Tuesday, 7^th March, 2017

 

The House met at 1430 hours

 

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

NATIONAL ANTHEM

 

PRAYER

 

_____

 

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR SPEAKER

 

ACTING LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE

 

Mr Speaker: I wish to inform the House that in the absence of Her Honour the Vice-President, who is attending to other Government Business, the Chief Whip, Hon. Richard Musukwa, MP, has been appointed Acting Leader of Government Business in House today, 7^th March, 2017.

 

Thank you.

 

 Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

__________

 

MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

 

RECENT MURDERS IN LUSAKA PROVINCE

 

The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Kampyongo): Mr Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to render a ministerial statement on the recent murders in Lusaka Province, which prompted the Member of Parliament for Kanyama, Hon. Elizabeth Phiri, to raise a point of order.

 

Sir, before I address the point of order, allow me to share my assessment of the security situation in the country over the last few years. It is important to place the recent incidents of murder in full context of the security situation in Zambia so as to avoid giving inappropriate responses.

 

 Mr Speaker, in the last four years, the security situation in Zambia has been stable. However, there have been a number of reports of serious crimes, most of which have been reported to the Zambia Police Service which maintains records of cases of crime on a daily basis.

 

A close examination of the statistics of crimes committed between 2013 and 2016 has shown a stable but slow decline, from 88,384 cases in 2013 to 78,698 in 2014, 85,692 in 2015 and 87,432 in 2016.

 

Sir, the most prevalent crimes include assault occasioning bodily harm, theft, aggravated robbery, stock theft, murder and theft of motor vehicles.

 

Mr Speaker, the prevalence rate of crime is closely related to population distribution, with the most-populated districts and provinces recording higher incidents of crimes than the least-populated districts and provinces. Overall, the crime rate is on the decline.

 

Sir, let me now address the issue of the recent murders reported in Lusaka Province. From 20^th January, 2017, Lusaka has reported sixteen murders and eight aggravated robberies. So far, five suspects of crime and eight of aggravated robbery have been arrested. However, investigations into the barbaric crimes have continued. In 2016, Lusaka Province recorded about nineteen murders and 146 aggravated robberies. From the statistics, it can be concluded that there is a relative decline in incidents of murder and aggravated robbery.

 

Mr Speaker, measures taken to address crime in Lusaka Province, which will also help enhance security throughout the country include:

 

(a)enhancement of patrols by police officers in various communities, especially those that are prone to crime;

 

(b)increase in police presence in densely-populated townships;

 

(c)enhancement of community team mobilisation;

 

(d)enforcement of timely closure of places of entertainment and drinking;

 

(e)enhancement of sensitisation of the population about personal security through meetings with community and civic leaders, radio and television programmes; and

 

(f)offer of a reward of K50,000 to any person that can provide information leading to the arrest of those involved in the recent murders.

 

Mr Speaker, I wish to appeal to all the hon. Members of this august House and members of the public to support the Zambia Police Service in the fight against crime. This task cannot be left to the Zambia Police Service alone. Public participation and involvement is essential because police officers cannot be everywhere at all times.

 

Sir, let me also take this opportunity to appeal to organisations and individuals who organise public gatherings to comply with the provisions of the Public Order Act, as failure to do so can be fatal, as witnessed yesterday at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) in Lusaka where eight people died, that is, six adult females, one adult male and one juvenile male, while twenty-eight were seriously injured in a stampede at a meeting which was convened by a church organisation and where food hampers were to be distributed.

Our sympathies go to the families of those who lost their loved ones.

 

Mr Speaker, this unfortunate incident was partly due to failure by the organisers of the event to observe the provisions of the Public Order Act. The programme began earlier than indicated in the notification to the Zambia Police Service. As a result, the event became disorderly before the arrival of police officers at the scheduled time.

 

Mr Speaker, the incident underscores the importance of complying with the provisions of the Public Order Act. Had it not been for the quick response of the Zambia Police Service, more people would have been injured and, probably, more lives lost. I would, therefore, like to commend the Inspector-General of Police and his command for the prompt response and for taking charge of the operation to restore order. The Zambia Police Service is still investigating the incident. So, the law shall certainly take its course once the investigations have been concluded.

 

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 Home Affairs.

 

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, first and foremost, I would like to pay my condolences to the families that lost their loved ones in the stampede that occurred at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) that is attributable to hunger. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister of Home Affairs whether the stampede was as a result of criminality or severe poverty in this country.

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, according to media reports, some people went to the OYDC to clamour for foodstuffs as early as 0200 hours in the morning. Can the hon. Minister be clear about that.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare looks after people in need through various social safety nets that are in place. Some parts of the country have had drought and, if the Government was not proactive and caring, we could have lost lives. We, therefore, acknowledge people’s needs.

 

However, Sir, we do not think that a gathering of this magnitude could be a panacea to poverty. Different men of God have called gatherings of a similar manner. This gathering was different in that the organisers had promised to give those in attendance some small food hampers.

 

Mr Speaker, the hon. Member for Monze Central should know that it is an insult to the people of Zambia to think that the distribution of 10 kg bags of mealie-meal was going to solve the problems of people. I wish to urge him to respect the people. When people are invited for prayers and are offered some food hampers, it does not mean that they are starving like the hon. Member would want everyone to believe.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, the cause of the stampede is exactly as I have explained. All public gatherings are supposed to be managed through the provisions of the Public Order Act. Any convener of a gathering of such magnitude should ensure that there is enough security to manage the crowd. In any case, the food the hon. Member referred to was never seen.

 

The hon. Minister of Religious Affairs and National Guidance turned down the invitation to officiate at the function because the conveners of the prayer gathering failed to produce the food hampers when demanded to do so. We are treating everyone as a suspect, especially the conveners of the meeting. Investigations will be extended to include all those that we feel played a role in organizing the event that cost people’s lives.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, when the conveners sought permission to hold the event from the hon. Minister’s office, they indicated that they would give out some food to those in attendance. Was the Government convinced about the source of the food?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, as I indicated earlier, the conveners of the meeting sought permission from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and National Guidance, who was supposed to be the guest of honour, she asked for some information from the conveners. She sought to know their status in terms of registration and who the local organisers of the event were. She also wanted to ensure that she saw the 35,000 food hampers that were to be distributed because, as the Government, we thought it was not feasible to distribute that many hampers to a huge crowd in that fashion. This has never happened before.

