Tuesday, 12th April, 2016

The House met at 1430 hours

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER
________

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR SPEAKER

GLOBAL CONFERENCE OF YOUNG PARLIAMENTARIANS, 134TH IPU ASSEMBLY AND RELATED MEETINGS

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that with support from the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the National Assembly of Zambia successfully hosted the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians on 16th and 17th March, 2016, and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly and Related Meetings from 19th to 23rd March, 2016, at Mulungushi International Conference Centre. In addition, the 23rd Meeting of Women Parliamentarians was convened on 19th and 22nd March, 2016, at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, while the meeting of Association of Secretaries-General of Parliaments was held from 20th to 23rd March, 2016, at the Radisson Blu Hotel. 

The Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians was attended by 130 young parliamentarians from fifty countries. The conference was held under the theme “Agenda 2030: Youth Taking the Lead, Leaving No One Behind”. It focused on the recently adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that the young parliamentarians were eager to address from a people-centered perspective.

Hon. Members, some of the resolutions of the Young Parliamentarians Conference included the following:

(a)    to engage politicians and decision makers to show political will and to render their support to youth participation;

(b)    to work hand-in-hand with the older generation of politicians in order to boost youth representation in parliaments;

(c)    to lobby international and national agencies as well as civil society organisations to work in partnerships in order to enhance and to promote the collection and use of sex-disaggregated data;

(d)    to take the lead in ushering in a new era of democracy through the use of social media and digital communication media channels to better link young citizens and parliaments; and

(e)    to ensure that corruption is curbed as it is one of the greatest challenges to the implementation of fair, equitable and sustainable development. 

Hon. Members, the Association of Secretaries-General of Parliaments, that is, Clerks of Parliaments of the world, discussed, amongst other issues, the role of parliaments in the ratification of presidential appointments, issues and processes relating to crossing the Floor by hon. Members of Parliament, parliamentary privilege and a citizen’s right of reply, the issues concerning enacting emergency legislation and the process of setting and approving budgets of Parliaments.

Hon. Members, the 134th IPU Assembly was attended by 1,294 delegates from 126 countries.  Of the total number of delegates, forty were Presiding Officers, thirty-nine Vice-Presidents and 634 hon. Members of Parliament.

Hon. Members, the following are some of the resolutions reached by the 134th IPU:

(a)    urge parliaments to commit to the empowerment of women as a means of preventing and combating terrorism in all its forms, in particular by securing the full participation of women and youth in decision-making and their economic independence; 

(b)    emphasise the absolute need for enhanced international co-operation and the promotion of inter-parliamentary information exchange in order to effectively tackle terrorism and dismantle terrorist networks;

(c)    call upon individuals to refrain from using religion, religious heritage and culture to commit terrorist acts, as this fuels religious and cultural prejudice; 

(d)    ensure that recommendations on criminal legislation relating to terrorist attacks or activities are clearly and precisely drafted to ensure that legal proceedings and international co-ordination in the fight against terrorism are effective;

(e)    encourage parliaments to adopt comprehensive regulations that provide for measures to protect cultural property in cases of armed conflict, disaster or emergency situation; 

(f)    encourage a more systematic establishment of protection parameters to prevent permanent or long-term damage to countries’ physical, cultural and environmental heritage; 

(g)    endeavour to ensure respect for and enhanced recognition of cultural heritage in society, in respective education systems and policies;

(h)    encourage parliaments to do everything possible to foster and organise high-level training on the conservation and protection of cultural heritage in all its forms and facilitate capacity-building initiatives for their safeguarding;

(i)    encourage the establishment of both national listed heritage assessments and  potential climate-change related risks in order to take measures to limit them; 

(j)    call on parliaments to request their governments to put in place measures to inform parents on the need to register children at birth and remove all barriers to the registration of children in registry offices regardless of nationality, race, ethnicity, language, religion or social status; and

(k)    call on parliaments to ensure adequate funding for civil registry, including moving towards the digitisation of registration where possible.

Hon. Members, I wish to express my profound appreciation to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: … the National Co-ordinating Committee on preparations for the IPU, the Executive Committee of the IPU Zambia National Group, all members of IPU Sub-committees and staff of the National Assembly of Zambia for the successful hosting of the 134th IPU Assembly in Lusaka.
    
I thank you.

__________

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning (Mrs Wina): Mr Speaker, I rise to give the House some idea of the business it will consider this week. However, before I do this, let me welcome back all hon. Members from the recess. 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development: Mr Speaker, this meeting is the last one before we go for the 11th August, 2016 General Elections ... 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development: … as well as the referendum on part III of the Constitution. I would, therefore, like to urge all hon. Members to make full use of this meeting as we deliberate on the affairs of our country. 

Sir, let me now turn to the Business of the House expected to be transacted this week. As indicated on the Order Paper for today, Thursday, 12th April, 2016, the House will commence with Questions for Oral Answer. Thereafter, the House will consider the First Reading stage of the following Bills:

(i)    The Service Commissions Bill, 2016;

(ii)    The Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2016; 

(iii)    The Parliamentary Service Bill, 2016; 

(iv)    The National Assembly (Powers and Privileges) (Amendment) Bill, 2016; and

(v)    The Mines and Minerals Development (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

Mr Speaker, tomorrow, Wednesday, 13th April, 2016, the Business of the House will commence with Questions for Oral Answer, if there will be any. This will be followed by Presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will deal with Private Members’ Motions, if there will be any. The House will, then, debate the Motion to adopt the Report of the Committee on Information and Broadcasting Services. 

On Thursday, 14th April, 2016, the Business of the House will begin with Questions for Oral Answer, if there will be any. This will be followed by Presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. The House will, then, debate the Motions to adopt the reports of the following Committees: 

(i)    Committee on Education, Science and Technology; and

(ii)    Committee on Legal Affairs, Governance, Human Rights, Gender Matters and Child Affairs.

Sir, on Friday, 15th April, 2016, the Business of the House will start with Her Honour the Vice-President’s Question Time. This will be followed by Questions for Oral Answer, if there will any. After that, the House will deal with Presentation of Government Bills, if there will any. Thereafter, the House will debate the Motion to adopt the Report of the Committee on Youth and Sport. The House will, then, deal with any business that may be outstanding. 

Mr Speaker, before I conclude, I would like to state that the nation is aware of the fatal road accidents that have been witnessed in the past weeks. On 4th April, 2016, a bus belonging to Mazhandu Family Bus Services was involved in a road accident between Kapiri Mposhi and Kabwe and seven people lost their lives. Last weekend, twenty-five people, again, lost their lives when a Wada Chovu Bus collided with a minibus near Kabwe. Another accident happened in Mpongwe last week where lives were, again, lost.

