Wednesday, 20th April, 2016

The House met at 1430 hours

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

_________

MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

FOOD SECURITY SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr Lubinda): Mr Speaker, on 14th April, 2016, Hon. Gabriel Namulambe raised the following point of order:

“Mr Speaker, thank you for allowing me to raise this serious point of order. 

“Sir, in the last Meeting of the House, the availability and prices of mealie meal were debated and many questions asked on them. In one of his statements, the hon. Minister of Agriculture stated the following:

‘Mr Speaker, following an outcry from the general public that the price of mealie meal in most parts of the country had escalated, the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) was instructed by the Cabinet to sell 930,000 metric tonnes of maize to millers and communities at K85 per 50 kg bag or K1,700 per metric tonne in order to stabilise the price. This was done in accordance with the Food Reserve Act, 2015 of the Laws of Zambia. The agreement between the Government and the millers was that the wholesale price of a 25 kg bag of breakfast meal be K70 while that of roller meal be K50.

‘Mr Speaker, the prices of mealie meal have gone up in most parts of the country, with a 25 kg bag of breakfast meal going at about K160. The cheapest I could buy this morning was at K100 from Chainda.

‘Mr Speaker, we were told that the prices of mealie meal have gone up because there is inadequate maize in the country. So, the export of maize was banned at some point. Further, if you go to shops like Spar, you will find that people are restricted to buying only one bag of mealie meal. This is making it difficult for people with funerals to buy enough mealie meal to feed the mourners. They have to get colleagues to help them buy, at least, three or four bags. 

‘We have read in today’s The Post newspaper that the Government has lifted the ban on maize exports. So, while mealie meal is in short supply in the country and its prices have continued escalating, the Government has seen it fit to allow traders to export maize. In view of this, is the hon. Minister of Agriculture, in order not to update the nation on these matters?”’

Sir, in your ruling, you directed that I issue a statement not later than the middle of this week. I now wish to respond to the point of order and update the House and the nation on this most important matter relating to mealie meal.

Mr Speaker, let me start by acknowledging that Hon. Gabriel Namulambe remembers very well that I indicated that as a way of stabilising the escalating prices of mealie meal as a result of the high prices of maize on the market, the Cabinet had instructed the FRA to release maize to the millers at a price of K1,700 per tonne. This was at the time when the market price of maize had already risen to more than K2,500 per metric tonne. It is also true that the FRA entered into contracts with millers for them to sell breakfast and roller meal at K70 and K50 per 25 kg bag respectively and that the traders would not be allowed to increase the prices by more than K5 per 25 kg bag.

Sir, since then, the FRA has been releasing about 100,000 metric tonnes of maize to 101 millers per month to meet the national monthly food requirement. I wish to emphasise that the 100,000 metric tonnes is the average monthly consumption for Zambia.

Mr Speaker, the first issue that Hon. Namulambe raised was that of the high price of the breakfast meal that he bought at K100 from Chainda.

Sir, the Government is aware of the fact that prices of mealie meal have escalated in some parts of the country. The reason for this is not the short supply of maize. As I indicated earlier, we have been releasing enough maize to meet the national monthly requirement. The reason for the escalation in the prices of mealie meal is that some of the millers and traders have not adhered to the agreed-upon prices. In their quest to maximise profits, some of the them are charging consumers exploitative prices. 

Secondly, Sir, there have been numerous incidences of smuggling of both maize and mealie meal from Zambia by unscrupulous people due to the unprecedented shortage of the commodity in neighbouring countries, and the huge price differences of both commodities between Zambia and the neighbouring countries.

Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the nation that the FRA is releasing maize to the millers at K1,700 per metric tonne, yet the neighbouring countries are buying the same maize at as much as K3,800 per metric tonne. Whereas we are urging traders in Zambia to sell mealie meal at K75 per 25 kg bag, the same mealie meal is selling at between K250 to K400 per 25 kg bag across Zambia’s borders.

In addition to this, there has been panic buying among consumers, as they fear that there was bound to be a shortage of maize supply, coupled with the tendency of some millers and traders of hoarding maize and mealie meal.

Mr Speaker, the above-mentioned factors play together to cause an artificial shortage of the commodities, hence the increase in prices.

Sir, thanks to God for His Grace to continue to give us sufficient rainfall, the hardworking farmers of Zambia who have always been optimistic in their operations even against fears of the El Niño and to the pragmatic and progressive agriculture policies of the Patriotic Front (PF) Government …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Lubezhi: Question!

Mr Lubinda: For the sake of those who are asking, I will repeat.

Laughter

Mr Lubinda: Sir, ...

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: … thanks to God Almighty for His Grace to continue to give us sufficient rainfall; the hardworking farmers of Zambia, who have always been optimistic in their operations even against fears of the El Niño, the pragmatic and progressive agricultural policies of the PF Government, …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

Mr Lubinda: … we are the only country in the sub-region that is food secure. All the other countries except Tanzania are faced with a huge shortage of maize.

Mr Speaker, the other issue Hon. Namulambe raised relates to the restriction by some retailers on the quantity of mealie meal that one can buy. Hon. Namulambe was right. Some retail outlets are restricting the number of bags of mealie meal one can buy. This measure was taken in order to curtail panic buying and hoarding of mealie meal. The Government has witnessed incidences where traders bought mealie meal in bulk only to go and resell it at a higher price. Some people were found buying mealie meal in bulk with the intention of illegally exporting it. While this Government appreciates the challenge this has posed, particularly to those holding funerals, I contend that the intention justifies the action.

With regard to the issue of banning and lifting of the ban in the exports of maize, which Hon. Namulambe raised, I wish to remind him, the House and the nation at large as follows:

Sir, at the time I announced the release of maize by the FRA, I indicated that the private sector had in stock more than 200,000 metric tonnes of maize that could be exported as long as the exporter obtained permits from the Ministry of Agriculture. However, at the beginning of this month, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture announced the suspension of the issuance of export permits so as to allow for the carrying out of an audit of maize stocks, especially by the private sector, to avoid a situation where maize from the FRA is not exported dubiously. This was not a ban per se. In accordance with the Food Reserve Act, a ban on exports of any food item would have been by way of a statutory instrument. To that effect, after the stocks were verified, the Government announced that the issuance of export permits had recommenced.

Sir, to ask why the Government is allowing exports when the prices of mealie meal are escalating is prudent and needs clarifying. As I have stated in the past, most of the maize that is held by the private sector was pre-financed through export forward contract sales. So, stopping it from being exported would result in litigation and penalties against the intended exporters.

Mr Speaker, we have been caught up in a situation where our blessing has, unfortunately, turned into a curse in the sense that in the midst of plenty, people are being subjected to high prices of food because of the shortages in the neighbouring countries and exploitative tendencies of some of the players in the maize-value chain.

Sir, the Government is concerned about the availability and pricing of mealie meal. To this end, we have undertaken the following measures to address the above-mentioned challenges:

(i)    cancelling contracts of some erring millers in the recent past and blocking them from bidding for  FRA contracts for the next two seasons, depending in the contracts they signed with the FRA;

(ii)    seizing maize and mealie meal that was destined for smuggling;

(iii)    encouraging communities that are far from milling plants to apply for the sale of maize from the FRA at a lower price of K80 per 50kg bag;

(iv)    increasing the number of participating millers from the initial 101 to 131;

(v)    increasing the monthly allocation to more than 100,000 metric tonnes per month from March 2016;

(vi)    restricting the sale of mealie meal by one bag per customer by some retail outlets;

(vii)    instructing District Joint Operations Committees to report undue increases of mealie meal prices by millers;

(viii)    recommencing production of mealie meal by the Zambia Co-operative Federation (ZCF) through the solar milling plants to be sold at a cheaper price;

(ix)    intensifying the monitoring of the movement of maize and mealie meal by the security wings so as to curtail smuggling; and

(x)    announcing more measures in line with the instructions issued by His Excellency the President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, last weekend.

Sir, I have to state that we are pleased with the effects of the measures we have instituted so far. We have witnessed a drastic reduction in cases of smuggling of both maize and mealie meal. We have also witnessed an increase in stock levels of mealie meal in outlets, especially along the line of rail.

Mr Speaker, we are confident that we shall overcome this challenge with support from all the stakeholders.

In the next few weeks, the Ministry of Agriculture shall present the Crop Forecast for 2016. With your permission, Sir, I shall come and announce the crop marketing arrangements for 2016.

Sir, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

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

Ms Imenda (Luena): Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for that statement. The hon. Minister has talked about the forward contracts that have been signed by private companies to export maize. It is understandable that if they do not fulfil that obligation, they may face litigation.

Sir, I would like to find out if there are any monitoring mechanisms to ensure that they do not exceed the quantities that are stipulated in the contracts.

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, had I been in the Backbench, I would have said ema questions, aya.

Laughter

Hon. MMD Members: Meaning what?

Mr Lubinda: Sir, meaning such are important and well intended questions. The reason the Government suspended the issuance of export permits for some time was for the Government to verify the quantities of maize that were held by the private sector so that when companies apply for export permits, the Government is certain that they are drawing the exports from the verified quantities and not from the FRA. So, there is a system in place to monitor the movement of maize from the private sector.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mtolo (Chipata Central): Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister clarify the actual stock that is earmarked for exports, as this will be beneficial to the traders, millers as well as the citizens. It will also reduce the anxieties about how we shall survive between now and the next harvest.

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, that is another progressive question for which I would like to thank Hon. Mtolo. The grain that is held by the private sector is as follows: 

Institution            Maize Quantity (Metric Tonnes) 
 

Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU)    41,988
 
Grain Traders Association of Zambia (GTAZ)         261,379 

Millers Association of Zambia (MAZ)     29,420

Mr Speaker, let me clarify that the FRA has contracts with 131 millers in which it has committed 327,163 metric tonnes of maize. The FRA stocks that have not been allocated to millers amount to 188,951 metric tonnes. The total stocks in the country are 848,901 metric tonnes, comprising the 300,000 metric tonnes that are held by the private sector and 548,000 metric tonnes by the FRA. Like I indicated earlier, the FRA releases 100,000 metric tonnes of maize per month. This means that we have enough stocks to last another five months, with a surplus of 80,000 metric tonnes thereafter if you count from March to August which is well after the harvest for the 2015/2016 crop. 

