DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FOURTH SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH ASSEMBLY

Friday, 19thSeptember, 2014

The House met at 1000 hours

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

__________

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

The following Members took and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance:

Davies Chisopa

Dawson Kafwaya

Rodgers LyambaiLingweshi

Christabel Ngimbu

Victoria Kalima

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TIME OF THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

The Vice-President (Dr Scott): Mr Speaker, I beg to inform the House that His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, will be arriving at 1025 hours to declare the causes of his calling the House to meet today.

I thank you, Sir.

Business was suspended at 1014 hours until 1106 hours.

His Excellency the President entered the Assembly Chamber escorted by Mr Speaker.

(Assembly Resumed)

The Clerk read the Proclamation.

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THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

His Excellency the President (Mr M. C. Sata):Mr Speaker, I would like to introduce two people. The first is the woman on my left hand side who has made me live up to now. I have not died yet.

Laughter

His Excellency the President:All hon. Members have seen the tallest man in the House, the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education, Hon. Dr Phiri. Where are you? Please, stand up.

Dr Phiri rose.

Laughter

Hon. Members: Stand up!

Laughter

His Excellency the President: From Cape to Cairo, we only have one white man who happens to be His Honour the Vice-President. Now, I am not very sure whether I have two vice-presidents, one in my house and one outside.

Laughter

His Excellency the President: However, the one I am introducing is the white one, Dr Scott.

His Honour the Vice-President rose.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

His Excellency the President:Now, you have to be very careful with that muzungu because I imported him to come and help us with rural development in Mpika. I also imported his current wife. I wanted to introduce the one in charge of the District Development and Support Project (DDSP.

From there, he proposed and married Charlotte Scott. Congratulations, Dr Scott.

Laughter 

His Excellency the President: We have a replica hereof Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Col. Panji Kaunda. Just look at his head.

Laughter 

His Excellency the President: I once came to this place seventy-four years ago.The person who sat next to meis the one I am introducing now. I would like to introduce Mr Shamenda and our new president as we read in the newspapers, ‘President’ Kambwili.

Laughter

His Excellency the President:Mr Speaker,I am privileged and honoured today to be with you and the hon. Members of Parliament on this important day of our national calendar to officially open the Fourth Session of the Eleventh National Assembly. It is now three years since the Patriotic Front (PF) Government took office and there are only two years before the next elections. 

Mr Speaker, under the circumstances, my Address this morning will be in two parts, the first being the highlights of the PFGovernment development programmes to date, its challenges and the way forward, whilst the second part will deal with details and statistics of these programmes and the way forward. I will lay the second part on the Table for consideration of the House andultimate consideration by the public. 

Mr Speaker, this Session of Parliament comes at a time when our country will be celebrating fifty years of Independence on 24th October, this year. I am glad that such a momentous and historic occasion will take place when the PF has the privilege of governing this great nation. It is my hope that the Golden Jubilee Celebrations provide an opportunity for the people of Zambia to reflect on where we are coming from and, to plan where we want to be in the next fifty years. 

Have you seen you, young girls? Every time you are sitting, you are being disturbed by these young girls.

Laughter 

His Excellency the President: So, President Kambwili, be careful.

Laughter 

His Excellency the President:Mr Speaker, Zambia has posted strong indicators of progress in the political, economic and social spheres under the leadership of the PFGovernment. These achievements have been made possible because of our enduring unity, peace and stability. For this, we must be thankful to the Almighty God.

Looking at the people seated in front of this House, right behind me, I can see that the courts are on holiday because I have seen many lordships in here. So, do not go to court today, Dr Scott, …

Laughter 

His Excellency the President: … because all the Judges are here. So, the Clerk of the High Court will adjourn your case to next year. This, especially, applies to Hon. Lubinda who is a trouble maker.

Laughter

Hon. Opposition Members: Mahopo!

His Excellency the President: Yes.

Mr Speaker, during the last Session, the House dealt with matters of great importance affecting the welfare of our people. Hon. Members of this august House ably considered and passed legislation and debated on serious and, at times, delicate matters of national importance in a way which upheld transparency, accountability and good governance. I urge this august House to continue fulfilling its legislative and oversight responsibility to the Government.

Mr Speaker, this august House will recall that in my Address during the First Session of the Eleventh National Assembly, I committed our Government to move this country decisively towards the eradication of poverty and underdevelopment.

Our Government is firmly of the view that meaningful economic transformation is fundamental to our collective prosperity as a nation. Indeed, the country has continued to post robust economic growth in excess of 6 percent since the PF assumed office.  

Mr Speaker, the hon.Minister of Finance will, in the next few weeks, bring to this august House the National Budget proposal for 2015. The Budget Address will highlight the performance of our economy in relation to both regional and international developments and show how these have impacted on the standard of living of our people, especially those from Chipata. 

Interruptions 

His Excellency the President: I, therefore, urge you, hon. Members of Parliament, to support this progressive National Budget.

Last week, my wife received a phone call from a woman who was a district governor seventy-four years ago. She said, “Madam Kaseba, I am living in abject poverty.” So, madam was wondering why this woman was living in abject poverty when she is abject poverty herself.

Laughter 

His Excellency the President: She wanted support by way of assisting her with money to start up a business. My wife promised to call her, but has not called her to date.

Laughter

His Excellency the President: Mr Speaker, education and skills development are key to our overall goal of achieving accelerated national development. I am, therefore, happy to report to this august House on the number of successes that the Government has scored in this sector since assuming office.   

Sir, to improve access and quality of education, the Government has completed construction of forty-one of the eighty-four targeted secondary schools, representing a 49 percent completion rate within a short space of time, while the remaining forty-three schools are at various stages of construction.  

Mr Speaker, in my Address to this House last year, I re-affirmed the Government’s commitment to establishing, at least, one university in each of the ten provinces. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

His Excellency the President:Sir, let me state that construction works are on-going at Robert Makasa, Paul Mushindo and Palabana universities. As regards Chalimbana, Mukuba and Kwame Nkhrumah universities, additional infrastructure is being put in place. I, therefore, direct the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education to accelerate the construction of this infrastructure and start the process to operationalise these institutions in the shortest possible time.

Who is the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education?

Laughter

Hon. Opposition Members: Stand up!

His Excellency the President: Stand up, tallest man.

Laughter

Dr Phiri rose.

Hon. Opposition Members: Remain standing!

His Excellency the President: We had the tallest man at one time in this Parliament, Mr Chindoloma. Everytime he stood up, I would hear hon. Members calling him to stand up.

Laughter

His Excellency the President: So, the same thing applies to John.

Who is that one in a white hat? Can she stand? 

Prof. Luo rose.

His Excellency the President: Where does she come from?

Interruptions

His Excellency the President: Does she come from Mandevu or Muchinga Escarpment?

Laughter

His Excellency the President: That one is a trouble maker from Chinsali.

Laughter

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Interruptions 

Mr Ntundu: Gwembe University.

His Excellency the President: Who wants Gwembe University?

Mr Ntundu: It was a promise.

His Excellency the President:We gave you a university. I will go and tell your people in Gwembe that I gave you a university, but you are still making noise.

Laughter 

His Excellency the President: I do not need to beg for transport from voters like you do. I can fly from here and take my wife with me.

Laughter

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

His Excellency the President: If I do not want to take her with me, I will gather handicapped children around Gwembe and send her there because she is a friend of handicapped children. So, hon. Member of Parliament for Gwembe, be careful.

Laughter 

His Excellency the President: The biggest problem we have at the moment is a critical shortage of accommodation and classrooms for students. Therefore, the Government has a programme to build 4,160 bed-space studentaccommodation at the University of Zambia, 3,200 for the Copperbelt University,1,280 for Mulungushi University…

Dr Phiri, do you know where Mulungushi University is?

Dr Phiri: Yes, Sir.

