Debates - Friday, 12th February, 2016

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Friday, 12th February, 2016

The House met at 0900 hours

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER
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BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning (Mrs Wina): Mr Speaker, I rise to give the House some idea of the business it will consider next week.

Sir, on Tuesday, 16th February, 2016, the Business of the House will begin with questions, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. 

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: May the hon. Members who are walking in, please, do so in silence. 

Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning may continue.

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, on Wednesday, 17th February, 2016, the Business of the House will start with questions, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider Private Members’ Motions, if there will be any. 

Sir, on Thursday, 18th February, 2016, the Business of the House will commence with questions, if there will be any. This will, then, be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. The House will, then, consider the Report of the Parliamentary Select Committee Appointed to Scrutinise the Presidential Appointments of Mr Mudford Zachariah Mwandenga to serve as Chairperson, Mrs Kondwa Emily Sakala Chibiya to serve as Vice-Chairperson and Mr Fred Wamundila Waliuya, Dr Harrington Simui Akombwa and Mr Ackson Mhlakeni Zulu to serve as members of the Human Rights Commission.

Sir, on Friday, 19th February, 2016, the Business of the House will begin with Her Honour the Vice-President’s Question Time. This will be followed by questions to hon. Ministers, if there will be any. The House will, then, deal with presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any.

I thank you, Sir.
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MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

2015/2016 VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning (Mrs Wina): Mr Speaker, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to present a ministerial statement on the 2015/2016 Voter Registration Exercise. 

Mr Speaker, the commission conducted a countrywide mobile voter registration exercise from 14th September to 11th November, 2015. The mobile voter registration exercise was extended for a period of twenty-one days from 23rd November to 13th December, 2015. This was done in order to provide any opportunity for eligible Zambians who had not obtained their green national registration cards (NRCs) by 11th November, 2015 to register as voters. In addition to the voter registration, the commission has been conducting voter registration on a continuous basis at all the district civic centres, since 14th September, 2015. Voter registration at the civic centres will continue up to 29th February, 2016.

Mr Speaker, the following are the consolidated statistics for each category of voter registration undertaken during the mobile registration at registration centres and the registration of voters at the civic centres as at 13th December, 2015: 

Province     Voter Registration Updates

Central Province     140,831

Copperbelt     201,682

Eastern Province    169,738

Luapula     126,275

Lusaka    203,119

Muchinga    79,202

Northern    117,134

North-Western    116,465

Southern    209,901

Western     136,425

Grand total    1, 500,772

Mr Speaker, the commission had targeted to register 1.7 million new voters. As at 13th December, 2015, the commission achieved 93.75 per cent of the targeted figure. Hopefully, by the time the exercise comes to an end, it will have captured more than that. A further update on the new registrations will be given after the close of the voter registration exercise in the district centres on 29th February, 2016.

Sir, the commission had planned to conduct mobile voter registration for a further fourteen days from 16th to 19th February, 2016 but, regrettably, due to a lack of resources and the time constraint, the mobile voter registration planned for 16th to 29th February, 2016 can no longer take place.

Mr Speaker, continuing with voter registration beyond 29th February, 2016, would adversely affect the 2016 General Elections timetable and the commission would not be able to certify the final register of voters by 31st July, 2016. All eligible persons who will turn eighteen years by 31st July, 2016 and have their particulars appearing in the final register of voters will qualify to participate in the forthcoming general elections.

 Sir, the provisional register of voters is expected to be complete by 5th May, 2016, in readiness for inspection by members of the public from 15th to 21st May, 2016. Certification of the final register of voters will be done on 21st July, 2016.

Mr Speaker, the consideration of appeals and objections arising from the exercise by the commission will continue up to 6th July, 2016. The commission will not consider any appeals and objections received later than 6th July, 2016.

 Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the statement made by Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning.

Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Mr Speaker, I thank Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning for pre-empting my question over this matter.

Sir, since there will be no money to capture the whole country, does it mean that the Government cannot find money for the three provinces, namely the Copperbelt, Luapula and North-Western, which were deliberately put in the third phase and that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) did not manage to capture?

Mr Speaker, there are poor people who cannot manage to travel to district centres. Since the Government has now reduced the time frame to two weeks, would Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning not think it prudent for the Government to, at least, find money for the three provinces.

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, as far as I know, the whole country was covered. However, the ECZ had definitely intended to carry out the exercise countrywide, once again, for fourteen days to capture any person who was left out. However, I have explained that it is not possible to do that because of the time constraint as well as a lack of resources.

 I thank you, Sir.

Ms Imenda (Luena): Mr Speaker, I thank Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning for the statement.

Sir, democracy is not cheap. If we have to carry out a thorough job, we have to make sure that resources are made available. In a number of cases in Government undertakings and activities, money has been misapplied from one activity to the other. To direct money towards this exercise is a type of misapplication we would accept. Nonetheless, I would like to find out from Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning whether the Government tried to consult or beg from our co-operating partners for this important election because this is the first election under our new Constitution. Did the Government try to source funds from our co-operating partners?

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, as a Government, we appreciate that we receive support from our co-operating partners. However, this particular exercise was the responsibility of the Zambian Government. It is beyond circumstances and that is why we had to come to this decision, but many Zambians were captured during the first and second phases. I would like to urge all hon. Members of Parliament whose areas might not have been fully covered to help the Government by mobilising their constituents to register as voters.

 I thank you, Sir.

Interruptions

 Mr Speaker: Order!

 You have an opportunity to ask questions.

 Mr Pande (Kasempa): Mr Speaker, Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning has said that the whole country was covered, but I am sure she knows that the three provinces, namely Luapula, the North-Western and Copperbelt, were not fully captured. What transpired was that the Government first started with the voter registration before the national registration cards (NRCs) were issued. When the NRCs were being issued, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) moved out of these areas, yet we were banking on the fact that the ECZ would get back to continue with the registration for two weeks in March, 2016. Is this not the time when the Government should borrow money to make sure that people are not disfranchised in the three provinces? The Government has to borrow the money because we will not accept to be disenfranchised when we know that there are many people who would want to vote. There are long distances to be covered to get to the Boma. How does the Government expect those people to travel 100 km to register at the Boma?

 The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, I have provided an answer to this question. I know that it will come in many forms and shapes, but the answer is what I have given.

 I thank you, Sir

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, as hon. Members of Parliament, we are aware that Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning is the Head of the Government and Leader of Government Business in this House. I listened attentively to her statement pertaining to the reasons the Government has failed to carry out the mobile registration of voters. Could she inform us and the nation whether the Government is broke and has no resources, taking into account that it has not only failed to fund the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), but has also failed to finance the Parliament of Zambia, release the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) and suspended so many development projects.

