Wednesday, 1^st March, 2017

 

The House met at 1430 hours

 

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

NATIONAL ANTHEM

 

PRAYER

________

 

MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

 

ZAMBIA NATIONAL BROADCASTING CORPORATION TELECASTING OF UNDER -20 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS TOURNAMENT

 

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development (Mr Mawere): Mr Speaker, I thank you most sincerely for giving me the opportunity to explain why the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) has not been televising the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Tournament being held in Lusaka and Ndola.

 

Sir, the ministry regrets the fact that the ZNBC has not been airing the Under-20 AFCON Zambia Tournament. However, this was due to some administrative and technical challenges which have since ...

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mawere: ... been overcome.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mawere: Mr Speaker, I am, therefore, pleased to inform this august House that the ZNBC will start airing the games with effect from today, Wednesday, 1^st March, 2017.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mawere: The match between Guinea and Egypt will be televised at 1500 hours while that between Mali and Zambia will be televised at 1800 hours.

 

Mr Ngulube: Ema Government, aya!

 

Mr Mawere: Mr Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to thank all the Zambians who have turned up in large numbers to watch the games both in Lusaka and Ndola. I wish to urge them to keep up this spirit up to the end of the games on 12^th March, 2017.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the statement given by the hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development.

 

Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, let me take this opportunity to also thank the Member of Parliament for Kabwe Central, Hon. Ngulube, for raising the point of order.

 

Mr Ngulube: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister stated that the ZNBC could not air the games due to some technical challenges. Since this is a procedural House, is he able to share with it what the technicalities amid the encouragement of all the Zambians to give moral support to the Under 20 Zambia National Soccer Team?

 

Mr Mawere: Mr Speaker, the House may wish to know that the ZNBC, which is supposed broadcast the games live, owed the Confederation of African Football (CAF) fees for broadcasting rights for the 2015 AFCON Tournament. It had to pay the same fees for this year’s tournament. Yesterday, we engaged CAF and it has allowed us to broadcast the games at no cost.

 

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Kundoti (Luena): Mr Speaker, my question is similar to that by the hon. Member of Parliament for Mazabuka Central.

 

Dr Malama (Kanchibiya): Mr Speaker, I was just inserting my card.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kopulande (Chembe): Mr Speaker, in the big document that was submitted pertaining to the hosting of the tournament in Zambia, Form No. 5 related to the rights that should have been given to the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) to broadcast the games and pass on the signal to other broadcasters. As a result of not complying with that provision in the hosting agreement, the ZNBC and this country have lost substantial amounts of money. Could the hon. Minister clarify that.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Mr Mawere: Mr Speaker, this is not a Zambian, but Confederation of African Football (CAF) tournament.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

 

Mr Mawere: We were only given the right to host the tournament, but not exclusive rights to broadcast this it. The CAF is at liberty to give the rights to an institution of its choice. In this case, the rights were given to another company which the ZNBC had to buy them from it.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Mr Speaker, this was an embarrassing situation for Zambia. Were we, as a country, not aware of the debt when were bidding for the hosting of the tournament? Further, how much does the ZNBC owe CAF?

  

Mr Mawere: Mr Speaker, the ZNBC owes CAF about 1.3 million Euros.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Mutelo (Mitete): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether or not he is aware that regardless of what he has said, the people of Mitete and Zambezi West will not watch the games.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Mawere: Mr Speaker, it is difficult for me to determine that because I am not the Minister in-charge of information and broadcasting. I wish this question could be directed to my counterpart, the hon. Minister of Information and Broadcasting.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member for Mitete, you can file in a question.

 

Mr Mweetwa (Choma Central): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned that the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) owes the Confederation of African Football (CAF) about 1.3 trillion Euros …

 

Hon. Government Members: Mm, million?

 

Mr Mweetwa: Million Euros.

 

Sir, many Zambians expected the games to be televised from the beginning because they pay the television levy of K3 per month. Where is this money that is paid in the form of television levy? Has the Government failed to run the ZNBC viably, considering that the staff at the institution are poorly paid?

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mawere: Mr Speaker, again, it is difficult for me to answer that question …

 

Mr Livune: Question!

 

Mr Mawere: … knowing very well that it has been misdirected.

 

I hope that the hon. Member for Choma Central will put a question to the hon. Minister of Information and Broadcasting so that she can substantiate why the ZNBC is not able to buy broadcasting rights and pay its workers well. 

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, please, bear in mind that you seek clarification on the statement. The issue at hand is the telecast of football matches which has turned out to be a short subject. Further, the hon. Minister has a specific portfolio which is not related to issues of television signal.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: He may not be the right Minister to know whether or not there is television signal in your areas.

 

Hon. Member for Namwala, you may ask your question.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Lubezhi (Namwala): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned that the broadcasting rights were given to a particular. Could he be kind enough to tell us the name of the company. 

 

Mr Mawere: Mr Speaker, I am not privy to that information.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Mr Speaker, the Zambian Government …

 

Ms Lubezhi: On a point of order, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order not to name the company he referred to in his statement? Is he in order to dodge my question by saying that he is not privy to that information?

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development, as you respond to the last question, please, respond to that point of order.

 

Hon. Member for Kalabo Central, you may continue.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mawere: Mr Speaker, I wonder how the hon. Minister is feeling ...