His Excellency the President: The Mulungushi University is the only one where we have a female chancellor. When young people look like Shamenda, this time, no one wants to talk to them.

Interruptions 

His Excellency the President: … and 960 bed spaces at the Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce. I do not know where we are going to put the 960 beds, but anyway I cannot talk about Mulungushi because I will just be punished. These people meet privately and I am just informed about the outcomes of their meetings. You have to be very careful when you are in power.

Doctors say that if we have health centres with health facilities, we are going to start treating people from these health centres, including white people like Dr Guy Scott. After all, the medicine we take came from white people.

Interruptions

His Excellency the President:Mr Speaker, to mitigate the shortage of skilled health personnel, the Government has been rehabilitating and constructing training institutions. To this effect, two new training institutions are under construction in Senanga and Lusaka at Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital. For this one in Senanga, we will have to teach people the Lozi language first. They must be able to say, “eni sha.” (Yes, sir/madam), and the chancellor will be Hon. Wina. When she is Senanga, she really walks like a typical Lozi woman. Have you seen the way she is looking today?

Hon. Members: Stand up!

Laughter

His Excellency the President:Hon. Wina, can you stand up.

Laughter

Hon. Wina rose.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Interruptions

His Excellency the President: So, if you want to take your children to Senanga University, you must be nice to Hon. Wina.

Mr Speaker,twenty-seven health training institutions countrywide are under rehabilitation and expansion. These works, when completed, will increase the health institution training capacity by 4,500 students bringing the total to 10,000. This includes the 3,000 student capacity health training facility at Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital.  

Mr Speaker, the Government has also made progress in decentralising the operations of Medical Stores Limited in order to ensure timely and efficient delivery of medicines and medical supplies across the country.  

Sir, the Ministry of Health is working very well in looking for doctors, nurses and medical assistants so that we regroup ourselves. This is because the money we are spending on sending people to India and South Africa can be spent on paying our people.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}

His Excellency the President:Mr Speaker, agriculture remains a key driver of economic growth and poverty reduction. The Government’s strategic focus in the agriculture sector is to achieve food security, promote crop diversification as well as increase productivity and value addition.  

Sir, in the crop sub-sector, we continue to register significant growth. This year, we achieved a record maize harvest of 3.4 million metric tonnes. This is due to the enabling policies of the Government, the hard work of our farmers and favourable weather conditions.

Mr Speaker, theGovernment continues to give priority to national food security by increasing and upgrading storage capacity throughout the country. In this regard, the Government has invested a total of K108.5 million to upgrade twenty-seven storage sheds with a total storage capacity of 117,000 metric tonnes. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to deliver my speech for the official opening of the Eleventh National Assembly. I wish to thank everybody who listened, and as per tradition of this House, I am leaving the whole speech withthe Hon. Mr Speaker.

His Excellency the President: Mr Speaker and Madam Clerk of the National Assembly, I now declare this House officially opened.

Mr Speaker, I thank you very much.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

His Excellency the Presidentleft the Assembly Chamber.

Mr Speakertook the Chair.

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MOTIONS

ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE

The Vice-President (Dr Scott): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that at its rising today, the House do adjourn until Tuesday, 23rd September, 2014.

Sir, may I begin by expressing, on behalf of the House, thanks to His Excellency the President for coming to open the House and to outline, and I say outline because we have deliberately provided the Speech in two volumes. There is Volume I, which is a succinct or brief statement of where our priorities and achievements are.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Volume II is a far more detailed document, far too long even for a Member of theOpposition to stand and deliver it.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Considering the significance of the Speech in both its parts and given our tradition in this House regarding the President’s Opening Address, I wish to move this Motion. 

Adjourning now will, ofcourse, accord hon. Members ample time to study the Speech and come back to this House on Tuesday fully prepared to make contributions to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Speech.

Mr Speaker, I beg to move.

Mr Mwila (Chipili): Mr Speaker, …

Mr Nkombo: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker:Take a seat, Hon. Member for Mazabuka Central. 

Hon. Members, may I give some guidance. There will be no points of order during this sitting.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Yes. That is my ruling. If there will be any points of order, I am going to waive the usual rule of raising a point of order contemporaneously to allow the hon. Member for Mazabuka Central to raise that point of order next week on Tuesday.

May the hon. Member for Chipili continue, please.

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, allow me to firstly congratulate our colleagues who were elected during the recent by-elections.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwila: Hon. Kalima in the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), our colleague from Solwezi Central from the United Party for National Development (UPND) and the four hon. Members from the Patriotic Front (PF) who wonthe Vubwi, Mkushi South, Mangango and Zambezi West seats. 

Sir, allow me to put on record my sincere gratitude for this rare opportunity accorded to me to speak on the Motion that His Honour the Vice-President has just moved.

Mr Speaker, I agree with His Honour the Vice-President that hon. Members need time to study and digest the important message in the Speech which is the fourth address to this House by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Michael Chilufya Sata.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, the adjournment is necessary because most of the issues that have been raised in the President’s Speech hinge on the welfare of our people.

Mr Livune: Question!

Mr Mwila: There is no question. That is why you are losing elections.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwila: Therefore, Mr Speaker, …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mr Mwila: … we need time to critically analyse the Speech so that we are able to raise specific issues next week.

Sir, adjourning today will enable hon. Members to adequately examine the Speech and come back next week, on Tuesday, fully prepared to debate the Motion of Thanks to His Excellency the President’s Address. 

Mr Speaker, allow me, in this regard, to indicate that I fully support the Motion and urge all my colleagues to do the same.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for his intervention and beg the House to support this Motion.

I thank you, Sir.

Question put and agreed to.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to.

¬¬__________

The House adjourned at 1148 hours until 1430 hours on Tuesday, 23rd September, 2014.

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APPENDIX TO THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH

CONTINUATION OF VOLUME I

His Excellency the President (Mr M. C. Sata): Mr Speaker, last year, I informed this august House that the Government planned to bring 17,500 hectares under irrigation for small and medium scale farmers by 2016.  Further, I stated that out of this target, 4,500 hectares had been brought under irrigation. This year, an additional 7,000 hectares have been brought under irrigation bringing the total to 11,500 hectares. I, therefore, direct the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock to cover the remaining 6,000 hectares before the end of next year.

The Patriotic Front (PF) Government is committed to decentralisation, as a way of bringing services closer to the people and creating employment. I am glad to inform this august House that, in 2015, the Government will empower councils with additional financial resources needed to deliver local services effectively. 

This is an initial step in operationalising the Decentralisation Policy which I launched in 2013. To this end, a local government Equalisation Fund will be established to provide a solid base for further devolution.  

I want to direct the hon. Ministers of Finance and Local Government and Housing to develop an effective mechanism of ensuring a predictable, stable and sustainable source of funds for local development and delivery of municipal services.

Mr Speaker, the Government is committed to ensuring that all citizens have quality and affordable housing. To this end, we are working to resolve the housing deficit through a number of measures.  Firstly, we have re-capitalised the Zambia National Building Society with an equity contribution of K165 million.This will enable more of our people to access affordable housing credit. Secondly, we are working with the private sector in closing the housing deficit through the public-private-partnerships (PPP).  

Mr Speaker, the Government remains committed to improving the standard of living of its people in rural areas by accelerating service delivery.I am happy to report that all the thirty-two newly-created districts have now been operationalised. 

The construction of infrastructure has started in five of these districts, including the upgrading of infrastructure in Choma and Chinsali as new provincial headquarters of the Southern and Muchinga provinces, respectively. The construction of district offices and other infrastructure in the remaining twenty-seven districts will commence before the end of the year.

Mr Speaker, the Government has continued implementing the Rural Electrification Programme which is now mainly focusing on new districts. In this regard, Sioma and Nkeyema in the Western Province have already been electrified while works to connect Nalolo, Luampa and Sikongo are on-going. The Government also plans to connect other areas to the national grid. These include Shang’ombo, Luangwa, Rufunsa, Chama and Lundazi districts, which are currently supplied by diesel generated power. 