 

Sir, the Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare was also against the distribution of food hampers in that manner. However, the organisers disregarded the advice that was given by both ministries. We were against the proposed distribution of food because we thought one cannot compare himself/herself to the Son of God who multiplied bread and distributed it to thousands of people. Only Jesus Christ could do that. As the Government, we did not want to be duped by people who come into the country in that fashion. So, we did not approve the event.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Dr Chanda (Bwana Mkubwa): Mr Speaker, I wish to express my condolences to the bereaved families. There are three aspects to this issue, namely security or public order, religious affairs and community development, which deals with the vulnerable in society. If the Ministry of Religious Affairs and National Guidance and the Zambia Police Service denied the church permission to conduct the meeting, and the Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare also advised against the holding of the meeting, why did the conveners of the gathering, who are foreigners, break the law with impunity? Why was the Zambia Police Service not there to stop the meeting from taking place?

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, as I explained, the conveners of the gathering notified the Zambia Police Service. They were also supposed to get clearance from the Ministries of Religious Affairs and National Guidance and Community Development and Social Welfare that were supposed to assign officers to ascertain the availability of the food hampers the church intended to distribute.

 

The Zambia Police Service reacted timely. The Inspector General of Police went to the scene to ensure that the event was halted immediately and people were dispersed. We noticed that some people were trying to be mischievous in regard to the organisation of the event. That is why I stated that our investigations will be thorough. We have confiscated the travel documents for the foreign nationals who were involved in this event. They will not be returned until the matter has been concluded.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Zulu (Luangeni): Mr Speaker, it is unfortunate that lives were lost yesterday. I remember raising a point of order last week relating to pastors ...

 

Mr Samakayi: On a point of order, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Mr Samakayi: Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament have a responsibility to hold the Executive to account. That way, the Executive is accountable to the people of Zambia.

 

Sir, sometime in November or December last year, a delegation of between ten and twenty hon. Ministers went to the People’s Republic of China to learn best practices in boosting development in Zambia and market investment opportunities. One would have thought that upon return, the hon. Ministers would have acquitted themselves by rendering a report to this House.

 

Mr Speaker, is the Executive in order to keep quiet and not bring a report here?

 

I need your serious ruling, Sir.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Speaker: My ruling is that the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs will address that question as he updates the nation on a variety of issues relating to foreign relations and activities.

 

The hon. Member for Luangeni may continue.

 

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, prevention is better than cure. What are the Ministries of Home Affairs and Religious Affairs and National Guidance doing to ensure that such a thing does not recur in this country?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I recall that the hon. Member for Luangeni raised a point of order, questioning the credibility of some of the people claiming to be men of God.

 

Sir, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Registrar of Societies, which is charged with the responsibility of registering churches, worked on a template which was given to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and National Guidance. This is meant to ensure that there is a self-regulatory framework which will monitor the activities of various churches and men and women of God. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and National Guidance has put in place measures to ensure that people coming from outside the country to do church work are cleared by the ministry before they can get any documents from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The measures have been put in place because we are equally concerned about the crime situation in the country. Almost on a weekly basis, the Ministry of Home Affairs arrests people who have committed different types of crimes, ranging from theft to defilement in the pretext of doing pastoral work. We are trying to find ways of working with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and National Guidance to monitor the activities of churches.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa): Mr Speaker, allow me to also convey my condolences to the bereaved families and thank the hon. Minister, and the uniformed men and women for the work they have continued to do under very difficult circumstances.

 

Mr Livune: Question!

 

Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, are the crimes that have been reported in Lusaka in the recent past related to the rainy season? We see more of such incidents during the rainy season. If so, what message do we have for the people as we sensitise them about safety matters?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, the crimes are varied. Some of them can be attributed to immorality, as some people patronise certain clubs throughout the night. The recent case we had in Chilanga is that of an uncle, who is a close family member, who took the lives of innocent children who were in his custody. Another case was that of someone who took the life of a loved one. As Members of this august House, we have a lot of work to do to get people to appreciate and treat each other as equal human beings.

 

So, the crimes vary. The Zambia Police Service has intensified patrols in some areas. Sadly, it is not possible for us to get into people’s homes where, like I have said earlier, people have murdered their partners. So, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and National Guidance has a lot of work to do. However, we need to support it in ensuring that people learn to love and treat one another as human beings.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Mr Speaker, there are reports of people, particularly women, being killed on a monthly basis. Tomorrow, we shall be celebrating International Women’s Day, yet we have been losing lives of dear sisters …

 

Hon. Opposition Members: What is your question?

 

Mr Mung’andu: The question is: Has the Ministry of Home Affairs adequately developed the Forensic Investigations Department to help bring to book the perpetrators of heinous crimes? Do we have adequate forensic investigation techniques in the country to help bring the culprits to book?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member of Parliament for that important question. Yes, there have been a number of crimes recently. Additionally, our prison facilities are filled to capacity because the Zambia Police Service is trying everything possible to bring to book the perpetrators of crime.

 

Sir, I would also like to acknowledge that the Zambia Police Service has a full-fledged forensic laboratory which helps to expedite investigations in a more efficient and timely manner.

 

I wish I had invited my colleagues, the hon. Members of Parliaments, to the exhibitions that took place during the Police Day last Saturday. They could have seen the different types of services offered by the Zambia Police Service. Samples from the crime scene are no longer sent across the borders for examination, as police officers have been adequately trained to secure and utilise whatever samples are collected from the crime scene.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Syakalima (Chirundu): Mr Speaker, I wish to draw the hon. Minister back to the incident that occurred at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC). As rightly stated, a permit was sought from the Zambia Police Service. However, people went earlier than the scheduled time. The argument is that people flocked to the OYDC between 0200 hours and 0300 hours in pursuit of food and not necessarily the Holy Spirit.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Chiteme: Question!