 

Mr Speaker: Is that a problem?

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: He could be exhilarated.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Miyutu: Sir, the Zambian Government willingly, desirably and knowingly, bid to host the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Tournament and it was offered the opportunity to host.

 

Hon. Minister, you encouraged Zambians to turn up for the games in good numbers and, as witnessed, there were queues.

 

Mr Speaker, when bidding, one is aware of the conditionalities …

 

Mr Muchima: And consequences!

 

Mr Miyutu: The Government knew that it owed CAF all those Euros and Kwacha.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Miyutu: I would like to hear from the hon. Minister whether or not he was pleased about the Zambians not being able to watch some games live on television. Hon. Minister, did it please you that people were not able to watch the games after being given an opportunity to host the tournament? If not, is it not prudent …

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: Conclude your question, hon. Member.

 

Mr Miyutu: … for you to apologise to the Zambian people?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, please, bear in mind the point of order raised by the hon. Member for Namwala as you respond.

 

Mr Mawere: Mr Speaker, I encouraged the Zambian people to watch all the games and I will continue to do so. If possible, they should watch them at either the Heroes or Levy Mwanawasa stadia. We acknowledge that there are some Zambians who cannot go to the stadia to watch the games. That is why all the games to be played from today onwards will be telecast on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Television for everyone to see.

 

Regarding the point of order raised by the hon. Member for Namwala, as I indicated, I am not privy to those details. CAF, whose headquarters are in Egypt, is not a Zambian federation, but for Africa. Since the federation is not domiciled in this country, it would be unfair for me to speak on its behalf by stating the name of the company that was given the broadcasting rights. I have no mandate to ask them which company they have given the rights to.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

MEDICINAL CANNABIS

 

The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Kampyongo): Mr Speaker, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to issue a brief ministerial statement on the debate surrounding medicinal cannabis, which has arisen from proposals from some isolated sections of society to legalise the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

 

Mr Livune: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kampyongo: The issue to be considered is whether there is any law that provides for the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

 

Mr Speaker, Section 9 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act Cap 96 of the Laws of Zambia provides that:

 

“Any person who, without lawful authority, cultivates any plant, which can be used or consumed as a narcotic or psychotropic, or from which a narcotic drug or psychotropic substance can be extracted, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable upon conviction to a fine not less than five hundred penalty units or to imprisonment not exceeding ten years or to both:

 

“Provided that person shall be guilty of the offence under this section if that plant is cultivated for purposes of medicine or is not on a substantial and commercial scale.”

 

Sir, the importance of the preceding legal provision is that, it recognises certain circumstances under which a person can, with lawful authority, cultivate cannabis.

 

 Mr Livune: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kampyongo: One of the circumstances under which one can legally cultivate cannabis is when it is for medicinal purposes. Notwithstanding the preceding proposition, it is mandatory that one obtains requisite lawful authority to enable him/her cultivate cannabis for medicinal purposes. Without the requisite lawful authority, one commits an offence of cultivating the crop even if it is for medicinal purposes. However, the legal issue that begs to be resolved is where to obtain this lawful authority.

 

Mr Speaker, in terms of Section 6 of the Dangerous Drugs Act Cap 95 of the Laws of Zambia, the hon. Minister may, by regulations:

 

1. provide for controlling or restricting the production, possession, sale and distribution of drugs to which this part applies;

 

1. provide for prohibiting the production, possession, sale or distribution of any drug to which this part applies except by any persons licensed or otherwise authorised, in that behalf, by the Minister, and the cultivation of plants from which such drugs are derived; and

 

1. prescribe measures to be taken for the eradication of plants to which regulations made under paragraph “b” apply, are found to be growing wild.

 

Further, in terms of Section 8 of the Dangerous Drugs Act Cap 95 of the Laws of Zambia, a person who, except under licence granted by the hon. Minister knowingly cultivates any plant or the genus cannabis shall be guilty of an offence against this Act.

 

Mr Speaker, having cited the immediate preceding legal provisions, it is submitted that the hon. Minister of Health is the licensing authority for purposes of issuing licenses to persons who intend to cultivate cannabis for medicinal purposes. Without obtaining the requisite licence, any person who cultivates cannabis for medicinal purposes does so without lawful authority. Furthermore, Section 22 of the Dangerous Drugs Act Cap 95 of the Laws of Zambia further states that:

 

“A licence or authority issued or granted for the purposes of this Act by the Minister may be issued or granted on such terms and subject to such conditions (including, in the case of a licence, the payment of a fee) as the Minister thinks proper.

 

Sir, in conclusion, it is, therefore, not the mandate of the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), which falls under my ministry, to issue licences. Like I have stated, the mandate of the DEC is to enforce the relevant rules and not to issue licences to persons who intend to cultivate cannabis for medicinal purposes.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

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

 

 Dr Kalila (Lukulu East): Mr Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to seek clarification from the hon. Minister responsible for Health.

 

 Hon. UPND Members: Home Affairs.

 

Dr Kalila: Sorry, the hon. Minister of Home Affairs.

 

Sir, I am aware that the highest seat for debate in this country is the National Assembly. Generally, debate in the nation can also be set in motion by the media. I am, therefore, at pains to understand the gist of this ministerial statement, given the fact that the hon. Minister has highlighted quite clearly that there are legal provisions in this country, which allow the cultivation of medicinal cannabis, …

 

Mr Ngulube: Question!