Mr Speaker, during my last Address to this House, I stated that the Government had undertaken consultations with various stakeholders on the introduction of legislation that would govern customary land. 

Sir, I now wish to inform this House that theCustomary Land Administration Bill has been drafted and will be tabled before this House in 2015. Once the legislation is enacted, it will ensure that the interests of local people in the rural farming communities are protected and promoted as well as improve the possibilities for better economic utilisation of land.

Mr Speaker, despite continuing improvements in the capacity of the economy to create new jobs, the issue of unemployment remains one of our major challenges. In this regard, the Government has adopted an industrialisation and job creation strategy focusing on specific growth sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism, construction, creative industries, information technology, metal fabrication, steel production and clothing and textiles.

I am pleased to inform this House that the Government has created over 456,539 formal jobs in various sectors of the economy since 2011.  

Mr Speaker, the construction sector holds enormous potential for job creation and alleviation of poverty for themajority of Zambians. Since 2011, the sector has created a total of 93,487 jobs. I wish to direct all the hon. Ministries, provinces and spending agencies to ensure that 20 per cent sub- contracting and job creation for locals should be part of the evaluation criteria for award of all contracts. 

In addition, the Government will continue to pay particular attention to the further growth of the smalland medium business to promote job creation.

Mr Speaker, the Government is keen to raise the rate of investment in the economy. In the last three years, the Government attracted a total of US$5.2 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI).This is a clear indication that our country is an attractive investment destination.THE Government will, therefore, continue to improve the business environment aimed at attracting more investments into the country.

Mr Speaker, the Government has finally established the Industrial Development Corporation to oversee and manage the State-owned enterprises as well as complement private sector investment in strategic areas. The Government has also been re-capitalising a number of State-owned enterprises for them to run on a commercial basis and contribute to the Treasury. The State-owned enterprises re-capitalised, so far, include the National Savings and Credit Bank, the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH), the Zambia National Building Society (ZNBS), the Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) and the Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ).  

Sir, I wish to direct the Secretary to the Cabinet to operationalise the corporation and ensure that State-owned enterprises list on the stock exchange to improve their operations and capital base.

Mr Speaker, the country has made significant progress in export diversification. Non-traditional exports now account for 33 per cent of total export earnings from 20.9 per cent in 2011. The hon. Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry should do more to improve our country’s export performance, focusing on services and manufactured goods.

Mr Speaker, the Government has continued to attach great importance to road infrastructure development.  Progress is being made on all major road projects such as the Link Zambia 8,000 km Road Project, Pave Zambia 2,000 km Road Project and Lusaka 400 km Road Project. The Link Zambia 8,000 km Road Project is progressing well with twenty-two work contracts signed, as of July, 2014, covering 2,245 km. The major road projects include Leopards Hill Road to Chirundu in Lusaka Province and the Kitwe to Chingola Dual Carriageway on the Copperbelt Province. 

Sir, other works include the Bottom Road in the Southern Province, Mongu/Kalabo Road in the Western Province, Itezhi-tezhi/Mumbwa Road in Central Province, Chipata/Chadiza/Katete Road in the Eastern Province, Kawambwa/Mushota in Luapula Province, Chingola/Solwezi Road andthe Mbala/Nakonde Road.

Completed roads include Kasama/Luwingu in the Northern Province, Sesheke/Senanga in the Western Province and Mutanda/Chavuma in the North-Western Province.Under the Pave Zambia 2,000km Road Project, distribution of equipment has been completed in all the ten provinces. The Lusaka 400 km Road Project involving construction, maintenance, rehabilitation and upgrading of roads around the city is in full force.I, therefore, direct the hon. Ministers of Transport, Works Supply and Communication and Financeto speed up the construction of roads under these projects.

Mr Speaker, under the electricity sub-sector, the Government has continued to implement projects in generation, transmission and distribution. The total generation capacity was 1,669 MW in 2011 and this has risen to 2,310 MW in 2014.  

Sir, the increase is attributed to, among others, completed projects such as the 360 MW at Kariba North Bank Hydro Power Extension Project and the 50 MW Ndola Heavy Fuel Oil Plant.  Progress is also being made to complete the Itezhi-tezhi Hydro Power and Mamba Thermal Power Projects while work is on-going on the Kafue Gorge Lower and Lusiwasi Hydro Power Projects.   

Mr Speaker, mining continues to play a significant role in the economy as a source of employment, foreign exchange earnings and contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP).   With regard to copper production, the output in 2011 was 667,604 metric tonnes which rose to 697,900 metric tonnes in 2012. Copper production, in 2013, stood at 765,037 metric tonnes.  Production is expected to reach 1 million metric tonnes annually by 2017. 

Mr Speaker, gemstones have become an important contributor to the growth of the mining sector and the economy since the PF assumed office.  In 2011, total gemstone sales stood at US$32.4 million and this rose to US$40.4 million in 2012. In 2013, the sales significantly increased to US$100.5 million. The sharp increase in sales was as a result of the PF Government’s initiative to auction emeralds locally.I, therefore, direct that the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development ensures that all small-scale miners in the gemstone industry participate in these auctions.

Mr Speaker, in recognition of the critical role of the mining industry to the prosperity of our country, I wish to direct the hon. Ministers of Finance and Mines, Energy and Water Development to come up with consistent policies that will guarantee transparency and accountability in the declaration of minerals produced and exported. We need to ensure a win-win situation for both the nation and mining investors.

Mr Speaker, the Government will continue to promote gender and child development in all its programmes. The prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) is unacceptable. Further, child pregnancies and early marriages remain a challenge in the country. Therefore, the Government will continue to put in placestringent measures to protect women and childrenfrom all forms abuse.  

Sir, to ensure gender equity in the development process, the PF Government has appointed and retained a high number of its womenfolk in leadership and decision-making positions. Let me encourage our womenfolk to stand up and be counted. There is still room for their participation in the leadership of this country.

Mr Speaker, Government remains committed to promoting democracy and good governance. These are fundamental to creating, securing and maintaining a just Zambia.Government embarked on a review of our legal and justice system, beginning with the constitution.  Let me report that Government has received the draft constitution and is in the process of guiding the nation on the next course of action.

My advice to the Zambian people is that let us divorce our partisan and personal interests from this process which we should all ensure is a credible legacy to many generations to come.

Mr Speaker, across the width and breadth of our country, the evidence is there for all to see that Zambia is going through an unprecedented record of infrastructure development in health, education, roads, communication, energy and agriculture, among others. 

Going forward, the focus of our Government for now and beyond will be achieving the necessary rates of economic growth and development by addressing issues of higher rates of investment, job creation, economic restructuring and improved efficiency and productivity, and greater social equity so as to realise the goal of a better Zambia for all.

Mr Speaker, before I lay this comprehensive Mid-term Review Report on the Table, it is now my honour and privilege to declare the Fourth Session of the Eleventh National Assembly officially open.

May God bless you all and our great nation, Zambia.{mospagebreak}

VOLUME II

His Excellency the President (Mr M.C. Sata): Mr Speaker, I am privileged and honoured today to be with you and hon. Members of Parliament on this important day of our national calendar to officially open the Fourth Session of the Eleventh National Assembly.

Three years have gone by since the Patriotic Front (PF) assumed office. During this period, Zambia has posted strong indicators of progress in the political, economic and social spheres.

Politically, our young democracy is being consolidated. Economically, Zambia is among the fastest growing economies in the world. Socially, the standard of living of our people is progressively improving.

These achievements have been made possible because of our enduring unity, peace and stability. For this, we must be thankful to the Almighty God.

Mr Speaker, this session of Parliament comes at a time when our country will be celebrating fifty years of independence on 24th October, this year.