Mr Speaker, I would like to express my condolences and that of the Government’s to the families of the departed loved ones, may their souls rest in eternal peace. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

_____ 

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

STATUS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA (UNZA), GREAT EAST ROAD CAMPUS, AND THE COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY (CBU)

The Minister of Higher Education (Dr Kaingu): Mr Speaker, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to, yet again, update the nation on the status of the University of Zambia (UNZA), Great East Road campus, and the Copperbelt University (CBU) which ...

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kaingu: ... were closed on 3rd February, 2016, following violent protests.

Interruptions 

Dr Kaingu: Sir, since my last address to the House, the Government has engaged the two institutions and other stakeholders with the aim of having the two institutions reopened.

Mr Speaker, the House will recall that the Government had given five conditions to be fulfilled by the universities before they could reopen. The interim council and the management of the two universities have been working towards meeting these conditions for the past month.

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Dr Kaingu: Sir, I am happy to report that both the CBU and UNZA have fulfilled four of the five conditions given and have been allowed to reopen. The CBU will reopen on 17th April, 2016, while UNZA will reopen on 24th April, 2016.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, the fifth condition that is yet to be met by the two universities is the conclusion of the disciplinary process. However, students facing disciplinary charges will not be allowed to report for school.

Sir, I urge the two universities to ensure that they continue to pay attention to upholding security and discipline and strive for academic excellence. As they strengthen security measures, the two universities will also be expected to review the current system of allocating accommodation. The current system where students are allowed to sublet their rooms is another source of confusion at the universities.

Mr Speaker, further, I wish to confirm what is already in public domain that the decision to cancel the students’ meal allowances has been reversed. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kaingu: His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia has prevailed over me to reconsider the cancellation of the meal allowances.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwila: Eh ma Minister aya!

Dr Kaingu: Sir, in conclusion, let me reiterate that no amount of anger should drive our students to riot and damage private and university property. There are civilised ways of expressing grievances as opposed to rioting. I appeal to students at the two universities to take their studies seriously and desist from all manner of political activities. As the students return to their studies, they should keep in mind that their participation in politics should start and end with their right to vote.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

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

Mr Muntanga (Kalomo Central): Mr Speaker, the laws governing higher education authorise the hon. Minister to close institutions of higher learning with a specific directive to reopen them. The last time I raised this question, the hon. Minister agreed to reopen the schools as per the law.

 Mr Speaker, the law does not give the hon. Minister any power to attach conditions to the reopening of the universities. Therefore, what law did he apply that gave him the power to give preconditions to reopening the universities? If the hon. Minister’s only reason for closing the universities was violence, why has he attached other conditions which are not related to the closure of the universities?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, the Higher Education Act clearly states that the Minister of Higher Education will use the law to adequately provide leadership to the institutions of higher learning and that is what I did. 

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Musonda (Kapiri Mposhi): Mr Speaker, I commend the hon. Minister of Higher Education for the decision to reopen our institutions of higher learning.

Sir, our institutions of higher learning have always closed because of political interference. This is something we are not happy about. I would, therefore, like to find out from the hon. Minister what measures have been put in place to stop these institutions from closing every now and then?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, the conditions which were given to the CBU and UNZA will help us to curb the act of political players turning universities into hunting ground for membership to their parties, something which has become very common today. I assure the hon. Member that these conditions which have already been effected by the two universities will help us.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, the situation at hand is similar to the one that we experienced towards the run-up to the 20th January, 2015 By-Election. His Excellency the President, who was an aspiring candidate at the time, overturned the decision by the hon. Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs to recognise Kanyanta Sosala, who is the King of the Bemba people today. I congratulate His Excellency the President for overturning the decision that the hon. Minister made to suspend meal allowances for our dear ones.

Sir, it has become overwhelmingly clear that the hon. Minister made a wrong decision to suspend the meal allowance. I asked the hon. Minister during the last meeting whether this act was punitive or corrective and he told me that it was punitive. In the face of this, does the hon. Minister not think that he should resign from the position of hon. Minister of Higher Education?

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, is it not orderly that now that the hon. Minister’s boss has found him on the wrong side of the judgement, he steps aside so that ...

Interruptions 

Mr Speaker: Continue.

Mr Nkombo: Sir, I need your protection because Hon. Kapata is talking and I am capable of doing anything. 

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Just hold on, hon. Member. 

There is no need for those running commentaries, hon. Members. Let the hon. Minister, …

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: ... hon. Member, complete the question.

Laughter

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, maybe, to ask the hon. Minister to resign will be over melodramatic. However, does the hon. Minister not consider apologising for the time that these children have spent sitting at home when he knows the children who are now on the spotlight for facing disciplinary action? Does he not think that it is important that he, at least, apologises instead of resigning, since he has limited time to go together with his group?

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I am sure the hon. Member of Parliament was saying whatever he was saying as a light moment. 

Interruptions

Dr Kaingu: If he was serious, I can only say that he is envious …

Laughter

Dr Kaingu: … that we continue to enjoy providing leadership to the great Republic of Zambia. 

Mr Speaker, it was very clear that the meal allowance was a source of the problem that we had at the universities. I also want the hon. Member for Mazabuka Central and the House to know that no student lost an allowance. The pronouncement was made while the students were on forced break. What led to the closure of the university was not my pronouncement on the meal allowance, but the riotous behaviour of the students. So, I will not want to bring the two together and I know that the hon. Member is clear about this. So, I do not see any reason to quit my job. I just want to thank His Excellency the President for his continued supervision to his hon. Ministers. After all, we hold these jobs on his behalf.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mtolo (Chipata Central): Mr Speaker, reconciling the two statements that the hon. Minister has given us today with the previous one which he gave just before we went on recess, would he guide us on the issue of loans because I think the two go hand-in-hand. I was expecting to hear a statement on that. What is the status of the loans to students as regards their stay at the two universities?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, we are working on bringing the Bill on loans and scholarship scheme for our students in higher learning institutions before the House adjourns sine die.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Namulambe (Mpongwe): Mr Speaker, yesterday, I read in one of the print media that the lecturers at the Copperbelt University (CBU) have not yet been paid. The hon. Minister has told us that four out of the five conditions that he gave, have been met. How much was spent on meeting the directives he made to the two institutions and why have the lecturers not been paid?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I am not privy to the quantum of money that was spent on meeting these conditions. The question is purely operational and it is within the ambit of the university management and not that of the Ministry of Higher Education. 

