DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE THIRD SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 22nd July, 2014

The House met at 1400 hours

[MR DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER
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ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR DEPUTY SPEAKER

ACTING LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I have received communication to the effect that in the absence of His Honour the Vice-President, who is attending to other national duties, Hon. Edgar C. Lungu, MP, Minister of Defence, has been appointed Acting Leader of Government Business in the House today, Tuesday, 22nd and tomorrow, Wednesday, 23rd July, 2014.

I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbewe: Twachilafwaya Wynter Kabimba!  

Laughter 
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RULINGS BY MR DEPUTY SPEAKER

RULING BY THE HON. MR DEPUTY SPEAKER ON A POINT OF ORDER RAISED BY MR R. MUNTANGA, HON. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR KALOMO CENTRAL PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY REGARDING AN ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN THE  POST NEWSPAPER  OF FRIDAY, 18TH JULY, 2014 AND ATTRIBUTED TO HON. D. MUNKOMBWE, DEPUTY MINISTER FOR SOUTHERN PROVINCE

The House will recall that on Friday, 18th July, 2014, when the House was considering Question for Oral Answer No. 628 and the Member of Parliament for Mwinilunga Parliamentary Constituency, Hon. S. Katuka, MP, was asking a supplementary question, Hon. R. Muntanga, Member of Parliament for Kalomo Central Parliamentary Constituency, raised a point of order against the hon. Deputy Minister for the Southern Province, Hon. D. Munkombwe, MP, for statements attributed to him in an article published in The Post Newspaper edition of Friday, 18th July, 2014.

In the point of order, Hon. Muntanga, MP, wanted to know whether the hon. Deputy Minister was in order to discuss, outside the House, a matter that was deliberated in the House and, also, whether he was in order to show hatred against the leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND), Mr Hakainde Hichilema.

Mr Muntanga further stated as follows:

“Mr Speaker, I raised a question to His Honour the Vice-President relating to His Excellency the President and he was kind enough to state that he would make arrangements about that and come back to me. My question was genuine because, as a representative of the people, I have to listen to the concerns raised by the people. Is he in order to state that Mr Hakainde’s comments relating to the health of His Excellency the President unsettle him? He further stated that there are people who want to see His Excellency the President. I believe he was referring to the question raised to His Honour the Vice-President.”

Hon. Muntanga ended the point of order by stating the following:

“Is he in order to show such hatred for an individual and a group of people?”

In my immediate remarks, I reserved my ruling to another time. I have since studied the point of order and The Post Newspaper article and wish to render my ruling.

Hon. Members, a perusal of The Post Newspaper article in question reveals that the hon. Deputy Minister did not make direct reference or cast aspersions on matters being deliberated in this House as alleged by Hon. R. Muntanga, MP. Instead, I find that the hon. Deputy Minister was commenting on matters that were in the public domain. Therefore, hon. Members, I cannot rule on matters that have no connection with the Business of the House. As has been guided by the Hon. Mr Speaker several times before, hon. Members are being reminded to desist from bringing issues of party politics that occur in the public domain to the House.

I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mushanga: Munkombwe oye, oyee!

INFORMATION ON THE HON. MR SPEAKER’S BOWINGS IN THE HOUSE

Mr Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, on Tuesday, 15th July, 2014, during the debate on the Report of the Reforms and Modernisation Committee, Hon. Chungu Bwalya, Member of Parliament for Lupososhi Constituency, in seconding the Motion stated among other things that:

“Hon. Members were wondering why the Hon. Mr Speaker bows twice as he enters and does it religiously. Mr Speaker, it is okay for the Hon. Mr Speaker to move all the way up to the Chair and bow both to the right and left because that is a way of recognising his hon. Members. However, bowing down as he enters has something that does not seem to be very clear as to what he bows down to.”

Hon. Members, in this regard, I wish to reiterate an information announcement on this matter made on Thursday, 31st July, 2003 by the then Speaker, Hon. Mwanamwambwa, as follows:

“Hon. Members, following the curious questions that my office has received in the past regarding the origin and significance of Mr Speaker’s bowings in or before the House at the beginning and at the end of the business in the House, I have decided to make this announcement for the information of hon. Members and of the public at large.

“The tradition of bowing in the House by Mr Speaker is a convention which was borrowed from Westminster, the ‘Mother of Parliaments.’ Although the practice is common in almost all Commonwealth Parliaments, the explanation regarding the origin of bowing by the Chair has, over the centuries, been lost. It would appear, however, that the origins of the Speaker’s bowing as he/she enters the Chambers supports and enhances the status of the office and the dignity of the House itself. It has also been argued that the origins of the bows probably share a common origin with formal courtesies observed in royal ecclesiastical and court act circles.

“In addition it is acknowledged that the House of Commons meeting Chamber was first used as a Chapel and the Speaker’s Chair is in the position of the alter. It is, therefore, possible that the origins of the ceremony lie in bowing before the alter. The modern significance of the Speaker’s bowing in the House is that it supports and enhances the status of the Office of the Speaker and the dignity of the House. The ceremony of bowing is now accepted as a gesture of courtesy and a sign of respect which denotes the impartiality of the Chair and that the Speaker is the servant of the House.

“In the Zambian context, the Hon. Mr Speaker bows four times when he enters the Chamber at the beginning of each day’s business. At the conclusion of business, on each day, Mr Speaker bows twice before leaving the Chamber. The symbolic value of the bows may be interpreted as follows;

(a) the first bow is to the people of Zambia, represented in the House by hon. Members of Parliament;

(b) the second bow is to the people’s authority symbolised by Mr Speaker’s Chair and Mace;

(c) the third bow is in recognition of the existence of an Executive Government in the House,  that is, bowing to the right side of the Chamber; and

(d) the fourth bow is in recognition of the Opposition or parliamentary groupings in the House, that is to the left side of the Chamber.

“When leaving the Chamber, Mr Speaker also bows to the right and the left sides of the Chamber in farewell recognition of the Executive and the Opposition or parliamentary grouping’s benches. I hope that this satisfies the curiosity that has been generated on this ritual.”

Hon. Members, with this clarification, I, therefore, trust that hon. Members now have full understanding of this matter.

I thank you.

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MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

DISBURSMENT OF THE 2014 ALLOCATION FOR THE CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT FUND

The Minister of Finance (Mr Chikwanda): Mr Speaker, I wish to thank you for affording me this opportunity to respond to the issue that arose on the Floor of this House on Friday, 18th July, 2014, in relation to the disbursement of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation in the 2014 Budget.

Mr Speaker, the CDF has always generated heated discussion in this House because it is indisputable that the CDF is one of the most effective and direct delivery vehicles of development. The Government is not ambivalent about the importance of the CDF, especially in the remote parts of far-flung constituencies, despite what has been said about the usage of this fund in certain constituencies.  For the benefit of this august House, I wish to first indicate that a key part of this Government’s agenda is to ensure inclusive economic growth for all. One of the elements through which this can be achieved is by enhancing citizens’ participation in the development agenda of this country. The CDF, therefore, provides an immediate avenue through which this can be achieved before the Government completes the necessary modalities to facilitate the effective decentralisation of functions from Central Government to local government. As such, the Patriotic Front (PF) Government has, in the last three years of its existence, increased the allocation for the CDF by an unprecedented 94.4 per cent, that is, from K108 million in 2011 to K210 million allocated in 2014.

Mr Speaker, I further wish to indicate that as at end of June, 2014, the Ministry of Finance had released a total of K87.3 million or 42 per cent of the K210 million allocated to the fund. This leaves a balance of K122.6 million, which has been programmed to be released in full by the end of September, 2014, to ensure that the micro-community projects in various constituencies are undertaken prior to the commencement of the rainy season.

Mr Speaker, in addition, allow me to take this opportunity to also indicate to my colleagues that the principle under which the CDF is premised is firmly embedded in  the wider national Decentralisation Policy and that the management of this fund is a responsibility placed under the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing. This responsibility includes auditing the use of the disbursed funds and withholding additional disbursements to constituencies when the management or usage of the previous disbursed funds is in question. Therefore, although the Treasury plans to avail funds by the end of September, this year, the actual disbursement to the individual constituencies will depend on the outcome of the constituency audit reports.

Mr Speaker, with that mentioned, I can only urge  my compatriots in this august House to ensure that we live to our obligation and moral responsibility and ensure that these funds are utilised in line with the relevant regulations governing public finance management and that as much as possible, our citizens should effectively benefit from the utilisation of these funds. Misuse of these funds is a negation of the essence and legitimacy of the CDF.

I thank you, Sir.

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

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, it is a fact that Kabwata is the richest constituency in Zambia and Sikongo the poorest constituency in Zambia. However, when it comes to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), the richest and poorest constituencies are both given the same amount. I want to find out from the hon. Minister of Finance, who is doing very well, whether there are any plans of bringing the Equalisation Fund which will entail that the richest constituency gets a lower amount in comparison to the poorest constituency. Does the Government have that plan?

Mr Chikwanda: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member has distorted the facts slightly because the CDF is distributed equally to all constituencies. However, my view is that this system is iniquitous because allocating the same amount to Lusaka Central, Kantanshi, Sikongo and Kalabo constituencies is not fair. Therefore, we hope that the relevant Parliamentary Committees can help to guide us on this procedure by structuring the CDF allocation in such a way that we can increase allocation to bigger and rural constituencies. As I have said, it is not really fair to allocate the same amount to Kwacha Constituency and Zambezi East Constituency. We have relevant Committees of the House and they can guide us on how we can go about ensuring that there is a fair amount of equity in the distribution of this fund.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister stated that he is considering releasing the balance of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in September. Considering the operational challenges during the rainy season and the vastness of some of these areas, is it not prudent for him to consider releasing the CDF, going forward, in the first quarter of every year?

Mr Chikwanda: Mr Speaker, that would be the desirable thing to do, but there is a cash flow issue. The way the income comes into the coffers of the Government is, for instance, at the beginning of the year, which is the first quarter, the income flows into the coffers is reduced. So, we want to do our best. I have undertaken, and not considering, to ensure release of all the balances of the CDF by September, 2014. It is, at least, two months before the onset of the rains. We hope that the releases can be expedited as much as possible.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lubinda (Kabwata): Mr Speaker, …

Mr Mbulakulima: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Kabimba, SC.: Aah!

Mr Mbulakulima: Who is saying “Aah,” hon. Minister of Justice?

Mr Speaker, I want to thank you most sincerely for this rare opportunity to raise a point of order. As you know, I only raise very important points of order.

Sir, the issue of gender-based violence in this country is randomly condemned and should not be tolerated. Over the weekend, we saw unprecedented violence against women on television, where the Acting Headmistress of Roma Girls was punched like a bag.

Hon. Opposition Members: Clobbered!

Mr Livune: A nun!

Mr Mbulakulima: She was clobbered. This was something that we have not seen in the recent past. My daughter cried because that is her teacher.

Mr Livune: It was a Patriotic Front (PF) cadre!