Mr Mwila: Question!

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, the question is not relevant to this particular exercise.

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Mr Speaker: Order!

She wants to explain. Give her a chance.

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, hon. Members of Parliament are aware of what has affected the country in as far as climate change is concerned.

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning, could you take your seat.

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning resumed her seat.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Let us have some order!

May Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning continue.

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, hon. Members of Parliament know very well that if the Government was broke, they would not be in the House today.

Mr Mwila: Hear, hear!

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: We are in the House because the Government continues to fund the operations of the National Assembly of Zambia.

Mr Mwila: Hear, hear!

Mr Livune: Question!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: We are in the House and the Government is still providing electricity to this facility.

Mr Mwila: Hear, hear!

Interruptions

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: This electricity is imported from other countries at an exorbitant price. So, the Government is still keeping its machinery running and there is no need to think that it has no money.

Interruptions

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: When money is available, it will be made available for the projects that the Government has designed.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutelo (Lukulu West): Mr Speaker, Nalolo, Chavuma and Mitete are flooded. I would like to find out from Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning whether we budgeted for this programme in the Budget we passed last December? In short, did we not budget for the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Hon. UPND Members: Kambwili.

Mr Lufuma: Kambwili, running mate.

Mr Speaker: Continue, hon. Member for Lukulu West.

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, my question is: Did we not budget for the ECZ to undertake the fourteen-day mobile registration of voters’?

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, the project was budgeted for, but the Government did not anticipate what was coming six months or a year later. Revenue collection has been low and there are certain projects that could not continue due to certain circumstances beyond the Treasury. So, if resources are found, definitely, these projects will continue. However, as of now, there is an intention of the ECZ to go into the field for fourteen days.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo West): Mr Speaker, I am at sea. Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning is saying that there is no money and in the same breath, that there is money. What is the position? How has climate change affected the availability of money in the Government confers?

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister …

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mukanga: He will never be.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, I was not elevating the hon. Member.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, hon. Members of this House should understand the circumstances under which they operate. They should also understand the functions the Government’s sets out for itself and its programmes. If a project is in the offing, but there are no funds to carry it out, it is not possible for the Government to do otherwise until finances are secured.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, the Patriotic Front (PF) Government has made most of us, hon. Members of Parliament, broke. We have no money.

Hon. Government Members: How?

Mr Livune: Mr Speaker, Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning said that we need to mobilise people in our constituencies to help them register as voters. At whose cost will it be done because most hon. Members of Parliament are broke because of the unnecessary by-elections that have been held in the five year-term the PF Government has been in office?

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, by-elections have been as a result of the dictates of democracy and there is no way the hon. Member can compare his salary to the amounts of money that have been spent on the holding of by-elections. There is not a single month that has passed without hon. Members of Parliament receiving their emoluments and I am surprised to hear the hon. Member say that the hon. Members of Parliament are broke. I do not think they are broke and their contribution is to mobilise people in their areas to register as voters. This was done particularly in the Southern Province and I want to congratulate the hon. Members of Parliament from that province who took an initiative to mobilise their people and take them to the centres to register as voters. This should be emulated by other hon. Members of Parliament on both sides of the House.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

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HER HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT’S QUESTION TIME

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, maize is the staple food of this country. However, because of El Niño and climate change that has affected most parts of the southern part of the country, maize yields might not be that good. Could Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning explain whether we shall import maize because there have been conflicting statements. One senior official said that we will import maize while another one said that we have enough maize. What is the correct position?

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, there have not been any conflicting statements regarding the importation of maize. I assure the hon. Member that what His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, said was that we are watching the situation and in case there is a need to import maize, then, we shall do that. In fact, plans were put underway to ensure that should this situation arise, the Government has to import maize immediately. The hon. Minister of Agriculture went on to say that our reserves, at the moment, are adequate to take us up to August, this year. This is the current situation on the ground.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chilangwa (Kawambwa): Mr Speaker, yesterday, we saw the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) swing into action by bringing down some billboards that block motorists’ view on the roads. This has taken a while, considering that people have been complaining about some of these billboards. What is the Government’s position on this exercise and the way forward?

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, anything that poses a danger to motorists has to be attended to by a responsible Government. Perhaps, I should take this opportunity to request the councils to ensure that whenever they put up billboards on the road sides, they consult other authorities such as the Road Transport and Safety Agency (TRSA). That way, we will have a harmonised situation where standards are maintained and adhered to. It is not only that, but also if there are any broken down vehicles on the road sides, they should be taken care of. This is exactly what RTSA did.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Ms Lubezhi (Namwala): Mr Speaker, due to the reckless spending of this Government, it delayed to pay students at the University of Zambia (UNZA) and the Copperbelt University (CBU) their meal allowances causing the unrest at the two institutions. In its usual unpatriotic and myopic way of doing things, ...

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Lubezhi: ... the Government closed down these two institutions indefinitely. Does Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning think the closing of these institutions is a solution to the financial problems they are facing?

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, no one takes delight in closing our educational institutions. However, if a few students are incited and funded by some politicians, ...

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: ... to cause trouble at universities, the Government will not hesitate to take action. It is high time politicians stopped meddling in the affairs of universities and higher institutions of learning. The Government spends a lot of money on ensuring that our children get the education they deserve and need. However, it is not patriotic for us, politicians, to try to gain political mileage by taking advantage of the students in colleges. I hope that the student ring leaders are now reflecting on their actions. I also hope that they regret what has happened and the damage they caused to the institutions, especially at the University of Zambia (UNZA), where they burnt some blocks. It is very unfortunate.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Namulambe (Mpongwe): Mr Speaker, it is clear that some articles in the recently amended Constitution conflict each other. Some articles, such as the one requiring one to have a minimum of Grade 12 qualification to contest the position of Member of Parliament, are discriminatory. Since we are the ones who passed this document and are still sitting, is it not possible for the Government to consider bringing a Bill to this House to clean it up by way of suspending Standing Order No. 104 of 2005?

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, before that Constitution Bill was brought to the House, it was debated heavily by those who contributed to it, including the hon. Members in this House.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Sir, these individuals did not only contribute to the Bill, but also received a lot of money by being part of the National Constitutional Conference (NCC). They are the ones who brought those provisions in the Constitution.

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Balilya indalama.

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, definitely, had they scrutinised the clauses, they would have discovered that some of them were contentious and may disadvantage some of our people. They would have also discovered that some of the clauses may be discriminatory while others may not really be good for the governance of a developing country like Zambia. However, what we saw was that this Constitution had to be passed as it was. If the Government removed so much as a line or a full stop from it, then, the Patriotic Front (PF) would have been accused of manipulating the Constitution.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, what His Excellency the President did was to assent to what all or half of the House had agreed to.