Sir, as to why the lecturers have not been paid, I can only say that that is administrative and only the Vice-Chancellor can give me the answer. If the hon. Member of Parliament can be patient enough, I will ask the Vice-Chancellor to give me the reason the lecturers have not been paid.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamudulu (Siavonga): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has informed us here that one of the areas of concern which he hopes to address is the vice of subletting of rooms by students. It is common knowledge that we do not have enough accommodation at the universities. Can the hon. Minister care to share some of the reasons, if he has, students resort to subletting rooms and how he hopes to address that issue.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, inadequacy of rooms cannot be used as the reason for the subletting of rooms by the students at the university. I do not know how that can mitigate the shortage of rooms at the university. As the Government, I would like the hon. Member to know that, at the moment, we are building over 4,000 room capacity accommodation at the University of Zambia (UNZA). That is what will mitigate the shortage of accommodation there. It is true to say that this has been left unabated for a long time. We would, therefore, want the university administration to look into the way the rooms are allocated to the students and how they are managed. 

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Simuusa (Nchanga): Mr Speaker, I am aware that after the closure, there were discussions, measures and conditions set which had to be fulfilled before the universities were reopened. In the various discussions, were there any discussions on measures and conditions to ensure that the institutions do not close prematurely again?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, the conditions are very clear and if they will be adhered to, they will protect our institutions from closing prematurely for a long time.    

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kazabu (Nkana): Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister inform this House how many students will not be allowed to get back to the two universities, the Copperbelt and the Great East Road Campus. If the hon. Minister knows the number of the affected students, can he tell the House how they were identified?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, yes, I am aware of the number of the affected students who are still undergoing the disciplinary process, but not their names. The number of the affected students from the CBU is fourteen while the number of students from UNZA is nine.

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 Mr Speaker: Order!

 How was the identification done?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I do not have the information on how the students were identified. The information on this issue was only forwarded to me by the management of the two institutions.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Minister for having reversed the decision to ban the meal allowance. Only students at the Copperbelt University (CBU) and the University of Zambia (UNZA) receive the meal allowance. Since the hon. Minister has mentioned that the Government will now introduce loans to students at higher institutions of learning, I would like to find out from him whether the loans will now be extended to students at other public universities like the Mulungushi University which does not receive meal allowances.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I want to confirm that all students from all public universities will be covered.

 I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo West): Mr Speaker, we all know that there is a saying that, ‘Time waits for nobody.’ We also know that time is money and that time wasted can never be regained.

Sir, other than losing time and inconveniencing the lecturers as well as the students and the loss of time and the imperatives that go with it in terms of academic progress, could the hon. Minister kindly give us a catalogue of the benefits that were gained from this closure.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, there was no gain that was benefited from this closure and we regret that the institutions closed. It is our hope that the two universities will never close again. I agree with the hon. Member that time is more than money because money can be made, but time can never be recovered once wasted. I, therefore, want to use the hon. Member’s question to appeal to the students to realise that if they continue being riotous, they will lose time. When they lose time, they will not graduate on time. When they delay in graduating, they will cause their parents and guardians to unnecessarily suffer the consequences of providing money for their education.

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 Ms Imenda (Luena): Mr Speaker, by the hon. Minister’s admission, His Excellency the President had to prevail on him to reverse his decision of cancelling the meal allowance. Does it mean that to that point, the hon. Minister was not convinced to reverse his decision before His Excellency the President’s intervention? Also, which section of the law gives the hon. Minister the right to unilaterally cancel the meal allowance paid to students by the two universities?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, my statement that His Excellency the President prevailed on me to reinstate the meal allowance is very clear. When somebody prevails over another, it means that the person who is being prevailed upon was not ready to rescind his or her decision on his or her own, hence, the guidance given. Therefore, guidance was provided by His Excellency the President and it has been accepted, and I thank him for it.

Sir, as regards the law which I used to cancel the meal allowance, I was very clear when I responded to the question by the hon. Member for Mazabuka Central. The hon. Minister’s latitude in the Higher Education Act is very high. Hon. Members need to read the law for them to understand it because it was enacted in this House. 

Mr Speaker, it is the law which was enacted in this House that has given me the powers to provide leadership.

 Sir, I thank you.

Mr Mufalali (Senanga): Mr Speaker, …

Mr Muntanga: On a point of order, Sir.

 Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, I apologise to the hon. Member for Senanga for interrupting his question.

Sir, the hon. Minister has been continuously talking about the law which has prompted me to raise a point of order. Is he in order to avoid accepting that the decision he made was wrong? For proper guidance, I want to quote from the Laws of Zambia, Section 40 – Closure of public higher education institution which says:

“The Minister may, after consultation with the Authority by notice in the Gazzette, close a public higher education institution, where the public higher education institution −

(a)    is not operated in accordance with the provisions or requirements of this Act;

(b)    does not have full-time instructors while in session, except by distance education;

(c)    is used in a manner that is detrimental to the interest of the learners, public peace and security, good governance or the health and security of the learners; or

(d)    has ceased to provide the facility or service for which it was established.

Sir, in Section 40(2) the Minister may close a public higher education institution, for a specified period, on grounds of health or public disorder.

Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has indicated that his decision to close the two institutions of higher learning was based on public disorder. The question of the meal allowance and scanners or whatever they may be called is not indicated here.

Hon. Government Members: Aah! 

Mr Muntanga: Sir, the specified reason for closure was disorder. Therefore, was the hon. Minister in order to have attached conditions to the reopening of the universities when they are not specified in the law? What law did he use? Is he in order to avoid referring to the law that empowers him?

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

I will allow the hon. Minister to clarify the issues raised in that point of order.

Mr Mufalali: Mr Speaker, the Minister of Higher Education has admitted that his judgment on the closure of the two universities over the meal allowance was inaccurate and impaired. 

Sir, does the hon. Minister undertake that his ministry will pay the meal allowances in full and on time?

 Ms Lubezhi: Hear, hear!

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I cannot make such a commitment because even the hon. Member of Parliament for Senanga knows where the money for the meal allowance comes from.       
 
It comes from his tax and many others who pay taxes. Therefore, if we do not collect enough tax in a particular month, we are not able to pay the meal allowance on time. That is the only problem, and I expect everybody who has a Grade 12 certificate to understand that.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, …

Dr Kaingu: I withdraw that statement, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker: Yes, thank you.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: He has withdrawn that statement.

Dr Kaingu: Sir, I withdraw it and if it has injured my brother …

Mr Speaker: Order!

It has been withdrawn and it ends there, hon. Minister.