 

Laughter

 

Mr Syakalima: How could safety be assured when the entire Police Intelligence and other security wings went to sleep not realising that people had started flocking to the OYDC by 0200 hours and by 0600 hours the place had swelled to unproportional numbers, hence compromising the work of the Zambia Police Force? Is the hon. Minister telling me that the police officers were still asleep at 0200 hours and did not know that the OYDC was full to capacity? He should have mobilised the police officers between 0200 hours and 0700 hours before lives were lost.

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I am trying to avoid demeaning God-fearing people and those who want to go and listen to the word of God. I do not want to take that route. However, lately, we have seen people who are in search of salvation being duped not only in this country, but also other countries. Information is exchanged across the continent.

 

Not too long ago, we heard about an incident where hundreds of people who were staying at a hotel that belonged to a certain man of God died when the building collapsed. Sometimes, people travel long distances to listen to the word of God. In this instance, people were invited for prayers where they were to receive some food hampers which we had some reservations about. So, it was difficult for us to get fully involved. As the Government, if we tell people not to attend some gatherings, we shall be labeled ungodly. However, are shall ensure that we screen some of the people who preach the word of God.

 

So, all I can say is that the organisers were insincere in their sharing of information with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and National Guidance. When they sought a permit from the Zambia Police Service, they did not go back to confirm the time for the prayers. That is why I said that when the investigations are concluded, I will come back to the House and point out the areas where there could have been some lapses.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, the hon. Member’s question was on intelligence. Was it not possible for the intelligence to know that by that hour people would have begun to gather? That is the question.

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) is a sports complex. Those who have been there will have seen that there are various activities that go on from the evening up to the early hours of the morning.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

 

Mr Kampyongo: You cannot question me. Maybe, you do not live in Lusaka. I am saying this based on the information …

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Minister, take a seat.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Please, direct the responses to me. Those other unfortunate incidents are my responsibility. Some of them may be from accepted practice.

 

You may continue hon. Minister.

 

Mr Kampyongo: Thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

The Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) is a busy place where activities go on even at awkward hours. What I have said can be confirmed later. So, when people are seen going there, it would be difficult for anyone to anticipate a calamity of this nature. Like I have stated earlier, the conveners of the event had notified the Zambia Police Service. However, what was probably missing was – I do not want to preempt the outcome of the investigation.

 

Mr Kambwili: Just answer!

 

Mr Kampyongo: I was saying that the Zambia Police Service Intelligence …

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, let us avoid making running commentaries.

 

You may continue, please.

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, we know that our intelligence operatives gather information. So, they could have noticed the build up of people. However, that is a busy place and there was no indication that things would end up that way.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Mutelo (Mitete): Mr Speaker, in his statement, the hon. Minister only mentioned three ministries. However, he has just confirmed that there is a fourth one, as the place in question is used for sports. This means that the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Child Development was also involved.

 

Sir, why is the hon. Minister talking about screening now? How can the hon. Minister blame the convenors of the event for the misinformation when the guest of honour was invited and the date and venue set? Was the screening not thought about before the event took place? This is what resulted in the question on the gathering of intelligence.

 

Mr Sing’ombe: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I cannot figure out what the hon. Member’s question is.

 

Mr Speaker: Do you want him to repeat the question?

 

Mr Kampyongo: From what I have gathered, the hon. Member is talking about screening. I stated earlier on that we have instituted investigations into what transpired. The Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) is under the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development. Like I said earlier on, we shall come back after the investigations to inform the House what exactly transpired.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Dr Malama (Kanchibiya): Mr Speaker, my question has been overtaken by events.

 

Mr Jere (Livingstone): Mr Speaker, most of the murders and cases of aggravated robbery happen at night. The hon. Minister has stated that the Zambia Police Service will rely on members of the public for information and a reward has been offered to anybody with information leading to the arrest of the criminals. Does the Zambia Police Service have enough transport and manpower to work during the night?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, we are continuously addressing the challenges the Zambia Police Service is faced with. So far, it has been equal to the task. Criminals live in the community. That is why we call for community participation. The community knows that some people who they live with are involved in suspicious activities. We want a type of collaboration with the community where people can avail the Zambia Police Service any information that is important.

 

Sir, the Government is doing everything possible to increase the number of police officers so that it is proportional to the size of the population. There is also a need to continue procuring equipment and motor vehicles that will make police officers more effective in policing the country.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): It is now clear to the Zambian people that the levels of hunger in the country are high. What does the hon. Minister think is the perception of the international community on the hunger situation in the country?

 

Mr Speaker: I will not allow the hon. Minister to answer that question.

 

Laughter

 

Dr Kambwili (Roan): Mr Speaker, there have been concerns amongst the members of the public that every time they go to police stations to report crimes, they are told that there is not enough manpower, yet there are large numbers of officers at traffic checkpoints. There have also been complaints that most of the police officers who are found at the reception desks of police stations are drunk. How does the hon. Minister reconcile the two? Are traffic offences more important than criminal offences?

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I am sure the hon. Member knows how much effort the ministry has put in trying to scale down the number of checkpoints. The police officers who manage traffic are different from those who perform general duties.

 

Sir, if people can cite a particular incident when they went to a police station and found a police officer drunk, they should report it so that the officer can be dealt with. However, to generalise the situation is not helpful. We should learn to appreciate that police officers do a lot of work. I do not know what the crime situation in this country would be without police officers. There could be some isolated complaints. However, we should be specific when referring to such issues.

 

Mr Speaker, I have made several statements on the Floor of the House relating to the issue of checkpoints. Many hon. Members have been helpful in this matter. I have also received numerous reports pertaining to this issue which have been acted upon.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Jamba (Mwembezhi): Mr Speaker, in his statement, the hon. Minister referred to the Ministries of Religious Affairs and National Guidance, and Community Development and Social Welfare.