 

Dr Kalila: … which he has actually told us. I would like him to accept that by bringing this ministerial statement, he is actually contributing to raising this debate in this country, which does not tolerate most of the issues to do with psychotropic substances.

 

 Mr Speaker: Order!

 

The problem I have is that you have not asked the question.

 

Mr Ngulube: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Speaker:  Order!

 

You are making a contention because you ended your debate by saying, “Accept”. You have not asked any question.

 

 Laughter

 

 Dr Kalila: Hon. Minister, are you not contributing by raising this debate to those who are calling for …

 

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, considering that the statement by the hon. Minister has had an unsettling effect on many people. Is he in order to bring this statement to the House which is not of any help to the control of the scourge? Hon. Minister, do you think your statement was proper before this House and the nation at large.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Ministerial statements are authorised by my office.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Ah!

 

 Mr Speaker: Yes!

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

They cannot be presented without the permission of the Hon. Mr Speaker.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

So, if we do not have any questions, we should move on.

 

Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Mr Speaker, I would like to appreciate the hon. Minister for presenting the statement on this controversial issue. However, hon. Minister, has your ministry taken time to review the Act in line with what is taking place in countries such as the United States of America (USA), Britain and Australia on the grounds that cannabis is no longer produced for not only smoking purposes, but also for its high industrial value in medicines or cotton, especially in the treatment of gynae cancer. Are you considering conducting a study in order to review the Act and clear the negative perception this country has of cannabis?   

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, my statement was aimed at sensitising members of the public because the laws that govern this subject matter are made here. It appears that some quarters of society do not understand that there are laws which are meant to manage the production and use of the substance under debate. For the information of hon. Muchima, the pieces of legislation contain exceptional circumstances under which the use of cannabis is permissible. Government agencies have conducted studies in line with what is obtaining in other countries. Therefore, there are provisions on how this substance should be handled.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Speaker, what yardstick is used to determine the hectarage to be cultivated for those who will be licensed to cultivate the substance for medicinal purposes?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, if the hon. Member for Namwala followed my statement, she would have heard what I said about what the Ministry of Health is expected to do when there is a request to cultivate cannabis. It is not the Ministry of Home Affairs that determines who should be issued with a licence. I have clearly stated who has the authority to grant licences to those who want to produce cannabis for medicinal purposes. So, the Ministry of Health will determine who should be licensed. No one should just wake up one day and decide to cultivate a few hectares of cannabis for medicinal use without a licence. Whoever does that will be our ‘client’.  The use of Cannabis, even as ndobondo, is not allowed.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: What does that mean?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, ndobondo is a traditional way of using cannabis in a valley of a certain province.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: Are you able to indicate a reference?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, as I said earlier, it is the Ministry of Health that determines who should be issued with a licence and the hectarage of cannabis to be cultivated.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, after listening to the ministerial statement by the hon. Minister, I am inclined to think that it was presented in response to the media debate by doctors who have been calling for the legalisation of the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. So, the question for me is on the use and not the growing of this crop which, I think, the hon. Minister’s submission is mostly about. Therefore, the question by Hon. Dr Kalila was on the gist, rationale or reason for the hon. Minister’s coming to this House to give the ministerial statement. Is the hon. Minister saying that the Government is going to legalise the use of cannabis or are there any legal provisions already in place, legalising the growing and use of this crop? So, what is the gist of the statement?

 

Mr Speaker: I am at a loss.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I would have said I am equally at a loss, but I think my dear learned colleague should know better the gist of my statement than most people. Moreover, he has cited some of the stakeholders, namely doctors who are part of the debate on this subject. It is for the doctors’ benefit to know that there is already a legal provision for what they are talking about. Therefore, the question of legalising or not legalising the use of cannabis falls away.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Speaker: Thank you very much.

 

Mr Speaker gave the Floor to Mr Lufuma.

 

Mr Ngulube: Hear, hear!

 

Laughter

 

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo): Mr Speaker, cannabis is a valuable commodity or weed. Instead of banning it, I was wondering whether the hon. Minister should not just encourage its cultivation for export purposes. If possible, the Government should actually borrow the manifesto for the Green Party. Would the hon. Minister care to do that?

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, my ministry is charged with the responsibility of enforcing the law.

 

Ms Kapata: Ukukaka abantu!

 

Mr Kampyongo: I have just spelt out the laws pertaining to this matter. As the hon. Member has stated, cannabis, like any other dangerous narcotic drugs that are prohibited, can have a value. However, we care for our citizens. That is why laws have been put in place to deal with the use of prohibited substances. Thus, my job is to enforce the laws to the letter. 

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Dr Musokotwane (Liuwa): Mr Speaker, the focus on the prevention of the cultivation of the cannabis is because of the fear that its consumption can become habitual. Consequently, people get injured in many ways. However, cannabis is not the only habit-forming substance. In fact, in the Zambian context, consumption of alcohol is the biggest and most harmful habit. People die in accidents because of alcohol consumption. Many things happen to people because of alcohol consumption. In view of this, are we not in danger of implementing what the rest of the world says about cannabis and, in the process, forgetting the other harmful substances that whose consumption can be habitual and harmful? Besides, the Zambian people like alcohol. Why does the Government not ban the consumption of alcohol?