Laughter

Dr Kaingu: Thank you.

Mr Speaker: There is no need for any explanation.

Interruptions

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, as for the clarification that the hon. Member of Parliament for Kalomo Central sought, I want him to read the Act in totality and not just one clause. He must read the Act and he will understand that there are many provisions for the Minister and not only the one he mentioned.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr L. J. Ngoma (Sinda): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister indicated that of the five conditions that he gave, the one concerning the disciplinary proceedings against the students is still outstanding. However, last time when he presented a ministerial statement, he was very emphatic that those students who would be found wanting would be expelled. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether he will consider a general amnesty so that the students are allowed to get back to the universities or will he wait for His Excellency the President to rescind the decision like he did with the meal allowances?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, if it was possible, I would have agreed with the hon. Member, but allow me to make a comment. There cannot be amnesty when there is no decision that has been made. Those students are still undergoing the disciplinary process and let us allow the institutions which we created in this House to undertake that process. Thereafter, we can discuss whether there will be some amnesty or not.

Sir, whether His Excellency the President will correct me again, I will not shy away from that. It is within the jurisdiction of His Excellency and, indeed, the responsibility of the Cabinet collectively to decide whenever one of us make a decision that we think requires public attention like the meal allowance. So, hon. Member for Sinda, I will always be subjected to the Cabinet and His Excellency the President for guidance.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane (Liuwa): Mr Speaker, the conditions that the hon. Minister laid out for the universities to be allowed to reopen included a heavy outlay of expenditure at a time when the country is struggling financially. Could the hon. Minister assure this House, and the nation at large, that the solution to rioting at the universities has been buried forever and that we shall never have another riot after those heavy expenditures have been incurred so that we are assured that the investment that has been made is a sound one?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, if life was guaranteed, then, we would all know when we are going to die. In an ideal situation, the conditions that I gave are meant to ensure that students focus their attention on academic achievement and not political participation. After these conditions have been met, we should not have any more closures. However, conditions usually just guide us and it is entirely up to the students themselves to realise why they go to universities. It is, thus, fundamental for them to know that they are at the universities to pursue academic excellence. So, let us all appeal to the students to refrain from riotous behaviour and urge them to focus their attention on their studies.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

__________

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

CHASEFU BOARDING SECONDARY SCHOOL

377. Mr I. Banda (Lumezi) asked the Minister of General Education:

(a)    when the construction of Chasefu Boarding Secondary School in Chasefu Parliamentary Constituency would be completed;

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

(c)    when the school is expected to be opened.

The Deputy Minister of General Education (Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, the construction of Chasefu Boarding Secondary School in Chasefu Parliamentary Constituency is expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2016.

Sir, the delay in completing the project is due to insufficient budgetary allocation to on-going project implementation.

Mr Speaker, the school is expected to open in January, 2017, after completion of the works in the fourth quarter of 2016.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr I. Banda: Mr Speaker, I would like to know if the hon. Minister is sure that money needed for the completion of the school will be disbursed this year. How sure is he that there will not be another excuse of funds not being available?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, we have about K500 million in the 2016 Budget. All things being equal and that money is released, I am sure that significant progress regarding the completion of Chasefu Secondary School will be made.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mufalali (Senanga): Mr Speaker, the question regarding Chasefu Secondary School has been brought to this House before. So, why does the Government keep telling us that the money is available, yet nothing is happening at Chasefu Secondary School? Why does the Government keep changing its position on this Secondary School? 

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the project value for Chasefu Boarding Secondary School is K44 million. K12 million has already been paid against the certified works. As a ministry, we pay on the basis of the certified amount of works, hence, the payment of K12 million. So, it is not that we do not pay for this project. When we have certified works and the Ministry of Finance releases the money, it goes to the contractors.

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Mr Mutelo (Lukulu West): Mr Speaker, does the ministry monitor the contractor? If this is done and money is paid according to the works done, why are the works delayed?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I have said that project is worth K44 million. The certified amount of works are worth K12 million, which has already been paid. So, if the contractor does not carry out a significant amount of work, then, it becomes difficult for us to pay him because there would be no certificates for the certified amount of works at the Ministry of General Education. So, in terms of the value of works done, those works have been paid for. My only request is that the contractor expedites the works on that particular project.

I thank you, Sir.

CLINIC CONSTRUCTION IN NALIKWANDA CONSTITUENCY

378. Prof. Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda) asked the Minister of Health what the progress on the construction of clinics in Nalikwanda Parliamentary Constituency, under the 650 Health Posts Project, was.

The Deputy Minister of Health (Dr Chilufya): Mr Speaker, under the project to construct 650 health posts, Nalikwanda Parliamentary Constituency was allocated two health posts. These are Looma and Natonga. Both health posts are complete. Loma is operational and Natongo will be operationalised on 18th April, 2016, as the members of staff are in the process of reporting to the new clinic.

I thank you, Sir.

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, thank you, ...

Mr Mwila: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, I stand on very serious point of order. Is the hon. Member of Parliament for Chongwe Parliamentary Constituency in order to come to the House wearing a Likishi hat such that we cannot even see her face?

Mr Mwimba H. Malama: Gule Wamukulu.

Laughter

Mr Mwila: Sir, I need your serious ruling.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Well, as far as the rules are concerned, nothing has been violated. However, if you would like to see her face, I would urge you to draw closer to her.

Laughter

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, having come from the constituency, I am a little disturbed because the answer given by the hon. Deputy Minister does not reflect the reality.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Prof. Lungwangwa: Sir, I was in my constituency and did not find Loma and Natongo clinics. So, where is this information coming from?

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member for Nalikwanda Parliamentary Constituency will have to accompany us to his constituency so that we can show him where the two clinics have been constructed.

I thank you, Sir.

Prof. Lungwangwa: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: I do not think that we should engage in a dialogue. 

Mr Ndalamei (Sikongo): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Deputy Minister still assuring this House that all the 650 health posts will be opened this April, 2016? In Sikongo, the contractor has not gone on site because the Government has not paid him for the works that he carried out on the   health posts in Liuwa.

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the health post in Sikongo will be completed according to schedule.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

FEEDER ROAD REHABILITATION

379. Mr Katambo (Masaiti) asked the Minister of Defence when the following feeder roads would be rehabilitated:

(a)    Chankute via Kaunga in Masaiti District to Mutaba in Kafulafuta Parliamentary Constituency;

(b)    Lamba/Lima Road in Masaiti Parliamentary Constituency;

(c)    Chinondo in Masaiti District to Ibenga in Mpongwe District; and

(d)    Ital Terrazo in Masaiti District to Chondwe in Kafulafuta Parliamentary Constituency.