So, Sir, I would like to thank Hon. Mtolo for that question, as it gives me an opportunity to advise all the Zambians not to listen to the sceptics who are going round lying through their teeth that Zambia does not have enough maize stock. The store keeper is here. The one who keeps the key to the FRA is here, and I am saying to the Zambian people, through this House, that we have sufficient grain to take us into August.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mutale (Kwacha): Mr Speaker, in the recent past, there have been many cases of maize being smuggled. One such case was in the Eastern Province where a train destined for a neighbouring country was laden with maize from the Food Reserve Agency (FRA). What measures and penalties are being instituted against people who are illegally exporting maize to other countries, leaving the Zambians to suffer?

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank my hon. Colleague for raising that question. He actually belongs to a political party that has done a lot of good in so far as the curbing of smuggling is concerned.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: Sir, it has been reported in the media that members of this party have been vigilant.

Ms Kabanshi: Which party?

Mr Lubinda: The Patriotic Front (PF).

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. Government Member: Ema party, aya!

Mr Lubinda: Sir, the progressive PF members have been very alert. My hon. Colleague referred to a Zambia Railways (ZR) wagon laden with maize destined for Mchinji. The ploy was thwarted by some alert citizens, some of whom were members of the PF. There was another case at the Mwami Border where twenty-eight thirty-tonne trucks were stopped by vigilant Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) officers. There have also been cases on the Copperbelt where members of the PF stopped several trucks laden with mealie meal.

Mr Speaker, to answer the question, all the maize and mealie meal that has been stopped from being smuggled has been seized. In most instances, the mealie meal, which was seized, was donated to charities through warrants of court. The maize that was seized in Chipata was handed back to the FRA. I mentioned earlier that the tenth measure to be taken will be announced soon. I do not want to pre-empt that. However, we have seized the maize and mealie meal that was about to be smuggled. We shall continue to do so until smuggling is completely eradicated.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Mr Speaker, I sympathise with the hon. Minister because on many occasions, he has been at pains to explain to the Zambian people the maize situation in the country. When the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) was in power, smuggling was almost done away with. Do you not think that it is the current policy regarding maize exports that has caused all these problems? Instead of the measures that have been instituted, do you not think that the policy needs to be reviewed?

Mr Lubinda: Sir, in my statement, I indicated that what seemed to be a blessing has turned out to be a curse. I also said that that shortage of maize in the sub-region is unprecedented. For the benefit of my hon. Colleague, unprecedented means that this has never occurred before.

Laughter

Mr Lubinda: As a result, there is no reason whatsoever for our neighbouring countries to come and create a demand-pull inflation on our maize. When the MMD had the fortune of governing this country, we produced a lot of maize, but this was also a curse in a different way. Whereas the curse at the moment is due to the high demand for our maize, in the time of the MMD, the curse was the mismanagement of the maize because tonnes of maize went to waste, much to the pain of the farmer and taxpayer.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: This time around, the curse is different. The unprecedented shortage in our neighbouring countries is what has created the demand for our maize. That is the reason it is being smuggled. So, this has nothing to do with policy, but with the fact that our neighbouring countries do not have sufficient maize stocks. Actually, with regard to policy, every country around us realises that Zambia is frugal in its management of its crop. They cometo Zambia because they know that they will not buy rotten maize, like would have been the case some seven or eight years ago.

I thank you, Sir.
Laughter
 
Mr Mumba (Mambilima): Mr Speaker, there have been reports on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) News where one opposition political party has been quoted as having said that Zambia exported maize, in the recent past, to its neighbouring countries at US$200 per metric tonne and is now importing the same maize at US$500 per metric tonne. May the hon. Minister shed some light on this report.

Mr Mwila: Fya bufi!

Mr Speaker: Order! 

Laughter 

Mr Lubinda: Sir, I am not the only one who was shocked by that report. I received several phone calls and letters from many people within and outside the country who registered total dismay at hearing a leader of a political party in Zambia appearing on the Newsmakers Forum of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), claiming to be telling the truth. The political party leader claimed that Zambia had exported all its maize at US$200 per metric tonne and was importing the same maize at US$500 per metric tonne.

Mr Ng’onga: Wabeja!

Ms Kapata: Nikachepa!

Interruptions 

Mr Lubinda: As though that were not enough, members of that particular political party have created an impression in the local press that the Zambians are starving and that there is a looming shortage of maize on the Zambian market.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order! 

Mr Lubinda: Sir, as a politician, one may be excused for misinterpretation, but for saying things that are not true and you know will catch up with you is certainly a mark of a lack of leadership qualities.

Hon. PF Members: Hear! Hear!

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order! 

Mr Lubinda: Misleading the whole world on international press about one’s country …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order! 

Mr Lubinda: … with a straight face and without a wince, …

Laughter 

Mr Lubinda: … knowing fully well that what one is saying is far from the truth cannot be forgiven because it is alarming. We ought to aspire for positions of leadership on the basis of truth. However, it is not within my power, but that of the Zambians …

Mr Livune: Who are hungry?

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mr Lubinda: Sir, Zambians are able to discern that there are some politicians amongst us, politicians, who are willing to bring turmoil to this country and will not stop at anything to try to win political mileage.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: Sir, I was challenged to tender my resignation if there will not be maize on the Zambian market by June/July this year. I said that I was willing to do so for as long as the one who was betting with me was also willing if there will still be enough maize by that time, to declare himself/herself unfit to aspire for leadership.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: There are people who are bent on telling untruths for the sake of winning cheap and short lived political mileage.

Mr Speaker, I would like to inform my dear brother that as far as I am concerned, that statement was uncalled for. It was alarmist in nature and must be condemned by every right thinking Zambian.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Some hon. Opposition Members rose.

Mr Speaker: I would like to provide some guidance. 

The hon. Opposition Members resumed their seats.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I am cognisant of the fact that this is a central and sensitive issue. It is also an issue that tends to evoke a lot of emotions. However, as we process this matter this afternoon, please, let us maintain calm. I am following the running commentaries, one of which is to the extent of almost directing me what to do. I listened very carefully, but I was gracious enough to ignore it. So, let us be calm.
This issue, as far as its importance is concerned, is apolitical. We are dealing with a staple food here. Regardless of affiliation, it is a requirement to all of us. So, I repeat that we be calm. There is enough time to engage the hon. Minister and I will give you every opportunity to ask as many questions as time reasonably permits. However, let us be calm. That is my appeal. 

Mr Habeenzu (Chikankata): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has stated that the shortage of maize in the country is artificial. If that is the case, why is the mealie meal still expensive?

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Member for Chikankata for that question because it gives me an opportunity to repeat what I said earlier in my statement. I am sure he was in the House when I said:
    
“ ... the reason for the escalation of prices is not the short supply of maize. As I indicated earlier, we have been releasing enough maize to meet the national monthly requirement. The reason for the escalating prices is that some of the millers and traders have not adhered to the agreed-upon prices. In their quest to maximise profits, some of the millers and traders have been charging customers exploitative prices.

“Secondly, because of the unprecedented shortage of the commodity in the neighbouring countries and huge price differences of maize and mealie meal between Zambia and the neighbouring countries, there have been numerous incidences of smuggling of both maize and mealie meal by unscrupulous people.”

I thank you, Sir.

Mrs Masebo (Chongwe): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for that statement which is important to the nation. If you recall last time I asked the hon. Minister what the Government would do in order to curb smuggling, he referred to a number of measures that the Government would take which he believed would help curb smuggling. Going by his statement, the reason the price of mealie meal has continued to rise is not the shortage, but Zambia’s neighbouring countries where there is a shortage of mealie meal and maize. So, they are all dependent on the Zambian source. My understanding of the hon. Minister’s response is that the demand from our neighbouring countries is what has caused the shortage in our country which has resulted in the increase in the price of mealie meal.

Mr Speaker, my question is: Going by the reasons given by the hon. Minister for the exportation of mealie meal to other countries where it fetches a higher price than what is obtaining here, and that the Government is subsidising the price of mealie meal, does the Government not think that we, as a country, are subsidising foreigners in the long run? In that case, my other question would be: Does the hon. Minister not think that we should begin to reconsider this subsidy because we are actually losing twice?

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I wish to put it on record that I recognise the ability by the hon. Member of Parliament for Chongwe to paraphrase what other people say, and she is very good at that.

Sir, …

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, just take your seat.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: I know that you have the freedom to respond how best you wish but, for us to progress smoothly, please, just get to the issues raised. Be impersonal.

Hon. Minister, you may continue.

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I thank you most sincerely for your guidance. I take back the personal reference to my hon. Colleague. 

Sir, for the record, at no time today or in the past have I used the word, “subsidy” while addressing the issue of maize and mealie meal. I would not like anyone to go away with the misrepresentation that I said we are subsidising the Zambian market and, by inference, that we are subsidising smuggling. At no point did I make reference to the term, “subsidy”.

Mr Speaker, I did not attribute the artificial shortage to only one reason, as has been implied. I mentioned three factors which I read out in response to the question by my hon. Colleague from Chikankata. I mentioned three reasons for the artificial shortage and the increase in the price of maize and mealie meal. The first one was the greed of some millers who are not adhering to the contracts they signed with the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) by pricing the commodity exploitatively.

The second reason that I mentioned, Sir, was the hoarding of maize and mealie meal, again, by unscrupulous millers and traders in the hope that the looming shortage of maize they have been hearing about would come to pass so that they can exploit the market.

Sir, the third reason that I mentioned was panic buying where some people are buying mealie meal in large quantities without any proper reason for doing so. I did not limit my answer to smuggling, but mentioned all the other factors. I concluded by saying that we are pleased with the results of all the nine measures that we have taken because we have seen a drastic reduction in incidences of smuggling.

Sir, this Government is on top of things. Going forward, we would like to ensure that the maize that we are releasing on the market at lower than the market price, and not at a subsidy, is only accessed by the Zambian taxpayer.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Konga (Chavuma): Mr Speaker, maize is an emotive subject among the Zambians because of the nshima that is made from it. Considering the laws of supply and demand and, making reference to your statement that God has bestowed on Zambia the favour of good rainfall in the region and that farmers can produce good crop, can the Ministry of Agriculture, teach the Zambian farmers how to increase their yield so that they can produce more per hectare unlike what is obtaining at the moment. It has been reported in one of the newspapers that the Zambian farmers produce 1.7 metric tonnes of maize per hectare when Seedco can produce 14 tonnes per hectare. The bigger the harvest, the more maize we shall have for export without having to create this problem the country is experiencing at the moment. Can extension officers from the Ministry of Agriculture educate farmers in order to increase their yield? What does the hon. Minister think of that?

