Debates - Friday, 27th February, 2015 | National Assembly of Zambia

DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FOURTH SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH ASSEMBLY

Friday, 27th February, 2015

The House met at 0900 hours

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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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.

Sir, on Tuesday, 3rd 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.

On Wednesday, 4th 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.

Sir, on Thursday, 5th March, 2015, the Business of the House will commence with Questions for Oral Answer, if there will be any. This will be followed by Presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any.

On Friday, 6th March, 2015, the Business of the House will begin with the Vice-President’s Question Time. 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 deal with any business that may be outstanding for the week.

Mr Speaker I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

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MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

DRUG SUPPLY IN HEALTH FACILITIES

Dr Scott entered the Assembly Chamber.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister of Health (Dr Kasonde): Mr Speaker, thank you for granting me this opportunity to deliver a ministerial statement to update the nation on the state of drug supply in our health facilities.

Sir, firstly, allow me to join the others in recognising with joy the pride shared by both sides of the House, the ascendance of Hon. Edgar Chagwa Lungu ...

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kasonde: … and Hon. Inonge Mutukwa Wina to the apex of our national governance hierarchy.

Mr Speaker, in the last eight weeks, there have been reports of shortages of essential medicines in a few selected health centres in Lusaka District. I, with my Deputy Minister, visited some health facilities and confirmed that this unfortunate experience had happened. However, we also noted that many of the medicines, which were in short supply in our health institutions, were available at the Medical Stores Limited in Lusaka. It appears that this problem was mainly caused by poor information management regarding stocks between Medical Stores Limited and the affected health facilities. The coincidence with the Presidential Elections and Christmas period may suggest laxity in the management of the supply chain.

Mr Speaker, the policy of the Government is to make available all essential medicines and medical supplies to all Zambians when and where they are needed. The Government has committed itself to attaining zero stock-outs of essential medicines and medical supplies countrywide. To demonstrate our commitment, the Patriotic Front (PF) Government has increased the budget allocation for drugs from K117 million in 2011 to K742 million in 2015.

Sir, following the decision last year to reform the supply chain, the Government, together with its co-operating partners, has put in place a National Supply Chain Strategy and its implementation plan aimed at reforming entirely the supply chain management. Through this strategy, the Government has invested heavily in the storage and distribution infrastructure of essential medicines and medical supplies. Decentralisation of key distribution services at Medical Stores Limited remains the anchor of our reform.

Mr Speaker, the following are the strategies that the Government has devised under the reforms:

(a) the decentralisation of Medical Stores Limited has resulted in the establishment of regional distribution hubs in Choma, Chipata and Mongu. This has further resulted in increased availability and accessibility to vital medicines up to the last mile;

(b) more facilities in Lusaka have been graduated to order drugs directly from Medical Stores Limited in addition to the 1st level hospitals of Matero, Chipata, Chawama and Kanyama. Other health centres that were adversely affected, including Kalingalinga, Mtendere, George and Ng’ombe health centres, order drugs through the district stores. This action has resulted in a more visible and effective ordering system and has consequently improved availability and access to essential medicines;

(c) the Government, in collaboration with co-operating partners, including the United States Government, are implementing measures to expand storage facilities at health centre and district level. This will result in increased monthly stocks held by all health facilities;

(d) Medical Stores Limited is introducing an electronic ordering system that will provide real time inventory and ordering information to all end users for appropriate stock monitoring and decision making;

(e) Medical Stores Limited is introducing the vendor management inventory system that will entail that whenever it visits and delivers drugs to health facilities, it also checks the stocks and replenishes where necessary without demanding for another order to be placed; and

(f) the Government will further fast track the release of finances to support timely procurement and distribution of essential medicines, especially at district level where gaps have been observed.

Mr Speaker, even with these intended measures, there is still a big challenge of pilferage of medicines in our public health facilities. Medicines meant for the public health system end up in wrong hands through a few selfish individuals, including health workers. Medicines that are clearly Government owned are being sold openly to the unsuspecting members of the public. In order to address this vice, the Government is intensifying its surveillance in monitoring systems for essential medicines. For example, in 2014, the Government recorded five convictions in the courts of law that included health workers who were caught in this scam.

Sir, the Government would like to call on every Zambian to be vigilant and report all suspected cases to my office but, more importantly, to the law enforcement agencies. A task force on pilferage of Government medicines has been constituted and will weigh heavily on any individual, including health workers, diverting health commodities procured using taxpayers’ money.

Mr Speaker, I wish to further inform the nation that the Government has procured 40,000 health centre kits containing priority medicines that are needed at the lower levels of the health care system. The kits have started arriving in the country and distribution of the supplies is currently underway. Further, essential medicines and medical supplies worth about K290 million have been ordered and are currently being shipped to Zambia. I wish to conclude by assuring the nation that the Government has put the above measures in place to mitigate the risk of stock outs of essential medicines and that the reform programme that we have embarked on will continue and be intensified.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

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

Ms Namugala (Mafinga): Mr Speaker, lack of access to vital medicines is a matter of life and death for a patient. The hon. Minister has not indicated what caused the shortage. Was it because of pilferage or poor management of the supply chain?