The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Mwila) (on behalf of the Minister of Defence (Mr Siamunene),: Mr Speaker, Chankute via Kaunga in Kafulafuta Parliamentary Constituency is the first on the priority list submitted by the provincial administration and the rehabilitation will commence immediately after the rainy season.

Sir, the Lamba/Lima Road in Masaiti Parliamentary Constituency has not been included on the priority list from the provincial administration on the roads to be rehabilitated. Chinondo, in Masaiti District, to Ibenga in Mpongwe District, will be rehabilitated after the Chankute via Kaunga in Masaiti to Mutaba in Kafulafuta Parliamentary Constituency.

Mr Speaker, the Ital Terrazo in Masaiti District to Chondwe in Kafulafuta Parliamentary Constituency has not been included on the priority list of roads to be rehabilitated from the provincial administration.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, are these roads that are not on the priority list from the provincial administration going to be worked on after the rainy season? 

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, I have mentioned the two roads that are earmarked for rehabilitation. The two roads that the hon. Member is asking about are not on the list. So, the ones that are listed will be rehabilitated after the rainy season.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ntundu (Gwembe): Mr Speaker, I want to help the hon. Member for Masaiti. I am surprised that he has switched seats. I expected him to be in that seat.

Mr Speaker: That is beyond your purview.

Laughter

Mr Ntundu: Sir, I was just surprised that he is on that side.

Mr Speaker: You can make a mental note of that.

Mr Ntundu: Sir, the hon. Minister has not given us the reasons for the Lamba/Lima Road, in Masaiti Parliamentary Constituency not being on the list of feeder roads to be rehabilitated. What are the reasons?

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, the provincial administration chooses the roads to be rehabilitated in a particular province and every province has been allocated funds to rehabilitate three roads this year. In this case, one road will be rehabilitated in Masaiti District out of the three roads in the province. I am sure the provincial administration will submit the names of other roads in the district for rehabilitation in 2017. 

I thank you, Sir.

CHIEFS’ PALACES ELECTRIFICATION IN SOLWEZI WEST CONSTITUENCY

380. Mr Kasonso (Solwezi West) asked the Minister of Energy and Water Development when the following chiefs’ palaces in Solwezi West Parliamentary Constituency would be electrified.

(a)    Senior Chief Musele; and

(b)    Senior Chief Mukumbi.

The Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Development (Mr Zulu): Sir, the above-mentioned senior chiefs’ palaces and their surrounding areas in Solwezi West Parliamentary Constituency will be electrified as soon as funds are available. The scope and cost estimate of electrifying the above-listed areas have already been established by the Rural Electrification Authority (REA).

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kasonso: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that there were celebrations at both palaces in 2013 based on information that the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) would electrify the two palaces?

Interruptions 

Mr Speaker: I am not sure about the question. Did you put a question, hon. Member for Solwezi West?

Mr Kasonso: Sir, my question is whether the hon. Minister is aware that ZESCO held celebrations at the two palaces regarding their electrification in 2013.

Mr Speaker: That is still a statement anyway.

Laughter

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, I am not aware of that. What I know is that it is not the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) that will electrify the palaces, but REA.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Ndalamei: Mr Speaker, is the electrification of these two palaces in the 2016 National Budget?

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, it is not.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamudulu (Siavonga): Mr Speaker, was the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) initially supposed to electrify those two palaces, but there has been a change of plans, thereby, eliminating ZESCO’s plans?

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, I think we all know that REA is responsible for connecting rural areas to the national electricity grid. Therefore, I cannot see how ZESCO comes in regarding this particular case. Nonetheless, I will make a follow-up with ZESCO and find out if it was part of the initial plans because I am not aware of such plans. What I know is that REA will connect these two palaces to the grid. In fact, I can take hon. Members through the list of places to be connected in this regard. There is Senior Chief Musele’s Palace, Musele Primary School, Musele Rural Health Centre and Musele Local Court. In Senior Chief Mukumbi’s area, we have the palace itself, Mukumbi Primary School, Mukumbi Local Court, Mukumbi Rural Health Centre and Mukumbi Agriculture Centre. The money that is needed for this project is K7 million.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

TOWNSHIP ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN KALABO DISTRICT

381. Mr Mutelo (on behalf of Mr Miyutu) (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a)    whether the Government had any plans to construct township roads in Kalabo District under the Pave Zambia 2,000 km Road Project; and

(b)    whether there were advantages in paving the roads as opposed to tarring them and, if so, what the advantages were.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Kafwaya): Mr Speaker, the Government, indeed, has plans to construct township roads in Kalabo District under the Pave Zambia 2,000 km Road Project and Kalabo has been allocated 7.7 km. The paving of township roads has several advantages as outlined below:

(i)    low maintenance costs;

(ii)    employment creation for local people;

(iii)    improving the outlook of the town;

(iv)    more friendly to the environment than the traditional construction methods of using bituminous products;

(v)    skills transfer to the local authorities’ technical staff during the implementation phase; and

(vi)    long-term overall construction costs will be lower as the equipment bought shall belong to the Government and not the private sector, therefore, making the production costs of the paving blocks low.

Sir, it should, however, be noted that the shifting of the implementing institution from the Road Development Agency (RDA) to the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, through the local authorities, is currently underway.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mutelo: Sir, the hon. Minister’s answer was that, indeed, the Government has plans to construct township roads in Kalabo District, but when will that be done?

The Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Kampyongo): Mr Speaker, I wish the hon. Member who had asked the substantive question was here to, at least, confirm how easier it is now for him to move from Kalabo to Mongu. A proper bridge has been constructed on that road and people are no longer using boats and canoes.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, if the hon. Member had cared to follow the hon. Deputy Minister, he would have heard him state that we are currently working on the shifting of the implementation function of the Pave Zambia 2,000 km Road Project from the Ministry of Works and Supply to the Ministry of Local Government and Housing. Once that is done, which will be very soon, we should be able to inform the hon. Member exactly when we shall work on the 7.7 km that has been allocated to Kalabo under this project.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Musokotwane (Liuwa): Mr Speaker, I want to confirm that I enjoy driving on the Mongu/Kalabo Road and want to thank President Rupiah Banda for that.

Interruptions

Hon. MMD Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: Sir, the hon. Minister said that the Government prefers paving rather than tarring district roads. In view of the fact that the soil in Kalabo is basically sand, can he give us an assurance that using pavers, presumably made out of sand, will result in the district roads not having a long life. Could he also reiterate that, in fact, tarring is not more advantageous to paving the roads.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I want to acknowledge the hon. Member’s thanks to his Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kampyongo: The hon. Member has also thanked Mr Rupiah Banda.