 

People are invited to officiate at prayer gatherings for prayers and not food hampers. Did the hon. Ministers disapprove the holding of the prayer meeting because of a lack of proof of presence of food hampers, which were to be distributed, or they knew that the conveners were false prophets or pastors?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I have repeatedly stated that when the hon. Minister of Religious Affairs and National Guidance was approached, she wanted to, firstly, establish the nationality of the conveners. When she learnt that they were of foreign origin, she wanted to know who the local organisers were before she could accept the invitation to officiate at the event. She sought that information through my ministry which maintains records of all the registered churches in Zambia. However, instead of providing her with the information that she requested for, the conveners went ahead with the event.

 

Sir, similarly, the Minister of Community Development and Social Welfare, who is in charge of the ministry that makes social interventions such as the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) Programme, wanted to know how the food hampers were going to be distributed. She also wanted to know the contents of the hampers. The two hon. Ministers were not satisfied with the manner in which the conveners presented their case. Thereafter, the hon. Minister of Religious Affairs and National Guidance failed to get hold of the conveners. These are the matters we are trying to probe.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Ms Katuta (Chienge): Mr Speaker, the happenings in the country relating to bogus pastors or prophets are quite saddening. Have there been any arrests made in relation to the bogus pastors who have been telling the Zambian ladies, for instance, to give them soaps to be prayed for so that all their problems are washed away? Zambia is a Christian nation. However, there have been a lot of happenings. How many pastors have been arrested so that the others know that Zambia is not a ‘banana’ country?

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I have stated that when someone commits a crime, we do not look at his/her status. We go after him/her, regardless of his/her status in society. I am sure the hon. Member has followed the media reports relating to the number of people who have been arrested. When we establish that men and women of God have ulterior motives, we follow them up. We have been doing this for quite some time. Some of them are behind bars. As the Government, we support the new ministry and ensure that we carry out the necessary investigations on individuals who want to come into our country so that we do not accept people like those whom the hon. Member referred to as bogus preachers.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Munkonge (Lukashya): Mr Speaker, I also wish to convey my condolences to the bereaved families. I think the hon. Minister’s statement originated from the murder of the two girls in Chilanga and a taxi driver in Kanyama. There were some undertones that a serial killer has been terrorising the areas. Were the three people murdered by this serial killer?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, it would be premature for me to say that we are dealing with a serial killer. We have made arrests relating to certain cases, but are still pursuing leads in other cases. I would, therefore, not want to confirm that we are actually dealing with a serial killer. According to the arrests that we have made, these are different cases.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Mr Speaker, the issues under discussion are important and the ministry needs the support of all stakeholders. Does the hon. Minister think that there is sufficient support from all stakeholders in order to build capacity in the ministry to enable it handle such matters in a better way?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I can assure the hon. Member that we are doing everything possible to ensure that we maintain law and order. Our mandate is to protect lives and property. We also want to ensure that we have the necessary numbers of police officers in order to modernise law enforcement. We also want to ensure that we respond to situations quickly. As the hon. Members are aware, crime evolves. So, we have to ensure that we keep abreast with modern trends of law enforcement. We should be ahead of the occurrences of crime.

 

 Sir, I wish to assure the hon. Member that we have a lot of support from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency the President, who, as you know, has worked in this ministry and understands some of the challenges we are faced with.

 

Mr Livune: Question!

 

Mr Kampyongo: I also wish to assure the hon. Member that law enforcement officers are spending sleepless nights trying to pursue the criminals. We are going to ensure that we put them in the rightful place.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Nanjuwa (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, we have heard that both the hon. Ministers of Religious Affairs and National Guidance, and Community Development and Social Welfare declined the invitation to officiate at this gathering. In clear terms, would the hon. Minister describe the gathering as legal or illegal?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I have already stated that investigations have been instituted. Once they are concluded, we shall certainly come back to this House to inform the nation because there are a number of issues that have to be looked into. Like I have stated, the two ministries expressed concern over the prayer gathering. So, that should form part of the probe in this matter.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Lumayi (Chavuma): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister spoke about national security. I hope that thorough investigations are conducted before the police make any arrests. I note that cases of serial killings for people’s private parts have reduced in the country. I would like the hon. Minister to update the nation on the fate of the suspected serial killers who were arrested in connection to the murders.

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member has just confirmed that the police are equal to the task in pursuing suspects of crime. However, I cannot say much on the fate of the suspected serial killers because they are still appearing before the courts of law. 

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

THE PRESIDENT’S INTERNATIONAL TRIPS AND STATE VISITS TO ZAMBIA BY FOREIGN HEADS OF STATE

 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs (Mr Kalaba): Mr Speaker, in the advent of globalisation and interdependence of world economies, crosscutting decisions are made at bilateral and multilateral meetings. So, it is imperative that Zambia is actively engaged in the global arena.

 

Mr Kalaba coughed.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Drink water!

 

Mr Kalaba: It is, therefore, important that such meetings, which are in line with our national interests, are attended at the highest level in order to influence regional and global decision-making in implementing our foreign policy.

 

Hon. UPND Member: Drink water!

 

Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, for the first time, I will listen to their advice. So, let me drink some water.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kalaba drank some water.

 

Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, allow me to outline the President’s recent international engagements.

 

Sir, I have the honour to inform the House that His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, attended the 28^th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Governments of the African Union (AU) which took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 30^th to 31^st January, 2017, under the theme, “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investment in Youths”.

 

Mr Speaker, one of the major highlights of the summit was the election of the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and eight commissioners of the African Union Commission. The elections were highly competitive and involved vigorous campaigns at both regional and bilateral levels.

 

Sir, I am delighted to inform the House that the Zambian candidate, Ambassador Albert Muchanga, was elected as the AU Commissioner for Trade and Industry, with a decisive forty-nine votes out of fifty-one in the first round of voting.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kalaba: This is a significant outcome for the country, as it is the first time in fifty-three years of Independence that a Zambian has held a position in the top management of the AU Commission.

 

Hon. Member: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kalaba: This is a senior position in a strategic field which shall benefit the country directly.

 

Mr Speaker, this historic achievement is not by chance, but the result of a deliberate policy by the Government of His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is a clear deliverable by the Government in line with the Patriotic Front’s (PF) Manifesto.

 

I wish to assure the Zambian people that this would not have been possible without the involvement of His Excellency the President.