I am glad that such a momentous and historic accession is coming when the PF has the privilege of governing this great nation. Hon. Members will recall that at last year’s Independence celebrations, I launched a year-long programme of activities to mark our Golden Jubilee under the theme “Commemorating God’s favour of Zambia’s Fifty years of Independence for continued peace, unity, democracy, patriotism and prosperity.”

It is my hope that the Golden Jubilee Celebrations provide an opportunity for the people of Zambia to reflect on where we are coming from and plan where we want Zambia to be in the next fifty years.

On this occasion, allow me, on behalf of the people of Zambia, to express many thanks to the freedom fighters for everything they did to enable all of us to enjoy the freedom of our Independence, which many in our country take for granted.

Obituary

Mr Speaker, it is sad to note that on 2nd December, 2013, this House lost Hon. Dr Patrick Mwewa Anthony Chikusu, who was Member of Parliament for Katuba Constituency and Deputy Minister of Health. May I now ask the House to rise and observe a minute of silence in his honour. 

May his soul rest in peace.

By-Elections

Mr Speaker, as a result of the untimely death of Hon. Dr Chikusu, a by-election was held. Other by-elections took place in Mangango, Kasenengwa, Mkushi South, Solwezi Central, Vubwi and Zambezi West constituencies by the Courts of Law.

Sadly, some of these by-elections were characterised by incidents of violence. Once again, I strongly condemn violence during elections because it is a danger to our democracy. Let me call upon the youth not to be used as agents of violence. Equally, I appeal to all the political parties to be civil in their campaigns.

Mr Speaker, that said, allow me to convey my congratulations to the seven newly-elected hon. Members of Parliament. I am certain that you will discharge your responsibilities, in this regard, sensitive to the important messages communicated by our people to all of us as we campaigned for their votes.

Parliament Affairs

Mr Speaker, during the last session, the House dealt with matters of great importance affecting the welfare of our people. Hon. Members of this august House ably debated on serious and, at times, delicate matters of national importance in a way which upheld transparency, accountability and good governance.I urge this august House to continue fulfilling its responsibility to the Zambian people.

Mr Speaker, I note, with gladness, that the House considered twenty-eight Motions of Sessional and Select committees, 721 Questions and two Private Members’ Motions. Seventy papers consisting mainly of annual reports of Government and parastatal organisations where laid on the Table of the House. The accomplishment of all these tasks by the House kept the Executive in check, thereby consolidating our democracy.

May I now commend you, Sir, the Deputy Speaker and the Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House as well as the Chairperson of all the Parliamentary Sessional and Select Committees for the impartial and efficient manner in which the Business of the House was conducted. I further wish to pay tribute to the Leader of Government Business in the House, His Honour the Vice-President, for ably handling Government Business and the Chief Whips for their critical role in facilitating the work of the House.You the hon. Members of Parliament deserve our gratitude for representing the interests of the electorate in the House well.

Finally, the Clerk of the National Assembly and her staff also deserve our commendation. I urge you to continue with the spirit of selfless service to the House and the nation at large.

Mr Speaker, in my Address this morning, I will highlight the performance and achievements of the Government since 2011 in the areas of economic affairs, education and skills, health, agriculture and livestock, local government and housing, rural development, social protection, labour and social security and employment creation. I will further dwell on investment, industry and trade, infrastructure development, energy and mining, tourism, land, environment and natural resources, youth and sport, the media, gender and child development, foreign policy and international relations as well as governance and administration of the State.

Economic Affairs

Hon. Members will recall that in my Address to the House during the First Session of the Eleventh National Assembly, I committed our Government to move our country forward decisively towards the eradication of poverty and under development.

Our Government is firmly of the view that meaningful economic transformation is fundamental to our collective prosperity as a nation. Without development, we will not be able to realise the goal of a better Zambia for all.

In this regard, our Government will continue to focus on achieving the necessary rates of economic growth and development by addressing issues of higher rates of investment, job creation, economic restructuring and improved efficiency and productivity and greater social equity.

Mr Speaker, our Government has confidence in the health of our economy, despite the difficulties that we may experience from time to time and the economic challenges across the globe.

Indeed, the country has managed to stay on course and continued to post robust economic growth since the PF assumed office. The economic growth rates have been in excess of 6 per cent over the past three years, driven by remarkable performance in the agriculture, mining, energy, construction, and transport and communication sectors.

Sir, the hon. Minister of the Finance will, in the next few weeks, bring to this august House, the National Budget Proposals for 2015. The Budget Address will highlight the performance of our economy in relation to both regional and international developments and show how these have impacted on the standard of living of our people.

Mr Speaker, the exchange rate of the Kwacha against other currencies has also remained relatively stable except for the first half of this year when it depreciated and exhibited high volatility. To address further depreciation of the Kwacha, the Government took corrective measures mostly aimed at limiting excess liquidity in the market in the short term, resulting in the stability of the exchange rate. In the long-term, the solution lies in increasing productivity in the economy.

Sir, to increase fiscal space for infrastructure development and other programmes, the Government has been mobilising resources internally and externally. Let me assure the nation that this will be done without posing serious risks to the growth and stability of the economy.

This, notwithstanding, the Government approved the transfer of functions of the public-private partnership (PPP) Unit to the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) to facilitate the merger of the two institutions. I implore the hon. Ministers of Finance and Commerce, Trade and Industry to fully realise the merger in order to optimally use the PPP to attract investment in infrastructure projects and, hence, promote economic development.

Mr Speaker, to enhance transparency, accountability and citizen participation in the planning and budgeting process, the Government has developed the first ever National Planning and Budgeting Policy. The main aim of the policy is to create a co-ordinated and integrated national development planning and budgeting system that is responsive, transparent, accountable and result based with increased parliamentary oversight. 

Sir, this policy forms the basis for the enactment of the planning and budgeting legislation as provided for in the Constitution. The Planning and Budgeting Bill is expected to be laid before this august House in 2015.

Education and Skills

Mr Speaker, education and skills development are key to our overall goal of achieving accelerated national development. I am, therefore, happy to inform this august House on a number of successes that the Government has scored since assuming office.

To enhance the intellectual growth of children from an early stage, the Government has introduced formal learning at pre-school level. In this regard, the Government has recruited and deployed 1,000 early childhood education teachers. Further, the curriculum for early childhood education teachers has been developed.

Mr Speaker, to improve access to and quality of education, the Government has completed construction of forty-one of the eighty-four targeted secondary schools representing 49 per cent completion rate. The remaining forty-three schools are at various stages of construction.

Sir, the Government has also introduced a two-tier education system. Under this system, the students in Grade 10 and above are exposed to vocational training for self-employment when they leave school.In addition, the Government has invested in new infrastructure for skills training. These are at Kalabo, Isoka, Mwense, Mporokoso and Sesheke.

The Government re-affirms itscommitment to establishing, at least, one university in each of the ten provinces. Construction works are on-going at Robert Makasa, Paul Mushindo and Palabana universities.As regards, Chalimbana, Mukuba and Kwame Nkhrumah universities, additional infrastructure is being put in place. 

To address the critical shortage of student accommodation in institutions of higher learning, the Government has embarked on a programme to construct 4,160 bed-space student hostels at the University of Zambia, 3,200 for the Copperbelt University, 1,280 for Mulungushi University and 960 bed spaces at the Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce. The construction is being done under the framework of Direct Budget Support and the PPP.

Mr Speaker, to promote professionalism and improve standards in our education sector, the Government has established the Teaching Council of Zambia. The process of establishing the Higher Education Authority and the Zambia Qualifications Authority will be completed before the end of the year.

Health 

Mr Speaker, access to quality health services by all our people remains the cornerstone of our Health Policy. When the PF assumed office, it developed a National Health Strategic Plan to guide the development of the health sector.In line with this plan, the Government has continued to increase availability of health frontline staff, health infrastructure, drugs and other medical supplies and equipment. 