Hon. UPND Members: Yes, half of the House.

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Sir, there was no manipulation, whatsoever. On this side, we were told that this is a people-driven Constitution. So, it was brought to the House just as it was.

Mr Mwila: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, to now start talking about changing some clauses is something that Parliament may do. However, we need to reflect on some of these documents we receive and scrutinise them to see how they impact on the lives of our people before we pass them.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, Nalolo originates from Senanga District. A few days ago, a dead man resurrected.

Laughter

Mr Livune: Taking advantage of Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning’s place of origin, to combine traditional beliefs and reality, could she inform the House and the nation on what really transpired as regards the resurrection of that man whom we saw and read about in the media.

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, I am not aware of this situation. However, Nalolo is not known for witchcraft.

Laughter

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Perhaps, we should go to Katombola, ...

Laughter

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: ... and these other areas. So, I am not very conversant with this subject or what transpired regarding this resurrected person.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mutale (Kwacha): Mr Speaker, some people thought the Mufuchani Bridge in Kwacha Constituency would not be constructed, yet it is almost complete. Can Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning shed some light on what the benefits of the new bridge will be.

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning remained seated.

Mr Speaker: Did you get the question, Your Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning?

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning indicated dissent.

Mr Speaker: Could you repeat the question.

Mr Mutale: Mr Speaker, the construction of the Mufuchani Bridge is 99 per cent complete. This is contrary to some people’s assertions that the Patriotic Front (PF) Government would not be able to complete the construction of this bridge. Can Her Honour the Vice-President shed some light on the benefits of the Mufuchani Bridge to the people of Kwacha in particular and Kitwe at large.

Hon. PF Member: Hear, hear!

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, if there is one achievement that the Patriotic Front (PF) Government should be congratulated on, it is infrastructure development.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: This includes the construction of the Mufuchani Bridge. I am aware that a number of people have died on that crossing, simply because the bridge could not be constructed for a number of years. However, this Government has now put up a bridge on that crossing. It is in its final stages of construction and the people on both sides of the river are now very happy about this development. We look forward to enhanced business in that area because of the presence of this bridge.

Mr Speaker, we also look forward to the completion of the Bottom Road shortly in the Southern Province.

Interruptions

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: This project is more or less like the bridge we are talking about. It took years for past Governments to do anything about it, but the PF Government has taken the lead in ensuring that the road is completed.

The Kalabo/Mongu Road is also almost complete. I can count several roads in the country which this Government has constructed. People are now able to move their goods to markets. So, this will help make our country prosperous in the future. We have heard some people say that we cannot eat roads, but we cannot develop a country without good roads. At the moment, there is an outcry in the rural areas on the lack of good roads, but this Government is addressing all these issues.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Hamudulu (Siavonga): Mr Speaker, under the Patriotic Front (PF) Government, Zambia has experienced unprecedented high levels of budget overruns due to the financial indiscipline of this Government. We are now in the second month of this financial year and I would like to find out what measures have been put in place to ensure that the insatiable appetite this Government has for unbudgeted for expenditure is regulated. 

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, in countries the world over, budget overruns are brought about by the arising of emergency situations. So, it is not only Zambia that is experiencing this. Most of the Southern African countries, including a big economic powerhouse like South Africa, are in the same boat. So, budget overruns are not a Zambian phenomenon only. If the hon. Member thinks that this is due to reckless spending by this Government, it is far from it. This Government has been very prudent in its spending.

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: The Government has tried to match the limited resources with projects and plans that it has designed. As I mentioned earlier, we all know very well that there are certain circumstances that compelled this Government to borrow and alter some of the funding of certain functions to other functions, such as the importation of electricity from Mozambique. The importation of electricity has been at a cost and this is because the Government wants to ensure that its industries do not grind to a halt. The Government wants to see the mines and small entrepreneurs, such as welders, continue operating their businesses. So, these are some of the areas to which public funds are directed.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muntanga (Kalomo Central): Mr Speaker, in addition to the power we are importing from Mozambique, we are importing 300 MW of electricity from South Africa. Further, it has been confirmed that the Itezhi-tezhi Hydro-power Plant has come on board. In addition to that, the water level in the Kariba Dam has risen and the Zambezi Plains are full. With such a situation, why are consumers still subjected to increased load shedding of electricity? 

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, we have not reached the optimum water levels in the Kariba Dam. I think the Zambia Meteorological Department warned us last year that we will need three good rainfall seasons to fill up the Kariba Dam. The present situation is that we are receiving good rains in the North-Western Province. Chavuma recorded quite high levels of rainfall over the past few weeks. This has led to the water level rising in the Zambezi River, but it takes time for that water to really get into the areas where we want it to be. 

Sir, as hon. Members are aware, Lake Kariba is shared between Zimbabwe and Zambia and the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has the authority over the usage of the water in the lake. So, we have to wait for the authority to allocate the amounts of water that Zambia needs. It takes time for the ZRA to determine the levels of water in the Kariba Dam and also what can be allocated to Zambia and Zimbabwe.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, how far have investigations gone on those people who smuggled information from State House? Further, when is Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning coming with a statement to this House to inform the nation on how far this matter has gone and who the culprits are?

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, earlier last year when this question was brought to this House, I indicated that the investigations were still going on. When the investigations are concluded, we will come back to the House to inform the nation about the findings.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mweetwa (Choma Central): Mr Speaker, on a countless number of times, Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning has come to the Floor of this House assuring the nation of peace and elimination of political violence, especially occasioned and orchestrated by Patriotic Front (PF) cadres. To the contrary, violence occasioned by the PF cadres is on the upswing. Do you still have any iota of audacity, your Honour, to continue coming to this House to assure us and the nation that your cadres are not violent and will not continue to be violent? Are you not embarrassed that despite your statements on the Floor of the House, your cadres have continued to be violent? Does this act not show ...

Mr Kambwili: Question!

