Tuesday, 8th December, 2015 

The House met at 1430 hours

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER
____________ 

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR SPEAKER

134TH INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, as you may be fully aware, the National Assembly of Zambia will host the 134th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly and related meetings from 19th to 23rd March, 2016, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC). The assembly is expected to bring together more than 1,400 delegates from 166 countries and territories comprising Members of Parliament and staff.

The programme of the 134th IPU Assembly will include the following activities:

(a)    inaugural ceremony, which will be officially opened by His Excellency, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia; 

(b)    meeting of the Governing Council;

(c)    general debate on the theme chosen by the National Assembly of Zambia, entitled “Rejuvenating Democracy: Giving Voice to the Youth”; 

(d)    meeting of women Parliamentarians to be chaired by Hon. Nkandu Luo, MP, Minister of Gender and Child Development; 

(e)    meetings of the four Standing Committees and their bureaux, namely:

(i)    Standing Committee on Peace and International Security;
(ii)    Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, Finance and Trade;
(iii)    Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights; and
(iv)    Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs;

(f)    meetings of the IPU Executive Committee;

(g)    meetings of the:
 
(i)    Forum of Young Parliamentarians;
(ii)    Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians;
(iii)    Committee on Middle East Questions; and
(iv)    International Humanitarian Law Committee;

(h)    meeting of the Association of Secretary-Generals of Parliament. This will be a meeting of Clerks and Secretary-Generals of member Parliaments. This will be presided over by the Clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia, who is the current president of the association. This meeting will be held at Radisson Blu Hotel;

(i)    geopolitical and other group meetings; and

(j)    various bilateral meetings.

Hon. Members, it is hoped that the hosting of the 134th IPU Assembly will, obviously, raise the profile of the City of Lusaka which we believe will eventually lead to lasting economic benefits, through increased recognition and tourism. Zambia will, through hosting the assembly, gain greater international recognition and acceptance. The raised profile will be important for giving economic benefits, such as I have already mentioned, attracting tourists and business investment. 

Hon. Members, you may wish to note that the National Assembly of Zambia has made tremendous progress in preparing for the assembly. The Office of the Clerk has prepared a communication plan to reach out to the Zambian people, including hon. Members, on the hosting of the event. A brochure has, in this regard, been specifically prepared for hon. Members and your copies have been deposited into your respective pigeonholes. You are, therefore, hereby advised to pick and read them. 

Hon. Members are also urged to support the preparation for this very important event by participating in the following activities:

(a)    deliberations of the assembly. Hon. Members to participate in the 134th IPU Assembly will, in due course, be nominated by the Hon. Mr. Speaker;

(b)    public awareness activities on the importance of hosting the assembly in the constituencies, which will be mounted on radio and television; and

(c)    preparatory work. The various organising sub-committees will undertake various tasks. 

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

_____________

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

GOVERNMENT MEASURES TO ENSURE ATTAINMENT OF MDG NO. 2

219. Mr Mbewe (Chadiza) asked the Minister of General Education:

(a)    what measures the Government had taken to ensure that all children achieved primary education by December, 2015, in accordance with millennium development goal (MDG) No. 2; and

(b)    what challenges the Government had encountered in achieving the MDG.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

The Deputy Minister of General Education (Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House and the general public that Zambia, as one of the signatories to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), put a number of measures in place to achieve the MDG No.2 on Universal Primary Education. 

Mr Speaker, the focus of this goal was to have all children, girls and boys alike, complete a full course of primary schooling. As a result of this, our net enrolment rate in Zambia has increased from 69.3 per cent. In absolute terms; it is 1,589,584 children in 2000 to 94.3 per cent in 2014, which translates into 3,217,872 children. 

Mr Speaker, the measures that the Government, through the Ministry of General Education, put in place are the following:

(a)    construction of new primary schools and expansion of existing ones; 

This activity increased the overall number of primary schools from 4,200 primary schools, in 2000, to the current total of 5,233;

(b)    the adoption of a free Primary Education Policy which entailed the removal of school user fees and the abolition of the compulsory use of uniforms;

This allowed all children that were not attending school due to school fees and uniform requirements to get into school. Further, the general public is also aware that Grade 7 examination fees were also abolished as part of that strategy;

(c)    annual recruitment of primary school teachers. The ministry has been recruiting an average of 5, 000 teachers per annum of which more than three-quarters have been for the primary education sub-sector.That exercise for 2014 was just concluded;

(d)    strengthening of the implementation of the re-entry policy. This policy enables girls that drop out of school due to pregnancy to be re-admitted; 

(e)    promoting the establishment of community schools. The Government has supported the establishment of community schools by local communities to supplement its efforts in increasing access to education. This has resulted into the number of community schools increasing from 883 in 2000 to 2,664 in 2014; and  

(f)    increased advocacy on enrolling children into school. The Government has increased advocacy for communities to enrol their children into school. In addition, the Education Act of 2011 also made it an offence for parents who do not take their school age children to school. 

Mr Speaker, despite the remarkable progress that has been made, the following have been our challenges:

(a)    high pupil-teacher ratio

The increased number of pupils enrolled at primary schools entails that the number of teachers that are recruited annually to handle the additional classes has not been able to match the number of enrolment; and

(b)    in adequate teaching and learning materials

The recommended text books/pupil ratio is 1 to 1. However, at the moment, it stands at 1 to 5 at primary school level.

Mr Speaker, as already stated, the net enrolment rate at primary school level currently stands at 94.3 per cent which signifies that MDG No. 2 is nearly achieved. We need to commend ourselves, as a country, because not many countries were able to achieve MDG No.2.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, if I got the hon. Minister correctly, he said we are at 94.3 per cent of enrolment meaning that we have not achieved the MDG No. 2. Hon. Minister, what other plans do you have so that we score a 100 per cent enrolment to make sure that our children are enrolled and proceed through to tertiary education?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, some of the notable measures to ensure the attainment of 100 per cent enrolment include those I have just mentioned, such as, the construction of additional classrooms, expansion of existing primary schools and the re-deployment of teachers on an annual basis. These measures will assist in the achievement of MDG No. 2.

Mr Speaker, the Government will continue investing in the establishment of new primary schools, their expansion and the re-deployment of teachers so that as we go on, we reach a 100 per cent enrolment as a nation. In 2015, we are currently at 94.3 per cent and it is quite remarkable progress. I am sure that once these measures are consolidated, we should be able to rachieve the 100 per cent mark.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Namulambe (Mpongwe): Mr Speaker, in addressing part (a) of the Question, the hon. Deputy Minister indicated that the abolition of user fees in primary school is one of the measures that has been put in place to achieve the MDG No. 2 and that it is helping children attain primary education. Can the hon. Minister help me to see how I can be part of the people commending themselves if despite the abolition of user fees, children are still paying parent-teacher association (PTA) funds. The failure to pay these funds inhibits children from going to school as they are turned away. How can I join you in commending ourselves?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the adoption of the Free Primary Education Policy meant that children do not pay anything for their education. Of course, in terms of implementation, it varies from one province to the other and from one district to the other, but the policy commitment of the ministry is that children from Grade 1 to 7 do not pay anything. However, the variations may be that when a school has a project, it may probably ask parents to pay a K5 or K2.

Thank you, Sir.

Mr Chipungu (Rufunsa): Mr Speaker, I am not too sure if the hon. Minister has mentioned the issue of feeding in schools. In the past, the Government used to feed children in schools. I remember Hon. Mwansa Kapeya and I rushing for buns and milk at break time. I want to find out from the hon. Minister if the Government intends to go along the line of feeding children in schools.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Member for that very brilliant question. As part of our commitment to the feeding programme, there is already money that has been allocated in our budget, although it may not be enough. It is true that the school feeding programme has supported the retention of most children in the school system. 