Mr Mbulakulima: As hon. Members of Parliament, we are very concerned about this violence. Tomorrow, the House is rising and we expected the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education to inform this House and the nation what measures this Government is taking to protect vulnerable citizens like that teacher who was beaten up. What we see …

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

What is the point of order?

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker is the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education, who seems to be very relaxed as if this is a House of relaxation when it is the House of serious Business …

Hon. Government Members: Aah!

Interruptions

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, I am also aware that there is another act of violence against men in today’s The Post newspaper, and we agreed with …

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

What is your point of order, please?

Mr Mbulakulima: … Hon. Kazunga that she will raise that point because men do not debate themselves …

Laughter

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker is the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education in order to be silent without informing this House what action or measures he is putting in place to protect the vulnerable women who are being beaten up?

Hon. Government Members: Awe! Question!

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

That point of order, including the one in which you are referring to men not debating themselves, is an example of those points of order that should not be brought before the House. I suppose those concerned will report to the appropriate authorities.

Can the hon. Member for Kabwata continue, please.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out whether the Equalisation Fund that is provided for in the Decentralisation Policy revised in 2013 is not the fund that shall be used for the purpose of equalising constituencies and not the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) which was also established for a totally different purpose. Is that not the fund that should be used for equalisation and not both?

Mr Chikwanda: Mr Speaker, going forward, when decentralisation is in full throttle, I think there will be a need to rationalise things. For instance, if decentralisation really takes effect, the money which is going into the CDF now should go to the various district authorities to pursue developmental projects. That will be once we are sure because this is just a measure in the absence of other veritable developmental mechanisms. If decentralisation takes off and if there are proper structures at district level with proper control mechanisms, I think that the best thing will be to channel this fund into the District Development Fund.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister of Finance for that statement pertaining to the disbursement of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). However, what measures are the ministry and the Government putting in place to ensure that …

Mr Mweetwa: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, I thank you for according me the opportunity to raise this point of order and I would like to apologise to my elder brother who was on the Floor articulating his question.
Sir, as you know, I rarely rise on points of order, but I have been compelled to do so because this matter is bordering on the Constitution, a document that we swore to defend in this House.
Mr Speaker, last week, we saw the introduction of a Bill, the Excess Expenditure Appropriation (2011) Bill, 2014, and I have taken advantage of the presence of the hon. Minister on the Floor to raise this point of order. I have perused through the Order Paper today and I can see that this Bill, which was introduced, is being tabled before the House today for Second Reading. This has prompted me, on behalf of the people OF Choma Central and, indeed, the people of Zambia, to ask this point of order: Are the Government, the Executive and, in particular, the hon. Minister of Finance, in order to bring to this House this Excess Expenditure Appropriation (2011) Bill, 2014, in total violation of Article 117 of the Constitution which provides the following:
“(5) Where in any financial year, expenditure has been incurred without the authorisation of Parliament, the hon. Minister responsible for Finance shall, on approval of such expenditure by the appropriate Committee of the National Assembly, introduce, in the National Assembly, not later than thirty months after the end of that financial year or if the National Assembly is not sitting, at the expiration of that period, thirty months, within one  month of the first sitting of the National Assembly, thereafter.”
Sir, thirty months expired on 30th June, 2014, within which period this Bill could have been competently been brought to this House, and that period Parliament was sitting. In addition, this purported Bill is signed by one Mr Musa Mwenye as Attorney-General. As far as the people of Zambia and everybody is concerned, the Attorney-General for the Republic of Zambia has not yet been sworn in. This is the reason people have been asking where His Excellency the President is so that he can carry out such constitutional mandate as swear in such officers. 
Sir, is this House, therefore, in order to entertain a Bill that is being fraudulently sneaked into it outside the constitutional provision and also purportedly signed by an Attorney-General, Mr Musa Mwenye, SC., who is not yet sworn in …

Mr Mukata: He can act, iwe!

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Mr Mwiimbu: You also!

Mr Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister, can you leave the House. There has to be order in the House.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Deputy Speaker: We cannot take that. It is beyond any comprehension.

Interruptions

Mr Mukata left the Assembly Chamber.

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, I need clarification …

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Mr Mweetwa: … and your ruling, Sir.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Deputy Speaker: There are two aspects to that point of order. One is of the House operating outside …

Mr Mweetwa rose.

Hon. Members: Order!

Mr Deputy Speaker: … − You ask a question and you want to leave – outside the constitutional provision. The matter will be discussed at an appropriate time during the Second Reading.

With regard to the swearing in of the Attorney-General, hon. Members, the point of order raises the issue of whether Mr Musa Mwenye, SC., the learned Attorney-General of the Republic of Zambia, is legally discharging the duties of his office, as prescribed by Article 54 of the Constitution, Cap. 1 of the Laws of Zambia, as he has not taken and subscribed to the Oath of Office.

Hon. Members, Mr Musa Mwenye, SC., was appointed Attorney-General by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia and ratified by this House, as required by Article 54(1) of the Constitution of Zambia, Cap. 1 of the Laws of Zambia. The appointment, therefore, is legally sound.

With regard to performing the functions of his office when he has not been sworn in by His Excellency the President, hon. Members may wish to know that the law, under Section 4 of the Official Oaths Act, Cap. 5 of the Laws of Zambia, specifies which constitutional office holders are required to subscribe to the Oath of Office before discharging the functions of their offices.

Section 4 of the Act provides the following:

“A person assuming the Office of Vice-President, Speaker of the National Assembly, Minister or Deputy Minister shall not perform the duties of his office unless he has taken and subscribed to the Oath of Allegiance as set out in the Sixth Schedule and the oath of his office as set out in the Second, Third, Fourth, Sixth and Seventh Schedules, respectively.”

Whilst Section 5 specifies which judicial officers are required to take and subscribe to the Oath of Office, Section 9 of the Act further provides as follows:

“Any act done by any person in the execution or purported execution of his official duties shall not be rendered invalid by reasons of the omission of that person to take or subscribe an oath required by law to be taken or subscribed.”

Hon. Members, it is very clear from the law that the Attorney-General is not included on the list of offices requiring the office holders to take and subscribe to the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office before they perform the duties of their offices.

In this regard, the taking and subscribing of the Oath of Office by the Attorney-General of the Republic of Zambia has been established as a matter of practice and is not prescribed by any law. In addition, Section 9 of the Official Oaths Act clearly shows that failure to take and subscribe an oath does not render invalid an act done by any person in the execution of his or her duties.

I thank you.

The hon. Member for Monze Central can continue.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I was thanking the hon. Minister of Finance for giving the statement pertaining to the disbursement of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). However, what measures has he put in place to ensure that the audits he has referred to in his statement that delay the disbursement of the CDF are averted?

Mr Chikwanda: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing and I will ensure that the audits are expedited and that they are not a cause for delaying the disbursement of the CDF.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

Dr Musokotwane (Liuwa): Mr Speaker, …

Mr Shakafuswa: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Shakafuswa: Mr Speaker, I rise on a very serious point of order.

Sir, is Hon. Mweetwa in order to come to this House and raise a point of order on what seems to be a leakage?

Laughter

Mr Shakafuswa: Is he in order to raise a point of order which seems to be rehearsed and seems, according to the rules of this House, to be a leakage?

Laughter

Mr Deputy Speaker: I do not know in which context it is a leakage, but …

Laughter

Mr Deputy Speaker: ... it was in order.

Laughter

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, …

Mr Mwiimbu: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, you have made a ruling pertaining to the point of order that has been raised by the Member for Choma Central, Hon. Mweetwa, in relation the constitutionality of the Bill before this House. You have guided that that matter is going to be debated when we debate the actual Bill.

Sir, the issue I seek clearance on is that if it is true that this particular Bill is illegally before this House, how do we continue debating it? I thought that first of all, the issue of illegality would have been addressed and, then, if you ruled that the Bill was illegally before this House, we would proceed. That is the difficulty I have. I just want to find out how we are going to proceed considering that the legality of the Bill has been challenged.

Mr Deputy Speaker: I will make a ruling on that point of order during the course of the day.

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, Liuwa is one of those places that suffers a lot due to fact that it is very remote and transportation is very expensive. For example, it costs the same amount of money to transport materials from Mongu to Kalabo, which is a distance of 70 km, as it does to transport materials from Lusaka to Mongu, which is 600 km. Also, it costs the same amount of money to transport goods within Kalabo constituency as it does to transport goods from Lusaka to Mongu.

Sir, given those peculiarities, is it not within the power of the Executive to use its discretion to enable the Equalisation Fund he was talking about? Every hon. Member of Parliament wants more money. So, why is it that the Executive is not deciding by itself, taking into account relevant and rational factors, rather than throwing it back to the hon. Members of Parliament?

Mr Chikwanda: Mr Speaker, I did not suggest that the Government abdicates its responsibility. I was saying that Parliament has Committees which can provide inputs on how we should go about distributing the CDF equitably. I am a member of some of the Committees and some of them can guide us. There is nothing wrong with the Executive seeking guidance from appropriate Committees of the House.

This is why, in fact, we are taking moves to reinforce the Committees so that we can benefit from a wider scope of perspective. This will also make the decisions pertaining to the governance of this country a bit more inclusive. So, I was not saying that the Executive will not have to decide. If it is possible that some of the very appropriate Committees of the House will provide some guidance, the Executive would be ready and willing to benefit from the wisdom of the Committees.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mutelo (Lukulu West): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minster mentioned that the rural constituencies will be receiving the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) by the end of September, 2014, and Mitete is one of the districts that fall under the rural constituencies. Would it not be prudent to first allocate the CDF to the rural constituencies instead of the urban ones?

Mr Chikwanda: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament has illustrated how prudent it is. In terms of logistics, I think it would make sense as the hon. Member of Parliament is inferring, to start with the peripheral areas because in the urban areas, we have no challenges. It is easier to do things. It is a very wise decision which I think the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing and I should take into fullest consideration.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kaingu (Mwandi): Mr Speaker, I have noticed the fragmentation of poverty reduction intervention funds. For example, we have some funds in the Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health; the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and in the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry. Would it not be appropriate to bring these funds together to beef up the CDF?

Mr Chikwanda: Mr Speaker, I have indicated that the CDF is a very transitory arrangement. Ultimately, if we get the things properly structured at the local government level, I think that we would do better to channel these fragmented funds into the district development organs so that they are better distributed. We have talked about decentralisation and the more we talk about it, the more we seem to over-centralise. We should not regard arrangements such as the CDF as permanent ones. They are transitory just in lieu of the absence of properly structured arrangements at the district level. They act as delivery vehicles for development.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Mr Speaker, we are now in the third year and one common thing has repeatedly occurred with regard to the CDF. We have heard from the hon. Minister that the last bunch of the CDF will be released in September. What prudent measures is the Government putting in place to facilitate quick disbursement of these funds? I am saying so because September will end up being December. What measures is the Government putting in place to make sure that Kalabo also receives these funds on time?

Mr Deputy Speaker: I recall that a similar question was asked and the hon. Minister’s response was that the late disbursement of funds was due to the manner in which money trickled into the Government coffers. The hon. Minister may clarify that point further.