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Speaker: You are now changing the subject.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I would not want to open debate on another issue, as the subject matter on the Floor is very clear. I do not want to digress into discussing other substances that were not part of my statement.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Nanjuwa (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister talked about the procedure on how to obtain a licence to cultivate cannabis for medicinal purposes. What measures have been put in place to ensure that the licences are not abused? After obtaining licences to grow cannabis for medicinal use, some people can start growing cannabis for commercial purposes.

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, we have the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) that ensures that laws relating to such matters are enforced. Those who want to cultivate cannabis for uses other than medicinal purposes will be clients of the DEC, which falls under my ministry. The penalties for such a crime, some of which I have mentioned, are prescribed. I talked about the ten-year sentence that one has to serve if found guilty. These are the measures we have put in place to deter people from cultivating cannabis, trading in it or distributing it.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Ngulube (Kabwe Central): Mr Speaker, in Zambia, there are two types of medicines. There is conventional medicine and traditional medicine. I am aware that the process of extracting medicine from cannabis requires the use of sophisticated equipment, procedures and pharmaceuticals. Has the hon. Minister said anything to the effect that he has legalised the cultivation of drugs?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I have not legalised the cultivation of cannabis or any other drug. This House makes laws which citizens must follow. The hon. Member talked about the issue of traditional medicine vis-à-vis the use of cannabis for medical purposes. We have heard about some traditional medicines being taken to the Ministry of Health to have their efficacy tested. I have clearly stated the procedures to follow in growing cannabis for medicinal use. Only the Ministry of Health, in consultation with the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), can authorise the cultivation of cannabis for medical use.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

_________

 

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

 

MALAWI MAIZE EXPORT

 

123. Mr Mweetwa (Choma Central) asked the Vice-President:

 

1. what role the Zambian Government played in the export of maize by the Zambia Co-operative Federation (ZCF) in July, 2016;

 

1. whether there was any impropriety on the part of the Zambian officials in the management of the agreement; and

 

1. if so, what measures had been taken against the erring officers.

 

The Minister in the Office of the Vice-President (Ms Chalikosa): Mr Speaker, in the 2015/2016 agricultural season, the Southern African Region experienced erratic and low rainfall patterns due to the El Niño phenomenon. As a result, Zambia and Tanzania were the only two countries that record a surplus in maize production. This resulted in increased demand for maize in the region and an increase in the price of the commodity. As a result of the shortages in maize supply in the region, the Government received requests for maize and/or mealie meal exports from some countries in the region, namely Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Malawi on a government-to-government arrangement. Although the Government authorised the export of maize and mealie meal, the players were from the private sector, that is, farmers, grain traders and millers who sell their grain or mealie meal to local or foreign agents appointed by the importing governments. Normally, the transactions are carried out purely on commercial terms. The maize is bought directly from the open market and not the strategic grain reserves that are maintained by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).

 

In the case of Malawi, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu responded to a request from his counterpart, His Excellency Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika, to waive the ban on the export of maize grain in order to support Malawian agents who wished to source maize from Zambia. The maize transaction to Malawi was sanctioned by the Republican President as a gesture of good neighbourliness. The Zambian Government allowed the Zambia Co-operative Federation (ZCF) to enter into an agreement with a Malawian parastatal company, namely Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation Limited (ADMARC), to export 100,000 metric tonnes of maize grain to that country. However, before this transaction could be actualised, the Government of Malawi requested that the contract amount be split equally between the ZCF and a Malawian company called Transglobe Produce Exports Limited, that is, 50,000 metric tonnes for ZCF and 50,000 metric tonnes for Transglobe Produce Exports Limited. In line with its mandate to facilitate agriculture trade in Sections 3 and 6 of the Control of Goods Act (Import and Export) (Agriculture) Regulation Cap 421 of 1994 of the Laws of Zambia, the Ministry of Agriculture issued the ZCF and Transglobe Produce Exports Limited with the relevant documents that included fumigation and phytosanitary certificates, and import permits. Later, it was discovered by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) that Transglobe Produce Exports Limited could not export the maize directly to Malawi, as it was not a Zambian-registered company, and thus non-tax compliant under the Zambian jurisdiction. So, the said company opted to use a Zambian company called Zdenakie Commodities Limited, which was also the supplier of the maize grain. The Ministry of Agriculture, therefore, proceeded to issue the required permits between 4^th November and 27^th December, 2016. The ZCF exported 4,034.36 metric tonnes, representing 8.07 per cent, while Transglobe Produce Exports Limited, through Zdenakie Commodities Limited, exported 570 metric tonnes, representing 1.14 per cent of their respective allocations of 50,000 metric tonnes.

 

Sir, there was no impropriety on the part of the Zambian officials in the management of the agreement.

 

Mr Livune: Question!

 

Ms Chalikosa: Mr Speaker, no action or measures have been taken against any officers, as this was purely a commercial transaction that involved private companies, namely the ZCF and Transglobe Produce Exports Limited/Zdenakie Commodities Limited.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, a while ago, the hon. Minister of Home Affairs presented a ministerial statement in response to media debate about legalising cannabis through a ministerial statement. However, the Government has chosen to remain quiet over a questionable maize transaction. Given the seriousness of the allegation, what was the inducement for the Government to remain quiet in the midst of raging debate and speculation about what has been referred to as a questionable maize transaction? In the case of Malawi, the Minister of Agriculture was fired while in Zambia, it is alleged that the Ministry of Agriculture officials and the President of the Republic of Zambia were involved in the maize deal. Why did the Government elect to remain quiet and leave matters to speculation?