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Musokotwane (Liuwa): Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister has indicated that the official policy is that there should be no fees paid from Grade1 to 7, but we know that children are paying Parent-teacher Association (PTA) and other funds, as my colleague mentioned earlier. When we ask school authorities why they charge this money, the teachers say, “Look, there is no chalk. There are no exercise books. Look at this broken piece of equipment. How will it be repaired?” So, under those circumstances, can you blame the teachers for charging the fees and, therefore, deny that these fees are actually a barrier to children progressing in education?

The Minister of General Education (Dr Phiri): Mr Speaker, indeed, the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) fees are amongst the barriers of children attending school. The Government’s intentions are very clear. However, it is handicapped in implementing a free education policy due to the erratic flow of funds from the Treasury. Firstly, the funds are not adequate and, secondly, do not reach the intended targets on time or not at all. This is one barrier that we need to address more vigorously. 

Mr Speaker, let me take advantage of Hon. Dr Musokotwane’s question to pay tribute to all hon. Ministers who have been where I am now for the great strides that Zambia has made  that have culminated into the 94.3 per cent enrolment rate that you are hearing of. The strides have been cumulative and this is why I pay tribute to all those who were hon. Ministers before me. However, the 94.3 per cent enrolment rate does not mean that there are no challenges. Hon. Dr Musokotwane has just pointed out one of the challenges of ensuring universal primary education, particularly, for the vulnerable children of Zambia. This struggle continues because we cannot accomplish everything in one year with one budgetary allocation. It will be a struggle that Zambia must engage in more vigorously than before.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Speaker: It seems a very innocuous subject, but I will have to close it quickly.

Mr Katambo (Masaiti): Mr Speaker, as we are now in December of 2015, would the hon. Minister say that we have achieved the millennium development goal (MDG) No. 2?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, we pat ourselves on the back because the quest to attain universal primary education has been a struggle from 2000, and we are now at 94.3 per cent enrolment rate. However, there are still some 700,000 children who are not yet in primary school. This figure can be backed by research findings. So, we have not attained the MDG No. 2, but can smile a little that we have achieved major milestones. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Prof. Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for recognising the efforts of his colleagues who formerly occupied his seat. This is how it should be.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, the efforts of ensuring that every child is in primary school goes all the way back to the 1990 World Education Conference on Education for All (WECEA). Indeed, there are challenges. How is the hon. Minister engaging his colleague in the Ministry of Finance to ensure that grants to schools are released on time and reach the targeted schools?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, the Government is agreed that these grants are essential, particularly for rural schools, and I can attest that the hon. Minister of Finance does his level best. However, due to obvious constraints, things are not moving as they should. We are only hoping that the commitment by the Government remains the resolve to do something special for the children of Zambia.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mbulakulima (Chembe): Mr Speaker, it is good that user fees were abolished. However, the fear out there is that they have been replaced by the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) fund. This means that up to this stage, children have been stopped from going to school to attain universal primary education. It has been lamented that the Government has allowed this to continue because it has limited resources. Realising that the PTA fund has replaced user fees, does the Government intend to regulate it because it is a hindrance, as at now, so as to allow children attain universal primary education? 

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, the proposal is welcome. However, it can only be implemented after a very careful analysis of the situation in different districts in order not to injure the school process by decisions that we cannot sustain, as the Government, considering the infrequency and inadequacy of the grants to schools. We can keep this in mind as we look at this vexing issue that stops a few of children from attending school.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Mr Speaker, hunger is a product of poverty and, in rural areas, it is one of the barriers to the provision of education to children. It is good that the Government provides a feeding programme for rural schools, but the question that begs an answer from the hon. Minister is: Why has the Government decided to withdraw the provision to deliver the feedstock and instead requested schools to collect it from the District Education Board Secretaries (DEBS) offices?

Mr Speaker: For a moment, I thought the question was directed at the hon. Minister of Agriculture.

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, let me take advantage of this question to thank the World Food Programme (WFP) for the aid that it has given to this country in the on-going school feeding programmes. It is only in this Budget year that the Government has realised that it must increase its funding to the feeding programme and reach more children, which it has done.

As regards the delivery of feedstock, it is a matter of modalities from one district to the other and one province to the other. However, I take note of the hon. Member’s concern and will try to interrogate it and see whether we can make amends wherever it is happening.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

SECONDARY SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION IN NGABWE DISTRICT

220.    Mr Musonda (Kapiri Mposhi) asked the Minister of General Education when a secondary school would be constructed in Ngabwe District.

The Deputy Minister of General Education (Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, ...

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order, on the right!

Mr Mabumba: ... at the moment, the Government is focused on completing outstanding projects. Kapiri Mposhi District alone, before Ngabwe was alienated as a district, had three big multi-million kwacha projects, namely Kapiri Day, Kapiri Girls Technical and Chipepo Secondary Schools. As a result of these commitments, we are only upgrading two primary schools in Ngabwe District, namely Mumba Chala and Ngabwe Basic schools into day secondary schools.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that there will be no more new projects. This pronouncement was also made by His Excellency the President. We have schools in this country such as Tafelansoni, where I come from, where pupils learn under a mango tree. Would it not be okay if this pronouncement could be waived in order to assist old schools with non-existent infrastructure?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I totally agree with Hon. Mbewe that against the pronouncement made, there are areas which need new schools. Hon. Members are aware that we are seriously committed to completing 118 school projects across the country. As a result of that, the budget is not adequate for us to build new schools, apart from the 118 projects I have mentioned. However, as already stated by Hon. Mbewe, there will be exceptional cases that will be considered. 

I thank you, Sir. 

__________

BILLS

HOUSE IN COMMITTEE

[THE CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the
Chair]

THE CONSTITUION OF ZAMBIA BILL, 2015.

Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 2 ...

Mr Nkombo: On a procedural point of order, Sir.

The Chairperson: Order!

A procedural point of order is raised.

Mr Nkombo: Mr Chairperson, I rise on a procedural point of order relating to the Business of the House on 25th November, 2015. On this day, votes were cast on the Constitution of Zambia Bill No. 16, and the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 17. Soon after the voting, the Member of Parliament for Monze Central Parliamentary Constituency, Hon. Jack Mwiimbu, raised a point of order which addressed the question whether it was procedural for the four hon. Members of Parliament who were in the Select Committee on Legal Affairs, Governance, Human Rights, Gender Matters and Child Affairs to have voted against their own report. The Hon. Mr Speaker indicated that he would reserve the ruling to a later time. 

Sir, I wish to find out from you whether that point of order is now of no consequence and that we can proceed in this manner, considering that if the ruling will be that the four hon. Members were out of order, it means that the 106 member threshold that made this Bill go through will be null and void.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Chairperson: Order!

Thank you for that point of order. However, the ruling has nothing to do with the validity of the votes.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Chairperson: Order!

Therefore, we will proceed as we started. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Chairperson: Order!

Clause 2 ...

Mr Mwiimbu: On a point of order, Sir. 

The Chairperson: Order!

A point of order is raised. 

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I rise on a procedural point of order.

The Chairperson: Order!

It is Mr Chairperson. 

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Chairperson, I rise on a procedural point of order pertaining to the tabling of the amendments in this House. 