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, I indicated that it was both. It was clear that poor management had to be taken into account. Action was taken in one case where medicines were available in a store in Lusaka, but were not accessed by the managers of institutions. We cannot deny that management of the system, above all, is the key. Therefore, all the measures that have been implemented and those that will be implemented and strengthened will be directed at ensuring that the system is managed adequately.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Musonda (Kapiri Mposhi): Mr Speaker, the issue of stock-outs in health facilities when drugs are available at Medical Stores Limited has been with us for some time now. What measures has the Government taken to ensure that those responsible are made to account for their lapses?

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, I agree that action has to be taken against anyone found wanting in this area. However, this is action that is taken within the framework of the Public Service. Therefore, I am not able to produce the actual details at this moment. Nonetheless, I can assure hon. Members that whenever there is such a case, adequate management of that situation has been made through the customary processes of discipline within the Public Service. I can also mention that with the current arrangement, Medical Stores Limited will be able to check and report effectively where drugs are in short supply in an institution and no action has been taken by management to order them. Firstly, the drugs will be supplied and, secondly, action will be taken against the staff.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Prof. Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, it is very clear that one of the core founding variables to your supply chain is the proliferation of the so-called pharmacies in our residential areas. Could we know the measures that you are taking, as a ministry, to address that problem.

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, the important guide on this issue is that every institution that desires to dispense medicines as a pharmacy, drug store or whatever has to be registered with the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZMRA) and health professionals have to check if it is capable of offering that service. Anybody who dispenses drugs without registering with the ZMRA is committing a crime. So, we have in place the inspectorate that checks that nobody is doing that.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order, on my left!

Dr Kasonde: If they fail to do that, they are subject to prosecution. This is the current law.

Thank you, Sir.

Mr Mucheleka (Lubansenshi): Mr Speaker, it is very clear that there is a challenge in the supply chain of medicines. Sometimes, there are artificial shortages. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether there are any measures by his ministry to decentralise the services of Medical Stores Limited, at least, up to provincial level to mitigate against the artificial shortages that we have been experiencing, particularly in the rural health centers. If we had to decentralise the services of Medical Stores Limited up to provincial level, what measures would he put in place to ensure that there is no pilferage of medicines?

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, I mentioned that the process of decentralising the supply of medicines has already commenced with the creation of a hub in Choma, Chipata and Mongu. It is our intention to continue with that process. Three more hubs are expected to be created this year. I agree that decentralisation is the anchor for future supplies. It is not only the decentralisation of the storage and distribution of drugs, but also the empowerment of the district institutions to deal with any crisis by providing them with suitable subvention that needs to be done. I think that decentralisation is the most important action that we have taken.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Ms Imenda (Luena): Mr Speaker, it is a well-known fact that some parts of Zambia are inaccessible by road for the major part of the year. The furthest places in Luena such as Sikenge, Sikusi and Mushitwambumu cannot be accessed beginning end of December until September. Since we are aware that there is a provision to airlift anything, including campaigners, has the hon. Minister considered airlifting drugs to such places because if you wait for nine months, the drugs will expire or the affected areas will not be serviced? Has the hon. Minister considered air lifting drugs to such places?

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, I am sure that the hon. Member for Luena recognises that it is not the responsibility of the hon. Minister of Health to handle travel on campaign business. However, with regard to the suggestion of using air power to get to the health institutions, I am really grateful that the hon. Member raised this issue. It is the intention of our ministry and the Government to revamp and revitalise the Zambia Flying Doctor Service. It has been many years since the Zambia Flying Doctor Service was established. In the past, there was no network of institutions of health centres. Therefore, it was more or less the duty of the Zambia Flying Doctor Service to fill the void.

Sir, what we have now is a strong network of physical facilities. We also have vehicles that offer mobile services. Our next step is to move towards the reformation of the Zambia Flying Doctor Service so that there is an air ambulance for hard-to-reach places to also deliver health provisions where they are needed.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, first and foremost, allow me to recognise the presence of His Excellency the former President of the Republic of Zambia, Hon. Dr Guy Scott …

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: … who performed exceptionally well …

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: … under very trying circumstances without the support of the Patriotic Front (PF).

Hon. Opposition Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: Congratulations, Hon. Dr Guy Scott.

Mr Speaker, …

Mr Nkombo: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Order!

There will be no points of order during this session. May the hon. Member, please, continue.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister of Health why it has become customary for patients at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) to be given prescriptions for drugs almost every time. There is a perennial shortage of drugs at the UTH. It is not just this period the hon. Minister is referring to, but there has been a tradition of having no medicines at the UTH. As a result, patients are always given prescriptions for medicines. Suffice it to say that there is a pharmacy within the UTH where patients are referred to buy the medicines.

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, perhaps, I did not refer to the preliminary aspects of the presence of my colleague in the House, but concentrated on the very important issue of prescriptions. However, I am glad that this matter has been raised.

Sir, the term “prescription” has been perceived negatively in our country because it gives the impression that the medicine is not in stock, but can be bought from somewhere else. In fact, the normal progression of this process …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order, on my right!

Dr Kasonde: … is that there must come a time when every medicine that is given out on prescription is a record regardless of whether it has been issued within or outside the hospital. If it is from within the hospital, as is the case at present where an individual is made to purchase a drug from a pharmacy that happens to have that particular drug, we should come up with systems that ensure that he/she is reimbursed. So, we are in the middle of a progressive situation where we begin by giving prescriptions to individuals without recording them, to a stage where the hospital is no longer the pharmacy for the public. Both the doctors in private and public health institutions can prescribe or make a request to a pharmacist to supply drugs anywhere and be paid.