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I cannot agree more with my hon. Colleague. There are two issues at hand. The first one is the cost of production and my colleague is right that Zambia is one of the most expensive producers of maize because of the low productivity. Small-scale farmers produce an average of 2.5 metric tonnes per hectare, yet their counterparts in some neighbouring countries produce as much as 6 metric tonnes per hectare.

Mr Speaker, our maize this year is marketable and is in high demand because of the fact that there is a shortage elsewhere. Normally, our maize cannot sell favourably on the regional market because of the cost of production. 

Mr Speaker, this Government is not leaving anything to chance. We are doing everything possible to improve productivity. We are also working hard to increase production. In the next few weeks, the Ministry of Agriculture will announce the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) for the 2016/2017 agricultural season. I would also like to assure my hon. Colleague that I shall come and announce the measures that this Government has put in place to address the two challenges of production and productivity.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Ms Namugala (Mafinga): Mr Speaker, maize is a political crop. Whenever the price of maize goes up, people who are for the Government worry and those against the Government celebrate, as is the case at the moment.

Mr Speaker, if the price of mealie meal is K160 per 25 kg bag, obviously, there is a need for the Government to counter what those opposing the Government are saying. The measures that have been put in place are very good, but the people do not know about them. The people do not even know that the price of mealie meal is being driven by regional demand. 

Mr Speaker, I was in my constituency a few weeks ago and the community sales that the hon. Minister is referring to are not being done properly because people in rural areas are not able to buy even one bag of mealie meal. They are asked to share a bag of maize between two people.

Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister tell me why he has not used whatever is at his disposal to assure the people that there is a Government in charge and that the maize stocks are adequate enough to see us through this period and that those opposing the Government are not always telling the truth? Why is the hon. Minister not doing that?

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear! 

Ema questions, aya!

Hon. Livune: Question!

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, the emotion Hon. Catherine Namugala attaches to this matter is very well appreciated. Firstly, I regret that in her constituency, people are being made to share a bag of maize. This should not be the case. Nonetheless, like she has experienced in the past, the moment she whispers such a matter to the Government, it reacts instantly. So, I would like to assure her that now that she has informed me, she can call her constituency tomorrow and she will be told that the people are no longer subjected to sharing a bag of maize.

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, we always walk the talk. We have done it before, will do it again and shall continue to do it.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: Sir, allow me to address the question why I am not using all the means at my disposal to keep the people informed. In this matter, there are always willing partners and hell-bent detractors. When I announced this matter, I appealed to all hon. Members of this House to go and inform the people using community radio stations so that there is no unnecessary panic. 

Mr Speaker, there are people – at the risk of embarrassing a few and I seek their indulgence – like Hon. Mtolo who have gone ahead and assisted me to inform the public and people like Hon. Namugala who have gone out to explain to the people that there is no shortage of maize or mealie meal. However, there are also others who are unwilling to do so and are hell-bent on telling untruths for the sake of short-term political benefit. I cannot do anything about such people except to use modes of communication such as this one and the available media of the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) and newspapers to try to reach out to the people.

Sir, not too long ago, there was a television programme, showing maize silos and sheds laden with Zambian maize. However, as the saying goes, lies spread fast. The only good thing – and this I want to say to Hon. Namugala – is that much as lies spread fast, their speed is not sustainable. Their ‘feet’ are short and they get tired very easily.

Laughter

Mr Lubinda: Very soon, about this untruth that Zambia exported all her maize at US$200 per tonne and is now importing it at US$500 per tonne, people will say in Tonga, “Wabeja,” meaning you lied.

Laughter

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Speaker: Order!

I am now announcing the second round of questions and, please, hon. Minister, I know that you have referred to “lying” in the context of a saying but, for our record, we do not refer to that term. 

Mr Ntundu (Gwembe): Mr Speaker, it is good to hear from the hon. Minister of Agriculture that he holds the key to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA). Does that mean millers have to queue up at his office for him to release the maize? Does he instruct the FRA to supply to one miller and not the other? Is that what he is saying? 

Mr Livune: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, let me apologise profusely for using that unparliamentary term. I will endeavour not to use it again. 

Sir, I am sure it is clear not only to the hon. Member of Parliament for Gwembe, but also the listeners out there that when I said I am the holder of the key to the FRA sheds, it does not necessarily mean that I am the guard. I am sure that the hon. Member of Parliament knows that. Nonetheless, as to how millers are vetted, I would like to inform the House and the nation at large that the Ministry of Agriculture set up an Inter-Ministerial Stocks Committee which sits on a weekly basis to assess requests for maize from millers. The committee is at technical level, and the hon. Minister is not a member of it. The hon. Minister’s role is to announce whenever there is a need for us to penalise any erring millers and is only available for appeals from the millers whose requests may have been rejected on grounds that they would not be satisfied about. So, I do not dictate which miller should buy maize and which one should not buy from the FRA. 

Sir, I would also like to assure the hon. Member of Parliament for Gwembe that had that been the case, there are some known millers who are leaders of the Opposition who could have been blacklisted. However, this highly magnanimous hon. Member of Parliament and Minister, on behalf of the noble men and women in the Government, ...

Mr Livune: Question!

Mr Lubinda: ... has not taken that into consideration. We have treated every miller on his/her merit as a miller without regard to whether or not he/she is our friend. I hope that I have answered my hon. Colleague’s question. Had I been considering anything else beyond business, I would have possibly thought that those who are buying maize from the FRA and making profits and using their profits to advertise negatives about us would have been blacklisted, but they are not. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Mutelo (Lukulu West): Mr Speaker, there is a web, which is both a blessing and a curse, as the hon. Minister said. Just yesterday, we saw an entourage go to State House. I think those people went to State House because there is hunger where they came from. When people are caught trying to transport maize out of the country at night, the Government calls it smuggling but, when it happens during the day, it is considered legal. Why is the hon. Minister ‘exchanging’ the blessing with a curse?

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order!

I am not sure that I have followed your question.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order!

In case the hon. Minister has followed your question, he can respond. However, I am not sure whether he has. 

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, you are daring me to light a candle in the sunlight. If the Hon. Mr Speaker did not follow the question, there is no way that humble me would have followed it. I did not follow a thing and I was hoping that you might assist me to understand my hon. Colleague’s question. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Lukulu West, let me just provide guidance before you rise. Try to put the question in plain language. 

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, thank you very much.

Sir, the hon. Minister said that Zambia has been caught up in a web which is both a blessing and a curse in the sense that Zambia had a good harvest of maize. On the other hand, it is a curse in the sense that ouyr neighbouring countries are coming to Zambia to buy this commodity. Yesterday, we saw people from our neighbouring countries go to State House to go and look for this commodity known as mealie meal. That is why I said: Why is the hon. Minister ‘exchanging’ this blessing of having a full harvest of maize with a curse, which went to State House yesterday?

Laughter

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, we want that mealie meal. 

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order!

Anyway, without remarking, I will leave it to the hon. Minister to respond. 

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, such humour is very nice for the House, especially when we are addressing an emotive issue such as food. 

Sir, let me explain a little better what I meant by a blessing being a curse at the same time. It is a blessing in the sense that we have sufficient stocks to feed the country. The curse is that the unprecedented shortage of maize in the neighbouring countries has exerted pressure on our local commodity, thereby leading to a situation where in the abundance of food, our people are being subjected to high prices. Terming the act of transporting maize out of the country in the morning or at night, as illegal, and people going to State House or elsewhere, is not a curse. The curse, again, I want to emphasise, is that while we have a lot of maize, the pressure from outside has caused some people to hold onto our maize, to do some panic-buying and to smuggle it, thereby increasing the price of the commodity. 

Sir, let me also clarify something because some questions may seem innocent, but misleading. Yesterday, a team of Ministers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) visited His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, requesting him to allow trade in maize between the two countries. That is trade and not smuggling. I want to take advantage of this opportunity to say to my good friend and brother that if Zambia had exported all her maize at US$200 per tonne, and was now importing it at US$500, the Congolese would not have come to Zambia to ask for the commodity. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: They came here because they know that Zambia, unlike what has been said in the press, has enough maize stocks for herself and for export. I rest my case. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.  

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Miyanda (Mapatizya): Mr Speaker, in his statement, the hon. Minister clearly indicated that when he said that he holds the key to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), he does not mean that he literally holdsj the key because, as he put it, he is not a watchman, and I agree with him. 

Hon. Minister, my concern is on the maize that was loaded onto wagons in transit to Malawi. I am aware that there are people who held the keys to the sheds; people who worked with the watchmen; and people who loaded the maize onto the wagons until the Zambians decided that enough was enough. My question is: Who are these people? 

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, there are two incidents. One of them I have already referred to in the House. In responding to a question raised by the hon. Member of Parliament for Chadiza, Hon. Alan Mbewe, who wanted to know the name of the company that had attempted to smuggle our maize, I responded that fortunately, it was not a Zambian company but a foreign one. 

In the second case, I want to inform my hon. Colleague that the matter is before the courts of law. As a matter of fact, the police are still investigating. I would, therefore, like to appeal to you, Sir, to protect me so that I do not divulge any more information because it may jeopardise the investigations. However, the people were apprehended and shall soon face the wrath of the law. The maize has already been confiscated and is back in the FRA stocks. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Dr Musokotwane (Liuwa): Mr Speaker, around 2010, during the rule of the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), …

Hon. Members: Ah!

Mr Speaker: Order!

Dr Musokotwane: … the region was faced with a serious shortage of maize due to drought. Arising from this, the MMD Government exported maize to Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Namibia and other countries in an orderly manner, while ensuring that there were sufficient stocks of the commodity for the Zambians to consume and that the price of a bag of mealie meal remained at less than K40.  

Mr Speaker, this was achieved because, first and foremost, the Government was very clear about the quantity to be exported. Secondly, there were effective mechanisms in place to ensure that only authorised quantities of maize and mealie meal were exported. On about four occasions, the hon. Minister has come to the Floor to assure this House and the country that this time around, he has got it right and that the price of mealie meal would be stabilised. Alas, the price has remained high. 

Hon. Minister, taking into account the positive experiences of the MMD, which I have just outlined, what is the problem? Why can you not get this issue right so that people can have affordable food? 

Hon. MMD Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, firstly, I pledge to come back to the House with the statistics on maize marketing in 2010, which the hon. Member referred to, so that I do not speak from without. I shall come back ... 