Sir, you are aware that the Standing Orders prescribe that notice to amendments must be tabled before the House and be given to hon. Members twenty-four hours before debate. These amendments have just been seen by hon. Members today.

Hon. Government Members: No!

The Chairperson: Order!

Let him finish his point of order. 

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Chairperson, I am aware of what they are trying to say.

Interruptions

The Chairperson: Order!

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Chairperson, if our colleagues on the other side of the House continue with the attitude of making running commentaries, we will become very unruly.

The Chairperson: Order!

Hon. Mwiimbu, I have already asked them to keep order. So, you can continue with your point of order. 

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Chairperson, I am aware that these amendments have been circulating in the streets of Lusaka. However, the streets of Lusaka are not part of Parliament. When were these amendments laid on the Table? That is the issue which I am raising. Are we now abrogating our own rules and regulations? 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Chairperson: Order!

I also have to consult so that I do not make wrong decisions. The information I have is that the amendments do not have to be laid on the Table and that they were given to hon. Members of Parliament on Friday night, at Parliament Motel. They were also put in the pigeonholes. In light of that, we will proceed. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Chairperson: Order!

Please, do not make the situation difficult. 

Clause 2 ...

Mr Milambo: On a point of order, Sir. 

The Chairperson: Order!

A point of order is raised. 

Mr Milambo: Mr Chairperson, thank you for giving me this time to raise a point of order.

Sir, these amendments were not given to some of us. I have just seen them here today. I do not stay at Parliament Motel. How will we debate if we did not see these amendments before hand? Are we in order to consider these Bills when some of us did not see the amendments?

Interruptions

The Chairperson: Order!

As you can see, I always consult. I also have certain questions to raise. I thought that his point of order that brings to the attention of the House that some hon. Members did not see the amendments had some merit, and because of that, I needed to get more details. 

I have asked the Clerk-at-Table whether we informed the hon. Members that there would be amendments distributed. I have been told that the Clerk spoke to the Chief Whip, Hon. Mukanga, and Party Whips, Hon. Nkombo, Hon. Mtolo and Hon. Mufalali.

Interruptions

The Chairperson: These people were, therefore, supposed to disseminate information to the rest of the hon. Members of Parliament. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Chairperson: Therefore, it is procedural. The amendments were put in the pigeonholes on Friday. 

Interruptions

The Chairperson: Order! 

We have to proceed. If we have problems with the amendments or whatever, we can show that as we go on. 

Mr Nkombo: On a point of order, Sir. 

The Chairperson: I will allow the last point of order. Hon. Nkombo, you may proceed. 

Mr Nkombo: As a matter of fact, it is not a point of order, Sir. However, since my name was mentioned, I want to confirm here and now that, indeed, the Clerk of the National Assembly did speak to me at 1800 hours on Friday to indicate that sometime during the evening, amendments would be taken to the Members’ Motel. 

I was not slow to tell her that this was a very difficult task because many hon. Members, as soon as Parliament adjourned, left to go to their constituencies. I did, however, assure her that I would do my very best to communicate. Notwithstanding all this, I got feedback from hon. Members of the United Party for National Development (UPND), some of whom have just arrived from their various constituencies. 

Sir, in order for us to proceed in a more acceptable and procedural manner, would I be wrong to suggest, as Whip and as someone who is part of the administration of this Assembly, that hon. Members be allowed to go through these amendments so that there is no excuse for them not to participate and represent the constituencies as we resume business tomorrow.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Interruptions

The Chairperson: In light of what is happening, I have decided to adjourn the meeting so that I can consult. Do not go away because I will give you the final position when we resume. 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The Chairperson: Order!

Business was suspended from 1514 hours until 1530 hours. 

[THE CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the 
Chair]

The Chairperson: We will proceed in this manner. 

We will continue to consider the Constitution of Zambia Bill, 2015. The Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, 2015 will be considered tomorrow. 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The Chairperson: This is not to say that after we have finished considering the Constitution of Zambia Bill, 2015, we will adjourn. We will not adjourn. We will continue with the other issues on the Order Paper. What we are postponing to tomorrow is the consideration of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, 2015. This is in order to give hon. Members ample time to consider the amendments so that we can debate logically tomorrow. 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The Chairperson: This should not be used as a precedent for the future in terms of our practice of circulating the Bills. 

Interruptions

The Chairperson: It will not be used as a precedent. 

Lastly, there will be no amendments from now on regarding the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, 2015, because time has lapsed. So, this is how we will proceed. 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Title agreed to. 

_____________

HOUSE RESUMED

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

The following Bill was reported to the House as having passed through Committee without amendments:

The Constitution of Zambia Bill, 2015

Third Reading on Thursday, 10th December, 2015

__________

COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY 

[THE CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the 
Chair]

VOTE 90 – (Lusaka Province –K60,533,931), VOTE 91 – (Copperbelt Province –K68,773,031), VOTE 92 – (Central Province –K64,656,749), VOTE 93 – (Northern Province –K63,924,668), VOTE 94 – (Western Province –K69,401,741), VOTE 95 – (Eastern Province –K61,063,176), VOTE 96 – (Luapula Province –K60,771,073), VOTE 97 – (North-Western Province –K59,303,719) and VOTE 98 – (Southern Province –K80,642,037)

(Consideration resumed)

Vote 90/03 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 90/04 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 90/08 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 90/09 – (Office of the President – Lusaka Province – Buildings Department – K5,386,301).

Mr Mutelo (Lukulu West): Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6001, Activity 128 – Keep Zambia Clean Campaign – K3,650 and Programme 6043, Activity 001 – Cleaning and Landscaping of the Province – K5,000. Why does the allocation for the Keep Zambia Clean Campaign appear twice?

The Deputy Minister for Lusaka Province (Mr Mwaliteta): the allocations under Programme 6001, Activity 128 – Keep Zambia Clean Campaign – K3,650 and Programme 6043, Activity 001 – Cleaning and Landscaping of the Province – K5,000 will be used to implement the Keep Zambia Clean Campaign.

I thank you, Sir.

The Chairperson: The question was why the Keep Zambia Clean Campaign appears under two different programmes.

Mr Mwaliteta: Mr Chairperson, the allocation under Programme 6043, Activity 001 – Cleaning and Landscaping of the Province – K5,000 is for the cleaning and landscaping of the province while the allocation under Programme 6001, Activity 128 – Keep Zambia Clean Campaign – K3,650 is for the Keep Zambia Clean Campaign. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutelo: Mr Chairperson, I am clear on the landscaping of the province, but there is cleaning also.

Laughter 

Mr Mutelo: We are thankful for the landscaping, but cleaning is already covered in the other programme.

Mr Mwila interjected.

Mr Mwaliyeta: Mr Chairperson, one is for the office while the other is for the province.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwila: Chapwa!

Vote 90/09 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 90/16 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 90/18 – Office of the Vice-President – Lusaka Province – Survey Department – K1,675,463).

Mr Mutelo: Mr Chairperson, I seek clarification on Programme 6016, Activity 005 – Cadastral Surveys – K400,003. In 2015, K47,300 was allocated towards this activity. Why do we have that tremendous increase when the allocations to most activities have decreased?

Mr Mwaliteta: Mr Chairperson, this allocation will be used to meet costs for land demarcations in the province. The increase is due to the change in points of the appropriation of these funds. 

I thank you, Sir.

Vote 90/18 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 90/19 – Office of the President – Lusaka Province – Water Affairs Department – K4,200,062).