Sir, to mitigate the shortage of skilled health personnel, the |Government has been rehabilitating and constructing training institutions. To this effect, two new training institutions are under construction in Senanga and Lusaka at Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital.

In addition, twenty-seven health training institutions countrywide are under rehabilitation and expansion. These works, when completed, will increase the health institution training capacity by 4,500 students bringing the total to 10,000. This includes the 3,000 student capacity health training facility at Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital. The private sector is also assuming an important role in the training of health personnel. This is a development we welcome and encourage.

Sir, to meet accommodation needs of our health personnel, the Government has completed constructing a total of 132 flats as follows; sixteen units each for Chipata, Mansa, Kasama, Lewanika and Livingstone General Hospitals, and thirty-two units for Levy Mwanawasa Hospital. Other living quarters are also under construction in other parts of the country.

Mr Speaker, I am delighted to inform the House that construction of the 650 health posts has started and is expected to be completed by 2016. In the area of district hospitals, the Government has, since 2011, commissioned five district hospitals in Lufwanyama, Chadiza, Chiengi, Nakonde and Shang’ombo.  In addition, thirty district hospitals are under construction in various parts of the country. By the end of this year, the Government will embark on the construction of an additional eight district hospitals in Mafinga, Ikeleng’i, Nalolo, Limulunga, Vubwi, Mansa, Mufulira and Chilubi. 

Mr Speaker, I am glad to inform this august House that the Government has completed the expansion works at the Cancer Disease Hospital in Lusaka. The works include construction of wards with 220 bed capacity. This will reduce the number of patients referred abroad for treatment and promote medical tourism. The Government is implementing the modernisation and upgrading programme aimed at improving the quality of health care and reducing referrals abroad.  

Sir, I am glad to inform the House that apart from the new construction works, the Government has procured and installed modern and specialised medical equipment at the University Teaching Hospital, Kitwe and Ndola Central hospitals and Livingstone General Hospital. The programme will be extended to all the ten provinces. Furthermore, to strengthen emergency response and enhance the referral system, the Government has procured and distributed 160 basic life support ambulances and forty-two advanced support ambulances throughout the country.

Mr Speaker, the Government has also made progress in decentralising the operations of Medical Stores Limited in order to ensure timely and efficient delivery of medicines and medical supplies across the country. To this effect, the Government decided to establish six regional hubs for Medical Stores Limited. So far, two regional hubs are fully operational, one in Chipata and the other one in Choma, while the Mongu hub will be operational before the end of this year. As a result of the programmes that the Government is undertaking, as I have outlined, I am pleased to inform the House that the health status of our population is improving.

Sir, infant mortality rate has reduced by 35.7 per cent from seventy live births per 1,000 in 2007 to forty-five in 2013. Similarly, the child mortality rate declined by 40.4 per cent from 52 per 1,000 live births to thirty-one over the same period, while under five mortality rate declined by 37 per cent from 119 deaths per 1,000 live birth in 2007 to seventy-five in 2013.

Mr Speaker, having made progress in the development of health services in the last three years, I direct the hon. Ministers of Health and Community Development, Mother and Child Health to focus on four measurable outcomes; a radical reduction in deaths of mothers in pregnancy and child birth; elimination of malaria; elimination of mother to child transmission of the Human immuno deficiency virus (HIV) and elimination of stock outs in the supply of drugs to health care institutions.

Agriculture and Livestock

Mr Speaker, agriculture remains a key driver of economic growth and poverty reduction. The Government’s strategic focus in the agriculture sector is to achieve food security, promote crop diversification and increase productivity and value-addition. In this regard, the Government will continue to facilitate the modernisation and mechanisation of the agriculture sector.

Sir, in the crop sub-sector, we continue to register significant growth. This year, we achieved a record maize harvest of 3.4 million metric tonnes. This is due to the enabling policies of the Government, the hard work of our farmers and favourable weather conditions.

Sir, with this achievement, the challenge is to ensure that no crop goes to waste. I congratulate the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) for buying the targeted 500,000 metric tonnes for National Strategic Food Reserve in record time. The onus is now on the private sector to buy the remaining maize stocks before the onset of the rains, in accordance with the policy of liberalisation of maize marketing.

Sir, the Government continues to give priority to the National Food Security by increasing and upgrading storage capacity throughout the country. In this regard, the Government has invested a total of K108.5 million to upgrade twenty-seven storage sheds with a total storage capacity of 117,000 metric tonnes. Eight of these sheds have been completed whilst nineteen will be completed by the end of this year.

Mr Speaker, the current investment in infrastructure by the Government improves the environment for a warehouse receipt system. To this effect, I am directing the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock to expeditiously operationalise the Agricultural Credits Act of 2010 in order to improve agricultural trade and finance in the sector.

Sir, in an effort to diversify from maize production, the Government is promoting increased cultivation of other high value crops namely, groundnuts, sorghum and rice through the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP). In addition, the Government is promoting the cultivation of, at least, four different crops per province in line with the PF Manifesto.

Further, Sir, the Government has increased the number of beneficiaries under FISP from 900,000, in the previous two farming seasons, to 1,000,000 in the 2014/2015 Farming Season. However, the long-term objective is to wean off these vulnerable, but viable farmers so that they can become self-sustaining.

Mr Speaker, to further support the implementation of the FISP, the Government has provided support to the NCZ by contracting it to supply and deliver D Compound Fertiliser. The Company supplied 97,000 metric tonnes of D Compound Fertiliser in the 2013/2014 Farming Season whilst it has been contracted to supply 106,410 metric tonnes this season.

Mr Speaker, to meet the needs of environmental adaptation, enhance competitiveness of the farmers and increase yields per hectare, the Government is scaling up the Conservation Agriculture Programme Targeting 600,000 small-scale farmers by 2016.

Sir, last year, I informed this august house that the Government planned to bring 17,500 hectares under irrigation for small and medium scale farmers by 2016.  Further, I stated that out of this target, 4,500 hectares had been brought under irrigation. This year, an additional 7,000 hectares have been brought under irrigation bringing the total to 11,500 hectares. 

Mr Speaker, since November, 2013, the Government has constructed fifty additional livestock service centres in various parts of the country bringing the total to 142. Livestock centres at Choma, Shibuyunji and Katete have been upgraded to livestock market centres. In addition, twelve livestock breeding centres have been established in all provinces with Lusaka and the North-Western provinces having two each.

Sir, to combat livestock diseases, the Government has embarked on constructing 175 dip-tanks and rehabilitating 324 throughout the country. Through Statutory Instrument No. 24 of 2014, vaccination of animals against diseases is now compulsory. The Government is also locally promoting increased production of some vaccines to meet demand from farmers.

Mr Speaker, in an effort to diversify the agriculture sector, the Government is promoting fisheries development. So far, eight fish hatcheries have been established in Kitwe, Solwezi, Kaoma, Katete, Chipata, Kasama, Mansa and Chilanga. The Government Fish Farm at Nyanje in Petauke has been renovated.

Additionally, Sir, the Government has established a community fingerling production centre at Mpungu in Kasempa whilst a Fish Farm at Kivutu, also in Kasempa, has been renovated. The hatcheries and fingerling production centres will ensure that fish fingerlings are readily available to fish farmers.

Sir, the Government is also working closely with neighbouring countries to implement the Southern Africa Development Corporation (SADC) Protocols on fisheries and shared water bodies to promote sustainable management of fisheries.

Local Government and Housing

Mr Speaker, the PF Government is committed to devolving power to the local level through decentralisation as a way of bringing services closer to the people and creating employment.

I am glad to inform this august House that, in 2015, the Government will empower councils with additional financial resources needed to deliver local services. This is an initial step in operationalising the decentralisation policy which I launched in 2013. To this end, a Local Government Equalisation Fund will be established to provide a solid base for further devolution.  Further, plans are underway to develop a mechanism of ensuring predictable, stable and sustainable source of funds for local development and delivery of municipal services.