Sir, in the interim, there is payment from the pockets of the patient. It is now a custom because it has been misunderstood. Our insistence, therefore, is that we should continue to develop this practice of using the concept of prescriptions properly so that we know exactly who asked for the drug, who took it and how much it cost. I can disclose that at the request of the Government, the Word Bank is undertaking a detailed study of the process of prescription and what happens thereafter. There is much information to gather, but nothing to condemn.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister of Health for this long overdue statement regarding the shortage of drugs in our health institutions which was denied in the past.

Mr Speaker, when a patient is sitting in front of a doctor or health worker and is told that there is no medicine, it simply means that there is no medicine. Whether the lack of supplies is artificial or not is just an explanation.

Sir, has the hon. Minister of Health considered reforming the Health Management Information System so that it can guide the quantification of medicines that we order in our country? If there is no correlation between the two, …

Hon. Mwiimbu: On a point of order, Sir!

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo: … does the hon. Minister not think that we shall continue to spend colossal sums of money on drugs that might not fully respond to the health needs of our people? This is very important.

Mr Masumba walked into the Assembly Chamber.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear! Jele.

Mr Speaker: Order, order!

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for Mumbwa for that very important point he has raised. However, it does not follow that when there is no medicine in a hospital, it means there is no medicine in our storage facilities. In fact, the problem that the hon. Member is defining …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Hon. Members, let us have some order. If you are inclined to converse, the doors are open for you to go outside. I do not have to invite you out.

Dr Kasonde: Sir, the solution that the hon. Member is proposing is one that I entirely agree with. We need to have an electronic control system in place as we spend more and more money on drugs. It has become very important that we know exactly where the drugs are going and where they are coming from.

Mr Speaker, let me give an example of a case which is now in the public domain. At a health centre in Lusaka, for a period of three weeks, patients presenting at that clinic were told that there were no medicines and given prescriptions. It so happens that all those prescriptions which amounted to eighty per day for three weeks were going to the same pharmacy which was subsequently identified. However, the drugs on the prescriptions were available in Medical Stores Limited.

Therefore, it is not true that when there are no medicines in hospitals or health centres, then, stocks have run out. Drugs may have been diverted or an order may have been ignored under the table for the purpose of attaining other objectives. This is the kind of information that we must scout for and deal with.

So, I fully endorse the idea of electronic monitoring. In fact, we have already started implementing this. I hope in the next few weeks I will be demonstrating an early phase of that to implement the proposed action. However, it does not follow that what hon. Members hear is necessarily accurate.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has informed this House that the Government has started procuring medical kits. So far, forty-seven have been procured and more will be coming into the country. Who will be the beneficiaries of the medical kits?

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, simply put, it is those in need. Therefore, our knowledge of who needs the kits, as collected, will guide who the beneficiary should be.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Namulambe (Mpongwe): Mr Speaker, arising from the fact that the Government is being reactive after learning from the public that there are shortages of drugs in hospitals, what measures have been put in place to ensure that there is continuous monitoring of the institutions to avert the shortages?

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, the message that I tried to read for the information of hon. Members was that there was already in place a reform process for the pharmaceutical supply system. There happens to have been this dip which, for a short period, was such an inconvenience. How do we explain this dip? Is it because people had become lax in their activities or was there a genuine shortage?

We have learnt a lot from that, but it does not detract from the fact that we were already on course in implementing the strategies that were intended to deal with this situation. That is the message that I wanted to convey. We should not become disturbed to the point of forgetting that we have in place a mechanism being developed, which was interrupted on this occasion, and from which we have learnt lessons which will further enhance our ability to deal with this situation.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker gave the Floor to Mr Hamudulu.

Mr Hamudulu (Siavonga): I did not indicate, Sir.

Mr Antonio (Kaoma Central): Mr Speaker, in some health centres, there are no storage facilities for drugs, hence the stock-outs. What has the Government done to address this problem of stock-outs?

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, firstly, I acknowledge that it is true that there is a shortage of storage space for medicines in some institutions. There will have to be a two-phased approach. The first one, which has already been taken, is for each institution to identify whatever room can be used to expand what used to be a drug storage facility. This has begun across the country, particularly in Lusaka.

Secondly, Sir, there will be a need to create new facilities across the country, starting with Medical Stores Limited and its capacity to store. There is a rapidly increasing demand which must be satisfied accordingly in the short and long term.

Thank you, Sir.

Mr Pande (Kasempa): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister is talking about using an electronic system to deliver medicines. That sounds alright. However, are there any mechanisms other than the electronic system that are being put in place to cater for rural areas? For clinics like Nyoka in my constituency, when you say an electronic system will be used to deliver medicines, it will not make sense to the people. Rural areas face a lot of other challenges apart from drug storage facilities such as transportation to the far-flung areas of the districts.

Dr Kasonde: Sir, I think that the term “electronic” is sometimes limited in its application because some of the areas that we are referring to are covered by mobile telephone services. One of the useful findings by a group that has been working on what is called the coca-cola principle is that when you go out into remote places such as the one described by the hon. Member, you will find that there is no shortage of coca-cola or fanta. The reason is that people are asked to go and collect these products wherever they are found. People will do anything to go and collect coca-cola at a fee. The people in these places are paid via telephone.