Mr Milambo (Mwembeshi): Mr Chairperson, I seek clarification on Programme 6032, Activity 016 – Surveying and Designing of New Dams – K22,560. In 2015, the Budget was K21,100, but in 2016, the provision has been increased to K22,560. There is a slight increase of about K1,000. Of what value will this increment be to this allocation?

Ms Lubezhi: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwaliteta: Mr Chairperson, this allocation will be used in surveying and designing of three dams in the new districts which are Shibuyunji, Rufunsa and Chirundu. The increase is due to the increase in the scope of work.

I thank you, Sir.

Vote 90/19 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

VOTE 90/23 – Office of the President – Lusaka Province – Labour and Factories Department – K1,757,612).

Mr Mutelo: Mr Chairperson, I seek clarification on Programme 6022, Activity 009 – Child Labour Inspections − Nil. There is no allocation for Child Labour Inspections next year. Does it mean that we want our children to undergo child labour? Could this be the reason even Bo Hon. Shamenda is not in the House?

Mr Mwaliteta: Mr Chairperson, the allocation to child labour inspections has been moved to Activity 007, Inspections of Labour Conditions – K71,000 under the same programme. 

I thank you, Sir.

Vote 90/23 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 90/24 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 90/25 – (Office of the President – Lusaka Province – Cultural Services Department – K935,426).

Mr Mutelo: Mr Chairperson, I seek clarification on Programme 6021, Activity 048 – Arts and Culture Exhibitions and Festivals − Nil. Why is there no allocation to this activity next year?

Mr Mwaliteta: Mr Chairperson, …

Interruptions

The Chairperson: I think what is making the hon. Deputy Minister not to follow is the talking that is going on, on my right. 

Mr Mwaliteta: Mr Chairperson, the non-allocation of funds to this activity is due to the transfer of funds to Programme 6068, Infrastructure Development (Lusaka).

I thank you, Sir.

Vote 90/25 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 90/40 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

VOTE 90/41 – Office of the President – Lusaka Province – Youth Development Department – K945,182).

Mr Milambo: Mr Chairperson, I seek clarification on Programme 6034, Activity 002 – Youth Training Empowerment – K70,600. Why is this amount constant?

Mr Mwaliteta: Mr Chairperson, this allocation will be used to train fifty youths in a number of activities in entrepreneurial skills in all the eight districts. This started last year. This is a way of empowering the youths. 

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Lubezhi (Namwala): Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6000, Activity 005 – Other Emoluments – K5,000. Why do we have such a huge reduction considering that Lusaka Province is the capital city of Zambia?  

Mr Mwaliteta: Mr Chairperson, this allocation is for other emoluments like leave, travel benefits and funeral grants. The decrease is due to the fact that most officers were paid in 2015. 

Thank you, Sir.

Vote 90/41 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 90/42 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 90/43 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 90/44 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 90/46 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 90/48 – (Office of the President – Sports Department – K562,312).

Mr Mutelo: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6028, Activity, 037 – Inclusiveness of People with Disabilities in Sport – Nil. I want to know why people with disabilities have been excluded from taking part in sport activities.

Mr Mwaliteta: Mr Chairperson, this programme has been taken up by the mother ministry, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development.

Thank you, Sir.

Ms Lubezhi: May I have clarification on Programme 6002, Activity 010 – Labour Day – Nil. I want to know why such an important event has been ignored. 

Mr Mwaliteta: Mr Chairperson, we have not allocated anything for 2016 because the resources have been transferred to Activity 002 – African Sports Day − K11,306. This amount will be used to award deserving employees.

 I thank you, Sir.

Vote 09/48 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 90/49 – (Office of the President – Provincial Planning Unit – K874,130).

Ms Lubezhi: May I have clarification on Programme 6045, Activity 001− Assessment of Disaster Management and Mitigation Meeting – Nil. Why has this activity been ignored?

Mr Mwaliteta: Mr Chairperson, this activity has been taken to the Office of the Vice-President.

I thank you, Sir.

Vote 90/49 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.   

VOTE 90/51 – (Office of the President – Provincial Planning Unit – K2,054,237).

Mr Milambo: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6001, Activity 003 – Office Administration − K65,376, Activity 009 – Payment for Utilities − K20,000 and Programme 6003, Activity, 005 – IFMIS − K21,382, Activity 008 – Staff Development – K65,527. I want to know why the amounts for 2015 and 2016 have remained constant.

Mr Mwaliteta: Mr Chairperson, the amounts under Programme 6001, Activity 003 – Office Administration − K65,376, Activity 009 – Payment for Utilities − K20,000 and Programme 6003, Activity, 005 – IFMIS − K21,382, Activity 008 – Staff Development – K65,527 have not changed because the activities are still the same.

 Thank you, Sir.

Vote 90/51 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 90/52 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 90/53 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 90/55 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Vote 91/01 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/02 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 91/03 – (Office of the President – Copperbelt Province – Rural Roads Department – K1,743,154).

Mr Mutelo: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6000, Activity 001 – Salaries Division I – K80,419, Activity 002 – Salaries Division II – K874,680, Activity 003 – Salaries Division III – K770,796 and Activity 005 −Other Emoluments – K17,259. Why are there allocations for the payment of officers when they have been moved from the Rural Roads Unit (RRU) to the Zambia National Service (ZNS)?

The Deputy Minister in the Vice-President’s Office (Mr Bwalya): Mr Chairperson, Programme 6000, Activity 001 – Salaries Division I – K80,419, Activity 002 – Salaries Division II – K874,680, Activity 003 – Salaries Division III – K770,796 and Other Emoluments – K17,259 are meant for the personnel’s salaries. Although there is a transition, obviously, we will still incur certain costs during this period.

Thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutelo: Mr Chairperson, we were told that some people will not be taken on board. Therefore, does that mean that all the personnel will be taken to the ZNS?

Mr Bwalya: Mr Chairperson, during the transition period, some officers will be picked and others will not be picked. Ultimately, some will be on a high salary scale. So, a number of them will be picked and, maybe, one or two people may not be picked.

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

Mr Mwila: Hear, hear!

Vote 91/03 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/04 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Interruptions

The Chairperson: Can I have order on my right!

Vote 91/09 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/16 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/17 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/18 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 91/19 – (Office of the President – Copperbelt Province – Water Affairs Department – K4,557,965).

Mr Milambo: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Page 1875 …

The Chairperson: Page what?

Mr Milambo: Page 1875.

The Chairperson: We are on Page 1831.

Mr Milambo: Oh my God!

Vote 91/19 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/23 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/24 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 91/25 – (Office of the President – Copperbelt Province – Cultural Services Department – K888,515).

Mr Mutelo: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6069, Activity 020 – Masala Cultural Village Construction and Traditional Culture – K304,719. Last year, K305,000 was allocated to this activity and this year, K304,719 has been allocated to this activity. Was that money not enough to have completed this activity? Why has an additional allocation been made to this activity?

Mr Bwalya: Mr Chairperson, Programme 6069, Activity 020 – Masala Cultural Village Construction and Traditional Culture – K304,719 is meant for the project because as can be seen from the figures, the difference is K281. So, that means that the amount was not fully utilised. However, the project still continues next year.

Thank you, Mr Chairperson.

Vote 91/25 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/35 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 91/36 – (Office of the President – Copperbelt Province – Meteorological Department – K680,995).

Mr Mutelo: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6039, Activity 011 – Payment of Insurance – K10,000. I would like to find what why the same amount has been carried onto next year.