 

Mr Speaker, the AU Summit also considered the Report on the activities of the Peace and Security Council (PSC). One of the important decisions made by the Heads of State was the adoption of the Lusaka Roadmap which defines practical steps for the attainment of Agenda 20/20 of “Silencing the Guns”.

 

Sir, the agenda was arrived at through lobbying and diplomatic engagement that resulted in Zambia’s hosting of the Retreat for the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) from 7^th to 9^th November, 2016.  It was at this retreat that the document for the Lusaka Roadmap was drafted. The retreat was officially opened by His Excellency President Lungu.

 

Mr Speaker, as a member of the AUPSC for the next three years, Zambia will continue to use its influence to ensure peace and security prevails on the continent. His Excellency the President has already earned recognition amongst his peers and the international community as a champion of peace and security not only in the Southern and Great Lakes regions, but also the entire continent. I, therefore, urge all citizens to support the efforts being made by the Government in this very important area.

 

Mr Speaker, another significant activity at the summit was a high level meeting on the implementation of the African Position on Ending Child Marriage in Africa which was chaired by His Excellency President Lungu and co-chaired by the outgoing Chairperson of the AUPSC, Her Excellency Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

 

Mr Speaker, in recognition of Zambia’s effort to end Child marriages in the country and beyond, the AU endorsed His Excellency the President as Africa’s champion on ending child marriage on the continent.

 

Mr Speaker, yet another important milestone for Zambia was the opportunity granted to His Excellency the President to present the country’s mid-term progress report to the Forum of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).

 

Sir, you may wish to note that Zambia was last peer reviewed in 2013. The progress report was, therefore, deemed as an incremental step in the governance record of the country, as it highlighted areas that required improvement and those where Zambia was doing well.

 

Mr Speaker, the importance of the President’s participating in foreign engagements, especially at the multilateral level, is that the Head of State is able to take advantage of the engagements to hold bilateral meetings with some of his counterparts and heads of international organisations which would otherwise require a separate visit to be undertaken. In this regard, the President held meetings with the following dignitaries:

 

(a)        the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency Mr Hailemariam Desalegn, where the two Heads of State agreed that their foreign ministers would hold the inaugural session of the Zambia/Ethiopia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) in March, 2017, which will be immediately followed by an official visit to Zambia by the Ethiopian leader;

 

(b)        the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, His Excellency Mr Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, during which the Egyptian Head of State renewed his invitation to President Lungu to undertake a State visit to his country in April, 2017;

 

(c)        the President of the Republic of Malawi, His Excellency Professor Arthur Mutharika, during which the two Heads of State directed that a JPC be held before the end of April, 2017.

 

(d)        the Heads of State of the Republics of Namibia and Togo where the Heads of State discussed the need to strengthen bilateral ties and co-operation; and

 

(e)        the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr Babatumbe Osotimehin, who expressed his organisation’s satisfaction with the role Zambia was playing to end child marriage.

 

Mr Livune: Question!

 

Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, I wish to further inform the House that Zambia won a highly competitive bid to house a centre for disease control for Southern Africa which will be one of the five regional collaborative centres on the continent.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kalaba: This is a grand achievement, ...

 

Mr Mwale: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kalaba: … as state of the art laboratories will be built to provide first hand information and solutions to disease control, at the same time creating employment opportunities for Zambian nationals. In addition, Zambia is also privileged to be among the ten member-State governing body for the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in recognition of its influence in the region.

 

Mr Speaker, at the bilateral level, I wish to report to the House that his Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, undertook an official visit to Israel from 27^th  February to 3^rd March, 2017, at the invitation of His Excellency the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu.

 

Sir, this visit marked a significant milestone, as the last official visit to Israel by a Zambia President was twenty years ago. So, it was critical, as it provided an opportunity for Zambia to enhance its diplomatic ties with Israel. His Excellency the President delivered a keynote address at the first ever Zambia-Israel Business Forum which attracted high-level business leaders from both countries. The forum was a platform for business leaders to create linkages and networks, and meaningful dialogue on possible joint ventures that are essential to the sustainable development of Zambia. In the health sector, four Israeli medical missions will travel to Zambia between May and June, 2017, to assist Zambia in specialised medical fields such as comprehensive emergency response services. The medical missions will also provide cardiac services, perform cardiac surgery on children with heart disease and compliment the Government’s efforts in setting up a cardiac surgeon service centre.

 

Mr Speaker, Zambia and Israel agreed to partner in agriculture, specifically in capacity building, research and developing a curricula that embraces modern technology of farming. Two Israeli agricultural institutions, namely Natafim and Organ Green, expressed interest in investing in Zambia. The Zambian Government invited Natafim to partner with the Zambia National Service (ZNS). In view of the importance that both Israel and Zambia attach to peace and security, the Prime Minister of Israel extended an invitation to a team from the Ministry of Defence to travel to Israel to discuss possible areas of co-operation and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). In addition, private security firms expressed interest in investing in Zambia.

 

Mr Speaker, at the regional level, his Excellency the President recently visited Kasane, Botswana, from 6^th to 7^th February, 2017, for bilateral discussions on the on-going construction of the Kazungula Bridge. Once completed, the bridge will:

 

(a)ease congestion at the Kazungula Border Post;

 

(b)improve the turnaround times for clearance of goods and services;

 

(c)enhance cross border trade; and

 

(d)develop Kazungula District on the Zambian and Botswana sides.

 

The project will not just benefit Zambia and Botswana, but also the region as a whole, as it will enable a seamless flow and expansion of trade and investment along the North to South Corridor and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). Once the bridge is completed, the tourism sector is also set to experience rapid growth.

 

Mr Speaker, during the state visit to Tanzania from 27^th to 29^th November, 2016, His Excellency the President held fruitful discussions with his Tanzanian counterpart on issues of mutual interest that included:

 

(a)the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA)

 

(b)the Tanzania-Zambia Mafuta  (TAZAMA) Oil Pipeline; and

 

(c)trade and investment matters.

