time. 

Let the hon. Member complete his question without interference in the form of cheering or jeering.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I would like to restate my question.

Sir, I was saying that the PF, which is the party in Government today, has decided to punish Hon. G. B. Mwamba and Hon. Masebo for exercising their constitutional right to support a candidate of their choice, as per the Constitution of this country and as per the PF’s statement that those who supported Mr Edgar Lungu’s candidacy as President of the country were exercising their rights. 

Mr Speaker, why is the Government and the party in power discriminating against Hon. G. B. Mwamba and Hon. Masebo for exercising their rights? At the same time, why are they condoning what they term as indiscipline when the so-called UPND and MMD Members who are cohabiting with them campaigned for the PF presidential candidate instead of their own President, Dr Nevers Mumba? Why are they discriminating against the two Members?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I am rather taken aback to hear such remarks from a learned lawyer who knows that one of the cases he has referred to is still in court. 

Laughter 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, prior to the Presidential By-Elections, some political parties met to deliberate on who to support as a presidential candidate.

Hon. Government Members: Yes.

The Vice-President: They decided to take sides and, perhaps, some of them went their own way and supported candidates of their choice. However, the PF did not meet to decide on who to support. As such, those hon. Members of the party who felt that they wanted to support another candidate did so at their own peril …

Mr Lubinda: Against the rules of the party.

The Vice-President: … against the rules of the party.

Hon. Government Member Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, issues of the expulsion of hon. Members of a political party are an internal arrangement … 

Hon. Government Member Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: … and there is no question of discrimination in this particular case.

I thank you, Sir. 

Hon. Government Member Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutale (Kwacha): Mr Speaker, there are some media reports stating that there is money that has been stashed in a Swiss bank. What is the Government doing about those reports?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, perhaps those are online rumours. If it is true, I am sure the Bank of Zambia (BoZ) must have taken a keen interest in the matter to review the information in order to identify the legality of those funds and establish who the owners of the accounts are. Stashing away huge sums of money in official banks is a serious crime. In some countries, this is considered economic sabotage because the monies are used to finance illicit activities such as terrorism. It is a way of evading taxes for those that keep off-shore accounts. For a low-income country like Zambia, if such monies are kept outside, the country is deprived of revenue to reduce poverty and many other programmes that would benefit the people of Zambia. So, I am sure the BoZ, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, are looking into the matter.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Ms Lubezhi (Namwala): Mr Speaker, last week, when Her Honour the Vice-President was responding to my question, she stated that the Patriotic Front (PF) is a peaceful party and that every death is regrettable. These are two conflicting statements because during the two by-elections in Livingstone, the PF cadres killed one another, but my president and senior party officials such as Hon. Nkombo and Hon. Muntanga were arrested for the crime. The PF cadres killed each other in Rufunsa, but Hon. Hamududu’s driver was put in custody for a year for this crime.  

Hon. UNPD Members: Shame!

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Speaker, at the PF Convention in Kabwe where Her Honour the Vice-President was in attendance, some contenders like Messers Miles Sampa and Geoffrey B. Mwamba (GBM) were not allowed to enter the convention hall. 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Order! 

What is your question, hon. Member?

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Speaker, in the wisdom of the second office of the land which she occupies and, using her innermost humane being, will she still stand up and tell the nation, after these factual reminders about the violence of the PF, that the PF is a peaceful party?

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I find it impossible to respond to such outlandish statements. Actually, that is not a question but a statement. I think, as hon. Members of the House, it is important that we ...

Hon. Government Members: Yes!

Interruptions

The Vice-President: … tame our tongues. 

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the utterances we make in this House can alarm people and put the country on fire. That is why this House and its Members are referred to as honourable. I expect the best from hon. Members such as the Member of Parliament for Namwala. This insistence on the existence of violence in one political party when other parties are perpetuating the same conduct or even worse is very unfair. It is up to political leaders like ourselves to restrain our young people from engaging in violent activities.

Lt-Gen. Rev. Shikapwasha: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker: No point of order during this session. 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I do not think that the hon. Member has facts relating to what happened in Livingstone. If she had, she would have not come to this House to ask such a question. 

Mr Speaker, I regret what is being said. I also regret the deaths of Zambians at the hands of fellow Zambians. I have been repeating this in many of my public statements. So, I urge all of us to ensure that there is peace and unity for our country to develop.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, I beg Her Honour the Vice-President to cool down because that is a very hot seat she is occupying. 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order! 

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, the Patriotic Front (PF) Government is very good at changing goal posts and at the same time, somersaulting. Her Honour the Vice-President, the hon. Minister who is seated on your right (Mr Mukanga) is on record as having said that the national airline was supposed to be in operation in November or December, 2014. To date, nothing is happening. What is the position on the national airline for Zambia?

Hon. Opposition Members: Cool down!

Mr Speaker: Order!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I can assure the hon. Member that there has been no somersaulting. We are all aware that we had almost two months of mourning and elections. This has taken a toll on the projects that are supposed to be implemented in the country. The issue of the national airline is still on the cards. The Cabinet will meet shortly to deliberate over the same matter. The hon. Member should be assured that the national airline is on the cards.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, …

Hon. Opposition Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo: … I am extremely disappointed with the responses of Her Honour the Vice-President. 

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mr Nkombo: Sir, in her submission relating to a residual question last week, which she gave a statement on this week, she has indicated that if there are allegations of people being chastised or beaten at bus stops and markets, we must complain to the relevant authorities. This is giving me an impression that she does not live in this country or does not communicate with her fellow Cabinet Members. I have talked to the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and even gave him the phone numbers of the Patriotic Front (PF) members who have been beating up United Party for National Development (UPND) members at Downtown. There is also a picture of Mrs Agnes Taima Njovu being beaten up by a Mr Muma, the Chairperson of the PF at Soweto Market and yet, today, Her Honour the Vice-President can say that she is unaware of all this. 

Is it an indication that she does not communicate with the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and the hon. Deputy Minister at State House, Hon. Sata, whom I complained to at the time when our people were being beaten up at the Intercity Bus Terminus or is it the diabolical donchi kubeba syndrome that we have lamented where they know what is going on, but decide to ignore it while our people are being brutalised? I would like Her Honour the Vice-President to comment on that.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mucheleka: Apologise.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, …

Mr Speaker: Order, order!

The Vice-President: … the assault of Mrs Njovu took place last month. The person who assaulted her was arrested and the case is still in court. This is the chairperson of part of the market and not necessarily a Patriotic Front (PF) member.

Interruptions

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, …

Mr Speaker: Order, order!

The Vice-President: … some of the cases of assault happened last year while others happened early this year. The police have apprehended suspects in all these cases that have been reported. So, I do not understand why the hon. Member should accuse me …

Laughter

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: Shamelessly for that matter.

The Vice-President: … of not giving the true picture of the situation on the ground. 