Mr Speaker, to ensure provision of reliable and safe water supply and sanitation services, the Government will continue to focus on improving water supply and sanitation infrastructure across the country.

Sir, to promote public and environmental health services, I direct the hon. Minister to ensure that all local authorities effectively provide solid waste management in their respective areas of jurisdiction, as a matter of urgency.

Mr Speaker, the Government is committed to ensuring that all citizens have quality and affordable housing. To this end, we are working to resolve the housing deficit through a number of measures.  Firstly, we have re-capitalised the ZNBS with an equity contribution of K165 million. This will enable more of our people to access affordable housing credit. Secondly, we are working with the private sector in closing the housing deficit through the PPP.  

Rural Development 

Mr Speaker, the Government is committed to improving the standard of living of our people in rural areas by accelerating service delivery.I am happy to report that all the thirty-two newly-created districts have now been operationalised. Construction of infrastructure has started in five of these districts, including the upgrading of infrastructure in Choma and Chinsali as new provincial headquarters of the Southern and Muchinga provinces, respectively. Construction of district offices and other infrastructure in the remaining twenty-seven districts will commence before the end of the year.

Mr Speaker, the Government has continued implementing the Rural Electrification Programme which is now mainly focusing on new districts.  In this regard, Sioma and Nkeyema in the Western Province have already been electrified while works to connect Nalolo, Luampa and Sikongo are on-going. The Government also plans to connect other areas to the national grid. These include Shang’ombo, Luangwa, Rufunsa, Chama and Lundazi districts, which are currently supplied by diesel generated power. 

Sir, in line with the PF pro-poor policies, 50,000 low income households have been connected to electricity at subsidised connection charges.

Mr Speaker, the Government is extending mobile communication coverage throughout Zambia. A total of 199 towers will be installed countrywide out of which 108 have already been installed in various chiefdoms across the country.

Sir, our Government has, in the past three years, constructed and rehabilitated a total of 7,500 boreholes and six water schemes which have benefitted an additional 1.9 million rural areas. To this effect, the Government will scale-up the provision of water supply to rural communities.

Mr Speaker, during my last address to this House, I stated that the Government had undertaken consultations with various stakeholders on the introduction of legislation that would govern customary land. I now wish to inform this House that theCustomary Land Administration Bill has been drafted and will be tabled before this House in 2015. Once the legislation is enacted, it will ensure that the interests of local people in the rural farming communities are protected and promoted as well as improve the possibilities for better economic utilisation of land.

Social Protection

Mr Speaker, to ensure that all citizens have access to basic social services such as education, health, water and sanitation, the Government is implementing the Social Cash Transfer Scheme and Food Security Pack Programme.

Sir, I stated in my last Address that in order to cushion the high levels of poverty in the country, the Government would adopt a Comprehensive Social Protection Policy. This policy is now in place. To this effect, the Government will table before this House, the National Social Protection Bill which shall provide a framework for pension, social health insurance and social safety nets.

Mr Speaker, the process to expand the Social Cash Transfer Scheme to cover the whole country is underway. I am pleased to inform the House that thirty-one more districts have been brought on board the Social Cash Transfer Scheme. This brings the total districts to fifty in 2014.

Sir, the Government has, to this effect, increased allocation to social cash transfers by 700 per cent under the Cash Transfer Programme. This increment has seen the number of beneficiary households rise from 63,000 in 2013 to 145,000 households as of August, this year. Of these, 20,000 are persons living with disabilities signifying their importance to the Government’s policy of social inclusion. The programme is expected to benefit about 500,000 households by 2016.

Labour and Security 

Mr Speaker, in line with our motto of putting more money in the pockets of our people, the Government adjusted the minimum wage upwards, in 2012, to ensure that Zambian employees are paid meaningful wages. Additionally, the Government, through the introduction of the single spine salary structure for the public sector, adjusted the salaries of all public sector workers upwards by ensuring that the lowest paid public sector workers got above K2,000 per month.

Sir, the Government also upgraded all classified daily employees to permanent and pensionable employees. It has set precedence in curbing practices bordering on casualisaition and I urge the private sector to emulate.

Mr Speaker, in 2012, the Government undertook to set up public employment exchange centers. I am pleased to inform this House that the public employment centers have been established in all the provincial labor offices and are now operational. 

Sir, the Government also launched the online jobs portal to complement the public employment exchange centres. The online jobs portal has received a warm reception by Zambians in the Diaspora who are applying to come back and work in Zambia. I am happy to note that the online jobs portal is accessible to job seekers countrywide via mobile phones.

Employment Creation 

Mr Speaker, despite continuing improvements in the capacity of the economy to create new jobs, the issue of unemployment remains one of our major challenges. In this regard, the Government has adopted an Industrialisation and Job Strategy focusing on specific growth sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism, construction, creative industries, information technology, metal fabrication, steel production, clothing and textiles. 

Sir, by this strategy, the Government has re-affirmed its commitment to facilitating increased participation of Zambian citizens in economic activities. I am pleased to inform this House that the Government has created 456,539 formal jobs in various sectors of the economy since 2011. The Government is on course in achieving the target of creating 1 million formal jobs by 2016. 

Mr Speaker, tourism continues to play a cardinal role in areas of employment and export earnings, among others. I am pleased to inform the House that the sector recoded an increase in employment levels from 24,312 in 2011 to 44,292 in 2012 and 57,337 in 2013. This was on account of increased investment in the tourism and hospitality industry, especially by Zambians. 

Sir, in the area of creative industries, the Government has initiated a programme to equip youths with tools, equipment and skills for the production of handicrafts and curios, starting with Livingstone.

Mr Speaker, to provide employment opportunities for the youth, the Government has accelerated the construction and rehabilitation of arts and cultural centres in various parts of the country. I am pleased to inform the House that the construction of a cultural centre in Ndola and an art gallery in Livingstone has been completed. 

Sir, under the Youth Empowerment Fund, the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) funded a total of 800 projects countrywide which created 13,423 jobs as at June, 2014. Additionally, since 2011, the Government has disbursed a total of K32.6 million towards youth empowerment. The fund has been accessed by 759 youth-led enterprises creating about 2,300 jobs in the informal sector nationwide. 

Mr Speaker, the construction sector holds enormous potential for job creation and alleviation of poverty for the majority of Zambians. Since 2011, the sector has created a total of 93,487 jobs. In order to support the growth of this sector, I wish to direct all the hon. Ministers, provinces and spending agencies to ensure that 20 per cent subcontracting and job creation for locals be part of the evaluation criteria for award of all contracts.

Investment, Industry and Trade 

Mr Speaker, the Government is keen to raise the rate of investment in the economy. It will, therefore, continue to improve the business environment aimed at attracting more investments into the country. In the last three years, the Government attracted a total of US$5.6 billion in FDI. In 2011, the FDI stood at US$1.1 billion, which rose to US$2.4 in 2012 and stood at US$1.7 in 2013. This is a clear indication that our country is an attractive investment destination.

Mr Speaker, the Government has made progress in operationalising the Multi-Facility Economic Zones (MFEZ) in various parts of the country. I am glad to inform this House that Chambishi MFEZ is operational and, so far, US$1.2 billion has been invested in the zone, creating over 8,000 jobs, while progress has been made at the Lusaka East MFEZ.

Sir, the Lusaka South MFEZ is also operational with initial private sector investment totaling US$52.5 million. This year, construction works on a US$10 pharmaceutical plant commenced. In addition, work has started on the Zambian Breweries malting plant estimated at over US$30 million. 

Mr Speaker, the Government has established the industrial development corporation to oversee and manage the State-owned enterprises as well as complement private sector investment in strategic areas. 