 

The benefits that accrued to Zambia include:

(a)Tanzania agreeing to extend the gas pipeline from its southern region to northern Zambia. Zambia can use the gas for domestic and industrial consumption and set up a gas power plant; and

 

(b)the Heads of State agreeing to expedite the completion of the one-stop-border post at Nakonde to facilitate the flow of trade between the two countries and improve service delivery at the port of Dar-es-salaam.

 

Mr Speaker, his Excellency the President visited South Africa from 7^th to 9^th December, 2016. During the visit, South Africa pledged to expand its business portfolio in Zambia in many areas, including food processing, mineral beneficiation and exploration, communication, energy and agriculture, among others. Zambia and South Africa agreed to enhance co-operation in mining, tourism, infrastructure development, defence and security, trade and industry and the energy sectors. Eskom, which is South Africa’s largest power utility company, expressed interest in collaborating with Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the construction of a power interconnector and a new electricity transmission grid. The construction of a new electricity grid and interconnector will mitigate the power deficit not only in Zambia, but also in the region.

 

Mr Speaker, as a country, our international engagements do not only comprise the President’s travel, but also receipt of dignitaries. In this regard, His Excellency the President of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, undertook a working visit to Zambia from 8^th to 10^th February, 2017. During the visit, the two Heads of State discussed issues pertaining to bilateral and multilateral co-operation between the two countries.

 

Mr Speaker, the House will further recall that His Majesty King Mohammed XI of Morocco undertook a state visit to Zambia at the invitation of his Excellency the President from 19^th to 23^rd February, 2017. During the visit, his Excellency President Lungu and His Majesty King Muhammed XI conferred on various issues of mutual interest. They both expressed satisfaction with the decision to re-admit Morocco to the AU and reaffirmed their commitment to tackle challenges the continental body was faced with.

 

Mr Speaker, the visit of his Majesty Mohammed XI led to the signing of nineteen bilateral agreements and MoUs in the fields of agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, education, training, industry and investment, among others. In addition to the agreements signed between the two governments, various agreements were signed with the private sector which will provide essential investment links that are critical to the diversification of the Zambian economy and the development of the country.

 

Mr Speaker, as stated earlier, international agreements by heads of State from other countries, create a platform for dialogue and exchange of views on issues of mutual interest between countries. Among other benefits, the visits are a vehicle for strengthening relations at both bilateral and multilateral levels and fostering strong bonds of co-operation in various spheres. They are also a critical catalyst for foreign direct investment (FDI), mobilisation of resources, trade, technical co-operation and protection of the countries’ national interests.

 

Mr Speaker, I now wish to respond to the point of order, which was raised by the hon. Member of Parliament whose constituency I cannot remember, …

 

Mr Speaker: Mwinilunga.

 

Mr Kalaba: It is the Hon. Member for Mwinilunga. The ten Provincial Ministers and the hon. Minister for National Development Planning were authorised authority by his Excellency Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Sovereign Republic of Zambia to attend a ten-day Ministerial Workshop in China from 15^th to 24^th November, 2016.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kalaba: The main objective of the workshop was to share experiences and learn best practices in boosting development in Zambia and market investment opportunities to a number of Chinese companies that expressed interest to invest in Zambia. The workshop was educative, informative, interactive and beneficial to hon. Ministers who got first-hand information on China’s experience in economic development, regional economic development, development of economic special zones and experience in agriculture development. This will help improve and initiate development projects in various sectors in the provinces, thereby bringing about economic development and enhancing the living standards of people. The quest to deliver development to all the provinces is in line with Zambia’s National Decentralisation Policy and is one of the major priorities of the Patriotic Front (PF) Government, as it seeks to devolve some administrative functions from the Central Government to the local authorities.

 

Sir, in conclusion, hon. Members of this august House will agree with me that from the international assignments undertaken by His Excellency the President and visits of foreign Heads of State to Zambia, the country has secured huge investment opportunities in trade and development co-operation. This will culminate into job creation which will improve the quality of life of the Zambian people. Zambia will, therefore, continue to reach out to the international community in order to reap maximum benefit for the county towards sustainable development. As such, the active participation of the Head of State in regional, continental and global affairs, and increased interaction and engagements at bilateral and multilateral levels, serve to effectively promote Zambia’s Foreign Policy and advance the country’s interests.

 

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 Foreign Affairs.

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, my question pertains to the veracity of the hon. Minister’s statement in relation to the President’s visits to the Republic of Israel. He mentioned that no Zambian President has ever officially visited Israel in the period preceding twenty years. I am aware that he had informed us on the Floor of this House that the Former President had officially visited Israel. Did he issue a wrong statement to the House?

 

Mr Ngulube: Question!

 

Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, I have elucidated the various meetings that President Lungu held during his official visit to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. I said that it was the first visit in the last twenty years that a sitting Head of State has had meetings of such magnitude. Yes, the late President Sata visited Israel, may his soul rest in peace, but the scale of the visits by …

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Kalaba: … the two Presidents to Israel differs.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Kufakwandi (Sesheke Central): Mr Speaker, following the warm relations that have been built between Israel and Zambia, and Morocco and Zambia, does this imply that Zambia will abandon or lessen its support to the cause of the Palestinians whose land has been taken over by the Israelites and the people of West Sahara who have been colonised by Morocco?

 

Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, I have said at several fora that Zambia will try to advocate for peace on the continent using its position and disposition on the continent. Having hosted the West Saharan and Moroccan leaders, Zambia will use its position on the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSCAU) to find ways and means of enabling the two countries to live in peace. So, the Zambian Government will aggressively and diplomatically deal with the issues relating to the two countries. This also applies to Israel and Palestine that both have bilateral ties with Zambia.

 

For instance, Hon. Kampyongo’s enemy should not automatically become my enemy. As a Christian, …

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kalaba: … I am supposed to bridge the divide between the two people. Zambia is playing that role of bridging the political divide between the two countries. So, President Lungu’s Government has formulated a policy to ensure that the Palestinians and Israelites find common ground for them to live in peace and tranquility.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Michelo (Bweengwa): Mr Speaker, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has visited more than ten countries. The hon. Minister said that the President’s delegation that included hon. Ministers and journalists learnt a lot about agriculture in Israel.