Mr Speaker, I am disappointed, but I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Livune: Question!

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I have eighteen names on my list of Members who have indicated to take the Floor.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order! 

If we are not orderly, we waste a lot of time and very few people will get a chance to ask questions. There are only two minutes of this segment remaining. So, I can only call the first two on the list if they will succeed to beat the time. That is, hon. Members for Lubansenshi and Nalikwanda in that order. We will see how far we will go.

Mr Mucheleka (Lubansenshi): Mr Speaker, there is much poverty in Lubansenshi Constituency because Zambia has failed to attain the millennium development goals (MDGs), especially MDG Number One. I would like to find out what has caused the failure to attain the MDGs and what the Government is doing to put in place the Post 2015 Development Agenda so that poverty levels in Lubansenshi Constituency can be reduced.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the MDGs were put in place by the United Nations (UN) in 2000. Perhaps, this country did not put in place good strategies that could address poverty reduction in the country. As such, we have lagged behind with regard to the reduction of poverty. However, in the past two years, the Zambian Government has put strong emphasis on poverty reduction, including the extension of the Social Cash Transfer Scheme from nineteen to fifty-one districts, capturing more vulnerable and poor people in the process. So, the Government is still addressing the issue of poverty reduction by increasing the allocations to the citizens, women and youth economic empowerment programmes. However, as a country, we need to work hard to be able to reduce the poverty levels in our communities.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

__________

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT ANIMAL HEALTH PROJECT

387. Mr Musonda (Kapiri Mposhi) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock:

(a)    how many farmers were shortlisted as beneficiaries under the Livestock Development Animal Health Project in Kapiri Mposhi in 2013 and 2014; and

(b)    when grants under the project would be disbursed to the beneficiaries.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr Monde): Mr Speaker, twenty farmer groups were shortlisted as beneficiaries under the Livestock Development Animal Health Project in Kapiri Mposhi District between 2013 and 2014. Contracts are scheduled to be awarded in March, 2015. Thereafter, the disbursement of funds will commence.

I thank you, Sir.

STOCK THEFT PROSECUTOR

388. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

(a)    when a prosecutor specialised in stock theft would be sent to Kalabo District; and

(b)    whether the Government had any plans to set up a special unit within the Zambia Police Force to deal with the rampant cases of cattle rustling throughout the country.

The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Mwila): Mr Speaker, currently, there are three prosecutors in Kalabo District who are trained and are able to handle cases of stock theft in the district. The prosecutors work in conjunction with detectives under the District Anti-Stock Theft Unit. A special unit known as the Anti-Stock Theft Unit within the Zambia Police Force to deal with rampant cases of cattle rustling throughout the country already exists. The Anti-Stock Theft Unit is found at all provincial and district headquarters in the country to coordinate investigations of all cases of stock theft in the provinces.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, …

Mr Mwiimbu: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I was alarmed this morning when I was listening to Hot FM Radio and heard the hon. Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Hon. Kambwili, make aspersions and insinuations pertaining to the death of the former President, His Excellency Michael Chilufya Sata. He went further to say that the former Secretary-General of the Patriotic Front (PF), Mr Wynter Kabimba, may have contributed to the cause of death …

Hon. Opposition Members: Ah!

Mr Mwiimbu: … of His Excellency Mr Michael Chilufya Sata and that those who aspire for Office of President are capable of killing.

Hon. Opposition Members: Ah!

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, we are all aware that when such statements are broadcast to the nation, the nation is entitled to answers.

Mr Speaker, is Her Honour the Vice-President in order to remain quiet and not inform the House and this nation the exact cause of death of our dear late President, Mr Michael Chilufya Sata? Doing so would ensure that we do not encourage people to continue making aspersions and innuendoes pertaining to the death of the late President. 

Sir, I have no doubt that those comments inflicted torture on his family and the people of this country. Why should Government leaders make such careless comments without informing the nation the actual cause of death of Mr Sata? It is especially unfortunate that the person who was making those comments is the Government Spokesperson. We want to know whether he was making those comments as the Government Spokesperson or on his behalf.

Mr Speaker: There are a lot of matters that are discussed out there in public. In the context of our polity, many statements of different descript are made. As presiding officers, we have consistently said that we will not participatein such political affairs. As presiding officers, the only way we get engaged in matters of public affairs, in that sense, is when questions are presented to us. When you present questions to us and would like to establish a certain state of affairs, vis-à-vis public matters or affairs, we appropriately direct it to either Her Honour the Vice-President or the line ministries. 

I have no roving authority to deal with each and every sundry matter. There are many political statements being made on many talk shows and so on and so forth, but I am not superintending those affairs. I only superintend matters that come in the conventional way. I have said before, that if you want to hold your colleagues on the right to account and you are entitled to do that, submit a question.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, I have heard the responses given by the hon. Minister. He said that there are three prosecutors for stock theft in the mentioned area. However, they have done nothing to reduce castle rustling. What are the hon. Minister’s plans to help the police in that area, which seemingly only exists on paper? The police need to become mobile and track down the culprits.
 
Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, I had earlier stated that there are three prosecutors and when they want reinforcement, we get prosecutors from the district headquarters. From January to February this year, we had seven cases of stock theft. Three cases are in court. There was one conviction and the other three are still under investigation.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Hamudulu (Siavonga): Sir, given the frequency of these cases, would the hon. Minister not consider this matter as one which needs his intervention to change the status quo?

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, there are enough prosecutors in the district to deal with all these cases.

Thank you, Sir.

Mr Ndalamei (Sikongo): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that the forest where criminals hide the stolen animals is known? However, police officers in Kalabo and Sikongo are failing to go into that forest to search for stolen animals.

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, I am not aware of that, but the hon. Member of Parliament is free to come to my office so that we can deal with that issue.

Thank you, Sir.

CLASSROOM BLOCKS AND TEACHERS’ HOUSES IN MAGOYE

389. Mr Mulomba (Magoye) asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education when the Government would construct classroom blocks and teachers’ houses at the following basic schools in Magoye Parliamentary Constituency:

(a)    Mukuyu;

(b)    Kalama;

(c)    Ngwezi;

(d)    Namaila;

(e)    Munenga;

(f)    Mweemba;

(g)    Nziba;

(h)    Nachipoma;

(i)    Matimbya; and

(j)    Mbiya.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, construction of classroom blocks and staff houses at the aforementioned schools will be considered in future infrastructure plans, hopefully starting with that for 2015. The Government has been upgrading pole and mud school structures. As at December, 2013, a total of K7.8 million was released to the Southern Province for infrastructure development. However, the emphasis is that, funds permitting, the above-mentioned sites will be considered for construction of additional infrastructure.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mulomba: Mr Speaker, I wish to remind the hon. Minister that in 2012, there was a circular which was given to us all, stating that each hon. Member of Parliament should identify one school where the ministry would construct some classroom blocks. We informed the schools in our constituencies that they should mobilise materials for that purpose and Ngwezi was one of them. However, to date, nothing has happened. What is the hon. Minister doing about that promise?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, like I said, we can have an annual infrastructure plan in place, but it can only be operationalised depending on the availability of funds. However, as indicated in my earlier response, our commitment has been shown by the K7.8 million for infrastructure development that was released to the Southern Province, notwithstanding that Ngwezi School was not included. 