Mr Mweetwa: … failure on the part of His Excellency the President, Mr Lungu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to instil the rule of law in his style of governance?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, the notion held by some hon. Members of the House that violence is only perpetrated by PF members is something that we should put aside, as political leaders. If violence happens and it is perpetrated by PF cadres, that is definitely our responsibility, as PF leaders, to curb it to ensure that the youth observe the rule of law. I equally expect the same of the United Party for National Development (UPND). For example, when that unfortunate situation occurred in Choma a few weeks ago, I should have heard voices …

Mr Mwila: Yes!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: … from the UPND condemning that violence. This continuous instigation that it is only PF cadres who are involved in violence is not fair. However, we take our blame. If there are PF cadres who commit some crimes, we deal with them. Even the law has dealt with some of our party cadres. So, I take exception to being told that I should be ashamed to even talk about curbing violence. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Imenda (Luena): Mr Speaker, I do not know the route Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning uses to get to her constituency in the Western Province. I am not sure whether she drives or uses a helicopter. The state of the TBZ/Kaoma Road, in fact, now up to Katunda Turnoff, is very bad. The state of the Mongu/Limulunga Road is very bad. Listening to Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning boast that …

Hon. Opposition Members laughed.

Ms Imenda: … if there is credit to be given to the Patriotic Front (PF), it is for infrastructure development …

Ms Kapata: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, I should have stated that my practice is to avoid points of order during this session.

May the hon. Member for Luena continue.

Mr Livune: Grade seven, Sir.

Mr Muntanga laughed.

Ms Imenda: Your Honour, Madam Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning, do you hold your head high when you go to the Western Province and pass through that road from TBZ to Kaoma and when you visit the Litunga passing through the road from Mongu to Limulunga? Do you really hold your head high that you are doing very well?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, I hold my head very high.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwale: Ema answer aya!

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, I hold my head high because there is one particular road …

Mr Mwila: Yes!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: … which eluded most governments and that is the Mongu/Kalabo Road.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, the works on the Mongu/Kalabo Road was started by the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) …

Hon. Government Members: Yes!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: … and there was no progress on the project because anything that was put on that road was washed away …

Hon. Government Members: Yes!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: … because the contractors did not know what they were doing. A lot of money was spent on that road.

Mr Mwila: Hear, hear!

Mr Mukanga: That is right.

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: However, now I can assure the House that that road is almost complete …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: … and it will be commissioned very soon.

Mr Mwila: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Secondly, Sir, a contractor has already been identified for the Mongu/Limulunga Road that the hon. Member for Luena is referring to …

Mr Mwila: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: … to work on that road.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: So, it will not be too long before we see some works being carried out on that road.

Dr Mwali: Hear, hear!

Hon. Government Members: Yes!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: The Katunda to … not Katunda to Lukulu, …

Mr Mukanga: Katunda/Watopa Road.

Lukulu/Katunda/Watopa Road.

Interruptions

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Katunda/Lukulu Road …

Mr Nkombo: Aah!

Mr Speaker: Order!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Oh! The Tatayoyo Road. 

Laughter

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: She referred to two roads actually.

Mr Mukanga: Yes!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: The Tatayoyo and the Katunda/Lukulu roads.

Mr Speaker, there is a question on the Order Paper which the hon. Minister of Works and Supply will respond to.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Mr Speaker, from the time the Government started releasing maize stocks to millers, the price of mealie meal has not come down. May I get an affirmation from Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning that the Government has failed to bring down the price of mealie meal as it preached to us?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, the Government had a very noble aim to lower the price of mealie meal. That is why maize was allocated to certain millers whom the Government felt would follow Government instructions and they did. The unfortunate part is that retailers …

Mr Mwale: Yes!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: … are taking advantage of this situation and selling mealie meal at exorbitant prices instead of what the Government would have liked to see on the market.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo West): Mr Speaker, recently, His Excellency the President, Mr Lungu, while in Paris stated, in no uncertain terms, that the qualification of a Grade 12 Certificate or equivalent for councillors and Members of Parliament will stand and not be amended. This was premised on the fact that it is the barest minimum and is the people’s wish, and there are a lot of Grade 12s around. Now, may I find out whether the Government is going to change this in order to be in conformity with the insinuations by the Patriotic Front (PF).

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the Grade 12 qualification is in the current Constitution.

Mr Mwila: Yes!

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Until Parliament decides, we see will what happens. However, for now, it is still a law and it is in the Constitution of Zambia.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

_______________ 

    QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

SOCIAL TRANSFER PROGRAMME IN KALABO

267. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Community Development and Social Welfare:

(a)    whether the Government had any plans to roll out the Social Cash Transfer Programme to Kalabo Central Parliamentary Constituency;

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

(c)    whether the beneficiaries had been identified.

The Deputy Minister of Community Development and Social Welfare (Ms Limata): Mr Speaker, …

Interruptions

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

Ms Limata: Mr Speaker, the Social Cash Transfer Programme was rolled out to Kalabo Central Parliamentary Constituency in 2010. Currently, there are 5,255 beneficiaries. Therefore, the questions in (b) and (c) do not apply.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, when I go around Kalabo, I get complaints from elderly people aged above sixty who were registered as beneficiaries of the Social Cash Transfer programme, but have been waiting to no avail to date. When will the Government avail this service to this specified group of people in Kalabo District?

The Minister of Community Development and Social Welfare (Ms Kabanshi): Mr Speaker, the identification of the Scale-Up Implementation Plan is underway and 2,000 beneficiaries have been identified. Twenty-one of the twenty-six areas where beneficiaries were identified are in Kalabo Central. This is 90 per cent of those who will benefit from the Social Cash Transfer programme in 2016.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, currently, the 10 per cent threshold ...

Mr Nkombo: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, I wish to rise on a point of order on the hon. Minister of Energy and Water Development, but in her absence, the Leader of Government Business in the House. 

Sir, in the last meeting, it was on the Floor of this House that a question was asked to the hon. Minister of Energy and Water Development on the reason the pump price of fuel had not dropped in line with the drop in the world price of crude oil which was trading at US$110 per barrel at that time. The hon. Minister indicated that the pump price could not be reduced in line with the drop in the price of crude oil on the world market because the consignment that we were consuming had been bought when the commodity price was at an all-time high.

Sir, the Government has just imported new stock of crude oil and engaged DALBIT to supply finished products. This is why it is more compelling that the Government should come back and explain, through the House, why the pump price of finished products has not descended in line with the world price, which has hit an all-time low of only US$27 per barrel.

Sir, is the Government in order not to update this House on why the pump price still remains high in order to attend to the needs of its citizens?

Mr Speaker: We have a scheduled ministerial statement from the hon. Minister of Energy and Water Development and I would urge her to roll-up her response to include this point of order.

The hon. Member for Katombola may continue.

Mr Livune: Mr Speaker, the 10 per cent threshold is not sufficient to fight poverty. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether her Government has any intentions of increasing this threshold to adequately reach out to the country side.