So, we are beginning to see that innovation is possible. It is an exciting phenomenon. The term “electronic” will apply to remote places as well as any other place. Of course, the main lesson is the need for innovation and using the evolving and emerging power of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to solve problems for our country. That really is the message that I would like the hon. Member to take.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Lubezhi (Namwala): Mr Speaker, it is regrettable that hospitals run out of drugs when the two hon. Ministers in the Ministry of Health are medical doctors who understand very well that the stoppage of certain drugs in certain patients can cause drug resistance ...

Mr Livune: Shame!

Ms Lubezhi: … which can result in death. What would be the comment from the hon. Minister in relation to such a situation?

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Namwala who gives so much credit to the medical profession. I think the Medical Association of Zambia will be very proud of her.

Laughter

Dr Kasonde: However, I do not think that for one to recognise the importance of medicine, he/she needs to have a medical certificate. I think that this is common knowledge. If it is not, then, we have a greater problem than we thought we had.

However, I do accept that the degree of urgency that is given to our delivery process of medical care within a bureaucratic system such as the Civil Service can be a problem. That is only one example. I agree with the hon. Member that we should find ways of expediting services in the medical field regardless of what the demands of our bureaucracy are. This is our lesson.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mpundu (Nchelenge): Mr Speaker, may I know where drugs are pilfered most along the continuum of health care.

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker that is the question to which I cannot give a quantitative answer without collecting data. I have mentioned the fact that we shall have accurate data when our colleagues from the World Bank have finished the study on the flow of drugs in our country. So, whether it is the health centres, hospitals or health posts where this pilfering is occurring is yet to be established. I am aware that it is occurring at all levels. However, I cannot state where it is happening more than the other places.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chipungu (Rufunsa): Mr Speaker, the culprits are well known. Is it, therefore, not possible for the hon. Minister to involve the police who conduct high levels of investigations so that when the reports are verified, random checks of the culprits’ homes can be conducted?

Mr Muntanga: Just arrest them.

Mr Chipungu: You will find the drugs. Hon. Minister, are you not considering doing that because you are just going round in circles?

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, I did refer to a task force on pilferage of medicines which is in place. I also referred to the fact that there have been five convictions so far in the courts of law. This is an example of the kind of task force that we are talking about which, in fact, as it happens, includes the law enforcement agencies. So, we are on the same line.

Sir, let us hope that our people will begin to appreciate what the hon. Member for Namwala was saying that it is important to protect ourselves. The solution is not just that thieves should be arrested, but the community should also become a source of fear and not accept having people taking away the lives of others by simply taking drugs which are meant for them. This is as much a societal issue as a legal one.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Katuka (Mwinilunga): Mr Speaker, in responding to the question raised by Hon. Mucheleka, the hon. Minister stated that the process of decentralisation had begun and that three centres so far have been opened and three more are earmarked for opening this year. Could the hon. Minister care to indicate to this House where the three centres that are earmarked to be established this year will be located?

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, we are starting with the Copperbelt in Kitwe and are still trying to agree on the other two. We will certainly start on the Copperbelt.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Shakafuswa (Katuba): Mr Speaker, I take it that when medicines are ordered centrally, they come in large quantities. Have we considered a system where we ask the people who supply the medicines to particularly brand them as a property of the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ). That will help us identify the medicine. If I go to a private clinic and I am given medicine branded GRZ, I should be able to tell that the medicine is not supposed to be there.

When one goes to the hospital and is attended to, there are records that show what medicine has been prescribed. Are we able to check the records to see if the prescriptions tally with the medicine stocks? This is because the medicine is stolen before it reaches the patients. Are we able to tell, from the records, how many patients have got the medicine?

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for introducing this element of what I hope will be a feature of our service, namely, this business-like approach. We already have the branding in place. Not so many drugs have been branded yet, but some have now been branded. So, that is already place.

Sir, we accept that by branding the drugs, we are going to be able to track where they are going. Recording all the transactions in the management of medicines is a critical element in finding out what is going on. Unfortunately, as of today, we are a long way from achieving a 100 per cent recording of every transaction within the institution. This has to be done. It is absolutely essential and we shall do it.

I thank you, Sir.

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HER HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT’S QUESTION TIME

Ms Lubezhi (Namwala): Mr Speaker, I would like Her Honour the Vice-President to comment on the reckless statements by the Secretary General of the Patriotic Front (PF) and the hon. Minister of Information and Broadcasting who said that the United Party for National Development (UPND) Munali Constituency Chairman was murdered by criminals.

Mr Speaker, the Republican President also said that he died from beer drinking. Would she not agree with me that such public statements can prejudice the investigations by the police, especially that the President is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces?

The Vice-President (Mrs Wina): Mr Speaker, any loss of life in our country is regrettable.

Mr Mwila: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: This particular death is equally regrettable. However, let me point out that the murder was perpetrated by criminals over differences that they had with the deceased. It is very unfortunate that we lost the life of a Zambian.

Mr Speaker, these days, any murder that occurs in Zambia is attributed to political parties. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to inform the nation that the Patriotic Front (PF) is a peaceful party.

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, what happens is that non-members of the party take advantage of the fact that this party has no membership cards. They offend others under the guise of being members of the PF when, in fact, they are not. This has continued for a long time. In view of this, the party will take measures that will protect its integrity and its membership.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mutale (Kwacha): Mr Speaker, in view of the reduction of fuel prices, what is the Government doing to ensure a reduction in the cost of goods and services for the benefit of the people of Kwacha Constituency and Zambians at large?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, recently, the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock was on record as having met with the millers in order to persuade them to reduce the price of mealie meal. In the same vein, other sectors of the Government such as the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication will engage transporters to see if there can be a reduction in the cost of transport so that the Zambian people can feel the benefit of the reduction in the cost of fuel. This is a continuous process and we believe that our people will benefit from the reduction in the cost of fuel in due course.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mbulakulima (Chembe): Your Honour the Vice-President, let me join those who have congratulated you on your well-deserved appointment.