Laughter 

Mr Lubinda: …with all the figures and demonstrate …

Dr Musokotwane: I like that. 

Mr Lubinda: … that as a matter of fact, the harvest in 2010 was less than that for 2015.

 Sir, I will also come and illustrate that the so-called measures that the hon. Member referred to may actually not have been written down anywhere. Perhaps, my hon. Colleague is willing to provide that additional information to me so that I can learn from the experience he has talked about. 

Mr Speaker, one matter that the hon. Member talked about that I want to refer to is that of controlled export. He said that during the time of the MMD, the Government knew what quantities to export. I have said time and again, and I am sure that the hon. Member of Parliament for Liuwa has been following attentively, that we know the quantity of maize that is available for export.  

Earlier this afternoon, the hon. Member of Parliament for Luena asked me whether there were any mechanisms in place to monitor the quantity of maize that is being exported. The hon. Member of Parliament for Liuwa was here when this question was asked. I responded that we had made a physical verification to find out what quantities were being held by the private sector and that whatever was being exported would be drawn from that figure. This shows that we are controlling the quantity that is being exported. So, I would like to say that even without having known that this is what the MMD did in 2010, I have learnt well because we are controlling the quantity of maize that is being exported so as not to risk national food security. 

Like I said, Sir, with your permission, I want to come and present the statistics of maize marketing in 2010 so that my hon. Colleague and I can speak on the same wavelength. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I am sure that you agree that we have spent a great deal of time on this particular subject. Important as it is, I want to urge those who are winding up in terms of questions to be brief. I will equally make the same appeal to the hon. Minister to be brief as he responds. I have to manage the time. Today is a short day and this meeting of the House is equally short. I have a lot of business that I intend to bring before the House before its life comes to an end.  

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: I cannot extend that life. Hon. Member for Keembe, you may ask your question.  

Bishop Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha (Keembe): Mr Speaker, firstly, let me correct one impression. It is still considered a blessing when God blesses you with a bumper harvest and good crop and your neighbours do not have any. It is not a curse for your neighbours not to have a good crop, but how you manage to fulfil their needs is what makes you rich. There is an example of this in the Bible when Joseph was the Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture.

Laughter 

Bishop Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha: Sir, like Hon. Dr Musokotwane said, I am a Zambian and I feel there are issues that need to be resolved regarding the price of mealie meal. When the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) was in power, ...

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member for Keembe, I have just given guidance. We have spent a lot of time on this question. If we are going to preface our questions with long-winding statements, I will have difficulties, as the person presiding over this business. This segment, let me remind hon. Members, is for points of clarification. That is the essence. It is for statements given on points on which you want to seek clarification. I have been quite liberal by allowing all these statements narrating the history of what was done and how it was done. The point now is to seek clarification on what the hon. Minister has said. 

Bishop Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha: Sir, mealie meal used to cost K35 and K45 per 25 kg for roller meal and breakfast meal, respectively. Would it not be better for the hon. Minister to consult the Zambians who made the price of mealie meal to be that low and how it was done in order to arrive at a fair understanding?

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, during the time of Joseph – sorry, Sir.

Laughter 

Mr Lubinda: At the time when the mealie meal was selling at that price, farmers were selling maize at as low as K15 per 50 kg bag of maize.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Opposition Members: Ah!

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, it is my understanding that the hon. Minister has a market information desk at his ministry. What measures has the ministry put in place to protect local traders against external pressure when it realised that our neighbours did not have sufficient maize stocks? I ask because at the time all the indicators of a bad or good yield would have been there.

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I indicated that at the time when we allowed the FRA to release maize on the market at K1,700 per metric tonne, the market price of the maize had already reached K2,500 per metric tonne. That is the measure that we took to make sure that we cushioned the local consumer. I have said this time and again and I hope that this time it has sunk in.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Lubezhi (Namwala): Mr Speaker, some online media carried stories that the confiscated maize would be used by the Patriotic Front (PF) Government for their campaigns. The hon. Minister has told us that the maize that was confiscated was donated to some charity organisations. Which charity organisations are these that benefitted from the confiscated maize?

Mr Livune: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I am not aware of any credible publication that made reference to the PF party’s intent to abuse the FRA maize. I also stated that what was given to charity organisations was mealie meal and not maize. I said all the maize that was confiscated was returned to the FRA stocks. This attempt to try to change what I say is regrettable.

Mr Speaker: And the beneficiaries?

Mr Lubinda: Sir, I do not have the list of the beneficiaries of the mealie meal and ...
Mr Livune: Question!

Mr Lubinda: ... I did not anticipate that, “Question!” However, like you have always guided, if any one wants additional information, he/she must not expect me or any hon. Minister to carry it with them. I will be amenable to come back to the House to present the list, if that will please my colleagues.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Namulambe (Mpongwe): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister indicated that there was a reduction in the smuggling of mealie meal and maize. That being the case, are we expecting an increase in the availability of mealie meal throughout the country? If so, what is the expected retail price? Is it K5 above the K75 per 25 kg bag price at which the millers are selling it?

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, as I said earlier, we have seen an increase in mealie meal in shops along the line of rail. It is not throughout the country, but it might spread to the rest of the country soon. I cannot say how soon but, as I said, the FRA has increased the quantity of maize that it is releasing to the millers. We have also increased the number of millers that are receiving the maize so as to try to increase the supply of mealie meal.

Sir, the recommended mark-up for retailers is only K5 above the price at which millers should release the maize.

I thank you, Sir. 

SUSPECTED RITUAL KILLINGS AND LOOTING IN THE HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL AREAS OF LUSAKA 

The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Mwila): Mr Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to give a ministerial statement on the suspected ritual killings and looting in the high density residential areas of Lusaka that we have experienced over the last two days. 

Sir, on 17th March, 2016, four bodies of ...

Interruptions 

Mr Speaker: Order, on the left!

Mr Mwila: Iwe, Moono, iwe! 

Laughter 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, just concentrate on ...

Mr Mwila: Sir, on 17th March, 2016, ...

Ms Lubezhi: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mr Mwila: ... four bodies of males aged between eighteen and forty were found in George Compound without some body parts. Three of the bodies have since been identified as those of residents of George Compound, while one body is yet to be identified.

Mr Speaker, on 7th April, 2016, another body of a male was discovered without some body parts in George Compound. Similarly, on the morning of 16th April, 2016, another body of a male aged about thirty was found with missing body parts. This body was identified as that of a resident of George Compound. By the 18th April, 2016, George and Zingalume compounds in Lusaka had recorded a total number of six bodies found with some body parts missing. On the same day, a false rumour to the effect that the police at Matero Police Station had released a suspected national involved in the suspected ritual murders sparked attacks on shops predominantly operated by foreign nationals. However, the foreign national in question had been arrested on 17th April, 2016, for conduct likely to cause breach of the peace. He was, therefore, accordingly released upon paying the admission of guilt fine.

Mr Speaker, the attacks on the shops in the high density areas began in Zingalume and George compounds on 18th April, 2016, around 0930 hours. They initially appeared to have targeted shops operated by foreign nationals. However, the attacks quickly spread to other high density residential areas, particularly in the western and northern parts of the city. As the attacks spread to other residential areas, particularly in the western and northern parts of the city, they became more generalised. Thus, even shops operated by Zambians and ordinary Zambians have been victims of these barbaric attacks. 

Sir, by the morning of 19th April, 2016, sixty-two shops in the affected residential areas predominantly belonging to foreign nationals had been looted. One person had also been burnt beyond recognition in Kanyama Compound, while three Zambian nationals were severely beaten and admitted to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH). Sadly, one of them has died.

Mr Speaker, the police have so far apprehended 256 suspected looters. They have also recovered some of the looted goods and are providing security to the foreign nationals who have fled their homes.

Mr Speaker, the police have been working round the clock to find the criminal elements behind the suspected ritual murders that have caused fear and insecurity amongst the people, particularly in the high density residential areas of Lusaka. To that effect, the police have, in their custody, eleven suspects who are helping them with the investigations into the suspected ritual murders. 

Sir, the police are, therefore, committed to finding the criminals behind the murders that have rocked the capital city. The criminals shall be hunted down and be made to account for their evil acts. 

Mr Speaker, I would be failing in my duty if I did not bring to the attention of the House the heroic and admirable conduct of some of our compatriots even in the midst of evil and generalised barbarism. Some residents of George Compound have been heroic by working together with the police to protect their neighbourhood and police posts from being destroyed by the criminal elements that are not only looting the shops and attacking people in the high density residential areas, but also trying to destroy police posts in the vain hope of driving the law enforcement officers from the residential areas.

Sir, the conduct of some of the patriotic residents of George Compound is a good example of how Zambians ought to conduct themselves. It is my sincere hope that more and more of our people shall emulate the conduct of the patriotic residents of George Compound. 

Mr Speaker, the attacks on people, regardless of their nationality is criminal and cannot be condoned in our democratic dispensation. The criminals behind these attacks have dented the reputation of our country as a haven and sanctuary for those who leave their countries on account of insecurity and persecution. My Government is, therefore, doing everything possible to ensure that the criminal and barbaric activities come to an end immediately.

Sir, I must take this opportunity to appeal to the people to remain calm. At the moment, the situation is calm. The police and other defence agencies shall continue to monitor the situation and ensure that life, particularly in the high density residential areas of Lusaka, returns to normal. We must all be agents of peace because peace and security are Zambia’s most prized assets. My Government shall, therefore, not spare any effort in ensuring that our country remains a haven of peace and a sanctuary for people who flee their homelands on account of insecurity or persecution. Let us all unite and guard the peace and security, as they are the very foundation of development and progress.

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

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

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister clarify if the barbaric activities that have rocked the city are politically motivated or the people who are rising against the Government. 

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, we cannot confirm that the killings are politically motivated. As the ministry, we shall treat whoever is involved as a criminal.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Namugala: Mr Speaker, this is sad page in the history of Zambia because of the so-called ritual murders and riotous behaviour of our people. I am not sure that the hon. Minister of Home Affairs has given the necessary assurances to the people of Zambia that, for instance, should the violence erupt again, his police officers will be adequately prepared to deal with the situation. Can the hon. Minister tell us that his police officers will be on top of things because I am aware that yesterday and the day before, they were torn apart. They could not manage to cover all the areas where people had gone on the streets to riot. Are we really in safe hands?