Ms Kabanshi: Mr Speaker, we have already reached the 10 per cent threshold. However, going on to 2018, we intend to reach out to the other districts that have not been reached. This way, we will exceed the 10 per cent threshold. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Simuusa (Nchanga): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what the challenges have been, if any, in the roll-out of the Social Cash Transfer Programme in Kalabo and what measures have been put in place to counter them as the rolling out and the up-scaling are being implemented.

Ms Kabanshi: Mr Speaker, like all other programmes, the Social Cash Transfer Programme has faced challenges. However, as a working Government, ...

Mr Livune: Question!

Ms Kabanshi: ... we are trying very hard to overcome them. 

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo West): Mr Speaker, while I appreciate the answer that was given by the hon. Minister on the Floor of the House, I still feel that she has not answered the question that was posed by the hon. Member for Kalabo Central regarding when the services will be availed to the people in Kalabo.

Ms Kabanshi: Mr Speaker, I stated that we will roll out the Social Cash Transfer Programme in Kalabo Central in 2016.

I thank you, Sir.

KATUNDA/LUKULU/MUMBEZHI ROAD

268. Mr Mutelo (Lukulu West) asked the Minister of Works and Supply when the construction of Katunda/Lukulu/Mumbezhi Road would commence, considering that feasibility studies had already been carried out.

The Deputy Minister of Works and Supply (Dr Mwali): Mr Speaker, we are approaching the closure of this issue. Works for the upgrading to bituminous standard of the Katunda/Lukulu/Mumbezhi Road will be done under contractor-financed mode of implementation. The entire stretch of the road, which is 290 km, has been split into three lots. Lot I covers a stretch of 112 km, including 10 km of township roads in Kaoma; Lot II covers a stretch of 88 km; and Lot III covers a stretch of 90 km, including 10 km of township roads in Lukulu.

Mr Speaker, all the three lots are contractor-financed. Lot I was awarded to Anhui Shuian Construction Group Corporation Limited at a contract sum of K607,349,167. Lot II is still under evaluation and Lot III has been awarded to China Railway Seventh Group at a cost of K852,290,523. Works are expected to start in the second quarter of this year once the finance agreements have been concluded. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, for the last five years, we have been talking about this road. Since the Government is campaigning this year, what will be its campaign message to the people of Lukulu, as this issue is a thorn in their flesh? 

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the people of Lukulu will be able to see the three contractors on site and the work that they will be carrying out on this road. The works will speak for themselves and on behalf of the Patriotic Front (PF) Government. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Mr Speaker, what are the terms of reference for the starting up and when will the contractors commence? 

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the contracts will commence in the second quarter of this year. What we are waiting for are the details of these finance agreements with the contractors. Once they are finalised, they will be made public. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Ms Sayifwanda (Zambezi East): Mr Speaker, I would like the hon. Minister to clarify some information. He said that Lot II of the road project is approximately 88 km. Which stretch of the road is to be worked on in this lot? When will the evaluation for Lot II of the project be completed? 

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the 88 km stretch of the road starts after 102 km from Katunda. We anticipate the evaluation to be concluded in the second quarter of this year, just in time for the start of the works. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, I would like to get some information from the hon. Minister about the township roads in Kabompo. It is gratifying to note that 10 km of township roads in Kaoma and 10 km of township roads in Lukulu will be covered under this project. The Katunda//Lukulu/Mumbezhi Road spans from Kaoma and Lukulu, to Kabompo. May I know why upgrading of townships roads in Kabompo has been excluded from this project. 

The Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Mukanga): Mr Speaker, I appreciate the question from the hon. Member. However, we are talking about Katunda/Lukulu/Mumbezhi Road. This project does not include Kabompo. 

Mr Lufuma indicated. 

Hon. Government Members: Aah!

Mr Speaker: Order!

It is not possible for you to do that.

Prof. Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, contractor financing is a private sector-driven mode of financing roads. This is new to the country. Can the hon. Minister clarify what contractor financing of our roads entails as it is a new way of doing things. 

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, when it comes to financing roads, we are looking at a lot of options. We are looking at the public-private partnerships (PPPs) were the contractor partners with the Government to execute a project. The Government looks at the terms of how the private contractor will recoup their investment. Toll gates and other measures can be used to recoup the investment by the private contractor. The same thing applies to contractor financing. This is whereby a developer partners with the Government by putting money upfront into the project. It is not a very new model. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Pande (Kasempa): Mr Speaker, I need a clarification from the hon. Minister. He explained that the Government will start constructing 112 km of the Kaunda/Lukulu/Mumbezhi Road. Then, skip 88 km of the road to work on the road in Lukulu. Why is the 88 km-stretch of the road going to be skipped? 

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister stated that this road project has been divided into three lots. There will be Lot I, which will be worked on by one contractor, Lot II is under evaluation and Lot III will be worked on by a different contractor. There will be no skipping of any stretch. All these lots will be worked on within the same period. In the second quarter of this year, all the contractors will be on the ground and the job will be done. We have already calculated the mileage. So, there will be no skipping of any stretch. Everything will be done in accordance with the plan that has been laid.

I thank you, Sir. 

Ms Imenda (Luena): Mr Speaker, the question that the hon. Member of Parliament for Kabompo West asked has not been answered properly. To get to Mumbezhi, you have to pass through Kabompo ...

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Let the hon. Member finish her question, whatever it is. 

Ms Imenda: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament for Kabompo said that township roads in Kaoma and Lukulu will be upgraded. However, the township roads in Kabompo have been left out of the project. Why is this so? That was the question.

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, the answer is simple. The project does not include the upgrading of Kabompo township roads. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Hamudulu (Siavonga): Mr Speaker, the question from the hon. Member for Kabompo West still stands. Is the hon. Minister aware that Mumbezhi is actually in Kabompo District? 

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I am sure the questioner knows that I am the fundraising chairperson for the Kabompo/Kazanga Ceremony. So, I know Kabompo very well. This road stretches up to Mumbezhi, but does not go up to the town centre. Therefore, no township roads will be upgraded in Kabompo. This road project terminates on the entrance to Mumbezhi. This road project has a starting and ending point. The ending point does not include township roads in Kabompo. 

I thank you, Sir. 

ZAMBEZI PORTLAND CEMENT EMPLOYEES’ TERMINAL BENEFITS

269. Mr Chitafu (Kafulafuta) asked the Minister of Labour and Social Security: 

(a)    whether employees who were retrenched at Zambezi Portland Cement (Zambia) Limited had been paid their terminal benefits; and 

(b)    if not, what measures the Government had taken to assist the retrenched employees get their benefits. 

The Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Security (Ms Kansembe): Mr Speaker, all the retrenched employees at Zambezi Portland Cement Zambia Limited were paid their terminal benefits at the time of separation. The company correctly calculated the total packages for the affected employees. 