Mr Chikwanda: Mr Speaker, your guidance is so profound and it needs no addition.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kalila (Lukulu East): Mr Speaker, many policy analysts in the recent past have called on the complete abolishment of the CDF. Would this not provide an opportunity for you to tell them that that would be disastrous?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chikwanda: Mr Speaker, I have no right to rule on valued judgments held by various individuals.

I thank you, Sir.

__________

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

SHUNGU NAMUTITIMA SECONDARY SCHOOL

630. Mr Livune (Katombola) asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:
(a) when the construction of Shungu Namutitima Secondary School in Livingstone would commence;

(b) what the estimated cost of the project was; and

(c) what the estimated period of completing the construction of the school was.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the construction of Shungu Namutitima Secondary School in Livingstone commenced in January, 2014. The estimated cost of the project is K38,413,918.00. The estimated period for completing the construction of the school is twenty-four months.

I thank you, Sir.

NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ACT OF 2010

631. Mr Mwila (Chipili) asked the Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health:
(a) whether the Government had any plans to review the Non-Governmental Organisations Act of 2010; and

(b) whether the Government was satisfied with the provisions of the Act in its current form.
The Deputy Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health (Ms Kazunga): Mr Speaker, …

Mr Mwila: Volume!

Mr Deputy Speaker: Can you speak louder, hon. Minister.

Ms Kazunga: Mr Speaker, the Government acknowledges the role played by the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in implementing its efforts towards national development and it is also the responsibility of the Government to ensure that laws are progressive and in harmony with the needs of the society. The Patriotic Front (PF) Government is still committed to the review of the Non-Governmental Organisations Act No. 16 of 2009, as stipulated in its party manifesto.

Further, my ministry, through the NGO Registration Board, has been holding consultative meetings with the Council of NGOs on the review process which culminated into the development of a road map that is still being shared and studied by the relevant stakeholders. Once this consultative process is finalised, the proposed road map will be tabled before the Cabinet for consideration.

Sir, the Non-Governmental Organisations Act is a fairly new piece of legislation that was operationalised in 2013 and its provisions have not had any negative impact so far. However, the Government will still remain committed to ensuring that laws are progressive and address the current needs of the society. Therefore, as the law is being enforced, the Government will be open to consultations with all relevant stakeholders for possible review in the event that the provisions of the law do not address the objective of ensuring that the NGOs are self-regulated as much as possible.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, in 2010, I used to sit where Hon. Chitafu is seated. When this Bill came to Parliament we, as the Opposition, stood up and condemned it as a bad law, but it was enacted. What has changed to make it a good law since at that time it was considered a bad law?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Minister of Health (Dr Kasonde) on behalf of the Minister of Community, Development, Mother and Child Health (Mrs Kabanshi): Mr Speaker, I appreciate the sentiments of the hon. Member of Parliament for Chipili. However, I think the law which was enacted in 2013 still left a number of issues unanswered. The Government is, therefore, committed to reviewing those issues in consultation with the stakeholders.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, tagging on the issue that has been raised by Hon. Mwila, I recall that the Patriotic Front (PF) opposed this particular Bill before and after its enactment. Therefore, I  would like to find out from the hon. Minister what motivated the PF Government to operationalise this particular draconian piece of legislation which it condemned and used as one of its campaign messages to the people of Zambia. What motivation did it have to ensure that it is operationalised and used against the same non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that supported it?

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, I think that the issue of motivation is a non objective measure and I do not think that it is important for us to concentrate on motivation. I think the important message which I have tried to relay to the House is our agreement that there are still issues to be resolved. As regards what motivated the implementation, it is a strategy that was adopted, but has got the same message as of today.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mucheleka (Lubansenshi): Mr Speaker, I would like the hon. Minister to admit that the Patriotic Front (PF) Government does not seem to understand the concept of time because it appears it cannot keep its promises on anything. It said that it would bring the Constitution in ninety days …

Mr Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, please, do not give a long preface to your question. What is your question?

Interruptions

Mr Mucheleka: Sir, is the PF Government committed to reviewing that particular draconian law? Is it able, in no uncertain terms, to indicate when exactly it intends to review this particular bad law which has affected the operations of civil society or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in this country? Can the hon. Minister state when the Government intends to review this particular Act.

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, the process is already taking place. I happen to have been involved in one of the consultations, and so, I can say, with absolute confidence, that the process is underway. We cannot place a limit to the process of consultation.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, the Patriotic Front (PF) is living on borrowed time …

Hon. Back-Benchers: Question!

Mr Mbewe: … and it is running out. Can the hon. Minister confirm to this House whether this issue will be resolved before the next elections which will be held in 2016.

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, I think that the hon. Member should have declared interest knowing that he has an interest in my daughter and it would be most …

Laughter

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

I cannot see the connection between the question and his desire to marry your daughter.

You may continue, hon. Minister.

Laughter

Hon. Opposition Members: Ni bapongozi.

Interruptions

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, he is referring to the issue of timing and telling us to resolve this matter before a certain date. I have already explained that when we enter into consultation, we do not place a time limit. The essence of negotiation is to determine the duration of the time that we will need. I think we must stand on that principle because it is the essence of negotiation.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Belemu (Mbabala): Mr Speaker, is it not a sheer waste of public resources to operationalise a law, including the enforcement of registration which the Government is attempting to do, when the Government knows that there are certain issues that need to be resolved and, sooner than later, this law will be repealed? For example, why would a man pay a bride price today and then divorce the wife the following morning? I feel that is waste of resources.

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, it seems that the issue of bride price is becoming rather …

Laughter

Dr Kasonde: … important and, maybe, I will not refer to the consequences of bride price. However, I want to say that the intention to review is not to adopt what is going on. It is a matter of reviewing what the situation is and deciding whether or not the existing structure and law is appropriate to continue. This must be done, from time to time, on any piece of legislation and any decision. I think it is a normal practice.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mweetwa (Choma Central): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister indicated that his Government is committed to negotiate and review its role on this piece of legislation. I would, therefore, like to find out from him, as the hon. Minister in charge, whether it is a good or bad law. What is his view of this law?

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, I must observe that the hon. Member has become rather aggressive since I considered my intention to stand for election in Choma Central Constituency.

Laughter

Dr Kasonde: However, we must, of course, understand that kind of sentiment.

Laughter

Dr Kasonde: Mr Speaker, we did not, and I cannot say it more often, intend to repeal it. We intend to review it. Surely, that must be understood.

I thank you, Sir.

KALABO DISTRICT HOSPITAL SEWERAGE PONDS

632. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Health:

(a) how much money was allocated for the construction of  sewerage ponds at Kalabo District Hospital;

(b) whether the works done, so far, were satisfactory;

(c) whether the location of the ponds was suitable; and

(d) whether the capacity of the ponds was adequate, particularly in the long-term.

The Deputy Minister of Health (Dr Chilufya): Mr Speaker, the Government, through the Ministry of Health, allocated a total of K1,000,000 towards the execution of the new sewerage ponds at Kalabo District Hospital. Works are still on-going and we are satisfied with them. The new location has been assessed and been found suitable. The new sewerage ponds are expected to be adequate for their intended purpose.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that the ponds he referred to as having been done satisfactorily were flooded by rain water and overflowing by March, 2014? How satisfactory are such sewerage ponds?

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, our technical teams have been visiting the site and whenever there have been issues, they have discussed with the contractor and provided guidance. So far, we are on course.

I thank you, Sir.

ADDITIONAL UNZA HOSTELS

633. Mr Mwila asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a) when construction of additional hostels at the University of Zambia (UNZA) would commence;

(b) how much money would be spent on the project; and

(c) what the bed capacity of the new hostels would be.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Prof. Willombe): Mr Speaker, the construction of hostels at the University of Zambia (UNZA) will be done through Government budgetary allocations.

The Government has already advertised for the construction of 26 x 4 storey hostels with the bed capacity of 4,160. The tender is currently running and it will be closing on 8th August, 2014. It is expected that the contractor will move on site before the end of the year.

The cost of the project will only be known after the award has been made.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Minister for his response and say job well done.

Hon. Minister, according to the plan of the Ministry Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education, when do we expect this project to be completed even though the contractor has not been picked yet? 

Mr Willombe: Mr Speaker, around 2016.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, from the outset, I wish to declare that I am a member of the University Council who is asking to represent the people of Choma Central. 

Mr Speaker, the issue of bed space at the university is so acute that serious funding should be channeled to the university. Sadly, the university is, at the moment, sitting on a huge debt stock. 
I would like to take advantage of this question and find out from the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education whether this Government has a strategy to reduce the debt stock of the university so that the income generated within the university and the grants from the Government can be used for construction of hostels.

The Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Dr Phiri): Mr Speaker, at the moment, this is not the route that we want to take even though it is a possibility. 

Through budgetary allocation, we are sure that we can assault the shortage of student bed space as at now. The university is also looking to increase the bed space for students using its own model. Therefore, together with the university, we should be able to make a difference.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mpundu (Nchelenge): Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Minister, are there plans to …

Mr Nkombo: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, my point of order is arising from the fact that tomorrow, 23rd July, 2014, we will be rising until September, 2014.

Sir, today I came across a document in my pigeonhole that was authored by one Dr D. M. Chikamata, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health. This is regarding the construction or erection of 650 prefabricated health posts in Zambia.

Sir, I am also drawing from our Parliamentary discourse of 15th July, 2014, on the same matter what appears to be contradictions in the two documents that I have here. This is precisely what has precipitated my point of order.

Mr Speaker, allow me to quote from one of the extracts of the Hansard where the Member of Parliament for Senanga, Hon. Likando Mufalali, asked the hon. Minister of Health the following:

“Mr Speaker, I would like to find out why the hon. Minister and his hon. Deputy keep on contradicting one another. Hon. Minister, while your Deputy was in the Western Province, he threatened to terminate the contract for the contractor contracted to build the health posts. Why are you now saying that these health posts are on schedule while the hon. Deputy Minister is saying he will terminate the contracts?”

Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister, in his response basically justified the contradiction by saying the following:

“Mr Speaker, I thank you for drawing my attention to some of the extra curricula activities that my hon. Deputy Minister has been doing in your province.”

Sir, this document that I got today has two tables both labeled Table 1. The first Table 1 is a summary of the programme of work which is in three lots representing three categories of provinces.  The second Table 1 of the same document is actually giving a tabulation of the actual health posts whose work is under progress.

Sir, it is with utter dismay that I observe that only a total of thirty-four out of 650 health posts are under construction in this latest document circulated by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, three years after His Excellency, Mr Sata, sat there where you are, Sir, and told us that 650 health posts would be given to the people of this country. Thirty-four is obviously a mark of failure on the part of the Patriotic Front (PF).

Sir, I come from the Southern Province and looking at this document, there is absolutely not a single health post that is tabulated in this particular latest document as work in progress. Is the hon. Minister, therefore, in order, first of all, to contradict himself and his Deputy and, secondly, not tell me what to tell the people of Mazabuka Central Constituency, who have been anticipating for these particular health posts?

 I need your serious ruling, Sir.