 

Mr Ngulube: Question!

 

Mr Michelo: How many technocrats from the Ministry of Agriculture accompanied the delegation to Israel?

 

Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, with due respect, that is a rubbish question by Hon. Michelo. However, I will try to extract something from it.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, is he asking about the number of officials from the Ministry of Agriculture specifically or the entire delegation?

 

Mr Speaker: Let us be efficient. As I understand the question, it is: How many technocrats from the Ministry of Agriculture accompanied the delegation to Israel?

 

Mr Kalaba: They were two, Mr Speaker.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Mutelo (Mitete): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that the scale of the visits to Isarel by Presidents Sata and Lungu differs. Will he change the next time he comes on the Floor of this House and say that the scale of President Lungu’s visit to Israel was lower?

 

Mr Kalaba: No, Mr Speaker.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kambita (Zambezi East): Mr Speaker, it has been widely discussed and still being discussed on social media and many other avenues that President Lungu travelled with a large entourage comprising hon. Ministers, Patriotic Front (PF) cadres and a few technocrats, as the hon. Minister has just confirmed. Could the hon. Minister tell this House and the nation at large why the President travelled with such a big team to Israel just to go and meet the Prime Minister for twenty-five minutes. We are not aware of the other people he met the rest of the time he was there.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for that question. However, it is simply undermining his malice because my earlier response was specific about the number of technocrats who were on that trip. The hon. Member had asked how many officials, specifically from the Ministry of Agriculture, were in that delegation. He did not ask how many people were from the Ministries of Transport and Communication, Foreign Affairs, Health and Commerce, Trade and Industry. Therefore, to postulate on a particular issue is incorrect reasoning. I say so because the President travelled with eight hon. Ministers, all of whom had specific roles to play on that trip.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, let me belabour this point. When the President travels with hon. Ministers, each one of them has a specific role to play. He does not take along the hon. Ministers for leisure, but to expose Zambia’s comparative advantage. We live in a competitive world. So, if we remain here in Lusaka and Manda Hill in particular, while others are travelling and competing for the same resources, hon. Opposition Members will accuse the Government of not working. Some hon. Members have been attacking us. On one hand, they attack us for the travels and, on the other hand, they congratulate us on the election of the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Trade and Industry.

 

Sir, these things do not just happen by chance. As a nation, we have to invest in international relations. There comes a time in the life of a nation when we should cross the political divide. Issues such as having a Zambian elected as AU Commissioner for Trade and Industry are by-partisan and are good for us all. The inclusion of the hon. Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry on the President’s delegation was aimed at bringing the Israeli business investors to meet our chief diplomat. This is a good thing which should be celebrated by both sides of the House. It is also a good thing that we had the hon. Minister of Agriculture in that entourage. Zambia is now moving from being a mono-economy to a diversified one. In view of this, we get the Ministers of Agriculture, Tourism and Arts, Health and all the other Ministers in charge of line ministries to go and argue the country’s case. So, instead of commending the Government, you criticise it by saying that the number of Ministers in the President’s entourage was too big.

 

Mr Speaker, if you travel with a Permanent Secretary or director in a ministry to a country like Israel or the United States of America (USA), what audience will he/she be given there?

 

Mrs Simukoko: Imagine!

 

Mr Speaker: Order, hon. Minister of Labour and Social Security.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, Zambia has to use the best arsenal in its power. That is why President Lungu has to travel and make a case for this country. Last time, I drew an analogy of someone who is about to marry but, instead of sending a proper shibukombe like one of the hon. Members seated here, ...

 

Hon. Opposition Member: What is the meaning of shibukombe?

 

Mr Speaker: He has already explained that shibukombe means a broker.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kalaba: Sir, a broker like Hon. Syakalima.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, if the person who is intending to marry picked someone from the street, ...

 

Mr Mwale: Like Mitete!

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kalaba: ... like Washishi, as shibukombe, …

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kalaba: … people would not take him seriously. For us, the Zambians, we have to use President Lungu to speak our case. He is the only one who can open doors that none of us in here can open. Whether you like him or not, that is how things are. It just has to be him. If Zambia is to compete favourably on the international scene, for once, let us stop attacking each other for no apparent reason.

 

Sir, sometimes, it is good to give credit where it is due. I think that President Lungu has done very well on the international scene.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, there is no debate about that. I know that some people do not agree with me. However, a fact remains a fact. Whether you like it or not, the fact is that I am the Minister of Foreign Affairs. You may not like me, but that is a fact.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kalaba: Sir, why, in God’s name, should anyone try to raise issues that have the potential to bring the country down? On the Zambian flag is an eagle symbolising the ability of this country to rise above its challenges. It is a symbol that although we may have differences, there must be unity in diversity. Although Zambia has had its own share of challenges and problems, the people of this country have risen above their differences and common good has precipitated over partisan or sectoral views. Therefore, on the issue of foreign policy, kindly allow the President to do the best he can. I am telling you that he is on the right track. If that was not the case, I would have been the first to tell you.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Musokotwane (Liuwa): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs said that it is Zambia’s interest to ensure that the Arabs and Israelis live in harmony. That is not always possible. For instance, the United States of America (USA) was trying to be an honest broker between mainland China and Taiwan. The Chinese Government rejected its attempts, and so there is no policy on that.

 

In the case of Israel and Zambia, there are many projects that we can point out as having been financed by various institutions such as the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and many others. We do not know of any project that has been financed by the Israelis except in the 1970s. If you are friends with Arab countries and then you go to Israel, what assurance can you give that the Arabs will not say, “Now that you are friends with the Jews, you go and get the money from them?” They will not give us money for projects such as the Kalabo/Angola Border Road? What assurance does the Government have that it will manage to bring the two countries together and not fail like President Trump has failed to bring China and Taiwan together?