Mr Bwalya: Mr Chairperson, Programme 6039, Activity 011 – Payment of Insurance – K10,000 is meant for premium. The premium is still the same because we still have the same number of vehicles. However, some vehicles are new and others are quite old, so the premium may fluctuate.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Milambo: Mr Chairperson, the hon. Minister stated that the fleet of vehicles is the same and that is the reason the premium is the same. The premium changes when the insured value changes. The number of motor vehicles has not been increased, but the premium has been maintained. How does that work?

Mr Bwalya: Mr Chairperson, this activity also includes issues of fuel and spares.

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Vote 91/36 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

The Chairperson: Order!

Business was suspended from 1615hours until 1630 hours.

[THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the
Chair]

Vote 91/40 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/41 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/42 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/43 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/44 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/45 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/46 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/47 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/ 48 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/49 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/51 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/52 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/53 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/54 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 91/55 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/01 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/02 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/03 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/08 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/09 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/16 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/17 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/18 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 92/19 – (Office of the President – Central Province – Water Affairs Department – K2,604,990).

Mr Milambo (Mwembeshi): Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6001, Activities 181 – Office Administration – Kabwe – K5,992; 182 – Office Administration – Kapiri Mposhi – K5,992; 183 – Office Administration – Mkushi – K5,992; 184 – Office Administration – Serenje – K5,992; 186 – Office Administration – K5,992 – Chibombo; 189 – Office Administration – Ngabwe – K5,992; and 190 – Office Administration – Luano – K5,992. Sir, you will notice that the provision for all these offices has been increased by K8.00. May I find out from the hon. Minister whether the needs for all these offices are the same?

The Deputy Minister for Central Province (Mr Mubukwanu): Mr Chairperson, all the needs are the same.

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

Hon. Government Members: Yes!

Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Chairperson, why have the allocations for all the activities under this department remained almost the same as last year? Why is there a minor difference of about K8?

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, according to this budget, all the needs are the same.

I thank you, Sir.

Vote 92/19 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/23 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/24 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/25 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/26 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/36 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/37 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/40 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 92/41 – (Office of the President – Central Province – Youth Development Department – K1,184,890).

Mr Milambo: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6039, Activity 009 – Transport Management – K77,132. Does this cater for insurance premium as well?

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, Programme 6039, Activity 009 – Transport Management – K77,132 will cater for the procurement of fuel and lubricants.

I thank you, Sir.

Vote 92/41 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/42 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/43 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/44 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/45 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 92/46 – (Office of the President – Central Province – Physical Planning and Housing Department – K1,506,070).

Mr Milambo: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6002, Activity 020 – International Women’s Day – K1,398. What is planned to be done from that amount?

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, Programme 6002, Activity 020 – International Women’s Day – K1,398 will cater for logistics necessary for International Womens’ Day Celebrations. The reduction of K2 has been moved to Programme 6031, Activity 005 – Squatter Compound Upgrading – K76,287. Kindly refer to the Yellow Book on Page 1896.

I thank you, Sir.

Vote 92/46 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/47 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/48 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/49 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/51 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/52 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/53 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 92/54 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/01 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/02 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/03 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/04 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/09 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/16 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/17 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/18 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/19 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/23 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/24 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/25 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/35 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/36 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/40 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/41 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/42 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/43 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/44 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/46 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/48 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/49 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/51 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/52 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/53 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/55 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 93/56 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/01 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 94/02 – (Office of the President – Western Province – Zambia News and Information Services – K3,721,007).

Mr Mutelo: Sir, may I have clarification on Programme 6026, Activity 003 − News Gathering – K30,000 and Programme 6039, Activity 006 – Services and Repairs − K15,000. The allocations for both of these activities have been reduced, in 2016, from what they were in 2015. With such reductions, how will the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) gather news in the Western Province, which is swampy and sandy?

The Deputy Minister for Western Province (Mr Njeulu): Mr Chairperson, the decrease is due to the re-allocation of funds to the procurement of cameras to ease news gathering under the same department.

I thank you, Sir.

Vote 94/02 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 94/03 – (Office of the President – Western Province – Rural Roads – K1,628,241).

Mr Mutelo: Mr Chairperson, I seek clarification on Programme 6072. Why are all the roads not budgeted for, especially the last one, under Activity 092 – Construction of D792 – Lwanchuma − Nil where no work has been done?

Mr Njeulu: Mr Chairperson, the programme has not been provided for because the department has been re-aligned to the Zambia National Service (ZNS).

I thank you, Sir.

Vote 94/03 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/09 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/16 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/17 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/18 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 94/19 – (Office of the President – Western Province – Water Affairs Department – K3,025,254).

Mr Mutelo: Mr Chairperson, I seek clarification on Programme 6001, Nalolo and Mitete Districts are not appearing. May I know why Nalolo District, especially, is not appearing?

Mr Njeulu: Mr Chairperson, Nalolo is catered for under Senanga District.

I thank you, Sir.

Vote 94/19 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/23 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 94/24 – (Office of the President – Western province – Social Welfare Department – K3,660,976).

Mr Mutelo: Mr Chairperson, I seek clarification on Programme 6001. We have Social Welfare in Mitete, but the district has not been catered for under this programme. When answering the other question on Nalolo, the hon. Minister said that it was catered for under Senanga. Why is there no budget line under Mitete?

Mr Njeulu: Mitete is budgeted for under the provincial administration.

I thank you, Sir.

Vote 94/24 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/25 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/35 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/36 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/40 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/41 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/42 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/43 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/44 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/46 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/47 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/48 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/49 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/51 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 94/52 – (Office of the President – Western Province – District Administration – K16,438,238).

Mr Mutelo: Mr Chairperson, may I seek clarification on Programme 6001, Activity 338 – Payment for Utilities – Mulobezi – K15,000 and Activity 341 – Payment for Utilities – Nkeyema – K15,000. Firstly, why was there no allocation for Mulobezi in this year’s Budget? Secondly, why have the two activities been allocated K15,000 each in next year’s Budget when other districts have more?

Mr Njeulu: Mr Chairperson, Programme 6001, Activity 338 – Payment for Utilities – Mulobezi – K15,000 and Activity 341 – Payment for Utilities – Nkeyema – K15,000 have been budgeted for under the provincial administration. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mwiimbu indicated.

The Deputy Chairperson: I beg your pardon. I did not see Hon. Mwiimbu. He appears to have a point. I will bend backwards and allow him to seek clarification.

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Chairperson, I would like to refer to the answer that was given by the hon. Provincial Minister and seek an explanation. How can a district budget be catered for at provincial level when other districts have been provided for separately?

Mr Njeulu consulted.

The Deputy Chairperson: Hon. Minister, why are those districts budgeted for under the provincial administration when others are not?

Interruptions

The Deputy Chairperson: The hon. Minister is just about to give the answer.

Laughter

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Deputy Chairperson: Hon. Minister?

There are consultants on both his right and left and that complicates the situation. Allow him to answer.

Mr Njeulu: Mr Chairperson, as a province, we decided to budget for those two districts under the provincial administration.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Interruptions

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

The hon. Minister is to give the answer. Allow him to give the answer.

Mr Njeulu: Mr Chairperson, we decided to budget for the two districts under the provincial administration for proper monitoring.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Vote 94/52 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/53 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/54 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 94/55 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 94/56 – (Office of the President – Western Province – Chiefs and Traditional Affairs – K325,835).

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Mr Chairperson, may I seek clarification on Programme 6017, Activity 005 – Traditional Ceremonies – K55,000. Why is there a reduction from K85,000, this year, to K55,000 next year? Does this mean that traditional ceremonies will not be held? 