Mr Nkombo laid the Paper on the Table.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Following that point of order by the hon. Member for Mazabuka Central, I would like to advise the hon. Minister of Health to shed some light on that matter at an appropriate time, but before we adjourn sine die tomorrow.

 Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member for Nchelenge can continue.

Mr Mpundu: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education whether there are any plans in the ministry to hive off some faculties to planned State universities in order to decongest the University of Zambia (UNZA).

Dr Phiri: Sir, with the on-going establishment and construction of universities, we hope that UNZA will, in some way, benefit from decongesting the institution. Apart from that, there are also on-going discussions on certain schools being moved to the institutions that are being built. However, these discussions are ongoing.

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo: (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, it Is gratifying to note that there is an attempt to solve this perennial problem of accommodation at UNZA.

Sir, that as it may be, I would like to take advantage of this opportunity to hear from the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education what plans the ministry has in place to cater for the capacity of the lecture rooms. Going by the increased number of students, there is serious congestion at the university.

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, if the hon. Member cared to visit UNZA and the Copperbelt University, he would see that there are quite a few existing indications that the two universities are improving because new structures are being constructed. Therefore, we can only hope that with a little more money, we could hasten the building of these infrastructure.

Sir, the major problem at UNZA is infrastructure and that is what is exercising our minds in the ministry. We, therefore, hope we can come to terms with this challenge.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Konga (Chavuma): Mr Speaker, in his response, the hon. Minister indicated that the infrastructure at that University of Zambia (UNZA) will be funded by the budget. Adjacent to the UNZA, there is a commercial building which coming up. Does the hon. Minister, in collaboration with the council, in some way intend to request the investors to help the council to also build infrastructure for accommodation at UNZA?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, that issue came to this House last year and it was thoroughly dealt with. What we are considering today is student hostel accommodation. To this effect, we indicated that it will be done through Government budgetary allocation. Therefore, the Ministry of Finance will provide the finances for this. At the same time, I mentioned that within UNZA, the council is working on another model, which will complement this budgetary allocation. All in all, we think we can build sufficient student space for UNZA.

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Hamudulu (Siavonga): Mr Speaker, the Patriotic Government (PF) has a bad record of starting works that it does not finish.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Hamudulu: Sir, this afternoon, the hon. Minister has told us that that the Government intends to build these hostels which he has enumerated. When asked how much it would cost, the hon. Minister said the cost would be known after the contract has been awarded. I would, therefore, like to find out from the hon. Minister how they arrived at putting up this kind of infrastructure without taking into account the cost of putting it up.

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, the Government has advertised the construction of a 26 X 4 storey hostels with a bed space of 4,160. As I speak, the tender is running. I would, therefore, like to advise the hon. Member to hold on a little bit so that when the tender is through, I will let this House know the cost of putting up this infrastructure. The hon. Member should, therefore, be confident that from the first day, this Government has lamented the terrible conditions UNZA students are living under. Suffice to say that in some way, we were rescued by Hon. Kambwili’s intervention when he hosted the Central and East Africa sports because there were a few renovations done although that was not enough because it did not increase the bed space. Therefore, this time around, believe me or not, we will shock you because we are determined to build these bed spaces and we mean it.

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kunda (Muchinga): Mr Speaker, it is very difficult to follow pronouncements by the PF Government because it is known for its ‘don’t kubeba’ slogan,’ which means do not tell them.’

 Mr Deputy Speaker: Ask your question!

Mr Kunda: Mr Speaker, the PF Government has failed to complete the construction of the schools that the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) started. How, then, are we and the students out there going to trust this Government to fulfill this promise?

 Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, we should not politick just because we have to because we are dealing with people’s lives. Young men and women have persevered for many years under those very difficult conditions. Here comes hope and this has no bearing on the schools because even the secondary school infrastructure will be worked on. Therefore, I can confidently say that we are almost there because we have just allocated a little money to a big number of those schools. This programme is ongoing, including the four structures in your constituency, but do not ask me how you came to have four projects at the expense of other areas which had nothing.

 Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Phiri: Sir, we are very focused that although there is a backlog of unfinished secondary school projects, we can and we shall complete them. I would like to tell the hon. Member to believe me because UNZA, alongside its scheme, will have 4,169 bed spaces and we are going to do just this. If this becomes a shock to you, bad luck. However, my PF Government will benefit from this undertaking.

 I thank you, Sir.

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

 Mr Livune: Mr Speaker, during his days at UNZA, the hon. Minister was in the forefront encouraging other students to throw stones towards Government officials when they failed to provide these important facilities. Would he, then, commend the students if they went in that direction today because of his failure to provide the required hostels?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, as a student leader, then, we were only guided by the Marxist and Leninist theories.

Laughter

Dr Phiri: We did what we could on behalf of the workers and peasants of this country.

Laughter
 
Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, I would like to advise the student leaders at UNZA not listen to the Opposition. Be focused on your studies. Do not be pushed around by political party manifestos. Yours is to cross the academic line and join society as a useful member of this country. I repeat, let our students not be swayed by any other consideration, political or otherwise, because they will be jeopardising their futures. The people who claim to be supporting them will desert them. Let them focus on the Government of the day, which is the PF, which is now saying, the bed spaces shall be increased. Watch this space. It will be done.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Ministers: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: On who? He has not started.

Mr Nkombo resumed his seat.

Dr Musokotwane (Liuwa): Mr Speaker, thank you, …

Mr Nkombo: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, it is generally believed that what goes around, comes around. In his response, the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education Dr. John Phiri stated that the students must not listen to the Opposition. We, on your left hand side are the Opposition. He also told the students that if they listen to us, we shall desert them the way the PF has deserted them now.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo: Sir, when the PF was in the Opposition, it worked with the students. The students were a bedrock of bringing the PF into the Executive wing of the Government. So, it is clear that what goes around comes around as the PF has now deserted the students.

Sir, the issue of students’ affairs is non-political. Is he, therefore, in order to start inciting the students not to listen to us, who are carrying out our legislative function by asking him about the welfare of students?

Mr Deputy Speaker: You have adequately debated your point of order.

 Hon. Member, you may continue.

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, in the last sports festival that was held at the university, huge amounts of money were spent on renovating the students’ hostels. The indication today is that those renovations are in total shambles. The work done there was sub-standard as there are leakages and breakages. Could the hon. Minister assure us that this time around, the process of procuring contractors will be such that public funds will not be wasted as they were during the last renovations?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, I wish I could answer that question, but it should be directed to a sister ministry. You may want to push in a question to Hon. Kambwili who was totally in charge of those renovations in preparation for the sports festival, which, I must say, he handled very well. However, I can only say that if the renovations did not stand the test of time, it is because of the congestion we have talked about. I say so because the renovations were not meant to decongest the hostels, but only facilitated for the existing infrastructure to be renovated. If there is a need for me to re-emphasise, we hope that the right contractors will be obtained from these rigorous tender procedures that we are undertaking.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kaingu (Mwandi): Mr Speaker, there are so many people who have passed through that institution, as you can see on my left. Have you considered rounding up, through the alumni, these men and women who are doing so well so that they can contribute to the building of hostels at UNZA?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, how I wished I could be in charge of establishing the various alumni institutions in the land. Yes, it is a good idea which we have already thrown to the University Council and all the other universities to consider because from the line up you have suggested, there is quite a wealth of not only knowledge, but also finances that can go a long way. Some of our colleagues were Deputy Vice-Chancellors. So, they carry quite an enormous amount of knowledge about these universities. Why they cannot come together on their own to assist the university only tells you what type of education we are offering ourselves.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

MANDATORY CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

634. Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma) asked the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry:

(a) whether it was mandatory for investors to undertake corporate-social responsibility activities; and

(b) if so, what penalty was imposed on companies that did not undertake the said activities.

The Deputy Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Mr Sampa): Mr Speaker, it is not mandatory for investors to undertake corporate social responsibility activities. However, investors are encouraged to be good corporate citizens who are socially responsible and committed to contributing to sustainable economic development by improving the quality of life of not only their employees, but also in the communities and societies in which they operate.

Sir, since investors are not compelled by any law to undertake corporate-social responsibility activities, it is in their own interest to be socially responsible and good corporate citizens. The Government continues to encourage investors and organisations to be involved in meaningful corporate social responsibility programmes.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has said that it is in the interest of these corporate entities to be socially responsible. I would like to get clarification on what he means by saying, “It is in their own interest.” Is it the reason we have seen these corporate entities mostly only giving donations to hon. Members of Parliament and hon. Ministers serving in the Government?

Mr Sampa: Mr Speaker, it is not true to assert that. Firstly, it helps create a rapport between an hon. Member of Parliament for a particular area and this corporate institution. To start with, these companies are private, and so, if a company spends part of its money on corporate responsibility, then, the community that the company operates in is in good health and works with it. There is a buy in to work for them. So, indeed, we have to expect them to do it out of their own will. First of all, we tax these companies and the money goes to the Treasury. However, on corporate social responsibility, they have to decide on their own.

Sir, I do know that early this year, India passed a legislation that stated that 2 per cent of profits of any company should be channeled to social corporate responsibility. So, in countries like India, it is law, but in Zambia, we are speaking and appealing to them and regulation should be the last option.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mpundu: Mr Speaker, how much oversight is done by the Government on funds spent on corporate social responsibility given that these funds are tax deductable?

Mr Sampa: Mr Speaker, the records will show that a survey was done in 2012 and it revealed that most of these funds were spent on health, arts and construction.

The hon. Member needs to ask the Ministry of Finance a question to know exactly which part of corporate-social responsibility is tax deductable. I know that in the United National Independence Party (UNIP) days, most of the mines under the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) were very strong in putting funds in sports, in particular, because it was tax deductable.

I think that, at some point, the hon. Minister of Finance at that time removed that incentive and we saw most mines stopping to contribute money towards sports. Indeed, some of the funds for corporate social responsibility are tax deductable, but some are not. So, we need to put in a question with the Ministry of Finance to get the exact details.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mucheleka (Lubansenshi): Mr Speaker, in his response, the hon. Minister has given an example of India. However, I want to come a little bit closer to home. I am aware that within the region, countries like Mauritius have legislated that, at least, 2 per cent of the money made by companies should go towards corporate social responsibility. Is it not, perhaps, fair that at this stage the Government should consider bringing in such kind of legislation?

Our communities, such as those in mining areas on the Copperbelt Province and in agricultural sectors in places like Mazabuka near the Zambia Sugar plantation, have suffered so much environmental havoc. Companies around such communities should, at least, be able to plough back somehow into the respective communities by way of setting aside a percentage of their profits towards corporate social responsibility.

The Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Mr Sichinga): Mr Speaker, the issue of legislating or not legislating corporate social responsibility would have to be studied in great detail to determine whether it is preferable to do it that way in order to encourage corporations. However, maybe, just to clarify, I would state that many who have been following industries here and more specifically Zambian companies might recall that the ZCCM did not only spend money on sports, but also on health because it was in the company’s interest that its employees were healthy. So, we did not have to legislate directly that the ZCCM makes that contribution per se.