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Chalikosa: Mr Speaker, this matter has come to light because of the question by the hon. Member for Choma Central. At the time the hon. Minister of Agriculture gave a ministerial statement, there were other internal issues of paramount importance that needed our attention.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Mwashingwele (Katuba): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister referred to the executive powers of the President of the Republican of Zambia. So, when the ban on the export of maize was still in effect, he authorised this transaction using his executive powers. However, when the transaction backfires, it cannot be called private business. I would like the hon. Minister to be candid in her explanation because maize is our staple food. What is really the issue behind this? If the officers from the ministry were involved, does she not think that it is right for them to resign in order to preserve the integrity of Zambia?

 

Hon. Opposition Member: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Chalikosa: Mr Speaker, the question by the hon. Member is not clear, but I think I have clearly stated that the Government’s role was just to issue the permit in compliance with the offer that His Excellency the President of Zambia made to the Malawian Government. The hon. Member said that some officers from the ministry were involved in the transaction, yet that has not been brought to the attention of any investigative wings. If anybody has information relating to the officers’ involvement in this matter, he/she should relay it to the hon. Minister of Home Affairs.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, before I raise my question to the hon. Minister who is responding to the Question on behalf of Her Honour the Vice-President, I would like to refer to the report of our sister Parliament of the Republic of Malawi, pertaining to the “Maize-gate Scandal”, as it is called in Malawi.

 

Mr Mweetwa: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Sir, I have before me the Report of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Irrigation and Public Accounts Committee on the Inquiry into the Allegations of Fraud in the Procurement of Maize from Zambia by the Malawi Government through the Agriculture Development and Marketing Corporation Limited (ADMARC).

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Malawi!

 

Mr Mwiimbu:  Sir, I will quote two paragraphs from the report. According to the findings of the Parliamentary Committee of Malawi, some officers from the Ministry of Agriculture were witnesses in the investigations by the Committee. Page 10 of the Executive Summary of the report reads:

 

“The Committee further found that Transglobe Exports Produce Limited wrongly and fraudulently involved the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Dr George Chaponda, MP, to get the business so that it could supply up to 50,000 metric tonnes to Malawi. The Committee found that in this wrongful endeavour, Hon. Dr Chaponda was aided by the Zambian Minister of Agriculture who instructed her Permanent Secretary to issue Transglobe with a maize export permit for 50,000 metric tonnes when Transglobe did not legally qualify on account of not being a registered taxpayer in Zambia.”

 

That is one of the findings of the Parliamentary Committee of Malawi.

 

Mr Kambwili: Ifyabufi!

 

Hon. Opposition Member: Masholi!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, further, the Parliamentary Committee …

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order, on the left!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: … of Malawi says:

 

“The Committee found that Hon. Dr Chaponda, with the concurrence and participation of his Zambian counterpart, arbitrarily, wrongly and in fraudulent violation of the Public Procurement Act (PPA), used his powers as Minister of Agriculture to give Transglobe business to supply maize to ADMARC.”

 

Sir, the hon. Minister has said that there was no impropriety in this matter on the part of the officials from the Ministry of Agriculture. If that is her assertion, is she telling this august House that the report is false and the Parliamentary Committee of Malawi is a fraud, therefore, misleading the people of Zambia and Malawi? Can she categorically confirm that?

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Yes!

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Let us have some order in the House.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order! Order!

 

Mr Mwiimbu laid the paper on the Table.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Chalikosa: Mr Speaker, I can categorically state that Zambia has no jurisdiction to discuss the affairs of another sovereign country.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Chalikosa: In my statement, I categorically stated that Zambia facilitated the issuance of the permit. Transglobe was picked to handle the transaction by the Malawian Government not the Government of Zambian.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to raise a point of clarification. I am also hopeful that you, Sir, sitting in that Chair, understand the complexity of this matter because it has come to the ‘face’ of many Zambians …

 

Hon. Government Members: Ah!

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member, take a sit.

 

Please, do not draw me into your debate. No matter how simple or complex issues are, I follow all the proceedings every single day. Otherwise, I would not be seated here.

 

Ms Kalima: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Speaker: I am not part of the inquisition, …

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: … hence I am not passing any judgment here. You want to get the right to account. That is what you are doing. That is why I directed the right to explain. I am not part of the debate in that sense.

 

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, I appreciate your guidance. However, this issue is quite complicated. I am hopeful that a time will come when you, like your counterpart, the Right Honourable Richard Msowoya, the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Malawi, will permit this House to provide proper oversight on this matter. I say this bearing in mind that the people from the Parliament of the Republic of Zambia who have been cited in this report are President Edgar Lungu, who is at the helm of the governance of this country, and the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Dora Siliya.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkombo: Sir, I am hopeful that as we pursue this matter, uninvolved as you may be, you could assist us by constituting a select committee to interrogate this matter like your counterpart, Hon. Richard ...

 

Hon. Government Members: Ah!