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, I want to assure this House and the nation that the police are on top of things. That is why we have managed to arrest eleven suspects, nine of whom are Zambians and two are foreign nationals. The looting happened in Matero, Kanyama and Chawama. Therefore, it was not easy for us to mobilise the police. As the Acting Minister of Defence, we had to bring in the Zambia Army to reinforce the police. We are withdrawing them tomorrow because the situation has come back to normal.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Namulambe: Mr Speaker, I would like to convey my condolences to the families who have lost their beloved ones through the ritual killings.

Sir, what could have led to the issue of targeting the foreign nationals? The rampant attacks on these nationals have been equated to what happened in South Africa when there were xenophobic attacks. What are we doing to protect the image of Zambia?

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, in my statement, I mentioned that a Congolese national was arrested and charged with conduct likely to cause the breach of peace.

 Interruptions

Mr Mwila: Sir, I am a not a lawyer.

After he was released, the residents thought that we had released the suspect who was involved in the ritual killings, hence the looting.  However, I want to inform this House and the nation at large that no foreign national has so far been killed. The murder victims I talked about in my statement were all Zambians.

Sir, secondly, most of the victims of attacks are former refugees from Rwanda. My ministry is working hand-in-hand with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to secure peace for our colleagues from Rwanda.

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister of Home Affairs for the statement. I also wish to convey my condolences to the families who have lost their beloved ones through the heinous crimes.

Sir, are the eleven people whom the hon. Minister has mentioned been apprehended because of the heinous crimes or looting?

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, I said that 254 were arrested in connection with the looting of shops owned by foreign nationals while the eleven suspects have been arrested in connection with the ritual killings.

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 Bishop Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, I pass my opportunity.

Sir, I thank you.

Mr Mufalali (Senanga): Mr Speaker, when His Excellency President Lungu attended a church service in the Eastern Province, he indicated that the killings were influenced by politicians who want to win elections. I want to know how many of the eleven suspects that have been arrested in connection with the ritual killings are politicians.

 Mr Livune: Hear, hear!

 Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, I want to say that I was in my constituency when His Excellency the President was making that statement, but I did not hear him say that. Therefore, I will not comment on that matter.

 Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo West): Mr Speaker, what has happened is regrettable and we commensurate with the people who have been affected.

Sir, since the riotous behaviour was aimed at foreign nationals who have lost in terms of finances, I would like to know whether the Government is prepared to take stock of the foreign nationals and give them the necessary compensation in order for them to live in peace in Zambia again.

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1615 hours until 1630 hours.

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, I would like to ask the hon. Member for Kabompo West to repeat his question.

 Mr Livune interjected.

 Mr Mwila: Iwe, you are not the Hon. Mr Speaker. 

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, in short, my question was: Considering the fact that the riotous behaviour that has been exhibited by our citizens is regrettable, is the Zambian Government considering to compensate the foreign nationals that have been affected?

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, the Police Command is going round, taking stock of all the shops that have been looted to enable us to come up with the cost of the goods that have been taken by the criminals. We shall come up with a decision thereafter.

 Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Livune: Mr Speaker, in relation to the question asked by the hon. Member for Senanga about His Excellency’s statement, after satisfying himself with what His Excellency said, will the hon. Minister come back to the House to give the correct version of the statement made.
Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, earlier, I said that I was not there when the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, made that statement. If anyone tells me that the statement was reported on Muvi Television, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Television or Radio Phoenix, I can find out from the institutions and respond accordingly.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, the question is: After your verification, are you able to come back?

Hon. UPND Members: Yes!

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, if they tell me the name of the media house, I will be able to come back.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned that a resident of Kanyama has accidently been killed. Was this man killed by the people who were rioting or by the police who threw tear gas at the people?

Mr Mwila interjected.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, let us not proceed in that fashion. The hon. Member is not clear.

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned that an innocent man was accidently killed at his house in Kanyama. Was he killed by the people who were rioting or the police who threw tear gas to the people of that area?

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, he was killed by the people who were rioting.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mufalali: Hear, hear!

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Speaker, I know that the Executive operates under the principle of collective responsibility.

Mr Livune: That is right!

Ms Lubezhi: Sir, as a rider to the hon. Members for Katombola and Senanga’s questions, is the hon. Minister telling us that he is detaching himself from what the President said?

Mr Speaker: I will have to deal with this situation. The hon. Minister said that he did not follow the statement. That is the reason he felt constrained to comment. That was in response to the question by the hon. Member for Senanga. A follow-up question by the hon. Member for Katombola was that if he verified, would he be ready to come back. In response, the hon. Minister said that if he is informed about the source, he would come back. So, to take that trajectory is counter to all this discourse that we have been having.

Ms Lubezhi: The President said it.

Mr Speaker: You do not respond that way, hon. Member for Namwala.

__________

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

MASAITI DISTRICT HOSPITAL

397. Mr Katambo (Masaiti) asked the Minister of Health:

(a)    when the newly-constructed Masaiti District Hospital would be opened;

(b)    what had caused the delay in opening the hospital;

(c)    what the total cost of the project was; and

(d)    what the name of the contractor was.

The Deputy Minister of Health (Dr Chilufya): Mr Speaker, Phases I and II of the newly- constructed Masaiti District Hospital have been completed and opened to the public. Phase III is under construction and works are ongoing.

Sir, the total cost of the project is K23 million.

Mr Speaker, there are three contractors engaged to build the hospital, namely:

(a)    New Era Zambia Limited for Phase I;

(b)    Datong Construction Limited for Phase II; and

(c)    Meltcast Zambia Limited for Phase III and is currently on site.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, when will the hon. Minister officially …

Mr Livune: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Livune: Mr Speaker, I thank you most sincerely and apologise to my brother who was on the Floor. 

Is the hon. Minister of Home Affairs in order to tell us that he is not aware of the source of the information that the fights were as a result of people who want to get into State House or Government when actually the source is the President himself? Is he in order not to dedicate himself to that inquiry? 
I need your ruling, Sir.

Mr Speaker: I think we understand the word ‘source’ differently. Source means that there is a statement in issue. So, a source refers to who published the statement because that is what is in issue and not who uttered the statement. That is my ruling.

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, the general public and the people of Masaiti are expectant of the commissioning of the hospital. When will the hon. Minister officially commission it?

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the date of commissioning the hospital will be set after consulting the stakeholders and the period will not exceed thirty days.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mooya (Moomba): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out why three contractors and not one were engaged to build the hospital.

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, due to limited resources, the construction of the hospital was done in phases. So, certain aspects of the hospital were constructed in Phase I, other functions were factored in in Phase II and the final set of functions are being factored in in Phase III. We did not have adequate resources to build the hospital in one phase. It is being built in phases in order to accommodate the limited budget.

I thank you, Sir.

RURAL ROADS UNIT EMPLOYEES

398. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Defence:

(a)    whether all the former Rural Roads Unit (RRU) employees had been transferred to the Zambia National Service (ZNS);

(b)    if so, whether they were serving under the ZNS conditions of service;

(c)    if there were any former employees that have not been transferred to the ZNS, what the reasons for not transferring them were;

(d)    what category of employees at (c) were affected; and

(e)    whether the employees at (c) had been declared redundant.

The Deputy Minister of Defence (Mr Mulenga): Mr Speaker, not all the former Rural Roads Unit (RRU) employees have been formally transferred to the Zambia National Service (ZNS). Currently, the ZNS has only received letters of transfer for 103 former RRU employees.
Sir, the former employees are serving under the Public Service conditions of service.

Mr Speaker, yes, there are former employees who have not been transferred to the ZNS because the modalities for their transfer are still being worked on by the Public Service Management Division (PSMD) in conjunction with the Ministry of Works and Supply.

Sir, the category of employees affected at part (c) of the question consists of mainly engineers and workers from the RRU who were not on the payroll.

Mr Speaker, the employees at part (c) of the question have not been declared redundant.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, the question of employees being declared redundant arises because it has been observed that some of the workers like drivers have had no work to do, but have been sitting idly and, sometimes, preparing food for the officers. Hon. Minister, how soon will the transfer of the employees being effected be to avoid frustrations? As you may wish to know, we interact with them and have observed that not everybody is unhappy. They are quite frustrated and unhappy. So, how quick will this Government facilitate the transfer of the workers so that they adapt to their new work?

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, we are not aware of the fact that some workers such as drivers are being subjected to preparing food for their superiors. Nonetheless, as the Government, we are working hard to quicken the process of transferring the workers.

Sir, may I also take this opportunity to inform the public and this House that no worker has been declared redundant. All the workers from the Rural Roads Unit (RRU) are on the payroll. No one has been declared redundant.

Mr Speaker, perhaps, let me take this opportunity to explain what has happened in the past few months concerning the transfers. We are going by department. So, the process of transferring the officers is still ongoing. So far, there are 103 workers pending transfer categorised as follows:

Position    Number of Employees Transferred

Water Bowser Operator        4
Watchman        21
Driver        5
General Worker    40
Tipper Driver    21
Grader Operator    2
Engineering Assistant        3
Roller Operator        1
Office Orderly        1
Executive Officer        2
Roads Engineer        1
Senior Roads Engineer        1
Typist        1
Total        103

Sir, the process is ongoing and is conducted by the Public Service Management Division (PSMD).

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether the workers that were transferred from the Rural Roads Unit (RRU) to the Zambia National Service (ZNS) are going to be given a chance to train as military personnel as well.

Mr Mulenga: Yes, Mr Speaker, we have asked them to make a choice. For those who would like to train as military personnel, the question of professionalism and age comes into play. If some workers want to join the ZNS for the sake of wearing uniform, it is up to them. We have asked them to choose whether they want to remain as civilians or wear uniforms.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mufalali (Senanga): Mr Speaker, how do you get value for the money you are paying engineers who are just sitting idly?

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, they are employees.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: The question is: How are you getting value for the money?

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, there is no engineer who is sitting idly. I have toured their cantonments and I have seen them working.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, may I find out what is …

Mr Mufalali: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Just a moment, please.

You know these points of order are predictable. You do not construct dialogue. Unless it is a different subject other than on the hon. Minister I cannot allow it.

Mr Mufalali: It concerns the hon. Minister.

Mr Speaker: Then, take your seat.

Mr Livune: Mr Speaker, I would like to know what has delayed the transfer process and how long it will take for the exercise to be completed.
Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, in my earlier response, I stated that the process is ongoing. What has delayed the process, in some cases, is that the employees who are supposed to be transferred to the Zambia National Service (ZNS) have not made a decision. Some of them want to remain where they are, whilst we look at their compatibility of work in the ZNS. For others, it is because they were not on the payroll and we are trying to look at the modality of employing them through the Public Service Management Division (PSMD).