However, as for the issues that are compulsory like those of ill health that affects employees when they work in a particular environment, legislation is already in place. For example, the pneumoconiosis legislation requires that the mining companies take particular responsibility because their employees have to be tested. If they are found to have a certain kind of condition, then, obviously the corporation must take responsibility.

Secondly, we have legislation on workers’ compensation, which is already in place and corporations are contributing mandatorily. We have not undertaken any study to determine whether it should continue being compulsory or we should do away with this legislation. So, it is an idea that can be entertained, but at this point we think that what is happening is reasonable.

However, Sir, just to give this House some idea from a study that was undertaken, it is reported that US$63.2 million was spent on health and arts and close to US$40 million on construction. Further, US$29 million was spent on sports, US$13 million on education, about US$8 million on sanitation, US$6.5 million on safety and US$2 million on environmental activities. These amounts are quite substantial but, obviously, will vary depending on which kind of institution you are referring to and the kind of damage they might create to the environment or health of their employees.

I thank you, Sir.

WESTERN AND NORTH-WESTERN PROVINCES SHORTEST ROAD LINKAGE

635. Mr Mutelo (Lukulu West) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:

(a) what the shortest road linkage between the Western and North-Western provinces was;

(b) what the status of the road was; and

(c) when the road would be tarred.

The Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Mr Mukanga): Sir, if you look at the question, it is unclear as it can be any road between North-Western and Western provinces depending on where your vantage or reference point is. So, because of that, there is no answer that can be given about the status of the road or when it will be upgraded.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mutelo delayed in indicating to ask a follow up question.

Mr Deputy Speaker: I have always advised that when you want to ask a follow-up question, do not think I am going to sit here waiting for you to stand up for two minutes. You must indicate quickly.

Mr Mutelo: Sir, in his answer, the hon. Minister is saying the question is not clear on the point being referred to. However, would he not have taken any position or given any example by saying this or that point is the shortest route because his staff and himself would have found that out?

Laughter

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, the issue here is that the hon. Member asked an unclear question. How can I ask myself a question and give an answer? Ours is to provide answers when we are asked and I am very clear that if he had provided a reference point, the answer would have been given to him. So, in this case, I would not have just guessed anything because it would have probably been wrong.

Thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kalila (Lukulu East): Sir, I am very disappointed with the kind of response that we have been given because it is very clear that the hon. Member for Lukulu West needs an answer by being guided by the ministry that is responsible for infrastructure and road networks in this country. We should have been told exactly which is the shortest route between the two provinces even if the question is not the way the hon. Minister wished it to be. However, I am very sure, just as you know, that there is a route which one can use from here to the Western Province and from the Western Province on to the North-Western Province. So, …

Mr Mutelo: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: No. You raised your question and he is assisting you through a follow-up question. So, let him first finish his question.

Dr Kalila: Given the background which I have just given, may the hon. Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication country indicate to me what the shortest possible way is, then, to move from here to Kaoma on to the Western Province.

Mr Deputy Speaker: I think the question is on the route between the Western and North-Western provinces. Now you are asking about Kaoma.

Laughter

Mr Deputy Speaker: It appears to me that the hon. Minister has said he does not have an answer to that question. In short, if the hon. Member for Lukulu West wants to put in another question in a very succinct way, he is free to do so next time.

Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Sir, the hon. Minister’s response speaks negative volumes of the ministry’s department of journals that prepares answers for the Executive. For a question to be admitted by the Journals Department at Parliament, it must make sense. However, for his benefit, the only road that links the Western and North-Western provinces is the road between …

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

Mr Deputy Speaker: He insists on a point of order.

You may have you point of order.

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, I thank you for this opportunity. In the first place, for a question to come to this House, there is a processes …

Mr Milambo: Yes.

Mr Mutelo: … and people will have rendered this question unanswerable in this House.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order! Hon. Member, you are using points of order to agree or disagree. I do not think that is the way we should go. The hon. Member for Mazabuka Central wants to say exactly what you are saying. Let him complete his question.

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, please, allow me, using the authority of your Chair, to be a little bit longwinded because I want to go back to this question. The question was clear. It says what is the shortest road linkage between the Western and North-Western provinces.

The Journals Department qualified this question because even a child who has gone into Grade 7 and has done geography and …

Hon. Opposition Members: Yes.

Mr Nkombo: … will know that the road between Mumbeji, through the Watopa Pontoon and either through the Black Forest to Sitaka or through Lukulu Town all the way to the Kaoma/Mangago turn off, is the only linkage …

Mr Milambo: Or Kasempa Turn-off.

Mr Nkombo: … existing between the North-Western and Western provinces as well as the Kasempa/Kaoma Road. What is so complicated …

Mr Kalaba: What are you talking about? You know nothing.

Mr Nkombo: My mother told me that empty tins make a lot of noise.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo: What is the complication in giving an answer based on these two already existing infrastructure which require, according to the hon. Member of Parliament, upgrading to bituminous standard? Where does the problem lie?

Mr Speaker, what is the status of the road and when will it be tarred? There is the Link Zambia 8000 km Road Project and it is in phases. I think it was in the hon. Member’s anticipation …

Mr Mutelo: Yes!

Mr Nkombo: … that a reasonable answer comes from the hon. Minister in order for him to go back to his constituents with the information tomorrow when we rise.

Mr Deputy Speaker: I think to get around this issue and to avoid anxieties, let me advise the hon. Member for Lukulu West to touch base with the hon. Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication and find out.

Hon. Opposition Members: No!

Mr Deputy Speaker: If you are saying no, then, the answer you got is final.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}

KAYOMBO SECONDARY SCHOOL COMPLETION

636. Mr Mwanza (Solwezi West) on behalf of Mr Lufuma (Kabompo West) asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a) when construction of Kayombo Secondary School in Kabompo District, which stalled, would be completed;

(b) what had caused the delay in completing the school; and;

(c) when the school would become operational.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the completion of Kayombo Boarding Secondary School is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.

Mr Speaker, the project had stalled due to delayed release of funds by the Ministry of Finance. The school is expected to open in 2015 once a generator is procured and installed.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mwanza: Mr Speaker, I would like the hon. Minister to confirm which schools in the North-Western Province have been completed in the three years of the Patriotic Front’s (PF’s) Government rule.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, like we have said, and Hon. Mwanza is aware, we inherited a huge backlog of schools since we took over the Government. From the visits the hon. Minister and I have made to these projects, the Patriotic Front (PF) Government is doing its best …

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1615 hours until 1630 hours.

[THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the Chair]

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, in answering Hon. Mwanza’s question, I was just trying to provide a national picture. Out of the eighty-three projects which the PF Government inherited, it has managed to operationalise forty-three schools in the two years and ten months that it has been in power.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, is that not a credit?

Hon. PF Members: It is!

Mr Mabumba: In terms of his regional question from the North-Western Province, just last week, we were allocating money to some of the secondary schools in the North-Western Province.

Mr Mwanza: Which schools?

Mr Mwila: Bebe ama sukulu.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, schools such as Mufumbwe, Mushindamo and Chavuma had money allocated to them. As we have said, our expectation is to operationalise these schools before the end of this year. From that point of view, I expect Hon. Mwanza, who served in the previous Government, to give credit to the PF Government that in …

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mabumba: … less than two years of being in power, politics put aside, it has managed to operationalise forty-three secondary schools under difficult circumstances and this is not a joke.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I want to assure Hon. Mwanza that the PF Government will complete the construction of schools in the North-Western Province and others, irrespective of where they are located in this country.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, there were about three or four high schools in the Western Province which were essentially completed other than for minor things like water and electricity. Similarly, in Liuwa there are many primary schools at Lukena and many other places which have not seen a nail or brick in the last three years.

Mr Kalaba: Last three years?

Dr Musokotwane: Can the hon. Minister indicate when the Government will go back to these high schools and the so many primary schools to resume construction.

The Deputy Chairperson: Bearing in mind that the question is localised to Kayombo Secondary School in Kabompo District, if the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education has a bonus answer, may he give it.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, unfortunately, I do not have a bonus answer.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mweetwa: Sir, the hon. Member for Solwezi West asked a very simple question. How many schools in the three years of the Patriotic Front (PF) administration have been completed in the North-Western Province? It is a very simple question which does not require any veering or meandering.
 
 Additionally, Sir, I would like to find out, on behalf the people of Choma Central, what the problem is as regards the completing of secondary schools that were started by the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD)? People were told that these schools would be completed by 2011/2012. Given that the Government is a going concern, why is it that from the time the PF Government came into power, progress on these schools has stalled? The hon. Minister knows because I invited him to see the Batoka High School in Choma and he has not addressed the invite.

The Deputy Chairperson: May you just ask your question, please.

Mr Mweetwa: Why is the PF administration failing to complete the good programmes and projects of construction of high schools that the MMD left behind?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, I have stated, on the Floor of this House, more than twice, the predicament that the PF Government found upon taking over the Government. Simply put, there were too many secondary school construction projects against a thin Budget line. To construct a school, it takes two-and-a-half years, at the most, on the assumption that you are giving the contractor K12 million per year. As it were, the allocated amount was a paltry K2 million per contractor which was not sufficient to drive the eighty-three projects that were on the ground.

Mr Speaker, we have increased allocation to infrastructure, but even that allocation cannot be adequate to deal with eighty-three projects. However, with the forty-three which the hon. Minister has mentioned, the reason he was asking for credit, we are able to show that within the constrained budget allocation, schools are opening, and widely so, for our boys and girls to use. However, this does not mean that this Government will abrogate its responsibility. We are still yearning for further allocations to be given to non-personal emolument projects because the bulk of that big chunk of money goes to personal emoluments which are salaries of teachers who number 80,000 plus. That is the predicament under which we are working, but are not saying that it is a final roadblock. We will unblock it.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ng’onga: Hear, hear!

The Deputy Chairperson: I hope that questions will be supplementary to the answer that was given by the hon. Minister to the original question.

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister was asked about Kayombo, but stated in his response that his ministry has released funds for Chavuma Secondary School. I would like to find out from him whether the funds released for Chavuma Secondary School are enough to complete the works so that the school can open as a boarding secondary school, as was initially indicated.

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, the answer that was given, and in the process affecting Chavuma, was really a bonus answer to the one that I wanted to give on Kayombo. Kayombo is in the second phase outer works and so is Chavuma. Maybe, that is how Chavuma came in. Strictly speaking, the allocations that we are dealing with are to help these schools complete phase II of the project which we are discussing now. We are hoping that the allocation may enable the schools to open its doors in January, 2015, to the boys and girls, if it has not already opened partially.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Mr Speaker, responding to the question by the hon. Member for Choma Central, the hon. Minister indicated that they found a lot of schools under construction which their budget cannot sustain. Is that not the premise on which the Patriotic Front (PF) took over power? If it still has a predicament, why can it not vacate office and allow the United Party for National Development (UPND) to take over and sort out those problems?

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!
 
Mr Mwila: Question, iwe kabolala!

Hon. Government Members: Aah!

Ms Kapata: That is a joke.

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Dr Phiri: I do not know what he means by the UPND taking over power.