However, it is worth noting that a number of the affected employees had loan obligations with micro-finance lending institutions. In this regard, the company deducted all amounts that were owed to the lending institutions by the affected employees at source. 

Mr Speaker, as per the response provided in part (a) of the question, all the retrenched workers were paid their terminal benefits. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Chitafu: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister how much the packages were.

Ms Kansembe: Mr Speaker, I will ask the hon. Member of Parliament for Kafulafuta to put in a new question so that I can research on the exact amounts that were paid out. I do not have this information at my fingertips. 

I thank you, Sir. 

CYCLIST ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS 

270. Mr Mutale (Kwacha) asked the Minister of Transport and Communication:

(a)    how many road traffic accidents involving cyclists occurred at night countrywide from 2013 to 2015, year by year;

(b)    what the major causes of the accidents were; and

(c)    what measures had been taken to reduce the accidents.

The Deputy Minister of Transport and Communication (Mr Kapyanga): Mr Speaker, the following numbers of road traffic accidents involved cyclists countrywide: 

Year    No. of traffic accidents

2013    1,077
2014    1,155
2015    1,035

Mr Speaker, the major causes of the accidents are the following: 

(i)    lack of reflective clothing by cyclists;

(ii)    cycling on the road with undue care;

(iii)    failing to follow road traffic rules;

(iv)    cycling whilst having taken intoxicating substances; and

(v)    tendency by cyclists to hold on to moving vehicles, especially trucks.

Sir, the following measures have been put in place to reduce these accidents involving cyclists:

(i)    distribution of reflective vests and helmets. In 2015, the agency distributed 375 helmets and 765 vests countrywide, with the majority in the Eastern Province;

(ii)    the agency takes part in the annual bicycle competition started in the Eastern Province called Chova, to raise awareness on bicycle safety. The bicycle race started in the Eastern Province. Further, the agency, through partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sport, will rollout this bicycle competition to all provinces and encourage these competitors to form provincial road safety clubs; and

(iii)    the agency conducts road safety sensitisation and education programmes through road safety clubs in schools to raise awareness on safe bicycle usage on roads.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.   

Mr Mutale: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for his elaborate answer. Hon. Minister, looking at the high number of road traffic accidents involving cyclists, do you not think that we should engage the police, as it were in the past, whereby cyclists will be checked on the roads to see whether they are complying with road safety regulations, as it is done with motor vehicles. Do you not think that there is a need to do this? 

Mr Kapyanga: Mr Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Member for his good contribution and I think that his suggestion is worth looking at.

I thank you, Sir. 

CLASSROOM BLOCK CONSTRUCTION AT WASHISHI PRIMARY SCHOOL

271. Mr Mutelo asked the Minister of General Education:

(a)    when the construction of a 1x2 classroom block at Washishi Primary School in Lukulu West Parliamentary Constituency would commence; and

(b)    what had caused the delay in commencing the works.

The Minister of General Education (Dr Phiri): Mr Speaker, the construction of a 1x2 classroom block at Washishi Primary School in Lukulu West Parliamentary Constituency was initially scheduled to commence at the month-end of November, 2015. However, due to transport challenges in delivering materials, the project is expected to take off in 2016. The House may wish to note that funds for the project are already available. 

Mr Speaker, the delay in commencing the works was due to the fact that the first authorised supplier did not supply within the stipulated period and the tender authority was terminated and procurement processes had to be re-done. However, we are on course.

I thank you, Sir.  

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister if a second supplier has been found, lest the delay continues. 

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, my answer was very conclusive. All that needed to be done has been done and we look forward to the beginning of the works on this classroom block. 

I thank you, Sir. 

ZAMBIA CORRECTIONAL SERVICE STAFF ESTABLISHMENT

272. Mr Mbewe (Chadiza) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

(a)    what the total staff establishment of the Zambia Correctional Service was;

(b)     of the number above, how many were university graduates; and

(c)    what measures the Government was taking to attract more university graduates to join the service. 

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Col. Kaunda): Mr Speaker, there are currently 6,000 staff in the Zambia Correctional Service, sixty of whom are university graduates. The Government is trying to attract more university graduates to join the police service by providing attractive salaries through the harmonisation of the salaries and general conditions of service.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, since there are only sixty graduates, will the Government come up with a deliberate policy to enable those who are not graduates to go to university.

Col. Kaunda: Mr Speaker, a Grade 12 certificate and above are the requirements for police officers. 

I thank you, Sir. 
RURAL HARDSHIP ALLOWANCE

273.    Mr Phiri (Mkaika) asked the Minister of General Education:

(a)    whether teachers at the following schools in Mkaika Parliamentary Constituency were entitled to rural hardship allowance:

(i)       Mkangazi;

(ii)        Chisale;

(iii)    Mtetezi; 

(iv)    Mwaziputa;

(b)    if so, why they were not paid the allowance; and 

(c)    what factors the Government took into consideration in determining the eligibility to receive the allowance. 

The Deputy Minister of General Education (Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, teachers at Mkangazi and Mtetezi Primary schools are entitled to a rural hardship allowance, but they were not receiving it at the time this question was filed. However, the hon. Minister of General Education has rectified this problem and the teachers at the said schools will soon receive their allowances. Chisale and Mwanaziputa Primary schools do not qualify for the rural hardship allowance since they are within 20 km of the central business district (CBD), according to the co-ordinates outlined in the collective agreement. 

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Phiri: Mr Speaker, will the two schools which you indicated will begin to receive their allowances be paid in arrears for the months which they did not receive the allowance?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, that decision has to be made by the local administrations of the schools. If they were entitled to the allowance at the time they were posted to these schools, then, they should be paid in arrears.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, this issue of hardship allowance has caused a lot of problems in the past. Is the Government putting in place structures to harmonise situations whereby teachers are transferred from places where they are eligible to receive the rural hardship allowance to other places where they are not supposed to receive the allowance, but continue receiving it?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the best practice would be for the school where a teacher is being transferred to have a Payroll Management Establishment Control (PEMC) vacancy so that they are not transferred together with the PEMC vacancy of the school they are exiting. Unfortunately, there are certain instances whereby some teachers, for certain administrative reasons, have been transferred together with the PEMC vacancies of the schools where they are from. This means that if you post a teacher to this school, he or she may not be entitled to this allowance because the one who has been transferred is the one getting it. 

Sir, recently, the hon. Minister of General Education and I were in Kabwe trying to explain these issues to our colleagues there over transferring teachers anyhow. I know that this affects most of our schools and, for that reason, it is an area that is receiving our attention.