Mr Njeulu: Mr Chairperson, on Programme 6017, Activity 005 – Traditional Ceremonies – K55,000, the reduction is due to reduced activities. 

Mr Chairperson, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutelo: Mr Chairperson, may I seek clarification on Programme 6017, Activity 005 – Traditional Ceremonies – K55,000, Activity 027 – Chiefdom Profiling – K12,000, Activity 028 – Documentation of Traditions – K14,560, Activity 029 – Village Registration – K12,000, Activity 005 – Chiefdom Development Fund – K39,000. There is a reduction in the allocations for all the activities under this programme. Is it all due to reduced activities?

Sir, may I also seek clarification on Programme 6039, Activity 080 – Procurement of Speed Boat – Nil. Mitete still does not have a speedboat. We have been cut off, but the Government cannot buy a speed boat for us.

Mr Njeulu: Mr Speaker, on Programme 6017, Activity 005 – Traditional Ceremonies – K55,000, Activity 027 – Chiefdom Profiling – K12,000, Activity 028 – Documentation of Traditions – K14,560, Activity 029 – Village Registration – K12,000, Activity 005 – Chiefdom Development Fund – K39,000 and on Programme 6030, Activity 080 – Procurement of Speed Boat – Nil, the province decided to rationalise the funds.

Mr Chairperson, I thank you.

Mr Livune: Question!

Ms Imenda rose and did not speak for a while. 

Ms Imenda (Luena): Mr Chairperson, I am sorry I cannot see properly. May I seek clarification on Programme ...

Hon. Government Member: Page what?

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

There is only one Chairperson.

Ms Imenda: I cannot see because ...

Laughter

The Deputy Chairperson: Get closer to the Yellow Book.

Ms Imenda: ... I forgot my spectacles. What page is this?

Mr Livune: It is page 2001.

Ms Imenda: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6017, Activity 007 – Chiefdom Profiling – K12,000. Last year, K19,520 was allocated to this activity. Why is there a reduction this year?

Mr Njeulu: Mr Chairperson, there is no Activity 007.

I thank you, Sir. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Miyutu: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6039, Activity 080 – Procurement of Speed Boat – Nil. This activity was allocated K150,000 in 2015, but no allocation has been made for it in 2016. The hon. Minister said that there was no allocation to this activity because the province had to rationalise the budget. I want to know what the hon. Minister meant by “rationalising” the budget.

Mr Njeulu: Mr Chairperson, under Programme 6039, Activity 080 – Procurement of SpeedBoat – Nil. Money was never released in 2015 for this activity and we decided not to budget for it again in 2016. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Vote 94/56 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/01 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/02 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/03 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/04 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/09 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/16 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/17 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/18 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/19 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/23 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/24 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/25 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/35 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/36 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/40 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/41 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/42 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/43 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/44 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 95/46 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/47 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/48 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/49 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/51 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/52 – (Office of the President – Eastern Province – District Administration – K6,644,890). 

Mr Mutelo: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6002, Activity 093 – PDCC Activities – Lundazi − K27,600, Activity 100– PDCC Activities - Nyimba – K27,600 and Activity 166 – PDCC Activities − Chadiza – K25,840. Why do we have both the Provincial Development Co-ordinating Committees (PDCCs) and the District Development Co-ordinating Committees (DDCCs)?

Hon Minister, may I be educated on why we still have PDCCs under districts, yet there are DDCCs.  

Mr Sichone: Mr Chairperson, the hon. Member needs to know that the delegates to the Provincial Development Co-ordinating Committees (PDCC) actually come from the districts. Therefore, such delegates have a budgetary allocation for this function. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Vote 95/52 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/53 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 95/55 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote96/01 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/02 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/03 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/04 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/09 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/16 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/17 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/18 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/19 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/23 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/24 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

 Vote 96/25 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/35 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/36 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/37 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/40 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/41 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/42 – (Office of the President – Luapula Province – Resettlement Department – K2,103,284).

Mr Mutelo: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6074, Activity 090 – Construction of VIP Latrine − Mukanga – K74,690. In 2015, K70,000 was allocated for this activity. 

Mr Chairperson, just to clear the air, is this ventilated improved pit-latrine (VIP) toilet for Hon. Mukanga or is Mukanga just the name of the place? May I have a clarification. 

Laughter 

The Deputy Minister for Luapula Province (Brig-Gen. Kapaya): Mr Chairperson, this is a ventilated improved pit-latrine. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Vote 96/42 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/43 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/44 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/46 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/48 ordered to stand part of the Estimates. 

Vote 96/49 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/51 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/52 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/53 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 96/55 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/01 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/02 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 97/03 – (Office of the President – North-Western Province – Rural Roads Unit – K658,697).

Ms Sayifwanda (Zambezi East): Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on why there is no allocation for the infrastructure development under Programme 6075 considering none of the roads under this programme have been budgeted for? An example is Zambezi/Chitokoloki Road which has not been worked on this year.

The Deputy Minister for the North-Western Province (Mr Kafwaya): Mr Chairperson, the roads under Programme 6075 have been budgeted for under the Zambia National Service (ZNS).

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo West): Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6075, Activity 121 – Nkulwashi/Kabulamema – Nil. Why has this road not been budgeted for under the 2016 Budget because there was an allocation in 2014 and 2015 and nothing was done? 

Mr Kafwaya: Mr Chairperson, all the works are budgeted for under the ZNS so they will be catered for under ZNS.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Sayifwanda: Mr Chairperson, where is the Zambia National Service (ZNS) located because I cannot see it under rural roads construction? 

Mr Kafwaya: Mr Chairperson, we are all aware that the ZNS falls under the Ministry of Defence and the budget was approved when approving that ministry.

I thank you, Sir.

Vote 97/03 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Bishop Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha indicated.

The Deputy Chairperson: May I just advise. If you hesitate to indicate intent to speak, I also hesitate to call upon you. Be firm and you will catch my eye: I can assure you of that. 

Vote 97/09 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/16 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/17 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/18 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/19 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/23 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/24 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/25 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/35 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/36 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/40 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/40 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/41 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/42 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/43 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/44 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/46 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/46 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/47 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/48 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/49 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/51 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 97/52 – (Office of the President – North-Western Province – District Administration – K10,763,746).

Mr Pande (Kasempa): Mr Chairperson, I seek clarification on Programme 6075, Activities 054, Maintenance of Buildings and Plant Chavuma – K15,000, Activity 055, Maintenance of Buildings and Plant Ikeleng’i – K15,000, Activity 056, Maintenance of Buildings and Plant Kabompo – K15,000, Activity 057, Maintenance of Buildings and Plant Kasempa – K15,000, Activity 058, Maintenance of Buildings and Plant Mufumbwe − K15,000, Activity 059, Maintenance of Buildings and Plant Mwinilunga − K15,000 and Activity 060, Maintenance of Buildings and Plant Mwinilunga − K15,000 and Activity 061, Maintenance of Buildings and Plant Zambezi − K15,000. What kind of infrastructure will be developed with K15,000 per district? 

Mr Kafwaya: Mr Chairperson, these amounts are for the maintenance of infrastructure.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Pande: Mr Chairperson, I understand that this money is going towards the maintenance of infrastructure. May I know what kind of maintenance this will be, bearing in mind that all the amounts for the districts are uniform.

Mr Kafwaya: Mr Chairperson, that is the provision for maintenance of infrastructure only. 

I thank you, Sir.

Vote 97/52 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/53 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/54 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 97/58 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/01 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/02 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 98/03 – (Office of the President – Southern Province – Rural Roads Department – K2,460,106).