Sir, the other consolation is that in the 2015 Budget, there is K213 million for infrastructure development. I am sure if people compare the period before we came into power and now, they can see that there is a huge increase in terms of the allocation to the primary subsector. I want to assure my colleagues that if the K213 million is going to be released, it will go a long way in helping us deal with the infrastructure challenges that we are facing at the primary subsector.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo West): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister …

Mr Namulambe: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Namulambe: Mr Speaker, I rise on a serious point of order. Usually, when we have sessions here in Parliament, we have one cameraman standing in the middle of the Assembly Chamber. However, today, there are two camera persons. One of is just standing and not recording.

Laughter

Mr Namulambe: Mr Speaker, is she in order …

Laughter

Mr Namulambe: … to make us start admiring her …

Laughter

Mr Namulambe: … instead of leaving the cameraman to do the recording?

Laughter

Mr Namulambe: I need your serious ruling, Sir.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Well, I would not like to interfere with the operations of the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC).

Laughter

Mr Speaker: I would urge the hon. Member to exercise self restraint ...

Laughter

Mr Speaker: … until the proceedings are concluded.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: May the hon. Member for Kabompo West continue.

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, it is my assumption that the infrastructure development plan is in sync with the Budget. If that assumption is correct, why do we have infrastructure development plans going unexecuted year in and year out?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, obviously, there are a number of factors. One of the factors is that if you look at the primary subsector, most of the construction is done through the community mode. So, on the side of the community, if the upfront materials are not prepared, even if you release the money, the project is not going to be undertaken. The other factor is dependent on finances. You can have a budget but, if the money is not released, then, the project is not going to be implemented.

So, Mr Speaker, there are a number of factors that sometimes affect the execution of our programmes which, sometimes, are to do with the community if the materials are not ready and, sometimes, has to do with the finances.

I thank you, Sir.

The television crew left the Assembly Chamber.

Mr Shakafuswa: Why are they leaving?

Mr Speaker: Probably to provide relief.

Laughter

Prof. Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, one of the reasons for the establishment of operational plans in the education sector …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Prof. Lungwangwa: Sorry, Sir, may I repeat the question?

Mr Speaker: Please, continue, hon. Member for Nalikwanda.

Laughter

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, one of the reasons for establishing operational plans for infrastructure development in the education sector was to give our co-operating partners an opportunity to see where the sector is going. They have been putting money in the implementation of the operational plans, but what I am hearing from the hon. Minister is that there is no money coming from the co-operating partners. Can he assure the nation that the co-operating partners are still financing the infrastructure operational plans of the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I did not say that there is no money from the co-operating partners, but that even the money from the co-operating partners has to be channelled through the Ministry of Finance that will ultimately give the money to the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education.

Mr Speaker, the co-operating partners have to be thanked for providing the pool funds to the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education through the Ministry of Finance.

So, Hon. Prof. Lungwangwa, largely, there are two factors that affect the implementation of the operational plans for infrastructure development in the education sector. These are the community not being ready sometimes and the money not being released. You can have an operational plan, but this plan can only be executed when you have the cash.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mufalali (Senanga): Mr Speaker, looking at the way the ministry is performing in terms of infrastructure development, one can say that the ministry has literally failed. You are admitted that you have a backlog of infrastructure that you need to develop, but you do not have the money. May I find out from the hon. Minister if this means that his ministry has failed. Fifteen classroom blocks were supposed to be constructed last year. Is this a confirmation that things are not well in his ministry?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I cannot confirm failure. In fact, looking at the statistics of infrastructure development since we took over power in 2011, I can confirm that the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education has done well.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mabumba: The hon. Member of Parliament for Senanga should be aware that there are almost 3 million pupils in the primary subsector. That just goes to demonstrate the investment that has gone into the primary subsector. There are 118 secondary schools at the moment. This is a subsector which was forgotten about.

Dr Kaingu: Hear, hear!

Mr Mabumba: There are six universities under construction since the PF took over Government. So, this goes to demonstrate what this Government has done since we took over power.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mabumba: I think it is unfortunate that my colleague can say that we have failed. Like I said earlier, we have got K213 million in the budget for the primary subsector. This will go a long way in developing infrastructure once it is released.

I thank you, Sir.

MUMBWA TRADES TRAINING INSTITUTE

390. Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo (Mumbwa) asked the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a)    when the construction of the Mumbwa Trades Training Institute would commence; and

(b)    why the K6 million, which was allocated to the project in 2013, had not yet been released.

 Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that:

(a)    the construction of Mumbwa Trades Training Institute will commence in 2015. The preparation of tender documents has reached an advanced stage and an advertisement for the project will be run in the national media soon. It is envisaged that the evaluation process to choose a contractor for the project will be completed soon.

(b)    the K6 million earmarked for Mumbwa Trades Training Institute in 2013 was released towards the end of the year. However, due to the fact that preliminary works on the tender documents, including bills of quantities, had not been completed at the time, the funds were returned at the close of the year.

I thank you, Sir.

BOREHOLES IN KAFULAFUTA

391. Mr Chitafu (Kafulafuta) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing how many boreholes were earmarked for sinking in Kafulafuta Parliamentary Constituency in 2015.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr N. Banda): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that Masaiti District has been allocated a total of thirty boreholes in the 2015 Annual Work Plan under the National Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme. The distribution to constituencies within the district is determined by the stakeholders in the district through full council approval. So, it will be known how many boreholes will be allocated to the Kafulafuta after the distribution within the district.

Sir, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing will soon circulate the Annual Work Plan for the National Rural Water and Sanitation Programme for 2015 to all hon. Members of Parliament during this sitting of the House.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, does the hon. Minister consider thirty boreholes to be adequate for Masaiti District, considering that the majority of the people in Kafulafuta Constituency draw water from wells commonly known as chikaala in my language? Is he sure that thirty boreholes in the whole district will be adequate?