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, I did not hear the factors that the Government takes into consideration when determining the eligibility of a teacher to receive the rural hardship allowance. Could the hon. Minister repeat his answer.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, schools that are more than 20 km away from the CBD are eligible to receive the rural hardship allowance. Schools that are between and 20 km and 70 km from the CDB will receive a 20 per cent allowance while those that are beyond 70 km will be paid a remote allowance, which is at 25 per cent.

I thank you, Sir.

NATIONAL PARKS MANAGED BY NON-ZAMBIANS

274.    Mr Mulomba (Magoye) (on behalf of Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma), asked the Minister of Tourism and Arts: 

(a)    whether there were any national parks that were managed by non-Zambians in the country;

(b)    if so, what the names of the parks were; and 

(c)    why the parks were being managed by non-Zambians.

The Deputy Minister of Tourism and Arts (Mr P. Ngoma): Mr Speaker, there are no national parks managed by non-Zambians. According to Zambian law, all national parks, as protected areas, are Government assets. There are four protected areas which are co-managed by the Government, the communities and the private sector. The people within the private sector are non-Zambians. These parks are Luiwa Plains National Park, Kasanka National Park, Bangweulu Wetlands, which are part of the Bangweulu Game Management Area (GMA), and the North Luangwa National Park.

Sir, the Government engages the private sector in the co-management of protected areas in order to tap into their financial and technical expertise. This reduces the burden of the Government to finance the management of such areas. Further, the objective of the co-management is to bring socio-economic benefits to local communities whilst at the same time promote the conservation of wildlife.

I thank you, Sir.

BOUNDARY DISPUTE BETWEEN SENIOR CHIEF SHIMUMBI AND CHIEF MATIPA

275.    Mr Mwamba (Lubansenshi) asked the Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs:
(a)    when the boundary dispute between Senior Chief Shimumbi of Luwingu District and Chief Matipa of Chilubi District would be resolved;

(b)    what had caused the delay in resolving the dispute.

The Deputy Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs (Mr Kufuna): Mr Speaker, the boundary dispute will be resolved as soon as the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection sends surveyors to Luwingu to interpret the 1958 Chiefdom Boundary Map to the affected stakeholders.

Sir, the dispute was only reported to the hon. Minister in December, 2015. However, the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs has liaised with the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection over the matter. Once resources are available, representatives of the two ministries will travel to Luwingu with detailed 1958 Topographic Maps to interpret them to the affected stakeholders. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mwamba: Mr Speaker, the problem which has been brought to this House has been in existence for years. At times, there have been clashes between the two chiefdoms. What does the Government intend to do from now until the time funds will be available in order to prevent further clashes between the two chiefdoms?

 Mr Kufuna: Mr Speaker, the ministry has liaised with Their Royal Highnesses in those chiefdoms to live in harmony whilst the Government is working on the maps.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, this issue of boundaries is not only unique to the people of Luwingu, but also the whole country. It was on the Floor of this House where we were told that the 1958 Chiefdom Boundary Maps were being revised so that the boundary disputes could be resolved amicably. Following this, how far has the Government gone with this issue so that these disputes are resolved permanently? 

Mr Kufuna: Mr Speaker, we are looking for resources so that we can have the proper maps drawn. The 1958 Chiefdom Boundary Maps only show the shape of the chiefdoms. They do not indicate detailed features that are on the ground. Therefore, there is a lot of money that is required to come up with detailed maps so that the disputes can be resolved. 

I thank you, Sir.

Bishop Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha (Keembe): Mr Speaker, this problem has been there for the past five years. When does the hon. Minister think the money will be available for the Government to deal with this issue? 

Mr Kufuna: Mr Speaker, I think the Ministry of Finance is the appropriate ministry to tell us when the funds will be available. We have actually requested for funds so that this task can be carried out.

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Speaker: Let me just comment on that response by the hon. Minister that another hon. Minister is the one who can best help us. You are the one to help us.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister for Development Planning and the Chief Whip, indeed, this matter has been pending for a long time. In due course, let us have a clear statement on it. It has come up in so many forms in the last four years. We need to have a clear statement on this. 

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, indeed, this matter has been on the Floor of the House for a long time now. The review of the 1958 Chiefdom Boundary Maps to include a narrative is something that should be given the highest priority by the ministry. What is the problem? Why can this ministry not make this a priority in the scheme of things within the ministry?

Mr Speaker: I am sure the hon. Member for Nalikwanda will agree with me that in light of the position the Speaker has taken, I do not think we should take this matter any further.

Business was suspended from 1045 hours until 1100 hours.

[MR DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

THE NATIONAL SPORTS COUNCIL OF ZAMBIA BOARD

276. Mr Mbewe asked the Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development:
(a)    when the current National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) Board was appointed;

(b)    how much money the Government disbursed, in grants to the NSCZ from January, 2013 to October, 2015; and

(c)    how much money was spent on the following, in the same period;

(i)    servicing the board; and

(ii)     support to sports associations.
The Deputy Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development (Mr Chitotela): Mr Speaker, the current board was appointed on 25th November, 2013 and its tenure of office is four years. 

Sir, the Government disbursed a total amount of K2,544,830.50 to the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) from January, 2013 to October, 2015 as follows: 

Year        Amount (ZMW)

2013    1,262,167.95 

2014    699,330.00

2015    583,332.64

Total    2,544,830.59

Sir, the hon. Member may wish to know that a total amount of K795,324.10 was spent from January, 2013 to October, 2015 towards the servicing of the board. This also includes the administrative functions and the running of the board broken down as follows:

Year    Amount (ZMW)

2013    149,531.00

2014    300,040.61

2015    345,752.98

Total    795,324.10

Mr Speaker, the amount which was spent on supporting different sports associations from January, 2013 to October, 2015 is K4,642,158.36, broken down as follows:

Year    Amount (ZMW)

2013    1,702,165.36

2014    1,590,660.00

2015    1,349,333.00

Total    4,642,158.36

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, may I know how often the books of accounts are audited and who audits them.

 Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, for the first time in the history of this country, the NSCZ has audited accounts up to 31st December, 2014. It is just waiting for the presentation of the 2015 audit at the next annual general meeting (AGM), which is to be held this year.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kalila (Lukulu East): Mr Speaker, the National Sports Council of Zambia is a creation of an Act of Parliament, which is very archaic, and it is meant to promote sports. We have seen indifferent results which various sporting disciplines are getting in this country. Therefore, I would like to find out whether the ministry intends to review this Act.

 Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, yes, we intend to do that. In fact, we have the provision to carry that out in this year’s Budget.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, I would like to seek further clarification on the K4,642,158.36 which is intended to support different sports associations. Which associations are these? Is it only those found in Lusaka or those in Kalabo Central are also included? Furthermore, is this money really going to penetrate and reach the rural areas?