Dr Musokotwane indicated dissent.

Ms Kapata: You did.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, let us confine ourselves to the question.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, let us give thanks where it is due because implementing a project of such magnitude is not a simple undertaking.

Mr Masumba: It is not easy.

Mr Kampyongo: Once a project of that sort is done, let us learn to appreciate.

Mr Masumba: Exactly.

Ms Kapata: Of course.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I want to clear the impression created by the hon. Member for Liuwa. My response and that which came from the hon. Deputy Minister did not imply that we prefer paving to tarring the roads to bituminous standard. What the hon. Deputy Minister was stating are advantages of paving the roads. The ministry and engineers are aware of the sandy soil composition and the terrain in Kalabo. That is the reason we have only given 7 km of roads to be paved in the district. This is in addition to other existing projects on township roads in the district. We assure the hon. Member that the work that will be done through paving will be durable and satisfy the people in Kalabo District.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, I would like to hear more details from the hon. Minister on this paving project. The hon. Minister has said that works will start soon. Could he give us the cost of these works, who the contractors are and other details about the project.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, are you able to give us those details?

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, if the hon. Member followed the substantive question, which was posed by the hon. Member for Kalabo Central, he would have heard the answer that was provided. If the hon. Member wants us to repeat the answers so that he can satisfy himself on behalf of the hon. Member who is not in the Assembly Chamber, the answer to part a of the question is …

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, I do not think that is the issue. You have made your point …

Mr Kampyongo: Thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: … that question has been answered and this is an additional question. Let us leave it at that. The data is not available. If the hon. Member would like to pursue this matter, please, ask a question and I will forward it to the hon. Minister and you will get your response.

KALABO DISTRICT IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WATER TRANSPORT

382. Mr Mutelo on behalf of Mr Miyutu asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

(a)    whether the Government had any plans to provide water transport to the Immigration Department in Kalabo District to enhance its operations;

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

(c)     if there were no such plans, why.

Mrs Masebo: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, I rarely raise on points of order.

Hon. Government Members: Hmmm.

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, I hope this point of order will move the Government to act urgently. 

Mr Speaker, is the Leader of Government Business in the House in order to keep quiet about the issue of over 400 people in Chongwe Constituency, Chongwe District, in an area called Chapamalesa, who have been sleeping outside in the cold and it has been raining the past few days?

Police officers, accompanied by cadres armed with guns, moved into the area and demolished their homes and destroyed food. As I speak, these poor Zambians are currently homeless and without food. In addition, the people who demolished houses and displaced the people were in the company of a Chinese investor who was said to have bought the piece of land and they were using a Government vehicle registration number GRZ 701 CE. The Government vehicle was used to intimidate people as it was said to be an hon. Minister’s vehicle.

Mr Masumba: Which one?

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mrs Masebo: I do not know which hon. Minister. I was just told that the vehicle belonged to an hon. Minister.

Mr Speaker, these people are Zambians living in their own country which has an elected Government in office. Would it not have been helpful and humane for the Government, in a Christian nation, to provide the people with, among other needs, an alternative place to stay, tents, food and sanitation, including safe drinking water, as opposed to what has happened right now?

I seek your serious ruling urgently, Sir.

Mr Speaker: My ruling is that Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning, through an appropriate ministry and hon. Minister, will respond to what you have just stated in the course of this week.

The Deputy Minister of Home of Affairs (Col. Chanda): Mr Speaker, regrettably, the Government has no plans to provide water transport to the Immigration Department in Kalabo District. The response to part (b) and (c) of the question is intertwined in that budgetary constraints cannot allow the department to purchase water transport. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, if the reason for the failure to provide water transport is that there are no funds available, would the hon. Minister not give hope by saying that, funds permitting, water transport will be provided to the Immigration Department in Kalabo District. May I get that from the hon. Minister?

Mr Speaker: What is your question?

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, there are no plans to provide water transport for the Immigration Department because there are no funds available. Would the hon. Minister not give hope to the people by saying that, funds permitting, water transport will be provided other than just saying because there is no money, then, water transport will not be provided.

Interruptions

Col. Chanda: Mr Speaker, I commiserate with the hon. Member and share his sentiments. We do not take pride in not providing for our people. However, when there are no funds, there are no funds. We would have been the first people to support this very noble suggestion because we appreciate that we have a responsibility, as a ministry, to police the western side of the Zambezi River. However, the financial constraints I referred to have made it very difficult for us. We will press on because we are also concerned and seek the indulgence and support of the hon. Members in the next Budget to enable us to provide this service. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo West): Mr Speaker, how does the hon. Minister expect these noble gentlemen to carry out their noble duties of policing this boundary?

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, I would like to inform the hon. Member of Parliament for Kabompo – is it East or West?

Mr Speaker: West.

Mr Mwila: I would like to inform him that a bridge has just been completed. Officers were passing through the Zambezi River on boats and canoes, but the coming of the Mongu/Kalabo Road has sorted out this problem.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, the problem has not been sorted out because Angolans come into Zambia via the Luanginga River by boats. However, when Zambians try to go into Angola, they are harassed and stopped because Angolans have the means to do so. 

Mr Speaker, now that the hon. Minister knows that the problem has not been sorted out by the completion of the Mongu/Kalabo Road, which President Rupiah Banda gave to us, …

Hon. Government Members: Aah!

Dr Musokotwane: … can he clarify how this problem will be sorted out?

Laughter

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament for Liuwa must know that although this project was started by the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), 70 per cent of it has been completed under the Patriotic Front (PF) Government. Therefore, praise must be given to the PF Government. Let us not pretend.

Mr Speaker, I stand to be corrected as regards the Luanginga River. We will look into this issue and assess whether there is a need for us to buy a speed boat.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

SOLWEZI/CHINGOLA ROAD PROJECT

383. Mr Kasonso asked the Minister of Works and Supply:

(a)    what the names of the contractors working on the Solwezi/Chingola Road were:

(b)    how much money was disbursed to each contractor as of January, 2016; and

(c)    what the time frame for completion of the entire project was.

The Deputy Minister of Works and Supply (Dr Mwali): Mr Speaker, the contractors working on the Solwezi/Chingola Road are China Geo Engineering Corporation and Buildcon Investments Limited. 