The Minister of Local Government and Housing (Dr Phiri): Mr Speaker, the allocation per district is based on the amount of money available. We know that there is a very huge deficit in terms of water supply. However, considering other districts in need and the resource envelope, thirty boreholes will be sufficient for Masaiti District. I do not know how many of these will be allocated to Kafulafuta. It is, however, good to listen to the hon. Member speak on behalf of the poor people of Zambia because we share the same sentiments.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, now that the hon. Minister has pointed out that there is a huge deficit in the water and sanitation sector, is he prepared to give us some quantification of this deficit so that we know exactly what impact the borehole construction initiative has made in the country against the population. We would also like to know where that deficit is and approximately how many boreholes we need in the country in order to meet the deficit. Is he willing to give us this information in future?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister has already indicated our willingness to meet the deficit. He said that within the course of this session we will circulate information on the number of boreholes to be sunk and the deficit that we have in the country. Maybe, you could wait for that. We realise that this is very important information for hon. Members of Parliament to have. Let us look at this issue more conclusively and we can only do that if you have ample information which we have offered to give.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Namulambe (Mpongwe): Mr Speaker, since there is inadequate funding to sink more boreholes to provide safe drinking water to the people, the consequence that people get sick and the Government has to spend more to have them treated, would it not be prudent for the Government to review the budget and do away with some of the votes that are not relevant and save some money to sink more boreholes and reduce the budget for medicines in the Ministry of Health?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, the suggestion is well spoken, but I wish that the hon. Member of Parliament could wait for the information that we are about to give so that he can make a more informed judgment on what we are doing. However, this does not reduce your assumption that there is a great need for water because, in the absence of water, like you have said, we put pressure on the medical facilities. All the same, I am asking that we be given an opportunity to present an overall picture pertaining to the National Rural Water Supply and Sanitation and the National Urban Water Supply and Sanitation programmes that are in place.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Dr Musokotwane (Liuwa): Mr Speaker, noting what the hon. Minister has said about insufficient funds for water wells, may I find out from him what his ministry is doing to rehabilitate and repair the few boreholes that the ministry has already sunk in places like Kafulafuta and Liuwa which have since broken down and the villagers have gone back to drawing water from shallow wells.

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, I understand the anxiety of the hon. Members of Parliament. This is a matter of life and death, but I insist that it is better tackled when the fuller picture is given. We have indicated that we shall give this fuller picture. We know that there are a number of boreholes countrywide that are non-functional and we also know about the programmes that we have implemented in order to help our people access clean water.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Miyanda (Mapatizya): Mr Speaker, when the Patriotic Front (PF) took over power, the ministry informed the nation, through this House, that 2,500 boreholes would be sunk. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether the said thirty boreholes are part of the 2,500.

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, the question was very specific. The hon. Member for Kafulafuta asked how many boreholes were earmarked for sinking in Kafulafuta Parliamentary Constituency in 2015 and the answer was equally specific that, under the National Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme, Masaiti has been allocated thirty boreholes this year. If you want to know how many boreholes we have sunk since we took over power, you are free to submit a new question or contact us. The information is specifically on Kafulafuta in Masaiti District.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

KALABO TRADES TRAINING INSTITUTE

392. Mr Miyutu asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a)    when the construction of Kalabo Trades Training Institute would be completed;

(b)    how long the project had been running;

(c)    how much money had, thus far, been spent on the project;

(d)    whether the project was within the time frame for completion and, if not, what had led to the overrun;

(e)     what measures had been taken to ensure the project was completed on time; and 

(f)    whether there were any plans to build additional student hostels at the institute.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the project is expected to be completed before the end of 2015. It has been running from January, 2011, and was valued at K16,147,103. So far, K13,904,052 worth of  works have been completed, certified and paid for.

Mr Speaker, the project has exceeded the initial contract period. This has been due to the challenges associated with the transportation of materials to the site, especially when the plains are flooded and all the materials have to be ferried by boat. This resulted in the contractor losing materials worth millions of kwacha on two occasions, as the boats carrying materials capsized.  In view of the challenge, the contractor applied for an extension of the project period with the Director of Buildings. This extension was granted and the project completion period has since been adjusted to April, 2015.

Mr Speaker, the Director of Buildings has urged the contractor to complete the works within the extension period. He has also indicated to the contractor that there will be no further extension. Additional funds amounting to K2.4 million have been allocated in the 2015 Budget for the completion of the project.

Mr Speaker, the institute will be constructed in phases, and additional hostels will be constructed in the subsequent phases of the project.

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, today is 6th March, 2015. This means that we have a few days before April, 2015. When you go to the site, you will see that this project cannot be completed by the end of April, 2015. Hon. Minister, are you not getting bored with having one project running for several years? Do you not see the possibility of the infrastructure, which is not guarded at night, being vandalised?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, in fact, Hon. Miyutu should thank the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education. I have been to the project site several times, and I think that the contractor has made significant progress, given the terrain of that area which Hon. Miyutu is aware of. In my response, I indicated that on two occasions, the boats which were carrying the building materials capsized. This is why we are saying that the Director of Buildings has given the contractor an extension up to April, 2015. In my earlier response to the question, I said that the project is expected to be completed before the end of 2015. 

Mr Speaker, I encourage my colleague to wait and observe what will happen by April this year. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, I believe this project started in 2010. Five years have passed since the project started. During this period, we have heard of other projects elsewhere, which started after 2010, being completed. However, this project and others in many other areas have not been completed. Hon. Minister, do you not see that the people of Kalabo have a legitimate reason to be unhappy? 

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, it is regrettable that the project has not been completed. However, considerable progress has been made. This project was valued at K16 million. So far, the works that have been completed, certified and paid for are worth K13.9 million. For me, that is an indication that as far as the Government and the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education is concerned, the amounts of work that have been done on that project and paid for are considerable. We cannot pay the contractor when there are no certified works. Therefore, this situation is twofold. The ball is also in the court of the contractor. Like I said, on two occasions, the boats which were carrying the materials capsized, and that has contributed to the delay in completing the project. It is regrettable that the project has not been completed. However, I think that we are on top of things. 

I thank you, Sir. 

DAMS IN LUMEZI

393. Mr I. Banda (Lumezi) asked the Minister of Mines, Energy, and Water Development:

(a)    when the Government would construct dams in the following chiefdoms of Lumezi Parliamentary Constituency:

    (i)    Zumwenda;
    (ii)    Chikomeni;
    (ii)    Mwase-Mphangwe;
    (iv)    Kazembe;
    (v)    Chitungulu; and
    (vi)    Mwanya; and

(c)    why it had taken long to commence dam construction in the constituency.

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1045 hours until 1100 hours.

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

The Deputy Minister of Mines, Energy, and Water Development (Mr Zulu): Mr Speaker, the dams in Chief Zumwenda, Chikomeni, Mwase-Mphangwe, Kazembe, Chitungulu, and Mwanya’s areas in Lumezi Parliamentary Constituency will be constructed subject to the findings of the Water Resources Development Programme funded by the World Bank. The Government, through the Department of Water Affairs, with the help of the Water Resources Development Project funded by the World Bank, is in the process of documenting the dam potential areas in Lumezi Parliamentary Constituency. So far, the following sites have been identified: 

(i)    Sichilila and Kazilonde, in Chief Kazembe’s area;
(ii)    Lusangizi; 
(iii)    Kamuilila; 
(iv)    Wanipokelela; 
(v)    Manyika and Luteka in Chief Zumwenda’s area; 
(vi)    Lumimba and Kapangala in Chief Chitulungu’s area; 
(vii)    Lukusuzi and Lukuzye in Chief Mwanya’s area; and
(viii)    Katete in Chief Mwase-Mphangwe’s area. 