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Let us be focused. The hon. Member for Choma Central raised a point of order. In response to that point of order, I asked him to file in a question of an urgent nature, and he complied. We forwarded it to the right and they have made a response. Now you are engaging them on the statement. The steps and measures that you wish to take now or in the future are another subject. That is not for this afternoon. What is for this afternoon are follow-up questions to the statement. So, let us keep it that way.

 

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister was clear in her statement that Transglobe, the company that was initially given the export permit and whose trucks were impounded at the Chipata/Mwami Border, did not qualify to be a part of this transaction on account of not being registered in Zambia. Consequently, Zdenakie was engaged instead.

 

Sir, could it have been an oversight to issue illegal export documents to Transglobe which is not registered here? If it was, who are the directors of Zdenakie?

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Chalikosa: Mr Speaker, as I stated earlier, Transglobe was picked to participate in the transaction. Upon realising that it could not transact in Zambia, as it was not registered here in Zambia, it entered into an agreement with Zdenakie to supply it the maize.

 

Sir, if the hon. Member wants to find out the directors of Zdenakie, I wish to urge him to go to the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) which, I am sure, would have all the information as I do not have it in my posession.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Chalikosa: I repeat that His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, was only trying to assist his counterpart, the President of Malawi, by allowing Malawi to buy maize from Zambia.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Livune: Question!

 

Mr Syakalima (Chirundu): Mr Speaker, I realise that this topic cannot be exhausted this afternoon. I also appreciate your guidance that some matters be dealt with some other time. However, will we be able to export maize to Malawi in the future given that Malawi carried out investigations here and found that there was fraud on the part of Zambia? According to the report, some officials from the Ministry of Agriculture here in Zambia were involved in the scandal. This transaction has made us, as a country, look like fraudsters.

 

Mr Kampyongo: Question!

 

Mr Syakalima: We should cleanse ourselves by setting up an inquiry that will determine who was involved. Otherwise, we shall remain fraudulent country in the eyes of Malawi.

 

Sir, is the Government prepared to refuse to help Malawi in future lest we are accused of being fraudsters?

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Ms Chalikosa: Mr Speaker, the issue of Malawi finding fault with the transaction that was carried out by its nationals has nothing to do with Zambia trying to assist.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Ah!

 

Ms Chalikosa: If the report implies that there was fraud on the part of Zambia, we are not aware of that fraud. That is an internal matter. Secondly, should Malawi wish to buy maize from Zambia, I do not think there will be any prohibition because it will be treated as a commercial transaction. Farmers and millers from the private sector have the ability to transact as they wish under the guidance of the laws of Zambia and Malawi.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, the report from Malawi is now in public domain. The image of our country has been dented because the report insinuates that the hon. Minister of Agriculture from Zambia aided the former Minister of Agriculture from Malawi. What is the Government going to do to clear this bad perception?

 

Ms Chalikosa: Mr Speaker, I think my statement is enough to clear the name of Zambia.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Chalikosa: I keep repeating that the hon. Minister of Agriculture did her part which was to allow the transaction to take place. That is all that Zambia did.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Belemu (Mbabala): Mr Speaker, from her response, the hon. Minister will admit that something went wrong with the awarding of the export permit to Transglobe Produce Exports. Later on, it was discovered that the company did not qualify. Yes, there are laws which could have guided them. May I know at what stage that anomaly occurred and what measures have been taken to ensure that things are done the right way?

 

Ms Chalikosa: Mr Speaker, the Zambian Government did not err at any stage. I said that the Malawian Government engaged the companies to handle the maize transaction. The Zambian Government was advised that Transglobe Produce Exports could not export maize to Malawi because it was not tax compliant. Therefore, there was no wrong doing on the part of Zambia. The measure that has been taken is to encourage the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) to correct the anomalies and advise accordingly.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Nanjuwa (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, I feel it is important for the House and the nation to know the ownership of Zdenakie Limited. The hon. Minister said that she does not have that information at the moment. Could she be kind enough to bring it at a later stage.

 

Ms Chalikosa: Mr Speaker, I guided earlier that information on any Zambian company is available at the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA).

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Chalikosa: So, the hon. Member who wants that information is at liberty to go to PACRA and collect it.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Mutelo (Mitete): Mr Speaker, …

 

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

 

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Ms Chonya: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to refer an hon. Member who wants information in the House to PACRA?

 

Interruptions

 

Ms Chonya: Sir, is this information not supposed to be provided by the hon. Minister?

 

I seek your guidance, Mr Speaker.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: My guidance is that if there was a question on the directors of the company, I would have requested the hon. Minister to supply the information being sought. The point the hon. Minister is making is that the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) is one of the public registries which offers a provision for a search. So, one can make a search,, For whatever reason, whether you are a researcher, politician or professional, you can make a search. This can either be done at PACRA or the Ministry of Lands registries. She has not refused to respond to the question, but was not requested to bring that information in the first place. If you had requested her to avail you with that information, I would have expected her to supply it.

 

The hon. Member for Mitete may continue.

 

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, it is not only the report from the Parliament of Malawi that has stated that something was wrong with the transaction, but the civil society in Malawi is also saying that the transaction was totally fraudulent. Having listened to the statement, I note that tracks …

 

Mr Bwalya: On a point or order, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Mr Bwalya: Mr Speaker, I would like to apologise to the hon. Member who is on the Floor for interrupting his line of thought.