Laughter

Dr Phiri: You have to do a lot of work because to enter the Government, as we did, needs more than 600,000 votes countrywide. Seeing, as against us, you were 166,000, I can only wish you all the best.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Phiri: With the trust that the Zambian people gave us …

Mr Sing’ombe: Question!

Dr Phiri: … I have no doubt at all that they know about the predicament because we have explained to them. They also know the resolve that we have. With the co-operation of our sister ministry, the Ministry of Finance, which is ever understanding, this is no mountain that we cannot crush. We will do the best we can, and indications are that we are succeeding.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Miyanda (Mapatizya): Mr Speaker, responding to Hon. Mweetwa’s question, the hon. Minister said that when the Patriotic Front (PF) took over the Government, there was a huge stock of infrastructure development going on under the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) with a very thin Budget. I have in mind schools that were left at between 70 and 90 per cent completion point and have still not been completed. Why did the PF embark on another set of new infrastructure against what it needed to complete for the sake of that child somewhere in this country?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, I am very happy to hear the hon. Minister …

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The Deputy Chairperson: Maybe, he is shadow minister.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Phiri: Beyond a shadow, I think.

Laughter

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, I love people who lament on behalf of children. For the sake of the Zambian child, we did and are doing what we are doing. There is no doubt about it.

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Dr Phiri: In fact, we have even gone beyond by saying that let us think out of the box. Let us upgrade the basic schools as quickly as possible so that they can swallow the large number of boys and girls who do not find space at grades 8 and 10. If that is not consideration for the children of Zambia, then, I do not know what else we should do.
 
I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Mr Speaker, admittedly, the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, Vocational Training and Early Education requires a lot of money in the Budget to complete schools like Kayombo, Nswanakuda Secondary School …

Hon. Government Members: Where?

Mr Muchima: … and Ikeleng’i High School which it has embarked on albeit without money. Would it not be prudent for the ministry to negotiate with the hon. Minister of Finance, who is very sympathetic, so that these projects can be finished on time, as promised? This is the PF’s third year. When will it complete these projects?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, we are trampling on grounds we have before. The Ministry of Finance is not outside the Government. It is the same as the PF Government and has a large constituency to look after. We cannot ask the Ministry of Finance to abandon other sister ministries to concentrate on us. That is an on-going project. In fact, the Ministry of Finance knows our predicament as much as we understand the predicament it is in. However, this does not suggest that we are not talking. The Government is one and, as one, it will move.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I have noted that the former President of the University of Zambia Students’ Union (UNZASU) has started rebasing even election results.

Laughter

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I want to find out from him whether he is now lamenting and complaining that the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) Government embarked on building massive education infrastructure, which the Patriotic Front (PF) Government has inherited. The PF is finding it very difficult to complete these projects and is complaining, on behalf of Zambians, that the MMD started massive projects.

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, not at all. Lamentations are not part of our vocabulary. We are fighters.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Phiri: We won an election in 2011 very convincingly …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Phiri: … and no mountain will scare us.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, this is why we are able to report what we are doing. Even within the constraints of resources, forty-four schools have officially been opened, and we resolve that the remaining ones will be opened as well. Do not use this as a political gimmick. We are not into that.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, we have a manifesto …

Hon. Opposition Members:  Aah!

Dr Phiri: … and we will deliver that manifesto. In 2016, the people will see where we have come from and where we will be and they will decide.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

MAKUNKA SECONDARY SCHOOL

637. Mr Livune asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a) when the construction of Makunka Secondary School in Kazungula District would commence;

(b) what the estimated cost of the project was; and

(c) what the  estimated period for completing the construction of the school was.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that in the 2012 Infrastructure Development Plan, the ministry provided for the construction of seven secondary school projects which included Makunka Secondary School Project in the Southern Province. However, due to the budget limitation, the ministry decided to begin construction of school projects in Pemba, Monze and Livingstone since the said districts did not benefit from the previous construction of secondary schools.

Mr Speaker, since the project has not yet started at Makunka, the cost as well as the completion period is not known.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Livune: Mr Speaker, eyi mfulumende ilabuyanga bunji.

Hon. Members: Meaning?

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Meaning what?

Mr Livune: Mr Speaker, I am very annoyed with this Government. How can it take away the school for the poor in Makunka when it was planned for? Surveyors were sent to the site to plan and even a contractor was sent and now the Government can take away the school. I am very annoyed.

Hon. Livune walked out of the Assembly Chamber.

Hon. Opposition Member: Beat him.

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister indicated that as a result of the fact that other areas such as Monze and Pemba had not previously benefited, the Government had to do away with the plan for constructing Makunka Secondary School in preference to building schools in these areas. The question that beckons an answer, which has to be provided is: Why is the Government embarking on new infrastructure development when  it is failing to complete the almost-complete structures of secondary schools that were left behind by the MMD? I need a very serious answer from the would-be former hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education.

Laughter

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, we already have a very competent hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education by the name of Dr John Phiri …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mabumba: … so there are no doubts about it.

Mr Speaker, like the hon. Minister said, we need to provide access to education to many of our young men and women in this country and because of that, we need to construct schools. In terms of completion of the construction of schools, the hon. Minister also indicated that the Patriotic Front (PF) Government is resolved to completing the secondary schools that it inherited. I also want to assure hon. Members of this House and the public that this Government is very committed to completing these schools. I have travelled around this country with the hon. Minister to check on these projects and it is not our wish that these projects should remain as they are. This is why we are saying that these projects are going to be completed and our colleagues and the public should give the PF Government a bit of time so that it can complete these projects.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

Rev. Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha (Keembe): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister, in his answer, …

Mr Kampyongo: On a point of order, Sir.

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

A point of order is raised.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I thank you for giving me this slot to raise a very important point of order.

Mr Speaker, the dignity of this House and the etiquette that goes with the Chamber is well known. Is the hon. Member who posed the question to the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education in order, first of all, use unpalatable words in vernacular and wrongly translate them? We all know these languages and according to the translation, he used unpalatable words …

Interruptions

Mr Livune: What did I say?

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

A precedent was set a short while ago. Those that want to indulge themselves in running commentaries know which door to use.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, where I come from, we are cultured and are taught not to repeat insults. However, for the sake of the Standing Orders Committee, I am ready to submit the translation of what he said exactly.

Mr Speaker, was the hon. Member in order to act arrogantly and storm out of the Chamber before his question was exhausted?

Mr Speaker, I seek your serious ruling.

Mr Sikazwe: Hear, hear!

Hon. Government Member: Icongo, iwe.

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

The serious ruling is that since you have not given your translation of the words which you allege are unpalatable, I am unable to make a ruling on that.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Hon. Musenge, I hope you take heed. You are an hon. Minister and you do not behave the way you are doing.

You may carry on, hon. Member for Keembe.

Rev. Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha: … said that the Government is doing everything possible to complete the schools. There is a school in my constituency called Kafushi on which 97 per cent of its works were completed. We are only waiting for 3 per cent of the works to be completed. When will the works on this school be completed?

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Before, the hon. Minister answers, I have been advised that it was Hon. Sikazwe who was the author of that noise that was emanating from there. Whatever the case, let us behave honourably.

 Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, in the same vein, Hon. Rev. Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha, the operational plan for 2014, which we are circulating, should enable you to appreciate our efforts and our resolve to complete the projects, including the school you have mentioned.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I had no intension of asking a question. However, I will ask now that the hon. Minister has mentioned the infrastructure development plan for this year. In the last two years, the ministry has been circulating these infrastructure development plans which it has never honoured. What guarantee is there that this year’s infrastructure development plan will be honoured?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, I hope the hon. Member is not discouraging us from giving out this operational plan. We have resolved that we will give it out hoping that what it contains will be delivered.

I thank you, Sir.

SKILLS TRAINING CENTRE IN KAPUTA

638.  Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa) asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education: 
(a) whether the Government had any plans to upgrade the Skills Training Centre in Kaputa Parliamentary Constituency; and

(b) whether the ministry had any plans to work with the Ministry of Youth and Sport in order to broaden the skills programmes being offered at the centre.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the skills training centre in Kaputa is run by the Adult Literacy Unit in the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education. The ministry has plans to upgrade it in 2015 by constructing a carpentry workshop, depending on the availability of funds that will be provided. This year, 2014, we have introduced two Grade 10 classes at the centre which are running in accordance with Kaputa Secondary School’s new curriculum.

Sir, the ministry has collaborated with the Ministry of Youth and Sport and will continue to do so in order to broaden the skills currently being offered at the centre in view of the two-tier education system the ministry is implementing.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has indicated that two classroom blocks for Grade 10 pupils were introduced. Will the Government be able to build additional structures in order to accommodate the Grade 10 pupils who will continue to Grade 12 at this institution?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education will do that and we have answered this question before.

I thank you, Sir.

SOLAR POWER PLANTS IMPLEMENTATION

639. Mr Mwanza (on behalf of Mr Lufuma) asked the Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development what the status of implementation of the solar power plants in the following districts was:

(a) Chavuma, 1 MW;

(b) Kabompo, 3 MW;

(c) Mufumbwe, 1 MW;

(d) Mwinilunga, 2 MW; and

(e) Zambezi, 2 MW.

The Deputy Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development (Mr Zulu): Mr Speaker, the status of implementation of solar power plants in Chavuma, Kabompo, Mufumbwe, Mwinilunga and Zambezi districts is that the projects are currently at evaluation stage.

I thank you, Sir.

BAROTSELAND AGREEMENT OF 1964

640.  Mr Mutelo asked the Minister of Justice whether there was any legal action anywhere in the world between the Barotse Royal Establishment and the Zambian Government over the Barotseland Agreement of 1964.

The Minister of Justice (Mr Kabimba, SC.): Mr Speaker, the Zambian Government has not received any notification nor is it aware of any legal action anywhere in the world by the Barotse Royal Establishment.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, are you sure the Government of Zambia has not received ‘simons’ …

Laughter 
 
Mr Mutelo: … summons from the International Court of Arbitration over the Barotseland Agreement of 1964?

Mr Kabimba, SC.: Mr Speaker, the answer is the same. We have not received any ‘simon’ from anywhere.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter

Mr Mwanza: Mr Speaker, when the Patriotic Front (PF) Government came into power, it appointed a commission to look into the affairs of the Barotseland Agreement and that report is still gathering dust in the hon. Minister’s office. When will the Government publish the findings?

Mr Kabimba, SC.: Mr Speaker, that is a totally different question.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, let me declare interest. Hon. Kabimba is my friend …

Laughter

Hon. Opposition Member: Oho?

Dr Kaingu: Yes, of course. I do not hate him the way you do.

Laughter

The Deputy Chairperson: Address the House through the Chair, please.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, does the hon. Minister know the importance of the Barotseland Agreement to the ‘One Zambia One nation’ motto? If he does, may he tell the House and the nation at large.

Mr Kabimba, SC.: Mr Speaker, I am being taken into the domain that is not part of the parameters of the question.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, in view of the question by the hon. Member for Lukulu West and, indeed, cognisant of the fact that the issue of the Barotseland Agreement continues to nag this nation, I am reliably informed that, at the moment, we have Barotse activists in prison. What is the PF administration doing to bring this to an amicable and conclusive end as opposed to leaving it subject to speculation?