Mr Speaker, the Government, through the Department of Water Affairs, is provided with an annual budget to construct four dams. With the budget limitation, it is not possible to construct dams in every constituency on an annual basis.

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr I. Banda: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for that elaborate answer. How long will it take to finish this study that is being conducted so that the construction of the dams can start? I am very excited about your answer, hon. Minister.

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, the study has already started. Like I said in my answer, we have already identified some sites and rivers in the chiefdoms. The study is underway, but I cannot tell exactly when it will be finished. I think that what is important for now is that we have already started this project in Lumezi Constituency.

I thank you, Sir.

ROADS DEPARTMENT CAMPS

394. Mr Chipungu (Rufunsa) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication whether the Government had any plans to reintroduce the Roads Department camps for purposes of enhancing the maintenance of road infrastructure, especially in rural areas. 

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Dr Mwali): Mr Speaker, there are no plans to reintroduce the Roads Department camps. 

However, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Road Development Agency (RDA), has formulated a Road Maintenance Strategy (RMS) for 2015 to 2024 to ensure that all roads, including feeder and access roads, are kept in a maintainable condition. It is expected that through this strategy, the maintenance of roads and road infrastructure will be enhanced.

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Mr Chipungu: Mr Speaker, both the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) and the Patriotic Front (PF) have done extremely well in the area of road construction. However, the problem we have is that of a lack of maintenance.

 I would like to find out if it is possible to maintain roads using the strategy that the Government has put in place. This is because potholes are developing on some of the roads. 

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, under the current arrangement, lower order roads or primary feeder roads are managed by the local road authorities like councils and the Rural Roads Unit (RRU), and the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA).

Hon. Opposition Members: Ah!

Dr Mwali: Yes, all the roads in national parks are maintained by ZAWA. Of course, some improvements are required which will be taken care of by this new strategy. We want to enhance capacities in the local road authorities and harmonise their operations so that they perform better. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Mr Mtolo (Chipata Central): Mr Speaker, I listened attentively to the hon. Minister’s response. However, it is difficult to appreciate this strategy which will see the local authorities maintain our roads. Would the hon. Minister explain what type of equipment will be given to the local authorities and Central Government and whether it has already been purchased so that our roads which are constructed at a high cost are maintained and not allowed to go to waste. 

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, with regard to enhancing the capacity of the local authorities by providing equipment, we are starting with re-equipping the Zambia National Service (ZNS) for the next four years. This has been clearly spelled out in the strategy I am talking about. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Pande (Kasempa): Mr Speaker, the first portion of the Mutanda/Chavuma Road is slowly getting damaged because of a lack of maintenance. The lack of maintenance of roads is a major setback in the efforts that the Government has been making in road infrastructure development.

 I would like to find out from the hon. Minister how soon this strategy will be implemented. We heard that the programme will run from 2015 to 2024, but we are already in March of 2015, and the programme has not yet started. When will this strategy be implemented?

The Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Mr Mukanga): Mr Speaker, the strategy has been formulated for 2015 to 2024, meaning that it will be operationalised this year. 

It is important for us to realise that in this strategy, which I will lay on the Table within the course of next week, we are looking at the best way of raising funds to maintain roads in the lower bracket so that it is easy for us to coordinate the maintenance unlike in the past. 

The problem we have had is to look for resources every year for the maintenance, construction and rehabilitation of roads. This is why we have brought in the idea of tollgates and the public- private partnerships (PPP). The strategy explains all this in detail and hon. Members will understand all this when it is availed to them.

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, rural roads such as the ones Hon. Dr Mwali talked about are non existent in the Western Province. All one can see are tracks of sand which worsens the poverty levels because there is no cheap transportation using small vehicles like in other areas. 

I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what strategy this Government has for the rural roads in the Western Province that have contributed so much to poverty. 

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, like the hon. Member has said, rural roads in the Western Province are a challenge because of the sand. It is very difficult for us to look at roads there the same way we would look at roads elsewhere. Using this strategy, we want to roll out a programme that will distribute the repair and maintenance of roads equitably. We shall see what we can do about the Western Province although this will require a lot of resources. 

The hon. Member for Liuwa was Minister of Finance at one time and he could have put in place a deliberate policy to ensure that roads were maintained. 

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter 

Mr Livune: Question!

Mr Mwewa (Mwansabombwe): Mr Speaker, what will be the role of the Rural Roads Unit (RRU) since this Government has decided to empower the Zambia National Service (ZNS) with equipment instead of the RRU?

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, we are not disbanding the Rural Roads Unit (RRU). The Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication, through the Road Development Agency (RDA), is the authority on roads and is at liberty to appoint any agent to undertake any road works on its behalf. We have decided to appoint the Zambia National Service (ZNS) to implement certain parts of our projects. We have not disbanded the RRU. If we disbanded it, we would inform you. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, in his response, the hon. Minister acknowledged that infrastructure development in the Western Province is a challenge. Is the ministry prepared to come up with a strategy for developing roads specifically for the Western Province, given the challenge of the terrain and other environmental factors?  

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I think the hon. Member would accept that this Government has been very committed to trying to improve the livelihood of our people, including those in the Western Province. We are constructing the Mongu/Kalabo Road which is a very expensive project in Zambia and probably Southern Africa.

Sir, we are trying to do all we can to ensure that people in the Western Province are given the best service. We shall look at the logistics and map out a strategy on how best we can handle the issue of roads in the Western Province.

I thank you, Sir.

MATERNITY WINGS AT KAFULAFUTA HEALTH POSTS 

395.    Mr Chitafu asked the Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health:

(a)    whether the Government had any plans to build maternity wings at the following health posts in Kafulafuta Parliamentary Constituency:

(i)    Miengwe;
(ii)    Matipa;
(iii)    Lupiya;
(iv)    Mutaba;
(v)    Katonte;
(vi)    Bangwe; and 
(vii)    Chiwala High School;
(a)    if so, when the plans would be implemented; and 

(b)    what the cost of constructing one maternity wing was.

The Deputy Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health (Mr Chisala): Mr Speaker, there is an incomplete maternity wing at Miengwe Health Centre whose construction was initiated using the Constituency Develop Fund (CDF) in 2009. The Government, therefore, intends to complete the maternity wing this year at an estimated cost of K30,000. Further, the Government, in partnership with the Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia (PPAZ), intends to build a maternity wing this year at Mutaba Health Post at an estimated cost of K452,000. 