Sir, the Government has also been re-capitalising a number of State-owned enterprises for them to run on a commercial basis and contribute to the Treasury. The State-owned enterprises re-capitalised include the National Savings and Credit Bank, the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH), the ZNBS, Zambia RailwaysLimited and the NCZ. 

Sir, I wish to direct the Secretary to the Cabinet to operationalise the corporation and ensure that State-owned enterprises list on the stock exchange to improve their operations and capital base. 

Mr Speaker, the country has made significant progress in export diversification. Non-traditional exports now account for 33 per cent of total export earnings from 20.9 per cent in 2011. We will do more to improve our export performance focusing on services and manufactured goods. Accordingly, the Government will continue to engage different trading partners at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels in order to expand our export markets. I urge the Zambian private sector to take advantage of these emerging opportunities. 

Sir, the Government will also pay particular attention to the further growth of the small and medium business sector. In this regard, we will carry out a comprehensive review of the regulatory framework that impact on this sector to facilitate its further growth and development. 

Mr Speaker, the Government has made progress in reforming the economy and reducing the cost of doing business. Zambia’s ranking on the 2014 Global Ease of Doing Business Index stands at eighty-three from ninety-four in 2013. In Africa, Zambia ranks eighth, fifth in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and fourth in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

Sir, furthermore, Zambia’s ranking on the global competitiveness index also improved from 155 in 2010/2011 to ninety-three in 2013/2014, thus, making the country the eighth most competitive country in Africa. 

Mr Speaker, I reiterate the Government’s commitment to continue reducing the cost of doing business in Zambia to enhance the competitiveness of the Zambian economy and make it a major destination for investment {mospagebreak}

Infrastructure Development 

Mr Speaker, the Government has continued to place great importance on infrastructure development since roads, railway, airports, marine and communication services are prerequisites for socio-economic development.

Sir, progress is being made on all major road projects such as the Link Zambia 8,000 km, Pave Zambia 2,000 km and Lusaka 400 km. The Link Zambia 8,000 kmRoad Project is progressing well with twenty-two work contracts signed as of July, 2014, covering 2,245 km. The major road projects include Leopards Hill Road to Chirundu in Lusaka Province and the Kitwe/Chingola Dual Carriage Way in the Copperbelt Province. 

Mr Speaker, other works include the Bottom Road in the Southern Province, Itezhi-Tezhi/Mumbwa in Central Province, Chipata/Chadiza/Katete in the Eastern Province, Kawambwa/Mushota in Luapula Province, Chingola/Solwezi Road and Mbala/Nakonde Road. 

Sir, completed roads include Kasama/Luwingu in the Northern Province, Sesheke/Senanga in the Western Province and Mutanda/Chavuma in the North-Western Province. Under the Pave Zambia 2,000 km Road Project, distribution of equipment has been completed in all the ten provinces. This development is expected to speed up the construction of roads under this project. The Lusaka 400 km Road Project, involving construction, maintenance, rehabilitation and upgrading of roads around the city is on course. 

Mr Speaker, the Government is committed to revamping the railway system. This has been demonstrated by the allocation of US$120 million to the Zambia Railways Limited in 2012. In this regard, the rehabilitation of the 1,062 km railway line from Livingstone to Chililabombwe has commenced. In addition, the rehabilitation of locomotives, wagons and passenger coachers is also in progress. 

Sir, the Zambia Railways Limited has also embarked on the maintenance and repair of the Mulobezi Railway line and the Inter-Mine Railway Network on the Copperbelt. Furthermore, the Chipata/Nacala Corridor Railway Line has been operationalised. 

Mr Speaker, in the aviation sub-sector, the Government has established the Civil Aviation Authority which will regulate the air transport industry. The Civil Aviation Authority has since engaged the European Union to lift the ban on Zambian registered aircraft to land in the European Union. 

Sir, with regards to the airport infrastructure, works on the ultra-modern international terminal at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport have commenced and the project is scheduled to be completed in two years. Construction of a new US$397 million airport in Ndola, with complete facilities, will commence soon. 

Mr Speaker, the Government has prioritised the development of maritime and inland waterways infrastructure. It hasalso procured dredgers to facilitate the clearance of canals and rivers to enable vessels navigate easily. Furthermore, passenger and cargo vessels, cargo handling equipment and speed boats have been procured. 

Sir, the Government is implementing the National Addressing and Post Code Project which will improve postal services delivery, responses to fire, police and health emergencies and the collection of revenue by various state agencies. In this respect, I am calling on all citizens to support this project and guard the signage to be installed against vandalism. 

Energy

Mr Speaker, the Government remains committed to ensuring availability of adequate, affordable and reliable supplies of sustainable energy. In the electricity sub-sector, the Government has continued to implement projects in generation, transmission and distribution. The total generation capacity was 1,669 MW in 2011 and this has risen to 2,310 MW in 2014. The increase is attributed to, among others, completed projects such as the 360 MW Kariba North Bank Hydro-Power Extension Project and the 50 MW Ndola Heavy Fuel Oil Plant. 

Sir, progress is also being made to complete the Itezhi-Tezhi Hydro power and Mamba Thermal power projects. 

Mr Speaker, the Government has also continued to work on transmission lines to improve the quality of supply and voltage levels. One such project is the upgrading and reinforcing of the existing transmission backbone infrastructure along the Kafue/Muzuma/Victoria Falls Corridor from the current 220 KV to 300 KV. This project is expected to be completed in 2015. 

Sir, in addition, a 330 KV Serenje/Mpika/Kasama Transmission Line is being constructed. Further, extension of power transmission lines to replace diesel generated electricity in the North-Western Province is in progress. 

Mr Speaker, to complement the hydro-power supply, the Government is promoting the use of alternative sources of energy such as coal, heavy oil and renewable energy sources which include solar, bio-fall, bio-mass and bio-gas for generation. 

Sir, in the petroleum sub-sector, progress has been made in expanding the fuel storage infrastructure. The construction of the Lusaka and Mpika depots has been completed with a total fuel storage capacity of 31.5 million liters. Construction works have been commenced on the Solwezi and Mongu depots with fuel storage capacity of 15.5 million liters respectively. The construction of fuel depots in other provinces will commence soon. 

Mining 

Mr Speaker, mining continues to play a significant role in the economy as a source of employment, foreign exchange earnings and contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In recognition of its critical role, the Government will continue creating an enabling environment to attract more investment in the mining sector.

With regards to copper production, output in 2011 was 667,604 metric tonnes which rose to 697,900 metric tonnes in 2012. Copper production in 2013 stood at 765,037 metric tonnes. Production is expected to reach 1 million metric tonnes annually by 2017 when the Kalumbila Sentinel Mine goes into full production. 

Mr Speaker, gemstones have become an important contributor to the growth of the mining sector and the economy. In 2011, total gemstones sales stood at US$32.4 million and this rose to US$40.4 million in 2012. In 2013, the sales significantly increased to US$100.5 million. The sharp increase in sales was a result of the PF Government’s initiative to auction emeralds locally. The Government will, therefore, ensure that gemstones continue to be auctioned locally so that we get maximum benefits from the resources and promote transparency in the sector. 

Sir, to ensure that maximum benefits are derived from the mining sector, the Government is committed to making the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative succeed. This initiative is helping the Government to track mineral exports, the revenue earned and the taxes due to it.

Tourism
Mr Speaker, the tourism sector, while holding great potential for job creation and poverty reduction, is characterised by low tourism arrivals, low average length of stay and an under developed domestic tourism. 

Sir, key areas of focus for our Government include infrastructure development, particularly of access roads and airports, in order to enhance accessibility to the various national parks, heritage and natural attractions, especially in the Northern Circuit and the Lower Zambezi. 

Land, Environment and Natural Resources 

Mr Speaker, land continues to play a critical role in uplifting the living standards of our people. However, the land administration system in Zambia has had challenges for a long time.

To this effect, the Government has put in place a fully-automated land management and information system. This new system will enhance efficiency and transparency in the management and administration of land. Let me at this point urge citizens to observe the law in the acquisition and development of land. 