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

RURAL ROADS UNIT VEHICLES/EQUIPMENT

399. Mr Miyutu asked the Minister of Defence:

(a)    whether the process of transferring all motor vehicles and other equipment from the Rural Roads Unit (RRU) to the Zambia National Service (ZNS) had been completed;

(b)    if so, when the process would be completed;

(c)    whether an inventory of all the property under the RRU were available prior to the commencement of the transfer process; and

(d)    what measures were taken to ensure that all the equipment previously owned by the RRU was accounted for by the ZNS.

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, the process of transferring all motor vehicles and other equipment from the RRU to the ZNS has not been completed. 

An inventory of all the property under the RRU was not made available prior to the commencement of the transfer process. The Ministry of Defence has, however, been working with the Ministry of Works and Supply to ensure that all the equipment is captured in the inventory and that the process is completed.

Sir, the transfer of information regarding all the RRU equipment to the ZNS database was undertaken to ensure that all the equipment previously owned by the RRU is accounted for.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, the President declared the immediate shift of the equipment to the ZNS. This is now 2016 and the hon. Minister is saying that they have not taken stock of all the motor vehicles. Are you aware that some of the vehicles, which belonged to the Rural Roads Unit (RRU), have ‘lost’ their number plates? How will you take account of such vehicles?

Mr Speaker: What have they lost?

Mr Miyutu: The number plates, …

Mr Speaker: Oh, the number plates!
Mr Miyutu: … which were Government Republic of Zambia (GRZ) registered, but are no longer registered as GRZ. They are blank. How is the Government going to take account of such vehicles?

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, firstly, we are not aware of such a situation. Besides, we do not go by number plates, but the actual vehicles. Further, it is not only vehicles that we are talking about. The question was about the transfer of motor vehicles and other equipment. Therefore, the other equipment could be in the form of computers and other compatibles. So, the process is not as simple as the hon. Member of Parliament might think. 

Mr Livune: Question!

Mr Mulenga: Sir, we have to take stock of the items and ensure that they are secured before the handover is done. This process is ongoing .

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo West): Mr Speaker, I would like to assume that each Government department had an inventory of all the equipment, be it vehicles or computers. If you have this inventory for each province in place, why does it have to take one year to transfer this equipment to the rightful organisation, in this case, the Zambia National Service (ZNS)? Why are you taking long to do that? Are you saying that you do not have an inventory?

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, I agree with the hon. Member of Parliament. Theoretically, that is very easy to do. However, we have to go round the country to take stock of every piece of equipment against the master list. So, this is the process that is still being undertaken. Once it has been completed, we shall come back to this House and inform you about the completion of the exercise and that no piece of equipment has gone missing. So, that is what has seemed to be the delay.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mufalali: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out why the Government has to move the Rural Roads Unit (RRU) to the Zambia National Service (ZNS) before concluding the inventory or ensuring that it accounts for the equipment and other goods that were being used. Transferring the RRU to the ZNS before the inventory has been concluded is a recipe for pilferage. So, why did the Government have to take that route?

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, obviously, it was after the pronouncement or decree by his Excellency the President that we moved in to look at the modalities of transferring the RRU to the ZNS. You cannot start taking stock when there is no decree or directive from anybody. So, we followed the President’s directive, moved in and started the process of transferring the Unit.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Livune: Mr Speaker, a good manager works on targets. I would like to find out how much time the Government has given itself to complete the transfer of assets to the rightful place.

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, of course, we are very good managers.

Mr Livune: Question!

Mr Speaker: Continue, hon. Minister.

Mr Zimba: Ema Ministers, aya!

Mr Mulenga: Sir, we are, indeed, very good managers.

Mr Mwila: Landa!

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister of Home Affairs. 

Laughter

Mr Speaker: You are so loud and clear, ... 

Laughter

Mr Speaker: ... as you violate the proceedings.

Laughter

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, we know what we are doing. We are taking more time so that we can do a good job. As for the time frame, we have told the departments to submit reports before the end of this year. We have done that so that they have ample time to go round and collect the equipment on the ground. That way, their reports will contain all the required information.

I thank you, Sir.

______

BILL

FIRST READING

THE PUBLIC PROTECTOR BILL, 2016

The Minister of Works and Supply, Chief Whip, and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Mukanga): Mr Speaker, I beg to present a Bill entitled the Public Protector Bill, 2016. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Speaker: The Bill stands referred to the Committee on Delegated Legislation. The Committee is required to submit its report on the Bill to the House by Thursday, 28th April, 2016. Hon. Members who wish to make submissions to the Bill are free to do so within the programme of work of the Committee.

Thank you.

_______

MOTIONS

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS, TRANSPORT, WORKS AND SUPPLY

Mr Belemu (Mbabala): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do adopt the Report of the Committee on Communications, Transport, Works and Supply for the Fifth Session of the Eleventh National Assembly laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 5th April, 2016.

Mr Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

Mr Chishimba (Kamfinsa): Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

Mr Belemu: Mr Speaker, your Committee’s work was guided by the terms of reference as set out in the National Assembly Standing Orders. Going by its terms of reference, your Committee considered two topical issues, namely:

(a)    the role of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in national development; and

(b)    the state and management of canals, ports and harbour infrastructure in Zambia.

Sir, your Committee also considered the action-taken report on the report of your Committee for the Fourth Session of the Eleventh National Assembly. Pursuant to the above, your Committee interacted with several stakeholders who tendered both written and oral submissions. To further appreciate what is obtaining on the ground regarding the role of ICTs in national development, your Committee toured Airtel and the Zambia Telecommunications Company Limited (Zamtel).

Mr Speaker, ICTs are important tools in achieving developmental goals and promoting citizen participation in national affairs. Zambia is one of the countries in the Southern African Region that have sought to include ICTs in their national development plans. According to the Sixth National Development Plan (SNDP) of 2013 to 2016, ICTs comprise the convergence of the traditionally-separate business of broadcasting, telecommunications, computing and the internet into one platform.

Sir, during the last decade, the ICT sector has continued to implement key programmes aimed at inducing growth in the sector. Mobile network subscription across all the three mobile service providers grew to 10.9 million in 2015 compared to 2.6 million in 2007. This corresponds with an improvement in mobile phone service penetration relative to the population from 22.5 per cent in 2007 to 70 per cent in 2015.

Mr Speaker, allow me to share some of the challenges that have beset the ICT sector in the country. One of the challenges being faced by the consumers in this sector is the low levels of access to internet services.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mr Belemu: According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) database of 2015, Zambia’s internet connectivity is currently at 17 per cent, which is lower than that of regional competitors such as Kenya and South Africa that have internet penetration rates of 43.4 per cent and 49 per cent, respectively. At these low levels of internet connectivity in sectors such as agriculture, farmers in Zambia are still facing high information and communication transaction costs, which make them unable to compete with farmers from other countries in the region and beyond.

Secondly, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy has not been updated in line with growing trends with respect to technological developments and consumer demands for ICT-based goods and services. The third challenge is that the telecommunications sector has the highest corporate tax burdens of 40 per cent. This limits the ability of the operators to further invest in network expansion and quality improvements. The cost of bandwidth is also relatively high, mainly owing to the fact that the country has no direct coastal access to undersea cables.

Lastly, Sir, there is unnecessary duplication of ICT infrastructure such as optic fibre networks, particularly by the State-owned enterprises such as Zamtel and the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO).

In view of the foregoing, allow me to give a brief analysis of your Committee’s observations and recommendations as contained in the report. Your Committee observes that despite the policy pronouncements by the Government to achieve universal access to internet services, Zambia’s internet connectivity is still poor and, as stated earlier, has a penetration rate of only 17 per cent.

To this effect, your Committee recommends that the Government ensures that modern ICT infrastructure is rolled out to all parts of Zambia, including rural areas, in order to make ICT services readily available to all Zambians on a non-discriminatory basis. Where the need arises, the Government should provide incentives that will attract operators to roll out ICT infrastructure nationwide, particularly to rural and underserved or unserved areas.

Mr Speaker, you may wish to note that some stakeholders submitted that the ICT Policy does not provide for growing trends with respect to technological developments and consumer demands for ICT-based goods and services. Therefore, your Committee strongly recommends that the Government ensures that the ICT Policy is updated to provide for growing trends with respect to technological developments and consumer demands for ICT- based goods and services.
Your Committee further observes that the telecommunications sector is the highest taxed business sector, with corporate tax standing at 40 per cent. In addition, operators are required to pay 3 per cent annual operating fees on revenues to the Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA). Your Committee, therefore, recommends that the Government ensures that there is regular review of the taxation policy in the ICT sector.

Mr Speaker, your Committee observes that optic fibre services are being provided by ZAMTEL and ZESCO, which are both State-owned enterprises and strongly recommends that the Government harmonises the implementation of the optic fibre service in order for both institutions to have clearly defined roles.

Mr Speaker, following its tour of ZAMTEL and Airtel Zambia Limited, your Committee found out that infrastructure at Airtel and ZAMTEL is prone to theft and vandalism. Your Committee also observes that ZAMTEL’s primarily copper-based fixed line network is of poor quality due to a lack of investment during the past few decades, thereby making it impossible for ZAMTEL to deliver high-speed broadband services on such a fixed network.

Sir, in view of the foregoing, your Committee, therefore, recommends that the Government:

(a)    ensures that the communities be sensitised regarding the effects of theft and vandalism of ICT infrastructure; and

(b)    considers recapitalising ZAMTEL in order to ensure that the infrastructure is upgraded to enhance delivery of high speed broadband services and the roll-out of the optic fibre countrywide.

Sir, allow me to also highlight some of the issues that were brought to the attention of your Committee with regard to the state and management of canal, port and harbour infrastructure in Zambia. The Ministry of Transport and Communication is responsible for the construction, rehabilitation, upgrading and maintenance of canals. It is also responsible for the construction, maintenance and upgrading of port and harbour infrastructure. In view of the foregoing, and in an effort to carry out its oversight role, your Committee resolved to undertake a study on the state and management of canal, port and harbour infrastructure in Zambia, with a view to making appropriate recommendations to the Executive.

Sir, your Committee was informed that the challenges in the management of canal, port and harbour infrastructure included;

(a)    a lack of modern maritime public infrastructure; and

(b)    reduced port revenues as a result of limited port size.