Madam, when the late President left Zambia for the last time, he left the instruments of power with Mr E. C. Lungu. However, they were taken away from him. Now that you are the Republican Vice-President and you know the importance of the instruments of power, how would you describe the move in which the instruments of power were taken away from Mr Lungu?

Laughter

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, what transpired at that time is provided for in the Constitution of Zambia. Therefore, it was not a strange thing that the instruments of power changed hands at that time. So, the question as to why it was done that way does not arise and, therefore, falls away.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Musonda (Kapiri Mposhi) Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from Her Honour the Vice-President whether the Government had a hand in the arrest of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I believe that the hon. Member of Parliament is aware of the separation of powers between the Judiciary, Legislature and Executive. As the case of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is currently before the courts of law, it would be unethical for the Executive to interfere in it. The Government has had no hand in the legal procedures pertaining to the case of the DPP. The insinuations that His Excellency Mr Lungu had a hand in it are absolutely false. The case is before the courts of law. Therefore, I cannot comment on it until the courts have done their work.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mucheleka (Lubansenshi): Mr Speaker, Zambia is an import-oriented country and there is a serious depreciation of the kwacha against other convertible currencies at the moment. May I find out from you what steps the Executive wing of the Government is taking to arrest the fall of the kwacha in order to uplift the living conditions of our people who are dependent on imports?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the fluctuation of the kwacha is of great concern to the Government because it affects the operations of the business sector. This is an issue of national interest. In view of this, the hon. Minister of Finance will be requested to bring to this House a ministerial statement next week on the effects of the fluctuation of the kwacha and what the Government and the Bank of Zambia are doing, and what measures have been taken to arrest the situation.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma): Mr Speaker, I think that Her Honour the Vice-President is aware that about forty-five constituencies, including Nangoma, did not get the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). May I find out what happened with the fund and when the constituencies are going to get it.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) was released in batches. I regret that Nangoma and a few other constituencies did not benefit from the first allocations. However, I believe that the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing will soon address that problem. I urge the hon. Member of Parliament to visit the Ministry of Local Government and Housing to see how far the allocation for the constituency is.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Ms Miti (Vubwi): Mr Speaker, I would like to join the long queue of those who have congratulated His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, on his election. I would also like to congratulate Her Honour the Vice-President on her well-deserved appointment.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Miti: Mr Speaker, it is public knowledge that Her Honour the Vice-President has been an advocate for women’s rights and has the passion for the welfare of women. I would like to find out what plans she has to uplift the lives of women, especially those in the rural areas of this country.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, let me take this opportunity to accept the congratulations from the hon. Member of Parliament for Vubwi and others, with humility. I also wish to thank His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Lungu, for appointing me to this position. This is actually an acknowledgement of the contribution that the women of Zambia are making …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: … to the development of this country. Having said that, I want to assure the nation that the Patriotic Front (PF) Government has prioritised the empowerment of women as a development agenda that should be followed to the core. As such, there are programmes that are already available in various ministries that address women’s empowerment. These include the ministries of Gender and Child Development; Community Development; Mother and Child Health; and Youth and Sport.

Mr Speaker, the empowerment of women …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order, on both the left and right!

The Vice-President: … has taken many turns. Currently, the women of Zambia are not asking for alms or welfare grants. The empowerment paradigm has shifted to women empowerment through the provision of productive resources such as land and finances. Therefore, this is where I will focus my attention to ensure that women in markets and rural areas are empowered through the various programmes of the Government. This will be the line of my work. Let me also remind the House that my appointment is not only important for women, but also for the whole Zambia.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chishimba (Kamfinsa): Mr Speaker, during his inauguration ceremony, His Excellency Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu indicated the need to speed up the Constitution-making process, and he appointed Hon. Simbyakula to spearhead it. I would like to find out how far the Constitution-making process is.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, enacting a constitution of a country is a mammoth task that requires diligence, national consensus and time to scrutinise every provision, and how it will impact the lives of the people. The Government has decided that in the few days to come, the hon. Minister of Justice will come and give a statement in this House on how far the Government has gone to prepare for the enactment of the Constitution.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, Your Honour the Vice-President, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Lungu, has admitted that there is cancerous nepotism in your Government. I would like to find out from you what measures you are taking to ensure that it does not continue spreading and eroding the confidence that the people of Zambia have in the Government.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, it was only yesterday that this House ratified the appointment of one of the most capable women in the country, Justice Mambilima. That has nothing to do with nepotism. Ever since President Lungu took over the reins of power, we have seen a balance in his appointments based on age, gender, competence and qualifications. I do not think that such a balanced view to life can be equated to nepotism. This Government is trying everything possible to ensure that every part of Zambia is included in the governance system. Every part of Zambia has equal opportunities to access development. Therefore, the issue of nepotism does not arise.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mpundu (Nchelenge): Mr Speaker, what is the Government doing regarding the fostering of unity in the country, following the divisions that rocked the country during and after the elections because of tribalism and regionalism?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the issue of unity is very important for our country’s development. From his inauguration, President Lungu has emphasised this point of Zambia uniting for the development of our motherland. As such, we have seen new developments in broadcasting at the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC). For example, the news broadcast starts with the “One Zambia, One Nation” motto. That is an indication that we want this country to unite. Leaders from this part of the House have been at pains to emphasise the need for peace and unity in our country. The Government is doing everything possible to ensure that peace is maintained, as we have done in the fifty years of Independence. There is no reason we should bring friction among ourselves.