Mr Kabimba, SC.: Mr Speaker, any matters that relate to the breach of our laws will be dealt with by the appropriate authorities like the Zambia Police Force and the National Prosecutions Authority. That is not the area that I am dealing with in this question.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ndalamei (Sikongo): Mr Speaker, as the Patriotic Front (PF) campaigned, it promised the people …

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

The Deputy Chairperson: A point of order is raised.

Mr Ndalamei: … to restore the Barotseland Agreement.

Laughter

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Laughter

Mr Mweetwa: Sir, I apologise to the hon. Member on the Floor for interrupting his thought process.

Sir, given the controversy surrounding the Barotseland Agreement of 1964, what is the PF administration doing to bring this whole debate to an amicable and conclusive end? It is not about whether the people who are in prison are released or not, but the whole debate of the Barotseland Agreement has arisen because it was upon this that the PF set a very formidable platform for its campaigns. That aside, what are you doing to end this debate? Is the hon. Minister in order, therefore, to have misunderstood my question?

Laughter

The Deputy Chairperson:  If he misunderstood your question, which I cannot vouch for,  it is out of order. I hope you get what I am saying.

Laughter

Mr Ndalamei: Mr Speaker, when the PF Government …

Dr Kaingu: On a point of order, Sir.

The Deputy Chairperson: A point of order is raised.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, you know that I am a very humble man …

Laughter

Dr Kaingu: … and I do not usually rise on points of order.  The Barotseland Agreement is fundamental to the unity of this country. I find it appauling for the hon. Minister of Justice, who is my friend, to underplay its importance. Is the hon. Minister of Justice, despite his knowledge, in order to underplay the importance of this agreement which has brought disunity to this country?

I seek your serous ruling, Mr Speaker.

The Deputy Chairperson: Order! The serious ruling is that the Learned hon. Minister of Justice will clarify the issue of underplaying the importance of this agreement as he responds to the question by the hon. Member for Sikongo.

Mr Ndalamei: Mr Speaker, when the PF campaigned in 2011, it promised the people of Barotseland to restore the Barotseland Agreement when in power. However, when the people remind the Patriotic Front (PF) Government of this promise, they are being arrested. Is this what you call good governance in the PF?

Mr Kabimba, SC.: Mr Speaker, I do not know of any citizen of this country who has ever been arrested …

Interruptions

Mr Kabimba, SC. : … for reminding the Government about the Barotseland Agreement of 1964. Coming back to the question of my friend, Hon. Dr Kaingu, we are not underplaying the importance of the Barotseland Agreement and that is the reason His Excellency the President, in 2012, set up the Commission of Inquiry on this issue and the findings of that inquiry are still pending consideration by the Cabinet. As soon as that process has been concluded, we shall inform the hon. Members and the public accordingly.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Livune: Mr Speaker, …

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

The Deputy Chairperson: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, I do not know what this day is to me.

Laughter

Mr Mutelo: Sir, I had two questions on the Order Paper and none of them has been answered. The hon. Member of Parliament for Katombola asked a question and when it was answered, he got annoyed. Is the Executive in order to answer in a manner which is frustrating the hon. Members of this House and the nation at large, more especially the people of Barotseland?

 I seek your serous ruling, Sir.

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Since I do not have the evidence that they are frustrated, I am unable to make a ruling. To amplify this, after your question was asked, an answer was given and I allowed more people to ask more questions. That was in an effort to extract an appropriate answer, if I may say so, from the Executive.

The hon. Member for Katombola may continue.

Mr Livune: Sir, based on the knowledge that the hon. Minister of Justice is aware of the issue concerning the Barotseland Agreement, …

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Livune: … and the question raised by Hon. Mutelo, I would like to find out from him, based on his good judgment, if he is aware of any problem between the Barotseland and the Government of Zambia or the people of Barotseland versus himself and his Government.

Mr Kabimba, SC.: Mr Speaker, I do not come to this House to exercise my personal judgment. I come here to represent the Government of the Republic of Zambia. Therefore, the answers that I give are the position of the Government of the Republic of Zambia, represented by His Excellency the President and my colleagues on this side (right). I do not come here with my own judicious judgment.

I thank you, Sir.

BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION IN KAMFINSA

641. Mr Chishimba (Kamfinsa) asked the Vice-President:

(a) when the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) would release funds for the construction of the following bridges in Kamfinsa Parliamentary Constituency:

(i) Chakalamo;

(ii) Kakomo;

(iii) Kamatete; and

(iv) Mashula;

(b) what the total cost of the constructions at (a) was; and

(c) who the contractors for the bridges were.

The Deputy Minister in the Vice-President’s Office (Mr Mwango): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that my office has received numerous requests from hon. Members of this House for the rehabilitation of crossing points in various districts. My office has endeavoured to facilitate emergency repairs of crossing points. Considering the limited financial resources, not all requests for rehabilitation of crossing points received have been attended to.

Mr Speaker, out of the four bridges submitted by Hon. Chishimba, emergency rehabilitation works on the Mashula Bridge were completed last year. The remaining crossing points will be referred to the Road Development Agency (RDA) for inclusion in the annual work plan after technical assessment.

Mr Speaker, the total cost of the construction at (a) is K290,868. The cost for the other bridges will be determined by the RDA after a technical assessment.

Sir, the contractor who worked on the Mashula Bridge was the Rural Roads Unit (RRU). The contractor for the other three bridges will only be known once the RDA has included the bridges in the annual work plan.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, the problem of bridges is countrywide. Does the Government have any plans to rehabilitate bridges that are almost collapsing such as Myoye Bridge in Nangoma Constituency?

Mr Mwango: Mr Speaker, the Government is determined to do some of these works. What is currently happening is that the Road Development Agency (RDA), under the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication, is working on some bridges.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I am a bit baffled by the Office of the Vice-President. Every time we take problems to that office, His Honour the Vice-President usually calls us to his office here at Parliament.

Mr Mweetwa: On a point of order, Sir.

The Deputy Chairperson: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mweetwa: Sir, I rise on a very serious point of order bordering on national interest and having been asked by the people to bring this issue to this House. However, before I proceed, allow me to apologise to my uncle who was on the Floor and, I think, had a valid question.

Sir, the travelling public is extremely concerned about the unbecoming behaviour of the Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication, Hon. Panji Kaunda, who has made it his primary role to conduct road blocks to such an extent that, not too ago, he impounded a vehicle belonging to Chief Mpezeni …

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Mr Mweetwa: … and it created a wrangle.

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, in yesterday’s The Post Newspaper, there was a picture in which he was mounting another road block when his primary role is to be a policy maker and not an implementer. So, the travellers out there want to find out whether or not Hon. Panji Kaunda is in order to turn himself into a police officer and not a policy maker. I am told that when he is conducting those road blocks, his demeanour is very questionable. Is he in order to continue victimising the people who elected us by wearing a Road Transport Safety Agency (RTSA) uniform at a road block? No one knows whether he submits the money he makes at those road blocks.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Ng’onga: Question!

The Deputy Chairperson: I have attentively listened to the point of order which you have raised. However, you have sufficiently debated it. Therefore, I have no ruling to make.

May the hon. Member continue.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, every time we bring our concerns to the Office of the Vice-President, he calls us to his Office here at Parliament and thereafter nothing happens. Is this the way His Honour the Vice-President wants to operate by simply calling us to hear our concerns and that is all?

Mr Mwango: Mr Speaker, I thought that the hon. Member would even commend His Honour the Vice-President for taking that initiative. Hon. Members are encouraged to write to us concerning disasters in their constituencies.  The question which I was answering was written to us by the hon. Member of Parliament for Kamfinsa requesting us to work on those bridges. I am disappointed to hear that what His Honour the Vice-President is doing is not good enough. Hon. Members are, in fact, encouraged to come to our offices so that we can interact and pave the way forward.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, having listened …

Dr Kaingu: On a point of order, Sir.

The Deputy Chairperson: A point of order is raised.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I did not say that what His Honour the Vice-President is doing is wrong. What I am not happy about is that after we engage him, nothing happens. He just wants to make us a talking shop.

Sir, is the hon. Deputy Minister, who is the Acting Vice-President, in order …

Laughter

Mr Nkombo: In PF anything is possible.

Dr Kaingu: In PF anything is possible.

Laughter

Dr Kaingu: Sir, is the hon. Deputy Minister, who is the Acting Vice-President, in order to give a completely wrong version of what I said in this House?

The Deputy Chairperson: His Honour the Vice-President will clarify that as he answers the question by the hon. Member of Parliament for Monze Central.

May the hon. Member continue.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, in reference to the answer that has been given by His Honour the Vice-President in relation to the repairs of bridges and other crossing points across the country, I would like to findout from him whether the mandate of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) has changed considering that the mandate, as we know it as hon. Members of Parliament, is to take into account and repair and, if possible, provide crossings in emergency situations. We have seen a situation where more than five years after reports have been made, nothing has happened. What are the main problems the DMMU is encountering?

Mr Mwango: Mr Speaker, it is due to financial constraints. The DMMU is restrained by its resource envelope. We would want to work on all these bridges, but we are constrained because of the resource envelope. As regards Hon. Dr Kaingu’s point of order, I encourage the hon. Member to write to us. Hon. Members must not shun our offices because these are their offices. They must write to us and we will to respond to all those emergencies.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

KIDNEY AND HEART PROBLEMS SPECIALISED HOSPITAL

642. Mr Hamusonde asked the Minister of Health:

(a) whether the Government had any plans to construct a hospital that would specialise in kidney and heart problems;

(b) if so, when construction would commerce; and

(c) why Government health institutions referred some medical tests to privately-owned laboratories in Lusaka and South Africa.

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the Government, through the Ministry of Health, has plans to establish a specialist kidney and heart hospital. We are currently discussing these plans and there are no dates attached to the commencement of construction yet. However, the focus, at the moment, is to strengthen existing specialist services at our tertiary institutions.

Sir, Government health facilities only refer some medical tests to privately-owned laboratories within the country or outside for certain specialised tests that are currently not being offered in our public health facilities.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out whether the hon. Minister is aware that it takes two months for someone who is sick to be diagnosed with a certain disease. Is that being fair to Zambians?

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, I would have been happy to hear the diseases he is talking about. Otherwise, we have well-trained staff that are able to take the history, investigate and provide diagnosis within a reasonable time. However, if there are certain diseases that are probably taking two months to diagnose, he may need to inform us about them.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Mr Speaker, I would like to know whether the Government does not see the urgency of constructing a hospital that will specialise in kidney and heart problems. If it sees the urgency, why are there no dates attached to the question that was posed by Hon. Hamusonde?

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the urgency to construct a kidney and heart hospital is there. However, we are not saying that such services are not being provided at the moment. We are providing these services at our tertiary institutions.

We will consider constructing this hospital within the next few years albeit there is a limited resource envelope.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, hon. Members of Parliament and the general public have noticed, with concern, that kidney and heart problems afflict mainly the elite and leadership of this country to the extent that a lot of money is being spent by the Government of the Republic of Zambia on sending many of these people outside the country for treatment.