Mr Speaker, your Committee observes that most canals, ports and harbours are in a deplorable state and require rehabilitation and maintenance. Your Committee, therefore, recommends that there be increased funding to the Department of Maritime and Inland Waterways at the Ministry of Transport and Communication for improved infrastructure development, maintenance and management. This will result in continued maintenance of the equipment, canals and ports.
Mr Speaker, the throughput of imports and exports at Mpulungu Port is constrained. This reduces the amount of revenue that the Government generates by way of road tax, export permits, customs clearance and port charges. In this regard, your Committee implores the Government to expedite the expected extension works at the port in order to avoid loss of revenue arising from the limited port size.

Mr Speaker, your Committee also urges the Government to address the outstanding issues that have been raised in the action-taken report for the Fourth Session of the Eleventh National Assembly.

Sir, I wish to conclude by thanking you for the guidance provided to your Committee during the session. I also wish to thank all the stakeholders who appeared before your Committee. I wish to thank the Clerk of the National Assembly and her staff for the support rendered to your Committee. Finally, allow me to thank the hon. Members of your Committee and to wish them well in their future endeavours.

Mr Speaker, I beg to move.

Mr Speaker: Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?

Mr Chishimba: Now, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to second the Motion on the Floor of the House. In seconding the Motion ably moved by the Chairperson of your Committee, I wish to comment on a few issues raised in your Committee’s report.

Mr Speaker, your Committee is concerned that the e-Government programmes being implemented in various Government ministries are at different stages of development. Your Committee, therefore, recommends that the Government ensures that the programmes are developed and implemented at the same pace. 

Your Committee further observes that the lack of incentives to invest in the different feats of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has contributed to the low adoption rate of ICTs among Zambians. One of the biggest challenges potential ICT consumers are faced with is the high cost of equipment and broadband services. The cost of hardware equipment such as personal computers or television (TV) sets is still out of reach for the majority of Zambians. Mobile phones and other related electronic gadgets still attract Value Added Tax (VAT) by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), making it costly for people to acquire them.

In this regard, Sir, your Committee urges the Government to consider zero-rating taxes on end-user devices in order to increase the affordability and uptake of smart devices and improve accessibility to ICT services, particularly for rural communities. 

Mr Speaker, with regard to the state and management of canals, ports and harbour infrastructure in Zambia, your Committee observes that there is no training institution in Zambia offering specialised training in the maritime field. Further, there is a lack of human and technical skills in the maintenance of ports and harbour infrastructure.

Mr Speaker, your Committee strongly recommends that the Government establishes a training institution to offer specialised training in the maritime field and build capacity in the sector by producing qualified and skilled personnel. The Government may also explore public-private partnerships (PPs) to actualise this programme.

Sir, your Committee observes that there is a lack of handling equipment at harbours and inadequate dredging facilities, particularly for canals and rivers. Most of the cargo, which requires lifting equipment, has to be manually handled, thus increasing handling time. The lack of dredging equipment also delays the improvement of the ports to accommodate bigger and modern vessels.

Mr Speaker, in this regard, your Committee strongly urges the Government to ensure that handling equipment at harbours and dredging facilities, particularly for canals and rivers, be made available.

Mr Speaker, your Committee also observes that there is a lack of adequate warehouse space at Mpulungu Port. At present, cargo has to be rushed to the port to meet the vessels. This increases the idle time or standing time for vessels, thus increasing the cost of operations at Mpulungu Port.

Mr Speaker, your Committee recommends that the Government ensures that the port warehouses be upgraded in order to increase storage capacity.

Mr Speaker, with cargo on site, the process of loading the vessels is made faster and more cost-effective. The increased loading pace at the port will also allow for the quick turnaround of the vessels in the harbour.

Lastly, Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the Chairperson of your Committee for the manner in which he presided over the affairs of your Committee during its deliberations and the session in general.

Mr Speaker, I beg to second.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane (Liuwa): Mr Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to make some brief remarks on the report.

Mr Speaker, those of us who come from rural constituencies such as Liuwa value the contributions and points that have been made by your Committee. Let me say something about telecommunications. 

Sir, in Liuwa, the extent of telecommunication penetration is very low. I would say only about 15 to 20 per cent of people in Liuwa are able to access telecommunication of some sort. The sad issue is that Liuwa is a vast place and is near the border with a country which has a history of instability, though it is peaceful at the moment. Sometimes, one wonders how the Government would quickly get to know that there is an eruption of instability in those remote areas if such a thing happened. That is why we have been looking forward to the Government carrying out its promise made in the last five years to increase the degree of penetration of phones and other forms of telecommunication in Liuwa and other rural constituencies.

Mr Speaker in 2008/2009, when Hon. Prof. Lungwangwa was Minister of Transport and Communication, a survey was conducted to determine the degree of telecommunication penetration in the whole country. I believe the results of that survey revealed that in provinces such as the Western Province, the degree of telecommunication penetration was very low. As a result, deliberate efforts were made to provide tax incentives to the mobile telecommunication operators that would have lowered the cost of importing equipment so that constituencies like mine and others in rural areas would be able to get the benefits of telecommunication.

Mr Speaker, unfortunately, at the stations that were supposed to have been constructed, for example, in Liuwa, there are only holes in the ground where the towers were supposed to be erected. What happened was that immediately our colleagues came into office, telecommunication projects were abandoned. When I go to the constituency, the people always ask me to ask the Government to come and fill up the holes in the ground where the towers were supposed to be erected. The people are either waiting for the towers to be erected or the holes that the Government contracted to be dug to be buried.

Mr Speaker, let me now come to the issue of canals. Canals are very important for us in Liuwa. When I hear people talking about rural and feeder roads, I just admire them because for us, they are nonexistent. People never give us money for feeder roads because they are scared of taking their machines in the sand. They always say that if they take their bulldozers and excavators to places like Liuwa, they will get stuck in the sand. Therefore, they never give us money for feeder roads. I am sure that one day, there will be a Government that is going to be sympathetic with us and appreciate that we are also part of Zambia, …

Ms Kapata: Question!

Hon. Mufalali: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: … and give us feeder roads. 

Mr Speaker, in the absence of feeder roads, canals play a very important role in transportation. For example, there is potential trade between Angola and Zambia. Five or six years ago, I believe a plan was made and funding was made available to construct the road from Angola to Kalabo. I believe that all the funding for that project was sourced. The people of Kalabo are still waiting for that road, which would help to reduce poverty, to be constructed. 

Mr Speaker, in the absence of that road, we always look forward to having canals between Angola and Zambia worked on. When you provide money for feeder roads, please, ensure that you give us money for canals so that they can be deepened and widened. This year, water transportation between Kalabo and Angola is very difficult. Normally, the canals are usable throughout the year but, this year, I believe it will become impossible to use them by July or August because there was insufficient rainfall in Angola. If part of the Budget had been allocated towards the deepening and widening of canals, we would not be complaining because we would use canals in the absence of roads.
Mr Speaker, let me say that the villagers in that area are very hardworking. Sometimes, it takes three to four days of rowing boats for them to get to Kalabo from places near the Angolan Border. Other times, it takes them a week to get to Mongu. Under those difficult circumstances, the people persevere in order to earn a living. However, what we are looking for now is the suggestion that your Committee has made that money be provided for canals so that people can trade freely with the rest of Zambia. So, I look forward to the very capable hon. Minister of – what is your Ministry?

Laughter

Mr Simbao: Communication and Transport.

Laughter

Dr Musokotwane: ... providing the money to clear the canals. 

Sir, in the absence of that, people are being exploited. For example, in the canal between Mongu and Kalabo, there is a place called Nabubela which is just a stretch of about 10 metres in length but, because of the sandy nature of the soils, sand piles up every year. So, to clear 10 metres of sand to open up the canal is always a problem. As a result, some clever young men have settled there. They clear the sand so that poor people who can hardly afford to buy a goat or a cow have to be charged money to be allowed to go through. I know that the ministry has equipment for dredging sitting idly in Mongu and developing rust because, I am told, there is no money for fuel. So, what was the point in importing this equipment if we are unable to provide money for fuel?

Mr Speaker, unfortunately, arguing for development is political. My plea to the capable hon. Minister is that he should go and clear the canals and we shall honour him after that.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Prof. Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, Information Communication Technology (ICT) is the driver of national development in the 21st Century. As a country, we stand a good chance of being the hub for ICT development on the continent of Africa. As a centrally-located country, which is interlinked to eight other countries, we can be the country where international traffic for ICT is anchored.

Mr Speaker, we have achieved some milestones in the area of ICT. For example, in 2006, the National ICT Policy was launched to guide the development of ICT in the country. In 2009 or thereabouts, the ICT Legal Framework was passed by this House. We have been developing the ICT infrastructure backbone to link Zambia to the undersea cables and linkages through optic fibre connectivity to various districts in the country. In addition, we have liberalised the International Gateway. As we are all aware, in the past, to make a call outside Zambia, you had to go through the Zambia Telecommunications Company Limited (ZAMTEL) International Gateway. So, these are the developments that we have made in terms of the conditions that are necessary to galvanise the development of ICT and link it to national development.

Mr Speaker, the question that we ought to ask ourselves, as a country, is: Are we seeing the benefits of ICT development? For example, are we seeing the benefit of digital migration or digitalisation of our television reception, especially along the line of rail where we have optic fibre connectivity? For those of us who live along the line of rail, what benefits of digitalisation are we seeing in our homes? That is supposed to be the product of ICT development, particularly of optic fibre connectivity. Are we seeing that? 

Mr Speaker, the report is talking about a low level of internet access, at 17 per cent, when other countries in the region have gone beyond 40 per cent. We have remained at 43 per cent and 49 percent internet connectivity or accessibility, yet we have, to some extent, some infrastructure in place which is supposed to accelerate the development of ICT in the country. Where is the problem? 

We have been working on e-Governance to make our governance system paperless so as to create efficiency and effectiveness in the way we operate. All these measures relating to the infrastructure backbone are supposed to facilitate the e-Governance System. Are we seeing the e-Governance System in our operations? For example, are ministries talking to each other more and more in a paperless manner? 

Mr Speaker, even here – although we are not supposed to debate ourselves – we are wasting a lot of paper when we can actually access all these documents through our various gadgets ...

Bishop Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha: Hear, hear!