Mr Speaker, this country is known for its peaceful tendencies because of the many inter-marriages that have taken place. In my home, my grandchildren are called by Bemba names and many other families …

Dr Simbyakula: Simbyakula included.

The Vice-President: The hon. Minister of Justice says he is part of this trend.

Mr Mwila: Shakafuswa!

The Vice-President: As such, we are trying to unite this country so that we do not …

Hon. Government Member: Na baku Zimbabwe balimo muno.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order!

The Vice-President: … degenerate into the chaos that we have seen in other countries because that is detrimental to development. Peace and unity should, therefore, be the motto of every leader in this country. It should not only be confined to the Government alone, but also all the Zambians, including traditional rulers. Everyone in the country should sing the song of peace and unity.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Mazoka (Pemba): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from Her Honour the Vice-President if it is the Government’s policy to stop south-bound buses from loading at designated bus stations around Lusaka. If so, what alternative arrangement has been made for the affected transporters?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the Government is not aware of such occurrences.

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

The Vice-President: However, if this is happening, I will definitely instruct the hon. Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication and his counterpart, the hon. Minister of Home Affairs, to investigate and come up with more information relating to the matter. Thereafter, I will come back to the House with a conclusive answer.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member for Kasama Central.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: He is absent.

Hon. Member for Liuwa.

Hon. Members: He has left.

Mr Speaker: He is absent.

Hon. Member for Katombola, …

Mr Livune(Katombola): I am here, Sir.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: … you may ask your question.

Mr Livune: Thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker, we have noted, with sadness, that, normally, people who try to help the police to apprehend culprits, end up being arrested or locked up. At the moment, seven people who tried to help apprehend those who murdered our late brother have been locked up.

Would Her Honour the Vice-President assure this House and the nation of the safety of whistle-blowers who try to help law enforcement agencies. What is their safety net? Where is the call for the citizens to help the Zambia Police Force in this regard?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, this House passed a law that protects whistle-blowers. If such a case happens, it is important for the complainant to report the matter to the police ...

Interruptions

The Vice-President: … so that it is taken care of.

Mr Mwila: Report to the higher authority. I am around.

The Vice-President: There are higher authorities in the police and these matters can be taken to their offices.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kunda (Muchinga): Mr Speaker, we read in the media that the President of the United Party for National Development (UPND), Mr Hakainde Hichilema, gets intelligence reports before they are presented to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr E. C. Lungu.

Madam Vice-President, what is your comment on the state of our intelligence system, seeing that this claim is coming from a leader from the Opposition?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I believe that is a political gimmick to show that the Government is not working. I do not believe that this information gets to the leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND). If it does, this has serious legal implications. For all I know, however, this is merely political propaganda.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Lt-Gen. Rev. Shikapwasha (Keembe): Mr Speaker, I am worried about the answer that Her Honour the Vice President gave in regard to the murders that are happening in the country. Would you not want to investigate further to give the people of Zambia comfort instead of saying that the culprits are criminals or Patriotic Front (PF) cadres? Since you know who they are, why not let the police arrest them and let the law take its course?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, murder is a criminal offence and the police know what to do in such cases. With reference to the murder of the young man in Mtendere, the police have been investigating it. As a matter of fact, two people have been arrested for this crime. Therefore, Zambians should be comfortable knowing that the police are working and collecting evidence. When the evidence is sufficient, the culprits will be arrested.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyanda (Mapatizya): Mr Speaker, considering that Her Honour the Vice-President originates from the Western Province, how soon will she make a pronouncement on the Barotseland Agreement?

Hon. Government Members: Aah!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the Barotseland Agreement is not the only issue that needs to be addressed in Zambia. The fact that I come from the Western Province does not mean that I have to make a declaration today regarding the issue. It is an issue that has been with us for many years, and the Government will take appropriate measures to address it.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sianga (Sesheke): Mr Speaker, can I find out from His Honour the Vice-President …

Hon. Government Members: Her Honour!

Mr Sianga: Her Honour the Vice-President, I beg your pardon.

Sir, seeing as Her Honour the Vice-President is from the Barotse Royal Establishment, what is she going to do about the Barotseland activists who are behind bars?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the issue of the activists who are in detention is for the courts.

Mr Mwila: Yes!

The Vice-President: The law will take its course and, hopefully, the matter will be resolved amicably in due course.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

______

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

LOCAL COURT IN CHIEF CHISOMO’S AREA IN MUCHINGA

336. Mr Kunda (Muchinga) asked the Minister of Justice when the Government would construct a local court in Chief Chisomo’s area in Muchinga Parliamentary Constituency.

The Deputy Minister of Justice (Mr Mukata): Mr Speaker, the local court in Chief Chisomo’s area in Muchinga, which will include two low cost houses, is earmarked for construction in 2016 at a cost of K1.5 million.

I thank you, Sir.