Sir, the amount of money disbursed to each contractor as at January, 2016, is as follows:

    Lot    Contractor    Amount Disbursed (ZMW)

    1    China Geo Engineering Corporation    68,469,794.79
    
    2    Buildcon Investments Limited    50,516,045.81

    3    China Geo Engineering Corporation    77,807,493.59    

The time frame for completing the whole project is twenty-four months.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kasonso: Mr Speaker, if so much money was paid to the contractors, why have they not worked on the detours? It is now taking five hours to travel between Chingola and Solwezi.

The Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Mukanga): Mr Speaker, I want to take advantage of this question to state that the Patriotic Front (PF) Government is committed to ensuring that it provides the necessary services to the people of Zambia. In this quest, it has done very well on the Mongu/Kalabo Road.

Mr Mwila: Hear, hear!

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, this road had to be redesigned to ensure that we have the best product.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mukanga: So, when people live in the past and think that they are the ones who worked on the road, it is too bad. We, as the PF Government, have done our level best and praise should be given to us.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, in Lot 1, the physical progress is about 16 per cent. The contractor has done a lot and has primed about 6 km. Soon, we will see the black top. On Lot 2, the contractor has also given us physical progress of about 14.3 per cent. There were a few challenges in the middle lot because of the non-payment of funds. This has been resolved and the contractor has worked on about 17.5 per cent up to sub-base. Under Lot 3, the physical progress is 15.8 per cent. The contractor has also primed the works up to 7 km and we will soon see the asphalt layer.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Pande (Kasempa): Mr Speaker, from the percentages that have been given, it is clear that very little has been done on this road which is a nightmare. I do not know whether the hon. Minister would plan to travel on that road to appreciate the concerns of the people of the North-Western Province.

Mr Speaker, in his response, the hon. Deputy Minister said that it will take twenty-four months to complete the road. I would like to know from what date we begin to count the twenty-four months.

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I have been on that road three times and know what is going on. Every project has a start and end date. The start date for Lot 1 was 19th June, 2015, and will be completed on 18th June, 2017. When you calculate, you will see that it is twenty-four months. The start date for Lot 2 was 1st June, 2015 to 29th November, 2016. The start date for Lot 3 was 19th June, 2015 to 18th June, 2017. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Konga (Chavuma): Mr Speaker, the follow-up question from the hon. Member of Parliament for Solwezi Central was to find out why there are no proper detours. It is now rainy season and it is a nightmare to divert off the road. Why will the contractors not make detours that will enable motorists to drive properly?

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I said that the contractor who was working on Lot 2 had a few challenges in trying to maintain the diversions due to financial challenges, resulting from non-payment. However, this issue has since been resolved and the contractor is now able to maintain those diversions. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Muntanga (Kalomo Central): Mr Speaker, will the hon. Minister ensure that the road being built will be able to carry the heavy load of trucks coming from the mines? Most of the trucks which pass through our roads carry loads of about 90 to 120 tonnes and our roads are not designed to accommodate such loads.

Mr Speaker, I also want to add that the hon. Minister should not worry about getting praises for the construction of roads. Instead, he should realise that when someone impregnates a woman who later gets married to another person, the person who impregnated her will still be the owner of the child, even if the person who married the woman takes good care of her and the child. 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Muntanga: Therefore, I want the Patriotic Front (PF) Government to understand that whatever projects were started by President Rupiah Banda are the PF Government’s projects. 

Mr Speaker: Order!

Maybe, before the hon. Minister answers, let me just intercede. It seems that this is a persistent issue. I do not think that we should dwell too often on this. There is always continuity in these things. There is always a Government in place. So, let us not waste our precious time constructing this dialogue on this road. Otherwise, we will waste precious time. 

The hon. Minister may respond. 

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, the design of the roads being built now has changed, especially for places where we think heavy loads need to be accommodated. So, this road will definitely be able to accommodate heavy stress. The design of the road was done through proper consultation and we have technocrats who will check the construction of the road to ensure that whatever specifications and designs were provided are adhered to. As for the latter part of the question, I have been guided by the Hon. Mr Speaker not to dwell on it, but I had an answer.

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out what the total cost of this road is. 

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, the total cost is K12 million. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, I think that I heard the hon. Minister say that the inauguration date for the construction of the Solwezi/Chingola Road is 19th June, this year. If I remember correctly, early this year, His Excellency the President travelled to Solwezi to inaugurate the construction of the road. Can the hon. Minister clarify these two different occasions. 

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, firstly, I would like to correct the figure I gave earlier about the total cost of constructing this road. The total cost is K1.2 billion. Secondly, I said that ...

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1615 hours until 1630 hours. 

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, the duration for this project is from 19th June, 2015, to 18th June, 2017. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, it is well-known that the Solwezi/Chingola Road is very important in connecting the South and East African countries. Hopefully, it will eventually connect us to the West African countries. May I know whether this road will be a dual carriageway that will be able to carry the anticipated volume of traffic? 

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, this road will not be a dual carriageway. However, in future, we intend to make it a dual carriageway under a different project.

I thank you, Sir. 

Ms Namugala (Mafinga): Mr Speaker, I heard the hon. Minister mention that the cost of this road project is about K1.2 billion or K1.2 trillion, old currency. I do not know if I am correct. If I am not, please, correct me. The hon. Minister has said that this will be a single-lane road. Does he think that this is value for money? Who is the contractor of this project? 

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, firstly, I have just done the calculations for the project and found that it will cost us about K1.4 billion. Secondly, this road project is value for money because we need to get goods transported from the North-Western Province and the people there have been crying to have this road worked on. This road project has been divided into three lots and two contractors have been assigned to work on it. China Geo-Engineering Corporation is working on the first and the third lots and Buildcon Investments Limited will work on the second lot. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Hamudulu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister stated that this road is, indeed, value for money. I would like to implore the hon. Minister to ensure that his ministry closely follows the specifications given so that this road does not end up like the Bottom Road which, with all its surrounding accolades, has potholes now. 

Hon. Minister, how closely will your ministry monitor the works on this road so as to avoid the Bottom Road situation? 

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, we are doing everything we can to ensure that the contractor complies with the specifications that we have for this road. Our technocrat, the Road Development Agency (RDA), is doing all it can. 

Sir, the Bottom Road is another issue which we can discuss another time because it is not as simple as the hon. Member thinks it to be. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Mooya (Moomba): Mr Speaker, I heard the hon. Minister say that this road will be a single lane. Could he clarify whether this road will be a single or double lane because I know that it will not be dual carriageway lane? 

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I would like to inform the engineer who has asked about the lanes that this road will be double lane, but single carriage. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Laughter 

Mr Speaker: I was tempted to comment. Next Question. 