Prof. Lungwangwa: ... like iPads, laptops and so on and so forth. We are still contributing to the destruction of more and more trees. Trees are being destroyed through the paper that is circulated to us. How many tonnes of paper do we have in our respective homes? This is not supposed to be the case. The reason the e-Governance System was initiated and should have advanced to higher levels by now is to cut down on this kind of wastage of paper and, eventually, to sustain the environment through not cutting down of trees. 

Mr Speaker, as a nation, I think we have a problem. We do not have a flag carrier of ICT development in our country. Who is the flag carrier of ICT development? We do not have that. Rwanda has been cited as a good example of ICT development on the continent of Africa. It has been cited as a good example of how ICT is used as a lever for national development. Why? It is because it had a flad carrier of ICT development. The flag carrier in the case of Rwanda was President Kagame himself. He carried the flag for ICT development.  He developed the ethic, vision and spirit of ICT development which marvelled the entire country. Do we have that in this country? We do not have it.

The Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) and ZAMTEL are supposed to be the flag carriers of ICT development by virtue of their involvement in the optic fibre infrastructure backbone. However, are they doing enough to improve ICT? They are not. That is our dilemma and I think that, as a nation, we need to challenge ourselves. We are still sleeping as far as ICT development is concerned. We should wake up. We have a great opportunity to be the exemplar for ICT development on the African Continent, but we have not done much and are not doing much. Instead of developing, we seem to be decelerating in ICT development. I think the hon. Minister has a challenge to convince his colleagues that there must be centrality in the co-ordination of ICT initiatives. All ICT initiatives should be pooled in the Ministry of Transport and Communication so that the ministry can be the driver for ICT development, just like it was the driver for the national policy and other initiatives. I think that is very important so that Zambia, by virtue of its geographical location, can be the heartbeat of ICT development on the African Continent. It can be done as long as we have proper leadership for ICT development, with a clear vision and a spirit of moving the entire nation along the trajectory of ICT development. That is necessary and important. However, as a nation, we are still sleeping. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Mufalali (Senanga Central): Mr Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to debate the Report of your Committee on Communications, Transport, Works and Supply.  I also wish to thank my colleague, Hon. Belemu, for moving the Motion, and the seconder. 

Mr Speaker, I will try to be brief. I want to take Hon. Prof. Lungwangwa’s and Hon. Dr Musokotwane’s debates as mine. The report has indicated that there is a need to improve the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Policy. I think that this is one thing that we can do as a country. I do not see the reason we should struggle to improve this policy. We must compare ourselves with other countries. Kenya is doing better in the area of ICT. Currently, indications are that Kenya is the Silicon Valley of Africa. It is very simple, Kenya has managed to come up with a policy framework that speaks to the core values that the country treasures. As a country, we have been talking about diversification and I think that ICT is one of the areas which we can diversify into and ensure that we invest in so that we can compete favourably with other countries. I see no reason we should fail to compete with the Kenyans because they are not different from us. So far, Kenya is doing very well in the area of ICT. It has managed to produce computer programmes that are internationally marketed and sold. As a country, we have failed to succeed in computer programming. If you look at the computer programming that we have, I think it does not speak to real issues. For example, we have said that ICT is one of the channels we want to use in the education of our youths and students. However, if you look at what has happened after the introduction of ICT as a subject in schools, you will realise that there are no computers in schools, yet the programme has been kick-started. Last year, pupils wrote their ICT examinations in the late hours of the day due to inadequate computers. So, if we are not serious as a country and do not want to pay attention to some of these issues, I think we will go nowhere in terms of ICT development because it starts from there. If pupils in schools and rural areas are empowered by giving them the ICT equipment that is required, the country will be able to move forward in the area of ICT. However, the Ministry of General Education has failed to speak to the Ministry of Transport and Communication about this issue. So, we have a syllabus that entails pupils being examined in ICT, yet we do not have the ICT infrastructure. I think that, as a country, we really need to observe some of these issues seriously. 

Mr Speaker, policy is obsolete in as far as ICT development is concerned. We have been talking about laying the optic fibre cables countrywide. The world is moving forward in this and, because we are not investing in research and development, by the time we finish laying the cables, the world would have moved onto something else. At the moment, we are talking about Wi-Fi and so on and so forth, but the world is talking about Li-Fi, which is internet powered by electricity or bulbs. If we are not going to move with time, definitely, by the time we finish laying the optic fibre cables, it will be too late and we will have to start all over again. Thus, there is a need for us to improve our ICT Policy and research in this sector. 

Mr Speaker, the mover of the Motion also talked about visits to two institutions. I think the Government should pay attention to the Zambia Telecommunication Company Limited (ZAMTEL). It has the potential to grow but, with obsolete infrastructure, it cannot move forward. That is the more reason we should bring in an investor to partner with ZAMTEL so that he can improve or jack up that institution. It has the potential to benefit most Zambians but, as long as it is being managed as a full-time Government institution, it will not go anywhere. I have not compared the standards at ZAMTEL when it was being managed by Lap Green Network with now when it is being managed by the Government. However, I think that somehow, the standards have gone down. So, there is a need to invest in ZAMTEL to ensure that we improve its services. Otherwise, if we allow it to continue operating with low funding, I do not see ourselves going anywhere with it. This company should have become big enough to service the citizens adequately. I think it is not fair for us to have only 17 per cent of people having access to the internet or communication. The Government has been telling us that it will manage to put up communication towers throughout Senanga.  However, it has only managed to put up one communication tower in Senanga. We are still waiting for more. We should reach out to our people by giving them good communication facilities in order to better their lives. Brazil has e-Payment channels. 

Sir, I read an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report about how much savings were made by people in Brazil from making e-Payments. Without the infrastructure to support such ICT initiatives in this country, the people in the rural areas will not benefit and we shall not make any savings. The cost of sending money or receiving salaries will keep going up, yet it is possible, with e-Payments, for one to make a payment affordably. 

Sir, we need to speak to the millennials. The majority of Zambians are actually millennials. They have the desire to understand ICT. However, if, as Hon. Prof. Lungwangwa indicated, there is no flagship on this project, then, we shall not go anywhere and shall have quite a number of youths walking the streets. 

Mr Speaker, Mr Bill Gates failed to complete university education, yet he is a billionaire. There is also Mr Mark Zuckerbergs. Given the opportunity, I think that our youths can achieve better. However, as long as we are unable to put a policy in place that speaks to the millennials, we will not go anywhere as a country. 

Mr Speaker, I wish to thank you for giving me the opportunity to debate your Committee’s Report. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister of Transport and Communication (Mr Simbao): Mr Speaker, I wish to thank you for giving me the opportunity to wind up debate. First and foremost, I wish to commend your Committee on Communications, Transport, Works and Supply for the comprehensive report presented to this House. I also wish to recognise the contributions made by the hon. Members who have spoken on this matter. I will briefly comment on their contributions. 

For now, however, let me take this opportunity to update the House on the progress made in relation to the restoration of the 204 Universal Access Communication Towers. To date, 175 towers have been restored and are on air. By the end of this month, a total of 190 communication towers will be connected. The remaining fourteen sites are expected to be functional by the end of this month. 

Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government is committed to improving telecommunications in unserved and under-served areas by undertaking to construct 469 communication towers. To this effect, a contract has been signed and, once funded, we shall get into action. I also wish to assure the House that the quality of service by the mobile network operators and all Information and Communication Technology (ICT) providers will be enhanced and closely monitored through regulatory interventions. 

Mr Speaker, the Government, through the Ministry of Transport and Communication, is committed to developing and enhancing the provision of services in all the four modes of transport, namely road, air, railway and water. The report of your Committee focused on water transport with regard to the state and management of canals, ports and habour infrastructure. The ministry has taken note of the recommendations and will respond accordingly. 

In response to some of the contributions from the hon. Members who commented on the report, I wish to inform the House that with regard to the three modes of transport, the road network has been very well catered for by the introduction of the Road Development Agency (RDA). In the same line, the ministry is considering coming up with a Maritime Authority Agency and the Railway Authority Agency. The reason for this is that just like the RDA, the two agencies will take care of their sectors and raise money by levying the users of the facilities. For instance, the railway system will be taken care of by the Railway Authority Agency just like the RDA takes care of the roads. Those using the railway line will be levied for using it. The same applies to the Maritime Authority Agency. We have paid a lot of attention to the maritime sector because we have realised that the cheapest form of transport anywhere in the world is water. Unfortunately, we seem to have really neglected this particular form of transport. Therefore, as a ministry, we have now gone ahead to try to map all the canals that are in this country because we want to grade them either as trunks or tributaries, just like the road network. 

Also, Sir, we want to see to it that the canals are in a usable condition throughout the year. Obviously, there will be some challenges just like in the road sector, but we want to ensure that the main ones are always in a usable condition. Therefore, the current concentration on canals will be different from the past. This Government wants to ensure that it is remembered for improving water transport, amongst other projects. Water transport must compete with road transport. 

I would like to assure Hon. Dr Musokotwane, even though he said that politics are a way to fight for development, that this Government has realised the need to take care of the water transport. We are taking this seriously. That is why we are thinking of establishing the Maritime Authority Agency.
Mr Mutale: Of course!

Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, I also wish to talk about the fibre optic. I would like to let the hon. Members of Parliament know that I was equally surprised that the fibre optic has reached some homes. It is up to hon. Members to go and apply to have it extended to their homes. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Simbao: This is why I was very amazed when Hon. Prof. Lungwangwa said that he cannot see the benefits of the fibre optic. I would direct him to see Hon. Shamenda who has fibre optic in his home. It is available. We are connected from both the Namibian and Dar-es-Salaam ends. At the moment, you may have seen a lot of digging around. This is because there are companies that want to reach all the districts. However, here in Lusaka, where it is already available, please, just apply and it will get to your home. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Simbao: Sir, the Government has done its best to provide for its citizens. The citizens must just take advantage of what is already available to them. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Belemu: Mr Speaker, in winding up my debate on your Committee’s report, I wish to appreciate the contributions that have been made by the hon. Members for Liuwa, Nalikwanda and Senanga Central, and the hon. Minister. 

Sir, ICT, canals, ports and harbours are a growth sector in this country. Any interrogations of these sectors are important and available. I want to believe that your Committee’s report has set a stage for us to continuously debate the issue of ICT in Zambia. With this, I thank you once more and beg the House to adopt the report. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Question put and agreed to. 

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ADJOURNMENT

The Minister of Works and Supply, Chief Whip, and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Mukanga): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn. 

Question put and agreed to. 

______ 

The House adjourned at 1756 hours until 1430 hours on Thursday, 21st April, 2016.