Sir, there are no plans to build maternity wings at Matipa, Lupiya, Katonte, Bangwe and Chiwala High School for the reason that there is no provision of maternity wings on the plans for health post building plans. Further, health posts are meant to provide basic primary health care services. In view of this, maternity cases are referred to health centres that have midwives. However, the Government has continued to engage co-operating partners to help in bridging the gap in the development of such important infrastructure. 

Mr Speaker, the average cost of constructing one maternity wing ranges from K350,000 to about K500,000, depending on the location.

I thank you, Sir.

RETIRED TEACHERS IN LUKULU EAST AND WEST

396.    Mr Mutelo (Lukulu West) asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a)    how many teachers in Lukulu East and Lukulu West Parliamentary constituencies were retired from 2011 to 2013, year by year;

(b)    whether terminal benefits for the retired teachers had been paid and, if not, why; and 

(c)    when the terminal benefits would be paid.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, seven teachers were retired in 2011. Nine were retired in 2012 and five were retired in 2013, both in Lukulu East and Lukulu West parliamentary constituencies.

Sir, terminal benefits for the retired teachers have been partially paid. The district has adopted a phased approach in the payment of the terminal benefits due to the huge bill compared to the funds that are released.

Mr Speaker, the ministry has progressively been paying and will continue to pay the terminal benefits until the entire debt is offset. 

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that the benefits are partially paid. However, is he aware that when the retired teachers receive this partial payment, they are reduced to being destitute within a year? What are you doing to help the teachers who served the nation and have contributed to our being here?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, it is very difficult to tell whether the partial payment drives them into destitution. However, in my opinion, the partial payments help the teachers to solve many of the problems that they may be faced with at a particular time. The terminal benefits that we are talking about are for repatriation and leave days because a huge chunk of the money is paid by the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF). Hon. Mutelo should appreciate that as much as we share his concern, these are historical debts that need a significant Budget allocation. This is why the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) in Lukulu District has decided to adopt a phased approach in the payment of terminal benefits so that as many teachers as possible can be paid from the money allocated in the Budget. 

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mufalali: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that this phased approach has left the teachers at the mercy of the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) to an extent that they are paid as low as K200 for repatriation?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, they are not necessarily at the mercy of the DEBS. The DEBS can only pay based on the amount of resources allocated to the particular district. Sometimes, the teachers go to the DEBS to ask to be paid as little as possible. 

Interruptions 

Mr Mabumba: On that basis, the DEBS, using their discretion, may decide to pay that amount. However, the amount of money paid in a phased approach is meant to help teachers. I also have a constituency and have been on the ground. So, I know what happens. 

Sir, this is why I said that I share the concerns that our colleagues have. However, like I stated, we have been paying this money progressively and we will continue to do so based on the money that this House allocates to the ministry.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamudulu: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that even teachers who are still serving have been inconvenienced because the teachers who have been partially paid are still occupying institutional houses?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, we are aware of the situation and totally agree with my colleague. Some retired teachers are still occupying institutional houses which they would have vacated had they been paid their repatriation allowance. Dismantling personal areas is an issue that needs a broader strategy. Therefore, the ministry will look at it.

Sir, I would like to repeat the fact that I share the concerns of my colleagues.

I thank you, Sir. 

TRANSPORT FOR KAPIRI MPOSHI DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL OFFICE 

397.    Mr Musonda asked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock: 

(a)    when reliable transport would be provided to the District Agricultural Office in Kapiri Mposhi; and 

(b)    whether the Government had any plans to provide transport to agricultural extension workers to enable them carry out their duties effectively. 

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr Ng’onga): Mr Speaker, the ministry has made a provision of K10 million in the 2015 Budget for the procurement of vehicles for districts, including Kapiri Mposhi, which are facing transport problems countrywide. Kapiri Mposhi will get a reliable motor vehicle for the district as soon as the budgeted funds are released. 

Mr Speaker, the ministry has made a provision of K4,302,828.00 for the procurement of motorbikes for field staff in its 2015 budget which will be distributed to districts experiencing serious shortages of field transport. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Mr Namulambe: Mr Speaker, part (b) of the question relates to the provision of transport to agricultural extension officers. In his response, the hon. Minister talked about sending motorbikes to districts that may end up being used by the district officers. Are the motorbikes going to reach the agricultural extension officers who are in dire need?

Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, the motorbikes are intended for field staff such as extension workers in the different districts.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, it is a very good idea to distribute motorbikes up to camp level but, in most cases, the users of the motorbikes are not given money for fuel, hence they end up being parked. Do you have any plans of giving the camp officers bicycles which they can use in an event that they have no fuel?

The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr Lubinda): Mr Speaker, let me take advantage of that question to inform the hon. Member and all the people of the Eastern Province that over a period of two years, this hardworking Government has managed to reduce the shortage of motorbikes in the Eastern Province. In the Eastern Province, the number of motorbikes for extension officers is at 585 motorbikes and was 100 as at the close of 2014. We have done that because when we provide motorbikes, we also budget for the requisite fuels and lubricants. It is not in the plans of the ministry to provide bicycles to extension officers because of the distances that they have to cover. If we increase the number of camp officers so that we reduce the coverage areas, we may consider that. For now, we think that the most appropriate means of transport for camp officers is the motorbikes.

I thank you, Sir. 

ZNBC RADIO AND TELEVION SIGNALS IN KATETE

398. Mr Phiri (Mkaika) asked the Minister of Information and Broadcasting when the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) radio and television signals in Katete District would be strengthened.

The Deputy Minister of Information and Broadcasting (Mr Tembo): Mr Speaker, television and radio services for Katete are being provided through transmitters in Chipata and Chadiza. It has been established that due to the terrain of the district, the signals are being blocked by the hills surrounding it. The Government has however, planned to resolve this problem through the implementation of the Digital Migration and Rural Frequency Modulation (FM) Transmitters’ projects.

Sir, the television services will, therefore, improve in Katete when a digital transmitter will be installed to service Katete District and its surrounding areas. This network design will resolve the current problems of hills blocking the signals from Chipata or Chadiza. 

Sir, as for the improvement in radio signal, the challenge in Katete is going to be resolved once the FM Transmitter is installed at Sinda under the Rural FM Transmitter Project.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Phiri: Mr Speaker, how soon will the transmitters be provided so that people in Katete can enjoy listening to radio as well as watching television?

Mr Tembo: Mr Speaker, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) has, so far, installed transmitters for Radio 1 and Radio II in Petauke, Lundazi, Chama and Chadiza under Phase I of the project. Katete will be covered in Phase II this year.

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Mutale (Bwacha): Mr Speaker, some people in the Diaspora have been telling me that they listen to Parliament Radio. Does the national broadcaster, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), broadcast outside the country?

Mr Tembo: Mr Speaker, although that question is not part of the question under consideration, I will try to give a bonus answer. In my response, I indicated that we are about to install the digital system which will cover the entire nation such that every corner of the country will receive the television and radio signals. 