Mr Speaker, the Government is aware of the effect of climate change on the lives of Zambian people. Drought and floods have increased in frequency and intensity in the past decade adversely impacting food and water security, water quality, energy and livelihoods of our people, especially in the rural communities. 

Sir, to address the challenges of climate change, the National Climate Policy will be in place before the end of this year. This will provide for a co-ordinated response to climate change. It will further guide the growth of the Zambian economy in an environmentally sustainable manner. 

Mr Speaker, the Government is concerned with the illegal and indiscriminate harvesting of some indigenous tress, such as Mukula. Left unchecked, this trend will lead to a loss of the country’s precious trees and biological diversity. 

Sir, to ensure sustainable utilisation of our natural resources, the Government is revising the National Forestry Policy. The policy will address high rates of deforestation, environmental degradation and loss of bio-diversity. Further, the policy will facilitate local community and private sector participation in forest management. 

Youth and Sport 

Mr Speaker, the Government attaches great importance to the welfare and development of the youth. In line with the PF Manifesto, the Government is investing in the development of life-long skills among the youth. In this regard, it has embarked on the construction of seven youth resource centres at a cost of K131 million. These are in Chililabombwe, Mpongwe, Kafue, Rufunsa, Chama, Mporokoso and Kalabo. 

Sir, apart from being a source of employment, entertainment and wealth creation, sport is important to the health and development of our people. To promote sports, the Government has embarked on the construction of modern sports infrastructure. In Lusaka, the National Heroes Stadium, with a sitting capacity of 50,000, has been completed. The construction of additional modern stadia will continue. Undoubtedly, this will enhance prospects for the country to host major national, regional and international tournaments. 

Media

Mr Speaker, the role of the media in fostering development cannot be over-emphasised. Our people need to be well informed for them to meaningfully participate in national affairs. The media also serves as a platform for citizens to express themselves freely. 

Sir, the Government has since 2011 issued a total of ten radio licences and five television licenses, bringing the total number of radio stations to sixty-two and eleven television stations operational. This has diversified sources of information and made the industry competitive as well as promoted the use of local languages. The Government is committed to the promotion of free media. In this regard, the Access to Information Bill will be tabled at an appropriate time.

Mr Speaker, the Government has also made progress in the establishment of provincial television stations. To this end, two are under construction in Choma and Solwezi, respectfully, while the other eight will be constructed progressively. 

Sir, to improve radio coverage, especially in remote areas which have had no radio reception since Independence, the Government has installed radio transmitters in Shang’ombo, Mulobezi, Chilubi Island, Shiwang’gandu and Luwingu. Further, installation of five transmitters in the other under-served areas will be completed before the end of the year. 

Mr Speaker, the Government is on course to achieve digital migration by June, 2015. Installation of digital migration infrastructure along the line of rail will start before the end of the year. The installation in provincial centres and districts will follow next year and be completed before the deadline. 

Gender and Child Development 

Mr Speaker, the Government will continue to promote gender and child development in all programmes. The prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV), though reducing, is still worrisome and unacceptable. Further, child pregnancies and early marriages remain a challenge in the country.Therefore, the Government will continue to put in place measures to curb the vices, including domestication of relevant United Nations (UN) instruments. 

Sir, to ensure gender equity in the development process, the Government has appointed and retained a high number of our womenfolk in leadership and decision-making positions. 

Foreign Policy and International Relations 

Mr Speaker, in the area of foreign policy and international relations, the Government has continued to uphold the fundamental principles of sovereign equality and mutual respect as a basis of our engagement with other members of the international community. Zambia has also continued to raise its profile in the international arena by participating in a number of multilateral and bilateral engagements. 

I re-affirm the Government’s commitment to economic diplomacy, which is contributing significantly to the development of the Zambian economy by promoting inflows of investments and tourists and opening up export markets.

Governance and Administration of the State

Mr Speaker, the Government remains committed to promoting democracy and good governance. These are fundamental to creating, securing and maintaining a just Zambia. 

Sir, the Government embarked on a review of our legal justice system, beginning with the constitution. It has also received the draft Constitution and is in the process of guiding the nation on the next course of action. 

Mr Speaker, in our effort to ensure that the legal and justice system remains current and responsive to the needs of our country and its people, the Government has put in place a Legal and Justice Reform Commission. The commission will be recommending measures for transformation and modernisation of our legal and justice system. 

Sir, I am pleased to note that there is encouraging response from the general public which has come forward in numbers to freely submit before the commission. Let me take this opportunity to thank those that have already made submissions and to appeal to those yet to make submissions to do so during the sittings of the commission. 

Mr Speaker, Zambia acceded to the African Peer Review Mechanism of the Africa Union in 2006. This is a voluntary mechanism which strengthens governance institutions and improves the country’s rating as a safe destination for investment. 

Sir, as a country, we have already subjected ourselves to the peer review process whose final country report I launched in March, this year. This demonstrates our commitment to run a transparent and accountable Government. The second country review is due in 2017. I, therefore, urge all institutions to implement the recommendations contained in the country report to improve our governance. 

Mr Speaker, the Government’s resolve to fight corruption in all its forms remains strong. The Government has re-instated the Abuse of Office Clause in the Anti-Corruption Commission Act. The Government has also strengthened the capacity of the commission by establishing the special investigations unit to deal with complex financial crimes which is now fully operational. 

Sir, the Government shall continue to implement various programmes to streamline corruption prevention measures in both public and private institutions. 

Mr Speaker, money laundering activities if left unchecked can lead to economic distortion by reducing tax revenues, causing unfair competition with legitimate businesses, damaging financial systems and disrupting economic development.

Sir, in this regard, Government will strengthen and expand the operations of the anti-money laundering investigations unit under the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in order to adequately investigate financial intelligence being disseminated by the financial intelligence unit (FIC).

Mr Speaker, Government is committed to having a professional and efficient public service. In this regard, Government has established the national school of Government. 

Sir, in collaboration with the National Institute of Public Administration, the school will offer training to those intending to join public service and those already serving at all levels with a view to enhancing productivity. 

Mr Speaker, further, Government this year approved the implementation of the Human Resources Management Reforms aimed at enhancing coordination among the service commissions, decision making, as well as decentralising human resource management. To this effect, a Bill will be tabled by 2015. 

Sir, in addition, the Government is transforming the delivery of public services through the use of information and communication businesses. Our citizens and business houses can now access some Government services online. These services include application for passports, land management, payment for some public services and registration of companies without having to queue up or wait for months to be served. This will reduce corruption as well as lower the cost of doing business. 

Mr Speaker, as I conclude my Address to this august House, I would like to remind the hon. Members that this is a special session as it comes at a time Zambia is celebrating fifty years of Independence and three years of the PF administration. 

Sir, this Government is proud of its record. It is delivering on the solemn promises it made to the Zambian people in the PF Manifesto. Across the width and breath of our country, the evidence is there for all to see that Zambia is going through an unprecedented record of infrastructure development in health, education, roads, communication, energy and agriculture, among others.

Mr Speaker, through its social protection and other poverty reduction programmes, the Government also building an inclusive society that broadly distributes the result of growth and development to all members of society in line with its resolve to build a better Zambia for all. 

Sir, let me, again, re-affirm the importance of unity, peace and stability which have, over the past five decades of Independence, made it possible for us to progress as a nation. As we prepare for the climax of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations on 24th October, this year, we should also reflect on the historical fact that our forefathers earned our freedom through struggle. 

In moving beyond the Golden Jubilee Celebrations, we are called upon, as a generation, to build on the foundation of the Independence struggle to achieve prosperity for ourselves and future generations. 

Mr Speaker, it is now my honour and privilege to declare the Fourth Session of the Eleventh National Assembly officially open.

May God bless you and our great nation, Zambia.