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, the NSCZ has forty-five registered sports associations which have membership running from Lusaka to Kalabo Central. Therefore, we believe that when the rural associations receive the funds, their members also benefit.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, Hon. Allan Mbewe wanted to know which firms audited the National Sports Council of Zambia’s books of accounts.

Sir, I want to know the status of the audited books of accounts. Does the ministry think that the accounts are positive or negative?

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, I want to assure this august House that the ministry is comfortable with the financial status of the NSCZ. In response to Hon. Mbewe’s question on who audited the books of accounts at the NSCZ, we did not anticipate that question, but if that information is required, it will be made available to the hon. Member for Chadiza at a later date. 

I thank you, Mr Speaker. 

Mr Mweetwa (Choma Central): Mr Speaker, given that many associations are limping and are virtually on their knees and that it is only football that we know receives adequate or inadequate funding from the Government, with the money meant to support various associations, does the ministry have any intentions of reviewing the funding to the National Sports Councils? This way, it can discharge its full mandate in order for other associations to come on board and be as active as football.

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, as a ministry, we have not just sat idly, but are also looking at ways of raising money. It is for this reason that we are pursuing the sport lottery. This is one area in which we have tasked the ministry’s Permanent Secretary to make sure that the ministry begins the sport lottery so that we can raise enough funds to support different sports associations.

 Apart from that, Sir, we have two beautiful infrastructure, Levy Mwanawasa and Heroes stadia. We have also resolved to begin renting out the shops at the stadia to the Zambian people who would want to occupy them on a commercial basis, provided that the standards of the two stadia are not compromised. 

Sir, further, we have also engaged an international advertising company to start placing billboards at the two stadia as a way of raising enough money to support the sports associations. The House may wish to know that the ministry is almost concluding a private-public partnership (PPP) project with a company in Zambia that will construct a shopping mall near Heroes Stadium. This shopping mall will house a five-star hotel. Once all these things start working out, we should be in a position to raise enough money.

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

 Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Antonio (Kaoma Central): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has proudly said that for the first time in the history of Zambia, the National Sports Council of Zambia has been audited, yet he does not know the company or individual that audited the council. How possible is that?

 Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, I said that auditing has been taking place and the books of accounts are up to date. For example, auditing can be in arrears of three to four years, but all the books of accounts are up to date, including the ones for 2015. The council is just waiting for the next AGM for the adoption of the report of the books of accounts. 

Sir, on the issue of mentioning the names of the firms that carried out the audit, I am reluctant to do that because I may mislead the House. However, we will get the information and make it available because we have the audited books of accounts in our offices at the ministry. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.  

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MOTIONS

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ESTIMATES ON THE SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION WARRANT NO.1 OF 2016

Mr Hamududu (Bweengwa): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that in terms of Article 203 of the Constitution, this House do adopt the Report of the Committee on Estimates on the Supplementary Provision of Warrant No. 1 of 2016.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

Dr Scott (Lusaka Central): Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

Mr Hamududu: Sir, your Committee considered the Supplementary Provision Warrant No. 1 of 2016, which was signed by His Excellency the President on 14th January, 2016. The warrant authorised expenditure of K2,119,700,000 on Head 21 to pay for emergency power imports.

Mr Speaker, the consideration of the warrant by the Committee on Estimates is in conformity with the provisions of Article 203, sub-articles(4), (5) and (6) of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia, as amended, which states as follows:

“(4)    Where there is an urgent need to incur expenditure for a purpose that has not been appropriated under the Appropriation Act for that financial year and it would not be in the public interest to delay the appropriation of the expenditure until a supplementary estimate is approved by the National Assembly, in accordance with Clauses (2) and (3), the President may, subject to Article 204, issue a warrant authorising the expenditure and withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund;

(5)    The Minister responsible for finance shall present the warrant referred to in Clause (4) to the relevant Parliamentary Committee for approval; and

(6)    The Parliamentary Committee shall consider the warrant within forty-eight hours of its presentation by the Minister responsible for finance.”

Sir, in conformity with the law, the hon. Minister of Finance appeared before the Committee on Estimates to present the Supplementary Provision Warrant No. 1 of 2016. After carefully weighing the merits and demerits of the warrant signed by His Excellency the President, your Committee was of the view that it would not be in public interest to oppose the proposed …

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order, on my extreme right, please!

Mr Hamududu: … purchase of power. Your Committee, therefore, approved the Supplementary Provision Warrant No. 1 of 2016 dated 14th January, 2016, authorising the expenditure for emergency electricity power imports.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

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

Dr Scott: Now, Sir.

Mr Speaker, in seconding the Motion, which has been ably moved by the Chairperson of your Committee, I would like to highlight a few issues which were of concern and arise in the Chairperson’s remarks.

Sir, in justifying the need for the supplementary expenditure, the hon. Minister of Finance informed your Committee that the increasing electricity power shortage in Zambia had necessitated the need for daily importation of power from Karpowership in Turkey. He further explained that this was an emergency as failure to procure power would have led to more load shedding. Your Committee was also informed that the demand for power in the region had increased because most of the countries mainly depend on hydro-power which, as we have been told, has been adversely affected by the poor rainfall pattern.

Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister of Finance stated that funding would be split into two parts. Firstly, the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) will bear the cost equivalent to its selling price to customers. The current average selling price by ZESCO is 5.64 cents per kilo watt hour (kWh). Secondly, the Government will bear the remaining 10.88 cents per kWh, which is the difference between ZESCO’s selling price of 5.64 cents per kWh and the price of purchasing emergency power pegged at 16.52 cents per kWh.

Sir, let me now comment on the constitutional provisions regarding the subject matter at hand. Your Committee notes that the Constitution explicitly provides for presentation of the warrant to the relevant Committee of the National Assembly. While this is a welcome initiative, your Committee is of the view that the requirement for the warrant to be approved within forty-eight hours of its approval by the President will be a challenge to implement in future because the time is too short for it to allow for effective consultation from concerned stakeholders.

In this regard, your Committee recommends that Parliament hastens the review of the Standing Orders to align them with the current Constitution, including reviewing the period for consideration of the warrant and providing for procedures for approval of the warrant.

Sir, in conclusion, allow me to thank members of your Committee for affording me an opportunity to second the Motion.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Hamududu: Mr Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Members for their overwhelming support.

I thank you, Sir.

Question put and agreed to.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to.

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The House adjourned at 1124 hours until 1430 hours on Tuesday, 16thFebruary, 2016.