Mr Miyanda (Mapatizya): Mr Chairperson, I seek clarification on Programme 6076, Infrastructure Development (Southern). In 2015, we had K7,364,221 and in 2016, there is no allocation to this programme. I know I will be told that this programme has been moved to the Zambia National Service (ZNS). May I know how much has been budgeted for all the activities under this programme. 

The Deputy Chairperson: We are dealing with a different vote. If the hon. Minister has a bonus answer, he can go ahead and give it.

The Deputy Minister for Southern Province (Mr Mubukwanu): Mr Chairperson, I am glad that you were reluctant to give me an opportunity to respond to this question. This is an indication that this question is similar to the questions that we have been addressing throughout all the provinces that we have tackled. The fact is that this programme has been dealt with under the ZNS.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Livune: Mr Chairperson, how much is the money that went to the Zambia National Service (ZNS) for the road works to be carried out in the Southern Province? 

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, what we are discussing, at the moment, are the provisions for the Southern Province. We have the K2,460,106 which has been allocated for staff costs. However, for the actual works, the money has already been discussed under the ZNS.

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Mr Chairperson, may I have a clarification on Programme 6076, Activity 090 – Kalomo Rural Roads – Kalomo/Chikanta (20 km) − Nil. K530,134 was allocated towards this activity in 2015. May I know where the 20 km was worked on.

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, we are now considering the Budget Estimates and Expenditure for 2016 and not what was done, but what we are going to expend.

 Thank you, Sir.

Vote 98/03 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/04 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/09 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/16 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/04 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 98/16 – (Office of the President – Southern Province – Forestry Department – K6,356,709).

Ms Lubezhi (Namwala): Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6012, Activity 066 – HIV/AIDS Awareness-drugs & Food Supplements – Nil. May I know why we are discontinuing with this programme?

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

 We have passed Page 2116. We are dealing with the Forestry Department, which starts on Page 2118.

 Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Vote 98/16 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/17 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 98/18 – (Office of the President – Southern Province – Survey Department – K2,281,396).

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6012, Activity 005 – HIV/AIDS Awareness − Nil. Why has this activity been discontinued?

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, we did not discontinue this activity, but have instead moved it to Vote 98/01, Programme 6012, Activity 066 – HIV/AIDS Awareness-drugs & Food Supplements – K95,000.

 I thank you, Sir.

Interruptions

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

The consultations are getting louder and louder. I am frowning at cross consultations. I have advised hon. Members to desist from cross consultations, but you are doing exactly that. Am I speaking to myself?

Mr Livune: On a point of order, Sir.

Ms Imenda: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6032, …

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

 Unfortunately, we have not reached that page.

Mr Livune: On a point of order!

The Deputy Chairperson: A point of order is raised.

Mr Livune: Mr Chairperson, is the Patriotic Front (PF), through Hon. Mwaliteta, in order to come to this side of the House to plead with us for his party’s inclusion? 

I need your serious ruling.

Ho. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 The Deputy Chairperson: The serious ruling is that we are not dealing with parties, but with hon. Members who have been voted to come and represent people in this House.

 Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Hon. Members, we are still on Vote 98/18.

Vote 98/18 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 98/19 – (Office of the President – Southern Province – Water Affairs Department − K4,880,197).

Ms Imenda: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6032, Activity, and 023 – Spring Development – Nil. I want to know whether the Government has managed to make enough springs and, therefore, does not need any more or it has failed to fund the programme for it to continue. 

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, the funds have been re-aligned according to the priorities that we are currently undertaking in the province.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6032, Activity 027 – Drilling of 8 Boreholes in Resettlement Schemes and 7 Boreholes Outside Schemes – K468,060. If we divided the number of boreholes that are going to be drilled, I have noticed that each borehole is going to cost K31,204. Why are these boreholes so expensive to sink?

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, Programme 6032, Activity 027 – Drilling of 8 Bores in Resettlements Schemes and 7 Boreholes Outside Schemes – K468,060. This is an average cost and we do not want to under budget. However, we also anticipate an increase in the cost of sinking these boreholes.

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

Mr Livune: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6002, Activity 010 – Labour Day – K6,000, Activity 012 – Public Service Day – K4,000, Activity 020 – International Women’s Day – K5,000 and Activity 085 – World Water Day – K6,000. I realise that the amounts provided have been maintained from those that were provided last year. I would like to find out the rationale considering that inflation has not spared these provisions.

Sir, may I also have clarification on Programme 6032, Activity 014 – Dam Rehabilitation – K100,000. Which dams will be rehabilitated from this allocation?

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, the principle of the debates in the House is that an hon. Member can only ask one question at a time.

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

I allowed the hon. Member to ask two questions and I exercised my discretion in his favour. Hon. Minister, can you answer the questions.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, I have the answers. There is no problem. I will answer. 

Sir, the Government has actually decided to maintain the ceiling on Programme 6002, Activity 010 – Labour Day – K6000, Activity 012 – Public Service Day – K4,000, Activity 020 – International Women’s Day – K5,000 and Activity 085 – World Water Day – K6,000 despite the fact that our budgetary allocation has been reduced. So, we think what we have allocated for, under the circumstance, will help us achieve what we want to achieve.

Mr Mwila: Hear, hear!

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, under Programme 6032, Activity 014 – Dam Rehabilitation – K100,000, we will consult the major stakeholders concerned and we will, then, be able to identify which dams to prioritise.

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

Vote 98/19 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 98/23 – (Office of the President – Southern Province– Labour and Factories Department – K963,541).

Ms Lubezhi and Mr Namulambe indicated.

The Deputy Chairperson: The question is that K963,541 stand part of the Estimates, Ms Namulambe.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The Deputy Chairperson: Mr Namulambe, I beg your pardon.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

The intention was to call Ms Lubezhi, but I changed my mind, hence the slip of the tongue.

 Mr Namulambe, can you ask your question.

Mr Namulambe (Mpongwe): Mr Chairperson, your change of mind was a good one because the hon. Minister was telling me that I have been too quiet and have not asked him any question.

Sir, may I have clarification on Programme 6000, Activity 002 – Salaries Division II – K267,346. The labour officers expect to have their salaries increased, as announced. Why is it that the figure is static?

Mr Chairperson, may I also have clarification on Programme 6002, Activity 010 – Labour Day − K10,000. Last year, K2,000 was allocated to this activity, but K10,000 has been allocated to it this year. What has necessitated this increase?

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Business was suspended from 1815 hours until 1830 hours.

 [THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the
 Chair]

Mr Namulambe: Mr Chairperson, before the suspension of business, I was seeking clarification on Programme 6002, Activity 010 – Labour Day − K10,000 and had asked why the figure has been increased from K2,000 to K10,000.

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, Programme 6002, Activity 010 – Labour Day − K10,000 is meant for more activities. The Government increased this allocation so that we could do more work. So, we are simply improving on what we did the last time.

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6003, Activity 008 – Staff Development – Nil. I would like to find out why the Government does not want the staff from the Southern Province to undergo capacity building.

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, she minced her words. So, I did not get her clearly.

The Deputy Chairperson: Ms Lubezhi, can you repeat your question.

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6003, Activity 008 – Staff Development – Nil. I have noticed that this activity is not budgeted for. Could it be that the Government does not want the staff from the Southern Province to undergo capacity building?

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, under this department as per Programme 6003, Activity 008 – Staff Development – Nil, we have no officer on the staff development plan.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Livune: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Page 2127 …

The Deputy Chairperson: We have not reached there yet. Hold your fire.