 

Mr Speaker, I have been listening attentively to the questions that have been raised following the response by the hon. Minister. According to the Standing Orders of this House, repetitions are not allowed. We have been getting the same questions from the time the hon. Minister started responding to points of clarification. The questions are paraphrased.

 

Is the House in order to spend precious time listening to the same things that the hon. Members have been asking about. I really need your serious ruling as provided for in the Standing Orders.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Indeed, it is true that one of our rules of procedure is to avoid repetition. This is unquestionable. It is not debatable. We must be efficient regardless of the subject of debate. We should not repeat ourselves. I have also been following the hon. Minister’s responses. If we go through the verbatim report, we shall find that she has been repeating herself because the same questions are being posed using different phraseology, yet the substance of the questions is the same.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: I have listed down the hon. Members of whom I have given the opportunity to ask points of clarification. I hope that at every new question, there will be something different. Alas, ...

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: We have only two more questions. I hope as we move on, the hon. Members will bring a new perspective to this debate. We should not repeat ourselves. I am sure even the people who are listening …

 

Hon. Government Members: Are wondering!

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: The hon. Member for Mitete may continue.

 

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister sure that the response she has given this afternoon that Zambia is cleaner than Malawi in this transaction true?

 

Laughter

 

Ms Chalikosa: Mr Speaker, yes, I am very clear that Zambia is cleaner because the companies that were involved are from Malawi. The transaction was supposed to have been handled by Malawian companies that could not have business transactions in Zambia because they are not tax compliant. Zambia is clean. It does not have the jurisdiction to meddle in the internal affairs of another sovereign

 

Mr Speaker: This is the very response the hon. Minister has been repeating.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: She has been repeating the same thing.

 

Mr Mbangweta (Nkeyema): Mr Speaker, is it a normal Government operation for a country to enter into some agreement with a neighbouring country without carrying out a due diligence just because that particular neighbouring country has recommended a company?

 

Ms Chalikosa: Mr Speaker, there was no agreement between the two governments on which companies to engage. At the expense of repeating myself, I wish to state that Zambia’s role was specifically to issue a permit so that a transaction could take place. The due diligence was carried out at the point when the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) pointed out the fact that the Malawian company could not transact in Zambia. It was at this point that a Zambian company, Zdenakie Limited, was brought into the picture by the Malawians and not the Zambians.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Michelo (Bweengwa): Mr Speaker, this is a serious matter that does not permit the use of kid’s gloves and demands good answers to the questions raised by the hon. Members of Parliament and the people of Zambia.

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Mr Michelo: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister in a position to tell this House the names of the Zambians who were directly involved in this transaction?

 

Ms Chalikosa: Mr Speaker, unfortunately, I do not have their names. Therefore, I am unable to disclose that information.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

KAPUTA STREET LIGHTING

 

124. Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa) asked the Minister of Local Government:

 

(a)       when the street lighting project in Kaputa Parliamentary Constituency would commence;

 

(b)       how much money had been allocated for the project; and

 

(c)       why the Government was erecting solar powered-street lights in the district.

 

The Minister of Local Government (Mr Mwale): Mr Speaker, the project for street lighting in Kaputa District commenced in 2014. So far, the council has installed street lights on a stretch of 1.4 km. In 2014, street lights were erected on a stretch of 600 m of street lights were installed while in 2016, a stretch of 800 m was lit.

 

Mr Speaker, the council has planned to erect additional street lighting in 2017, subject to the availability of funds.

 

Sir, in 2014, the council spent K200,000.00 to erect street lighting on a stretch of 600 m. 2016, K473,000.00 from the Local Government Equalisation Fund was used to erect street lighting on a stretch of 800 m. The council will advise on how much has been allocated for additional street lighting once it receives the 2017 Capital Funds from the Local Government Equalisation Fund.

 

Sir, solar-powered street lights are cheaper to maintain, as no electricity bills are paid. They are also not affected by load shedding and are environmentally friendly.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

KAFULAFUTA ROADS

 

125. Mr Kabamba (Kafulafuta) asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:

 

(a)       when the tarring  of the following roads in Kafulafuta Parliamentary Constituency would commence:

 

(i)        Congo Border, connecting Tug-Argan Barracks to Mkushi District;

 

(ii)       Chilengwa/Chiwala; and

 

(iii)      Kemuzi/Chief Nkambo/Shilangwa;

 

(b)       who the contractors for the projects were; and

 

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

 

The Minister of Housing and Infrastructure (Mr Chitotela): Mr Speaker, the tarring of the three roads in Kafulafuta Parliamentary Constituency was not included in the 2017 Road Sector Budget due to some budgetary constraints. The works may be considered next year under the Road Sector Fund Budget, subject to the availability of funds. It falls, therefore, that no contractor has been engaged yet and the time frame for the three projects will only be known once the funds are provided for and the procurement process is done.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

LUWINGU/NSOMBO/CHABA/CHILUBI ROAD

 

126. Mr Bwalya (Lupososhi) asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:

 

(a)       when the tarring of the Luwingu/Nsombo/Chaba/Chilubi Road would commence;

 

(b)       what the cause of the delay in commencing the project was;

 

(c)       who the contractor for the project was;

 

(d)       what the time frame for the completion of the project was; and

 

(e)       what the total cost of the project was.