Laughter 
MASAITI DISTRICT RURAL SCHOOLS TEACHERS’ ACCOMMODATION

384. Mr Katambo asked the Minister of General Education:

(a)    whether the Government was aware that teachers in rural schools in Masaiti District were renting houses in nearby towns instead of occupying the staff houses at the schools due to a lack of electricity; and

(b)    if so, what measures had been taken to ensure that the teachers occupied the staff houses to reduce on absenteeism. 

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the ministry is aware that some teachers in rural schools in Masaiti District are renting houses in nearby towns, leaving staff houses in schools due to a lack of electricity. As a result, the ministry, through the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS), has directed all teachers to return to their work stations. 

Currently, the ministry has engaged the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) to have the majority of the schools in the area electrified. 

I thank you, Sir. 

CHILUBI DISTRICT ISLANDS

385. Mr Mutelo asked the Minister of Tourism and Arts: 

(a)    how many islands constitute Chilubi District;

(b)    what their names were; and

(c)    what the tourism potential for the district was like.

The Deputy Minister of Tourism and Arts (Mrs Banda): Mr Speaker, according to the Chilubi District Council, there are thirteen islands in Chilubi District which are: Chilubi; Nsumbu; Chichile; Kasansa; Minswa; Ngwishi; Luangwa; Chibanga; Chelela; Minga, Kateshi, Kabashimbe; and Mikusa.   

Mr Speaker, Chilubi District has potential for tourism due to the presence of Lake Bangweulu and the Bangweulu plains. The combined area of the lake and the Bangweulu wetlands is 15,000 km2. The lake has a well-defined shore and sandy beaches in several places with numerous bays and inlets. 

Sir, the Bangweulu wetlands are also known for housing wildlife that includes: black Lechwe; Sesebe; reedbuck; oribi; sitatunga; elephants; African buffalo; crocodiles and hippopotamus. Many kinds of birds such as the pelican, shoebill, wattled crane, rosy-throated long claw and numerous waterfowls are found in the Bangweulu wetlands. 

Mr Speaker, there is also a traditional ceremony called Chisaka Chalubunda by the Bisa people held in Chilubi District around Matipa area. It is held between September and November of each year. The potential for tourism also lies in the opportunities for investment on the islands in the form of varying accommodation establishments, game ranching, bird farms and forest parks. 

Mr Speaker, the lake also offers opportunities for various water sports that could be attractive to both domestic and international tourists. Some of the islands are an important potential tourism resource in the Northern Circuit, whose development is being spearheaded by the Tourism Development and Investment Corporation (TDIC) Ltd, a subsidiary of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). 

Sir, the TDIC is a special purpose vehicle that was set up as a company limited by shares on 12th November, 2015. It is meant to play a catalytic role in developing tourism infrastructure and provide a channel through which funds would be raised for product development of identified tourism assets and sites. This is in order to diversify the tourism product base and make it more competitive, as provided for in the Revised Tourism Policy of 2015. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, for tourism and other purposes, can a chopper land on any one of these thirteen islands?

Mrs Banda: Hmmm?

Mr Speaker: The question is: Can a helicopter land on these islands? 

Mrs Banda: Mr Speaker, there are people living on these islands. So, if these islands can accommodate people, then, even a chopper can land there.  

I thank you, Sir. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Konga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister indicated in her response that these islands have tourism potential. Is the Government willing to sell some of these islands to potential investors who can develop tourism?

The Minister of Tourism and Arts (Ms Kapata): Mr Speaker, we cannot sell islands that are already occupied by people. 

In terms of the potential for tourism, we are looking for investors that are willing to invest in these islands so that they invest in infrastructure development without displacing the people living there.

I thank you, Sir. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

LUMIMBA DAY SECONDARY SCHOOL 1X4 CLASSROOM BLOCK

386. Mr I. Banda asked the Minister of General Education: 

(a)    when the construction of a 1x4 classroom block at Lumimba Day Secondary School in Lumezi Parliamentary Constituency would be completed; and

(b)     what had caused the delay in completing the project. 

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the construction of a 1x4 classroom block at Lumimba Day Secondary School in Lumezi Parliamentary Constituency will be completed in December, 2016. The delay was due to transport challenges in delivering materials to the project site, which is located in the valley. Material such as bricks, crashed stones, river sand, building sand and gravel are found over 50 km from the school. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr I. Banda: Mr Speaker, how much money has been allocated to complete this classroom block?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, initially, this project was allocated K460,000, which was supposed to have completed the construction of the 1x4 classroom block. However, because of the transport challenges, which I mentioned earlier on, some of the project funds were used for transportation.

Sir, we have requested the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) in Lundazi to send a bill of quantities (BOQ) to the Permanent Secretary so that we understand how much money is outstanding to complete the remaining works of the project within our 2016 Budget.

I thank you, Sir.

__________

BILLS

FIRST READING

SERVICE COMMISSIONS BILL, 2016

The Minister of Justice (Dr Simbyakula): Mr Speaker, I beg to present a Bill entitled the Service Commissions Bill No. 2, 2016.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: The Bill stands referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs, Governance, Human Rights, Gender Matters and Child Affairs. The committee is required to submit its report on the Bill to the House by Thursday, 21st April, 2016. Hon. Members who wish to make submissions to the Bill are free to do so within the program of work of the Committee.

Thank you.

PARLIAMENTARY SERVICE BILL, 2016 

Dr Simbyakula: Mr Speaker, I beg to present a Bill entitled the Parliamentary Service Bill No. 4, 2016.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: The Bill stands referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs, Governance, Human Rights, Gender Matters and Child Affairs. This Bill, I will note, was developed and processed through our own Parliamentary Committees and was approved by the Standing Orders Committee. Therefore, the committee is required to submit its report on the Bill to the House by Tuesday, 19th April, 2016. Hon. Members who wish to make submissions to the Bill are free to do so within the program of work of the committee.

Thank you.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (POWERS AND PRIVILEGES) (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2016

Dr Simbyakula: Mr Speaker, I beg to present a Bill entitled the National Assembly (Powers and Privileges) (Amendment) Bill No. 5, 2016.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: The Bill stands referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs, Governance, Human Rights, Gender Matters and Child Affairs. This Bill was also developed and processed through our own Parliamentary Committees and was approved by the Standing Orders Committee. Therefore, the Committee is required to submit its report on the Bill to the House by Tuesday, 19th April, 2016. Hon. Members who wish to make submissions to the Bill are free to do so within the program of work of the Committee.

Thank you.

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MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to. 

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The House adjourned at 1650 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday 13th April, 2016.