I thank you, Sir.

Mr A. Banda (Milanzi): Mr Speaker, about three to four years ago, the people of Katete used to access Radio 1 and Radio II despite the hills that are there. Why is it that they cannot access the radio signal at the moment?

Mr Tembo: Mr Speaker, I have already indicated that the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) has embarked on a project to install new transmitters so as to improve the signal for both radio and television at once. 

I thank you, Sir.

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister answer the question from the hon. Member for Kwacha. People in China are able to listen to our debates through Parliament Radio via the internet. In that regard, the hon. Member for Kwacha wanted to find out whether Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) radio, like other radio stations, is transmitted via the internet?

Mr Tembo: Mr Speaker, yes, it is transmitted through audio streaming.

Thank you, Sir.

ANNUAL RICE PRODUCTION IN LUMEZI

399. Mr I. Banda asked the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock:

(a)    how many tonnes of rice were produced, on average, annually in Lumezi Parliamentary Constituency;

(b)    how many farmers were supported through the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) to produce rice in the constituency from 2012 to 2014, year by year; and

(c)    if none, when the Government would extend the FISP to the rice farmers in the constituency.

Mr Monde: Mr Speaker, statistical data on crop production countrywide is collected at district level and not at constituency level. Nevertheless, Lundazi District, in which Lumezi Parliamentary Constituency is located, recorded a rice production of 991 metric tonnes and 383 metric tonnes during the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 agricultural seasons, respectively. Therefore, the average rice production in that area between 2012 and 2014 was 687 metric tonnes.

Sir, between 2012 and 2014, no farmer had been supported to produce rice through the FISP in Lundazi District. The FISP plans to support rice farmers in the district during the 2015/2016 farming season.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr I. Banda: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister how many farmers in Lumezi Constituency will benefit from this important programme when it starts since there are a lot of rice producers along the valley area? We would like the production of this crop to increase because it is also a cash crop.

Mr Monde: Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is currently working with the Camp Agriculture Committee (CAC) and District Agriculture Coordinators (DAC) in trying to ascertain what crops we should be able to support. Suffice it to say that in our previous programmes, we have provided maize, sorghum and groundnut seed to farmers in Lundazi District. So, we are still working out modalities but, very soon, we shall have all the details.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister stated that the ministry plans to support rice production in Lundazi District. How can they support rice production when they have failed to give fertiliser to farmers?

Mr Monde: Mr Speaker, I do not know how I can respond to that question, but I think that we have provided fertiliser to farmers in this country. If there is a specific case to which the hon. Member is referring, then, we can look into it.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Hamudulu: Sir, I would like to take advantage of the answer given by the hon. Minister that the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) will be extended to rice production. In the Government’s quest to diversify, could the hon. Minister be kind enough to indicate what other crops, apart from rice, the FISP will be extended to? I have cotton in mind.

Mr Lubinda: Sir, in responding to a follow-up question from the hon. Member for Lumezi, my colleague, the hon. Deputy Minister, indicated that by last year, we had already started the programme to diversify. He also mentioned that we supported farmers in Lundazi to also produce sorghum and groundnuts. So, the diversification programme is already underway.

Mr Speaker, let me, however, hasten to mention that we are rather disappointed with the rate at which we are diversifying. Of the 1 million farmers that were supported to produce maize in the 2014/2015 season, only 10 per cent, that is 113,000 farmers, were supported to produce alternative crops. This year, we intend to increase the figure. That is the reason the hon. Deputy Minister indicated that this decision will be arrived at after we have conducted a needs assessment through the Camp Agriculture Committees, District Agriculture Committees (DACs) and Provincial Agriculture Coordinators (PACO). So, we intend to diversify and we mean business. When we announce the cropping season for 2015/2016, we shall indicate specific crops for specific regions based on the needs of the farmers.

I thank you, Sir.

NAPSA HOUSING UNIT IN KALULUSHI

400. Mr Mwanza (Solwezi West) asked the Ministry of Labour and Social Security:

(a)    what the cost of constructing each housing unit by the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) in Kalulushi District was; and

(b)    whether the prices of the housing units would be revised downwards to enable many citizens to acquire decent accommodation.

The Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Security (Ms Kansembe): Mr Speaker, in line with the prudential principles of the National Pension Scheme Act No. 40 of 1996 and the investment guidelines, NAPSA embarked on the construction of Kalulushi Housing Complex as an investment asset aimed at growing the members’ funds. The project is a mixed use development comprising a nursery school and low, medium, and high cost houses. The breakdown of the cost of each of the house designs is as follows:

    Units    Cost Price per    Total
Housing Unit to date

Low Cost    19    405,832    7,710,808
Medium Cost 1    88    654,847     57,626,536
Medium Cost 2     122    649,657     79,258,154
Medium Cost 3    86    695,466     59,810,076
Medium Cost Flat    64    551,283     35,282,112
High Cost 1    16    840,902     13,454,432
High Cost 2     16    894,902     14,318,432
High Cost 3    8    928,936    7,431,488

Total            419                      4811825          274,892,038

Currently, there are no intentions to reduce the prices because the funds utilised belong to the members. These investments are, therefore, meant to grow the funds to ensure that the beneficiaries are paid sufficient amounts as and when their benefits fall due. The NAPSA management is in discussion with a number of financial institutions to come up with affordable mortgage products so as to enable members of the public to have access to these houses at affordable rates. The NAPSA management is also in discussion with corporate entities to come up with schemes for their employees where the houses could be paid for in installments.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mwanza: Mr Speaker, what the hon. Minister has said about what is contained in the investment portfolio for the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) is actually true. However, why is there so much controversy about the pricing of the houses, and yet the hon. Minister of Labour and Social Security is saying that the prices are fine for Zambians, provided they are cushioned by the private sector?

Ms Kansembe: Mr Speaker, I think the issue that the hon. Member of Parliament has raised is in respect of members of the public who want to purchase the housing units as individuals. Those are the people who have complained about the prices. However, as we said, the prices were pegged in relation to the cost of constructing the houses. For the information of the hon. Member who asked this question, the mark up for selling the houses is only about 10 per cent.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Konga (Chavuma): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has given the House the categories and prices for the houses which were constructed by the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA). When were the houses constructed and how many of them have been bought?

Ms Kansembe: Mr Speaker, the houses were constructed during the reign of the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), around 2009 and 2010. As at now, none of the houses have been purchased.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Hamudulu: Sir, NAPSA embarked on this exercise with a view to making money using members’ funds. In other words, NAPSA wanted to make a profit. We have been told now that since the houses were constructed, none of them have been bought. Surely, this means that this was a  very bad business venture. What is being done to recover the money should buyers for the houses not be found?