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, the upgrading of the Luwingu/Nsombo/Chaba/Chilubi Road will commence once the financing agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the financiers for the road is finalised.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order, on the right!

 

Mr Chitotela: The Ministry of Finance is currently reviewing the Financing Agreement and Debt Term Sheet.

 

Sir, the project has delayed to commence because the Financing Agreement for the three lots on the project, which is the prerequisite to the commencement of the works, has not been signed. The road was divided into three lots for good management and contracts were signed with Messrs Buildcon Investments Limited for lot 1 and a Portuguese company, Messrs Mota-Engil Engenharia for lots 2 and 3.

 

Mr Speaker, the time frame for the completion of the project is twenty-four months after the commencement date and the cost of the project is K282,394,736.22 for Lot 1, 36,823,801.83 Euros for Lot 2 and 64,777,682.40 Euros for Lot 3.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Bwalya: Mr Speaker, it is my hope and prayer that the negotiations will be concluded speedily.

 

Sir, the road is currently in a bad state. Are there any plans to carry out hold and maintenance works on it so that it can be passable?

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, we note the concern of the area hon. Member of Parliament. We shall try to engage a contractor to carry out maintenance works. A contractor for two of the lots has already mobilised and moved on site. What has delayed the works on the road is the finalisation of the debt term sheet between the financier and the Ministry of Finance. We shall speak to the contractor to see if he can work on the road within the contract sum so that we can facilitate the movement of people, goods and services between the two areas.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mrs Fundanga (Chilubi): Mr Speaker, what is the difficulty with the Financing Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the financier because the project has been pending for a long time?

 

Mr Ngulube: Ema accent, aya!

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, I am not the Minister in charge of Finance. So, I cannot state why there is a delay in the financing agreements between the Ministry of Finance and the financiers. The financier for Lot 1 is Messrs National Standard Finance Ltd and for Lots 2 and 3 is Messrs Standard Bank. As a ministry responsible for roads, we approved the proposition by the contractors through their financiers and the Loans and Authorisation Act only permits the hon. Minister of Finance to contract a debt on behalf of the Zambian Government. So, we shall engage our counterparts at the Ministry of Finance to find out how far they have gone in terms of negotiations with the contractors.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Jere (Livingstone): Mr Speaker, I am happy to learn that lot 1 was awarded to a local company. However, did the Portuguese-based company float out 20 per cent of the project to the local contractors as per the requirement?

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, this is not just applicable to foreign companies. The standard practice in the ministry is that once contracts are awarded, 20 per cent of the total value of the contract must be subcontracted to the local Zambians in order for us to build capacity. Therefore, Messrs Buildcon Investments Ltd is required, by law, to subcontract the work to small Zambian companies so that they can also grow and participate in the bidding of road contracts. That way, the money will remain in Zambia. So, yes, the contractor will do that and the contractor for Lot 1 will also do the same.

 

 Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN GWEMBE

 

127. Ms Chisangano (Gwembe) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

 

1. whether the Government had any plans to construct the following infrastructure in Gwembe Parliamentary Constituency:

 

1. a police station;

 

1. separate holding cells for men and women;

 

1. accommodation for police officers; and

 

1. a correctional facility;

 

1. if so, when construction works would commence;

 

1. whether the Government had any plans to construct police posts in the various wards of the constituency; and

 

1. if so, how many police posts were earmarked for construction in 2017.

 

The Minister of Home Affairs Mr Kampyongo inaudible.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Continue, hon. Minister.

 

Hon. Members: Mic!

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Members: Mic!

 

Mr Sing’ombe: You cannot use two microphones at the same time.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Ngulube: Dundumwezi!

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, …

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kampyongo: … before I respond to the question, I wish to place it on record that we are grateful for the way you have arranged and managed the Business of the House today because we would all like to join the soccer fans in supporting our boys …

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kampyongo: … to victory once again.

 

Mr Speaker, the Government is aware that the Zambia Police Service has no infrastructure in Gwembe Parliamentary Constituency. The it is currently operating from an old building which used to be a courtroom and there are no holding cells for women and men, respectively. With the availability of resources, the Government will not hesitate to construct a police station, staff houses and a correctional facility in the constituency.

 

Sir, the needs assessment would help to determine the construction of the said facilities. As we have stated before, this can only be done after the on-going projects are completed and funds are made available.

 

Mr Speaker, as indicated in parts (a) and (b) of the Question, the Government will construct police posts in the various wards when resources are made available. We look forward to partnering with the hon. Member.

 

Sir, no police posts have been earmarked for construction in 2017 until the on-going projects have been completed.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Ms Chisangano: Mr Speaker, as the hon. Minister has stated, there has been no infrastructure for the Zambia Police Service in Gwembe since 13^th October, 1964. Further, there are no the toilets and holding cells at the police station. Why has the Government taken so long to develop Gwembe, yet there is modern infrastructure at Sinazongwe and Siavonga police stations?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, we sympathise with the situation. We are equally concerned about the welfare of our officers who operate from Gwembe. The construction of new police stations in Sinazongwe and Siavonga should give hope to the people of Gwembe. Therefore, the hon. Member should assure them that we shall certainly provide a conducive environment for both the officers and their ‘clients’.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

_________

 

MOTION

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

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

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

_________

 

The House adjourned at 1609 hours until 1430 hours on Thursday, 2^nd March, 2017.