MANSA/KASHIKISHI ROAD

337. Mr Mumba (Mambilima) (on behalf of Mr Mpundu) (Nchelenge) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:

(a) why the Mansa/Kashikishi Road, which was rehabilitated in 2013, was already damaged;

(b) what action the Government had taken against the contractor who worked on the road; and

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Dr Mwali): Mr Speaker, the works, which were done on this road in 2013, were merely of a holding-maintenance nature, and not full rehabilitation works. The works were meant to keep the road in a fair condition before full rehabilitation.

Sir, the defect-rehabilitation period ended in October, 2014. Before that, the contractor was instructed to repair the defects that had developed. These were done before the expiry of the defects-liability period.

Mr Speaker, lastly, the full rehabilitation costs will only be known once a full detailed assessment is carried out.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Milambo (Mwembeshi): Mr Speaker, were you happy with the works done on this road?

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, needless to repeat, the works that were done at that time were of a holding-maintenance nature. As such, we were happy at the time. In fact, the damages that appeared before the expiration of the defects-liability period were remedied.

I thank you, Sir.

ROAD SIGNS ON MUMBWA ROAD

338. Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication when the road signs at cattle crossing points between Kapyanga Police Check Point and Nateni Bus Station on Mumbwa Road in Nangoma Parliamentary Constituency would be erected.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the Road Development Agency (RDA) has a routine maintenance contractor along this stretch of the road. The contractor will be instructed to immediately install road signs at these locations.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, it is important to know how soon this will be done. You are saying that there are people who will be working on that road, but you are not sure when. I want to know how soon this will be done.

The Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication, and Chief Whip (Mr Mukanga): Mr Speaker, the contractor who is working on that road has already been instructed. So, the works will be done within the next two months.

I thank you, Sir.

INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERS IN MUCHINGA

339. Mr Kunda asked the Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry what type of industrial clusters the Government planned to establish in Muchinga Parliamentary Constituency.

The Deputy Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Mr Sampa): Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, through the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC), is promoting value chain clusters. Products being funded under the cluster development include soya beans, timber, dairy, mango, groundnuts, cassava and so on and so forth.

Sir, the ministry, through the CEEC, has identified dairy, soya beans, groundnuts, rice and beef as products to be funded under the Cluster Development Initiative in Muchinga Parliamentary Constituency. The construction of the physical infrastructure may follow thereafter, depending on the availability of resources.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kunda: Mr Speaker, what measures is the Government putting in place to ensure that the produce from this area is marketed?

Mr Sampa: Mr Speaker, the Government is doing that by educating the locals on the need to link them up with companies and other ministries that disseminate information to further link them with the market. We are looking to fund co-operatives that may have funds within the constituencies so that they can market the produce and educate the locals on how they can sell it locally and through exports.

I thank you, Sir.

UFULU ROAD IN LUKANGA TOWNSHIP, KABWE

340. Mr Kapyanga (Kabwe Central) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:

(a) whether Ufulu Road in Lukanga Township in Kabwe District was earmarked for rehabilitation under the Link Zambia 8,000 km Road Project; and

(b) if so, when the works would commence.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, Ufulu Road in Lukanga Township in Kabwe is part of the Link Zambia 8,000 km Road Project. It is part of the Kabwe/Piccadilly Circus/Mukushi Road which includes the Mpula/Masansa Road in Central Province.

Sir, detailed designs for the roads under this project will be completed before the end of May this year. The works have been scheduled to commence after the completion of the detailed designs.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mweetwa (Choma Central): Mr Speaker, with your indulgence, may I take advantage of this question to find out what challenges the ministry is facing in completing township roads like those in Choma against the time table which it set.

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, the question is specific to Kabwe. We will give the hon. Member an appropriate answer if he files in a question.

I thank you, Sir.

KAPIRI MPOSHI TOWN CENTRE RELOCATION

342. Mr Musonda (Kapiri Mposhi) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a) whether the Government had any plans to relocate the Kapiri Mposhi Town Centre to a more suitable site; and

(b) if so, when the plans would be implemented.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Ching’imbu): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this House that there are no plans of relocating the town centre. This position was arrived at during the public consultation meetings with stakeholders at the integrated development plan preparation sessions.

Sir, since there are no plans to relocate the town centre, part (b) of the question falls away.

I thank you, Sir.

SPEED HUMPS AT SCHOOL CROSSING POINTS ON HIGHWAYS

343. Mr Hamusonde asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication whether the Government had any plans to erect speed humps at school crossing points on the highways to reduce accidents involving school children.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the Road Development Agency (RDA), in collaboration with the local road authorities (LRA) and Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), will carry out assessments to establish appropriate measures to reduce accidents at school crossing points, commencing the second quarter of 2015.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

COMMUNICATION TOWERS IN SERENJE

344. Mr Musonda asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication when the Government would facilitate the construction of communication towers in the following areas of Serenje District:

(a) Kabundi;

(b) Masunga;

(d) Mbaswa.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the Government has prioritised the extension of mobile communication services to cover all un-served and under-served areas in the country within the shortest possible period.

Sir, the construction of communication towers in Kabundi, Masunga, Nganswa and Mbaswa in Serenje District will be considered in Phase II of the project which is scheduled to be implemented in the second quarter of 2015.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, I would like to …

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

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, I am sorry for interrupting the hon. Member on the Floor. Are the sons of the former Heads of State, the two nominated Deputy Ministers, Hon. Mulenga Sata and Bo Panji Kaunda, …

Laughter

Mr Mutelo: … in order to sit side by side in this House?