Mr Namulambe: Mr Chairperson, I did not understand the hon. Minister’s response on Programme 6000, Activity 010 – Labour Day – K10,000. He stated that the increase is meant to allow for more activities.

If the increase is meant to improve on the activities, what is more important, to increase the activities for Labour Day or reduce the activities for Programme 6039 – Operations from K76,000 to K58,886? Why reduce the amount of an activity which is more important, considering that transport management and operations activities are meant for labour inspections? Why not reduce the amount of these activities and increase on the activities on Labour Day?

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, the improvement I talked about in my earlier response is to support the one-off activity that is held every year. Therefore, we cannot reduce the allocation on transport management because the running costs of this vehicle needs to be met as it is going to support the core function of this particular department.

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

Vote 98/23 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 98/24 – (Office of the President – Southern Province – Social Welfare Department – K4,723,339).

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6002, Activity 008 – International Day of the Family – K12,000. May I be educated on which family is being referred to here. What benefit will a family in Kauwe, in Chief Nyawa’s Area, enjoy out of the International Day of the Family provision?

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, when we commemorate this day, it does not necessarily mean that each and every target group within that sector should benefit. It is just to put our thoughts together and forge ahead towards the cause for that particular day.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Chairperson, just a rider on Hon. Livune’s question. Who are the stakeholders of this family?

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, this is a programme under provincial administration and the stakeholders are those that have to deal with families.

Mr Mwaliteta: Yes!

Mr Mubukwanu: Thank you, Sir.

Mr Livune: Question!

Vote 98/24 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/25 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/36 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Ms Lubezhi indicated.

The Deputy Chairperson: Aah, you have to be quick. You know, when a train has left the station, it is difficult to reverse.

Interruptions

VOTE 98/40 – (Office of the President – Southern Province – Community Development Department – K5,267,573).

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6002, Activity 007 – Independence Day – K4,000. May I know how much of this money will be given to Dundumwezi Constituency.

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, if there was something that was meant for Dundumwezi Constituency, I am sure it would have been reflected.

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

Laughter

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sing’ombe: Mr Chairperson, if there is nothing allocated to Dundumwezi Constituency, then, whose independence are we celebrating?

The Deputy Chairperson: Hon. Minister, whose independence will you be celebrating?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, the hon. Member knows very well, just as much as I do, that Dundumwezi falls under Kalomo District, which has its own resources allocated.

I thank you, Sir.

Vote 98/40 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 98/41 – (Office of the President – Southern Province – Youth Development Department – K1,187,587).

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6076, Activity 084 – Youth Infrastructure Development (Mbabala) – K195,000. I would like to find out why there has been a drastic reduction in the allocation of funds.

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, this reduction is due to the remaining works to be completed on the project.

I thank you, Sir.

Vote 98/41 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 98/42 – (Office of the President – Southern Province – Resettlement Department – K1,859,940).

Mr Sing’ombe: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6061, Activity 109 – Construction of Clinic − Chikanta – Nil. I have noticed that K70,000 was allocated to the construction of a clinic in Chikanta, which is in Dundumwenzi Constituency, in 2015, but we have not seen this clinic. Also, for the year 2016, there has not been an allocation made towards this project. May I know why the hon. Minister has decided to abandon this good project meant for the people of Chikanta in Dundumwezi?

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, to the best of my knowledge, the works under consideration have been completed.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Livune: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6027, Activity 010 – Land Allocation – Sekute – Nil, Activity 011 – Demarcation of Plots − Sekute – Nil, Activity 012 – Demarcation of Plots −  Sichifulo – Nil, Activity 013 – Land Allocation - Sichifulo – Nil, Activity 015 – Road Stamping and Clearing −  Sichifulo – Nil, Activity 017 – Road Stamping and Clearing − Kabuyu – Nil. These activities are still important in the resettlement schemes. So, why do they not have allocations in next year’s Budget?

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, Programme 6027, Activity 010 – Land Allocation –Sikute – Nil, Activity 011 – Demarcation of Plots – Sikute – Nil, Activity 012 – Demarcation of Plots – Sichifulo – Nil, Activity 013 – Land Allocation – Sichifulo – Nil, Activity 015 – Road Stamping and Clearing – Sichifulo – Nil, Activity 017 – Road Stamping and Clearing – Kabuyu – Nil have already been carried out while the few that are yet to be worked on have been re-aligned.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyanda: Mr Chairperson, I want to ride on Hon. Sing’ombe’s question regarding the clinic that is being constructed in Dundumwezi in Chief Chikanta’s area. According to the area hon. Member of Parliament, that clinic has not been constructed while the hon. Minister has said that the clinic has been constructed. I would like him to tell us the name of the clinic and in which village it is situated since he has that information.

Interruptions

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

The rules of the game require that once you have asked your question, you give the hon. Minister an opportunity to answer it. Unless you do not want him to answer, I will be glad and happy to not call upon him to do the needful. Since, you are now quiet, hon. Minister, you may respond to the question.

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, what I know is that this clinic was constructed in the resettlement scheme, but as for the name, maybe, we can call it Sing’ombe Clinic.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter 

Vote 98/42 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Mr Sing’ombe interjected.

The Deputy Chairperson: You will discuss outside the Chamber whether to change the name or not.

Vote 98/43 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 98/44 – (Office of the President – Southern Province – Provincial Local Government Office – K1,390,235).

Mr Mulomba (Magoye): Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6017, Activity 003 – Chiefs Support – Nil. This activity had an allocation of K24,000 in the 2015 Budget, but there is no allocation in next year’s Budget. Does it mean that the Government is no longer supporting chiefs?

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, this Government will remain committed to the welfare of T heir Royal Highnesses. Programme 6017, Activity 003 – Chiefs Support – Nil has been taken up by the parent ministry.

I thank you, Sir.

Vote 98/44 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/45 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 98/46 – (Office of the President – Southern Province – Town and Country Planning Department – K1,742,988).

Ms Lubezhi indicated.

The Deputy Chairperson: Before I call upon Hon. Lubezhi, let me just advise that hon. Members must stand at an appropriate time and not before I finish reading the Vote. Anyway, you are given your chance to make your contribution.

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Chairperson, I just indicated.

The Deputy Chairperson: You stood up immediately I started reading. That is why I was saying that is not how it is done. However, you may go ahead.

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6031, Activity 010 – Integrated Development Plans – Nil. Why is this activity not budgeted for? Are we going to do away with this important programme?

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, Programme 6031, Activity 010 – Integrated Development Plans has no provision due to the prioritisation of activities under the programme.

I thank you, Sir.

Vote 98/46 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/48 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

VOTE 98/49 – (Office of the President – Southern Province – Provincial Planning Unit – K1,751,185).

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Chairperson, may I have clarification on Programme 6038, Activity 004 – Preparation of District Development Plans – K177,218. I have seen that there is a huge increase in this allocation compared to the last allocation. This increase is more than 150 per cent. What has necessitated it?

Mr Mubukwanu: Mr Chairperson, when His Excellency the President officially opened this Session of Parliament, he spoke of moving towards a smart Zambia. Our emphasis, as the provincial administration, is to move in that direction. Therefore, this allocation will enable us to provide buckstopping role to district planning processes.

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

Vote 98/49 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/51 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/52 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/54 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

Vote 98/55 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

(Debate adjourned)

_____________

HOUSE RESUMED

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

(Progress reported)

______________

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning (Mrs Wina): Sir, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

Question put and agreed to.

_____________ 

The House adjourned at 1900 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 9th December, 2015.