Sir, I do recall that a week ago, Hon. Livune, asked a question in relation to the availability of a heart specialist in the country. We were told that, currently, there is none. However, the hon. Deputy Minister said that there was no urgent need to construct a kidney and heart hospital at the moment. Does he, then, think that it is in the interest of Zambians and the country at large to continue spending so much money evacuating patients that are elite and able to fend for themselves outside the country?

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, Zambia today is challenged by the dual burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases. We are aware that the broad categories of these non-communicable diseases include cardiac diseases and we are doing everything possible to improve our health promotion campaigns to ensure that we mitigate the risk factors that cause non-communicable cardiac conditions.

Mr Speaker, we are also looking at those who are already diseased. We are modernising infrastructure in the existing hospitals by buying modern equipment to ensure that we attend to such patients. For instance, at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), we have procured a cardiac catheterisation laboratory which will enable us to diagnose and treat most patients with heart conditions. We also have renal dialysis units for all the tertiary institutions. This has, again, made it possible for us to attend to kidney patients.

Mr Speaker, it is not true that we do not have any heart specialists in the country. At the moment, we have a heart surgeon at the UTH and we are in the process of engaging another one with broader competencies who will perform open heart surgery. We have, therefore, invested in modern equipment that will help us in heart surgery. As I speak, heart surgeries are being done at the UTH.

I thank you, Sir. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, I am grateful for the efforts being made in the area of non-communicable diseases.

Sir, the hon. Deputy Minister and I know that it is very expensive to undertake such medical interventions. Is the Government thinking of partnering with institutions such as the Apollo Group of Hospitals that already have the expertise with regards to service delivery as well as training?

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, there is a partnership that exists between the Ministry of Health and the Apollo Group of Hospitals. Most patients that we diagnose with non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiac or renal conditions, do go to the Apollo Group of Hospitals and are attended to.

Sir, we are considering having a private facility here in Zambia where we shall have all these specialist services being provided. The Government will actually reduce the cost of referring patients abroad by having these services in-country.

However, like I said, we are also modernising our own facilities. Currently, we have a doctor at the UTH who can do kidney transplants. We also have a number of doctors at the UTH who are well trained in cardiac catheterisation methods. This means that they can attend to various heart conditions. With the new heart surgeon we are bringing in, capacity will be improved. So, we are actually doing everything possible to partner with the private sector to ensure that we improve our management of non-communicable diseases, including cardiac diseases. 

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Matafwali (Bangweulu): Mr Speaker, at the moment, the treatment of renal diseases is actually concentrated in Lusaka. When will the ministry consider decentralising the whole system?

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, secondary renal services are provided at tertiary institutions. Therefore, we are providing renal dialysis at the UTH and we have also procured renal dialysis units at Ndola Central, Kitwe and Livingstone hospitals.

Sir, at district level, services commensurate to their level of accreditation are provided and this does not include renal dialysis services.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyanda: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that the results that one gets from the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) when he or she has a heart problem are actually not accurate because the echo machine has been held together by cello tape for three years?

Laughter

Mr Miyanda:  I say this because I am a victim of that situation. Less than a month ago, I was admitted at the UTH and told that while the results had come out, they were not accurate because the machine had been held together by cello tape for the last three years. Are you aware, hon. Minister?

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, firstly, I am not aware and secondly that assertion is not true.

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Dr Chilufya: We have competent …

Interruptions

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Let us listen to the answer.

Dr Chilufya: We have competent practitioners of medicine in this country who are able to do echo-cardiography to a high degree of accuracy, as the machine can allow. Our capacity to do an echo-cardiography is not doubted.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

LUSAKA TOWNSHIP ROADS REHABILITATION

643. Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a) whether the project for the rehabilitation of township roads in Lusaka had been completed;

(b) which contractor worked on Gardenia Road in Avondale;

(c) whether the contractor had completed the works, including the construction of drainages; and

(d) if not, when the works would be completed.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr N. Banda): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that the rehabilitation of township roads in Lusaka is on-going and the various projects are at different stages.

The inner-ring road project will be completed in November, 2014. The Lusaka 400 km Project is scheduled for completion in early 2016. The Lusaka 50 km and the 15.04 km road projects have reached practical completion.

Mr Speaker, Messrs Plinth Technical Works Limited was engaged to work on Gardenia Road under the contract for the rehabilitation of 15.04 km of selected urban roads in Lusaka. The contractor substantially completed the works. The outstanding works relate to the construction of speed humps, installation of road signs, repair of damages and attending to some defective drainage lining and structures.

Sir, as regards part (d) of the question, the contractor was expected to complete the remaining works and the repair works by the end of June, 2014. However, the contractor failed to complete the few remaining works and, therefore, the ministry has started the process of terminating the contract.

 I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that some of the township roads are in a terrible state, especially where there are junctions with roads that come into the main ways where the edges are very sharp and dangerous to motorists of small vehicles as they join the roads? I would, therefore, like to know from the hon. Minister whether these contractors will go back to finish these particular points since there are a danger to motorists and other road users.

Mr N. Banda: Mr Speaker, indeed, the Government is aware that the contractors who have not performed very well should be replaced through the termination of the works that they have not completed very well. So, we are cognisant of the fact that we need to ensure that works are completed properly.

 I thank you, Sir.

NATIONAL SAVINGS AND CREDIT BANK IN KALABO

644. Mr Miyutu asked the Minister of Finance:

(a) when all Public Service employees in Kalabo District and surrounding areas would start receiving their salaries through the only bank in Kalabo, the National Savings and Credit Bank, which was recently opened;

(b) when bank accounts for all Government departments in the district would be transferred to the bank in Kalabo; and

(c) what measures had been taken to ensure that the  bank attracts customers to start utilising the bank to ensure it does not become a white elephant.

The Minister of Finance (Mr Chikwanda): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that when the payroll is ready each month, salaries to Public Service employees are paid to individual bank accounts in various commercial banks through the direct debit and credit clearing system (DDACC).

Sir, Public Service employees are required to open individual salary accounts with any commercial bank of their choice in which their salaries will be credited each month. The Ministry of Finance does not give directives to Public Service employees to open their salary accounts with specific commercial banks.

With the foregoing, the public and Public Service employees in Kalabo District and surrounding areas are free to open their salary accounts with any bank of their choice, including the National Savings and Credit Bank (NATSAVE).

Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that Kalabo District is among the fourteen districts where NATSAVE is the only banking institution. In this regard, the Treasury, through Circular Minute Number MF/I01/20/8 dated 10th February, 2014, informed all Government departments in the fourteen districts to procure banking services with the sole banking institution, NATSAVE.

Mr Speaker, in addition to the directive to all Government departments to bank with NATSAVE, where it is the only bank, the bank’s micro-financing programmes and assets financing initiatives will undoubtedly be a big attraction to customers in the district of Kalabo. Further, NATSAVE, through its Marketing Department, will continue to sensitise the residents on the benefits of opening up accounts with the sole bank.

 Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that even after the issuance of the circular which he has stated, as it is now, Government departments in Kalabo are not saving with NATSAVE?

Mr Chikwanda: Mr Speaker, I was not aware, but I am extremely ready for the information the area hon. Member has offered. That being the case, I would like to urge the hon. Member for Kalabo Central to work with us so that we get something practical.

 I thank you, Sir.

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister consider giving me a bonus answer on when NATSAVE will be considered to join the clearing house. I am a religious saver in this upcoming bank. Perhaps, the hon. could indicate when his ministry will give authority to this bank to join the clearing house so that transactions of interbank transfers and banking are made easier.

Mr Chikwanda: Mr Speaker, it will be inadmissible for me to give Hon. Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo an answer which is not accurate and inadequate. I will instead research and revert to him.

 I thank you, Mr Speaker. 

________

RULING

THE EXCESS EXPENDITURE APPROPRIATION (2011) BILL

The Deputy Chairperson: Hon. Members, although the matter of bringing the Excess Expenditure Appropriation (2011) Bill is out of time by seventeen days contrary to what is provided in the Constitution, the Constitution does not prescribe the sanction for bringing the Bill out of time. Therefore, as has been done by the House on previous occasions when this type of delayed action has happened, that is, in 2005, the Excess Expenditure Appropriation (2001) and (2002) Bills were debated and considered accordingly. The House is at liberty to exercise its discretion to pass the Bill or to reject it after hearing from the hon. Minister of Finance on this matter during the Second Reading Stage of the Bill.

That is my ruling.

_______

BILLS

SECOND READING

THE EXCESS EXPENDITURE APPROPRIATION (2011) BILL, 2014

The Minister of Finance (Mr Chikwanda): Mr Speaker, hon. Members will recall that when the Public Accounts Committee was constituted on 2nd October, 2012, it was mandated to review and make recommendations on all public financial matters relating to the financial year ending 31st December, 2011. In 2012, the House accepted the recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee to authorise the excess expenditure in the sum of K456,014,070,00. The objects of this Bill, therefore, is to regulate this excess or unconstitutional expenditure incurred during that period.

Sir, the subject was extensively debated when the House considered the 2011 Financial Report, the 2011 Auditor-General’s Report and the 2011 Report of the Public Accounts Committee.

Mr Speaker, let me, as stated by you, say that we are very mindful that we are presenting the Bill seventeen days after it was supposed to be presented, in accordance with the Constitutional provisions. This delay was occasioned by genuine difficulties in compiling, verifying and processing of the figures.

Sir, this slippage on the part of my ministry is inadmissible and, in future, we will ensure that we do not have any such embarrassing lapses.

Sir, I beg to move.

Mr Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Members for their magnanimous spirit.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Question put and agreed to and the Bill read a second time.

Committed to a Committee of the Whole House.

Committee on Wednesday, 23rd July, 2014.

THE SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (2012) BILL, 2014

Mr Chikwanda: Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the Bill be now read a second time.

Mr Speaker, following the approval of the Supplementary Estimates No. 1 of 2012, which enabled the Government to carry out some of the essential operations that were not initially appropriated in the financial year which ended on 31st December, 2012, I was directed to return to this House with the necessary legislation to give effect to the resolutions of the House. The principle of the Bill before this House is to legalise the supplementary estimates of the monies aggregating K2,755,044.000.00 for the financial year ending 31st March, 2012.

Sir, as the hon. Members are aware, the Supplementary Estimates No. 1 of 2012 were thoroughly debated in this House at the material time. This Bill is straightforward and I recommend it to the House accordingly.

Sir, I beg to move.

Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Members for their spirit and assure them that they will never be taken for granted.

Question put and agreed to and the Bill read a second time.

Committed to a Committee of the Whole House.

Committee on Wednesday, 23rd July, 2014.

THIRD READING

The following Bill was read the third time and passed:

The Zambia Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Bill, 2014.

______

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

The Minister of Defence and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Lungu): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

Hon. Ministers rose.

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

I note the desire to debate when there is no Motion to debate.

Laughter

Question put and agreed to.

_______

The House adjourned at 1752 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 23rd July, 2014.