I seek your serious ruling, Mr Speaker.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order!

Firstly, there is nothing wrong with that …

Laughter

Mr Speaker: … and, secondly, it is not by design.

The hon. Member may continue.

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication for erecting a tower in Chief Kaindu’s area. However, it has not been activated. When is this tower going to be activated so that the much-needed service can be accessed?

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, the tower will be activated before Phase II of the construction of towers which will be in the second quarter.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Milambo: Mr Speaker, most of the towers, which were constructed in Phase I, have a coverage area of about 5 km. Is the hon. Minister able to tell us what would be the coverage area of the towers which will be constructed in Phase II?

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, yesterday, we had a similar question and we said that towers that are coming up will be covering 30 km to 40 km.

I thank you, Sir.

STREET LIGHTS ON NEWLY-CONSTRUCTED ROADS IN KABWE

345. Mr Kapyanga asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing whether the Government had any plans to install street lights on all the newly-constructed roads in Kabwe District.

Mr Ching’imbu: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this House that it is the responsibility of the local authority to install street lights on township roads in Kabwe District in order to enhance security. However, no budget line has been allocated this year for street lighting. Suffice it to say that we encourage local authorities to include street lighting to be part of the township road rehabilitation projects taking place in various councils.

I thank you, Sir.

CRITERION FOR ROAD REHABILITATION

346. Mr Kunda asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication what criterion the Government employed to decide on roads to be rehabilitated in a particular year.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the selection criterion for rehabilitation is primarily based on the condition of the roads. All roads that are in a poor condition are prioritised for rehabilitation and/or reconstruction while all roads that are deemed to be in a good and fair condition are automatically placed on the routine maintenance schedule. The road condition is established on a yearly basis and the data is collected by a private consultant engaged by the Road Development Agency (RDA).

Mr Speaker, the lower order roads (primary feeder roads) and urban roads are prioritised by the local road authorities (LRAs) while the trunk, main and district roads are prioritised by the RDA. The selection criterion for different categories of roads also takes into account the following:

(a) needs assessments based on the Zambia Highway Management System (ZHMS) for the trunk, main and district roads (TMDS);

(b) prioritisation using the Highway Development and Management (HDM-IV) tool:

(i) road network condition; and

(ii) traffic data;

(i) social and economic factors;

(ii) accessibility and mobility issues; and

(iii) stakeholder consultations.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister indicated that the criterion for selecting roads for rehabilitation is based on how deplorable the state of the roads is. I would like to find out whether the Government comes up with a priority list of roads every year. If so, do they budget for the rehabilitation of the roads on the priority list? Why is that some of the roads that are in a deplorable state we have been forwarding to the Government at district level do not seem to end up on the priority list?

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the road authorities try, as much as possible, to stick to the priorities which are set and the list is dependent upon the resources that are available.

Thank you, Sir.

Mr Antonio (Kaoma Central): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order, on the left!

Please, if you have a very engaging discussion, you can go out.

Mr Antonio: … aware that Tatayoyo/Katunda Road is in a very bad condition? When will the Government work on that road?

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, we are aware about the condition of that road and we would like to work on the road as soon as we can. However, we have to look at the resource envelope because that determines when we can do the job.

Thank you, Sir.

INFRASTRUCTURE AT CHANDWE PRIMARY SCHOOL IN NCHELENGE

347. Mr Mumba (on behalf of Mr Mpundu) asked the Minister of Education, Vocational Training and Early Education when the Government would construct the following infrastructure at Chandwe Primary School in Nchelenge Parliamentary Constituency:

(a) additional classroom blocks;

(b) staff houses; and

The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government is aware of the infrastructure inadequacy at Chandwe Primary School in Nchelenge Parliamentary Constituency. In view of this, the Government is currently constructing three double ventilated improved pit (VIP) toilets at the school to improve the sanitary conditions. In future, when funds are made available, additional classroom blocks and staff houses will be constructed.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Order!

_________

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to.

_________

The House adjourned at 1044 hours until 1430 hours on Tuesday, 3rd March, 2015.

WRITTEN REPLY TO QUESTION

ROAD FROM KALABO TO ANGOLAN BORDER VIA SIKONGO

341. Mr Ndalamei (Sikongo) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:

(a) what had caused the delay in commencing the construction of the road from Kalabo to the Angolan border via Sikongo; and

(b) when the construction works would commence.

The Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication and Chief Whip (Mr Mukanga): Mr Speaker, the delay in the construction of the road from Kalabo to the Angolan Border via Sikongo is largely due to challenges in getting responses from the No Objection at each critical stage of the procurement process from each of the financiers (Saudi Arabia, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) and Kuwait).

It was initially anticipated that the procurement for the works would commence in the first quarter of 2015 but, due to the challenges being faced, the procurement for works are now expected to commence in the second quarter of 2015.

The No Objection from Kuwait for the confidential cost estimate and draft design took 1 year to be granted. The detailed designs and tender documents will be finalised by mid-March, 2015. The project will be financed by Kuwait, BADEA, OFID and the Saudi Fund for International Development in conjunction with the Zambian Government. The Road Development Agency (RDA) sought a No Objection to the pre-qualification process for the engagement of a contractor on September 17, 2014, which is still outstanding.

So far, only responses from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have been received. Responses from the other financiers are still being awaited.

I thank you, Sir.

__________

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Debates - Friday, 27th February, 2015

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