Mr Kansembe: Mr Speaker, the ministry is very optimistic that even if the housing units are not, we shall have money coming in. We have just said that the organisation is in discussion with business houses that are interested in renting a number of the housing units for their employees.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

JATROPHA PRODUCTION IN WESTERN PROVINCE

401. Mr Miyutu asked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock:

(a)    whether the growing of jatropha in the Western Province was viable;

(b)    if so, how much crop was produced in the 2012/2013 season;

(c)    what measures had been taken to promote the growing of jatropha in the province;

(d)    which province produced the largest quantity of jatropha in 2013; and

(e)    what the hectarage cultivated at (d) was.

Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, in terms of favourable agronomic conditions for growth and development, the growing of jatropha in the Western Province is viable. However, it is not economically viable, as there is no readily available market for this crop at the moment. Jatropha was and is still being grown on a small scale largely around homesteads. This is attributed to the lack of a readily available market for the crop. Since production is on a very small scale, no data on the crop was collected for the 2012/13 agriculture season.

Mr Speaker, the economic potential of growing jatropha includes the industrial production of bio-fuel and, on a smaller scale, the production of soaps and candles. However, currently, there are no measures being taken to promote the growing of jatropha in the Western Province due to a lack of a readily available market for the crop. As stated earlier, jatropha production is on a very small scale countrywide. This has, therefore, not warranted the collection of statistical data on the crop which can be very costly. The hectarage cultivated for jatropha has not been determined, as farmers usually grow it on very small portions of land around their homesteads and crop fields.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, I was speaking to an organisation that is based in Mongu that has been trying to buy the jatropha seed. I have concluded that it is a good crop which we should embark on growing. I am surprised when the hon. Minister says that there is no readily available market when the Government is there. Has the Government attempted to put this issue on the table and analysed it for it to conclude that there is no readily available market? Does the Government have the interest of the people of the Western Province at heart?

Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, I will indicate that the production of jatropha was primarily driven by the private sector at the time when there was an increase in the prices of petroleum products. The private sector was looking for alternative sources of bio-fuels but, since the decline of prices of petroleum products, calls to consider jatropha as an alternative source of fuel reduced internationally. 

Therefore, even the interest of people like Prof. Sinkala, who was promoting the production of this crop in this country, has gone down. Although my hon. Colleague would like to appeal to the ministry and the Government to invest in this crop, for the Western Province, the Government should focus its attention on crops like the cashew to improve the livelihood of the people because the benefits will be seen much quicker than for jatropha. However, if the circumstances change, the Government will definitely look at the growing of jatropha.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Pande: Mr Speaker, what role, if any, is the Government playing in the growing of jatropha?

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, the Government is treating jatropha as a potential crop. We are providing extension services to those who require it. There used to be what appeared to be a viable plantation in Chief Nawaitwika area which was supported by a Japanese company. The Government rendered extension services to that plantation like it has been doing with Prof. Sinkala who spearheaded the promotion of this crop. So, that is the service that the Government is providing. 

Sir, in reference to the question raised by Hon. Chinga Miyutu on whether the Government is concerned about the welfare of the people of the Western Province, I would like to say that we are very concerned. For the people of the Western Province, we think that a more viable crop to grow is cashew. This Government is coming up with ways of encouraging the growing of cashew in the Western Province. Hon. Miyutu may wish to know that whereas the market for jatropha is not yet established in Zambia or anywhere else in the world, there is a huge market for cashew.

Sir, for his information, cashew fetches a higher premium than even copper.

Hon. Government Members: Yes!

Mr Lubinda: If only Hon. Miyutu would assist the Government by encouraging his constituents to grow cashew which can be processed locally. The Citizen’s Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) has already provided some soft loans to some farmers in the Western Province to process cashew. Cashew, today, is fetching between US$47,000 to US$55,000 per tonne. You can imagine what that would do to the economy of the Western Province. So, we want to concentrate on cashew at the expense of jatropha for those reasons.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, I believe that the product and the by-products of jatropha have an international market because it is an internationally-traded commodity just like copper, coffee and tea. I would like to find out why the ministry is so quick to dismiss the potential of jatropha when they know very well that prices for international commodities fluctuate. A few years ago, the price of jatropha was good. Now, they are saying that it is bad. They claim that the price of cashew nuts is higher. However, it could change dramatically tomorrow. So, why is the Government not looking at having a collective portfolio of potential crops, especially that these are crops that you grow almost wildly and, therefore, are easy to grow? Why are they dismissing jatropha so easily and relying on cashew nuts whose price could also equally dramatically change without notice.

Mr Lubinda: Sir, I indicated that there were a few plantations that were tried and those plantations collapsed because the farmers realised that this may have been a waste of their effort, whereas for cashew, the demand still exists. A lot of farmers in the Western Province are knocking on the doors of the agricultural officers asking for seedlings for cashew. Like I said, the production of cashew has already been tried in this country and it has proven to be a very economically-viable product. Why should we venture into unchartered waters when we know the route to take us where we want to go? A very sure way for us is cashew. If there is going to be growing demand for jatropha, the farmers will respond to that demand, and I am sure they will put pressure on the ministry to assist them with the promotion of jatropha. For now, the tree that is in great demand is cashew and we would like to spend our effort and money on promoting cashew production.

I thank you, Sir.

___________ 

BILLS

FIRST READING

THE TAX APPEALS TRIBUNAL, 2015

The Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication, and Chief Whip (Mr Mukanga) (on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Mr Chikwanda)): Mr Speaker, I beg to present a Bill entitled the Tax Appeals Tribunal Bill, 2015. The objects of the Bill are:

(a)    to continue the existence of the revenue tribunal and rename it as the Tax Appeals Tribunal;

(b)    provide for the composition and functions of the Tax Appeals Tribunal;

(c)    repeal the Revenue Appeals Tribunal Act of 1998; and

(d)    provide for matters connected with or incidental to the foregoing.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker: The Bill stands referred to the Committee on Economic Affairs, Energy and Labour. The Committee is required to submit its Report on the Bill to the House by Friday 20th March, 2015. Hon. Members who wish to make submissions or amendments to the Bill are free to do so within the programme of work of the Committee.

Thank you.

THE ANTI-TERRORISM (Amendment) BILL, 2015

The Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication, and Chief Whip (Mr Mukanga) (on behalf of the Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Mwila)): Mr Speaker, I beg to present a Bill entitled the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2015. The object of this Bill is to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2007 so as to:

(a)    establish the National Anti-Terrorism Centre and provide for its functions; and

(b)    provide for matters connected with or incidental to the foregoing.

Thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: The Bill stands referred to the Committee on National Security and Foreign Affairs. The Committee is required to submit its report on the Bill to the House by Friday, 20th March, 2015. Hon. Members who wish to make submissions or amendments to the Bill are free to do so within the programme of work of the Committee.

Thank you.

Order!

________

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to.

_________ 

The House adjourned at 1206 hours until 1430 hours on Tuesday, 10th March, 2015.