 

Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for that good question. However, what assurance do we have that if we stay with the Arabs, they will keep giving us the resources and that if we run out of the resources given to us by the Arabs, we can go elsewhere? The fact is that Zambia is in the foreign arena for its own interest. Firstly, we have the foreign relations to extrapolate our own interests as a country. Secondly, we want to see how the world order can be made to enable Zambia to trade evenly and better with its trade partners. Zambia is strategic. So, it will tread carefully while protecting and shielding its interests to the very last core. That way, when all is said and done, none of our aspirations will be betrayed. This is because our interest is to put Zambia first. We shall ensure that we balance the two as we go on these trips.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Ms Katuta: I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Mutelo: On a point of order, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I raise this point of order.

 

Sir, for the past five years, I have been asking the Government about the Katunda/Lukulu/Mumbezhi Road and all I have been getting are assurances.

 

Recently, the Member of Parliament for Lukulu East, Hon. Dr Kalila and I engaged my ‘neighbour’ here, the hon. Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development, over the status of this road and we were given another assurance. However, as things stand, even the United Bus Company of Zambia (UBZ) type of buses and trucks that used to go to Lukulu have stopped using that route. People used to get to Lukulu within a day. Now, it takes them two to three days. Is the hon. Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development, with whom I whisper sometimes, …

 

Laughter

 

Mr Mutelo: … in order not to send people to work on this road to facilitate the movement of goods and people of Lukulu, Mitete and Washishi?

 

Sir, I seek your serious ruling because I know that my ‘neighbour’ is listening.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: My ruling is that you engage the hon. Minister of Housing and Infrastructure through a Question.

 

The hon. Member for Chienge, you may proceed.

 

Ms Katuta: Mr Speaker, I know that previous governments have made such trips to other countries. Unfortunately, I did not see much benefit accruing to Zambia. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs what the long and short-term benefits of such trips are to the people of Zambia, especially those in rural areas such as Chienge. When are you going to implement whatever you gathered from Israel? 

 

Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, Zambia is awash with benefits accrued from Presidential visits. While some benefits are long term, others are short term. It is important to note that most of the investments in this country come as a result of undertaking such visits. Most investors come to Zambia following such meetings or visits to other countries. That is how other countries learn about Zambia. So, before you know it, there is China Henan, for instance, working on a road in this country.

 

The correlation may take long to be appreciated. For instance, in 2015, we had the Forum on China–Africa Co-operation (FOCAC) Summit in Johannesburg. The benefits of FOCAC might not be seen now, but they are in the pipeline and by the time they start showing, the Patriotic Front (PF) may be in its fourth, fifth or even sixth term …

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kalaba: … of office.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kalaba: This is because some of benefits take a bit of time to ne reaped while others come immediately.

 

So, to answer your question, hon. Member for Chienge, most of the investments that you see such as borehole drilling, are as a result of such meetings. 

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

_____

 

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

 

FEEDER ROADS IN CHINSALI

 

148.  Mr Mukosa (Chinsali) asked the Minister of Local Government:

 

(a)whether the Government had any plans to rehabilitate feeder roads in Chinsali District in 2017;

 

(b)if so, which feeder roads were earmarked for rehabilitation; and

 

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

 

The Minister of Local Government (Mr Mwale): Mr Speaker, Chinsali District Council submitted two roads to be worked on in 2017, subject to the availability of funds. The roads earmarked for rehabilitation are 32 km of Chimbuka Loop Road and 20 km of RD63 Mundu Road.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Mukosa: Mr Speaker, in an event that the two roads are not rehabilitated this year, is it possible that they can be worked on next year?

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, it is very possible. We shall try to push the works to next year if we do not mange to raise funds for them this year. 

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Mr Speaker, feeder roads are critical for rural people, who are the poorest of the poor. The hon. Minister of Local Government is not giving any hope by saying that the roads will be worked on when funds are made available. When you are budgeting, hon. Minister, do you not take into account important roads such as the two in Chinsali? When will the funds be made available?

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, budgeting is one thing, but ensuring that funds to cater for whatever has been budgeted for are available is another. The Ministry of Finance has to raise the funds through taxation and other non-tax means.

 

Yes, we have a Budget in place but it is only a wish list. We have to wait for the Ministry of Finance to raise the funds and make them available to us.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo): Mr Speaker, the Budget is not a wish list but a very important legal document. When we approve the Budget in this House, we are not making a wish. Hon. Minister, what assurance have you got from the hon. Minister of Finance that the feeder roads in question will be worked on? 

 

 Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, the assurance from the Ministry of Finance is that funds will be made available once they are raised.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Mukosa (Chinsali): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister …

 

 Mr Mwiimbu: On a point of order, Sir.

 

 Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I rise on a serious point of order pertaining to the unfortunate recent happenings in the country vis-à-vis the siege of the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) premises. I also wish to declare interest for I am a member of LAZ.

 

Sir, you are aware that earlier this afternoon, the hon. Minister of Home Affairs talked about the need to curb lawlessness in the country.

 

Mr Lufuma: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, last week, we observed, with concern, the LAZ Secretariat being besieged by the members of the Patriotic Front (PF).

 

Mr Ngulube: Question!

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member for Kabwe Central, do not conduct yourself in that manner.

 

 You may continue, hon. Member for Monze Central.

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I was saying that last week, we witnessed an unfortunate event where members of the PF besieged the premises of LAZ in a violent and disorderly manner. Today, …

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

 Did you say orderly?

 

Mr Mwiimbu: I said, disorderly, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker, for those who may doubt that the culprits are PF cadres, I would like to bring it to their attention the fact that the PF youth officials have issued a statement in Lusaka today to the effect that they were exercising their human rights to protest at the LAZ Secretariat.

 

Mr Speaker, on several occasions, the hon. Minister of Home Affairs has made statements on the Floor of this House that he is not going to allow members of the public to take the law in their hands. The ho. Minister has said that if members of the public have any grievance and want to demonstrate, they have to obtain permission from the Zambia Police Service. According to the PF cadres, they never sought permission or notified the Zambia Police Service as per the law and the law that I know.

 

Sir, is the hon. Minister in order to allow one segment of the population of Zambia to take the law in its hands with impunity after he assured members of the public that he is going to ensure that law and order is maintained without discrimination. When he was making a statement on lawlessness this afternoon, he did not refer to the misconduct of the PF cadres.

 

Is he in order to remain quiet over a matter that has disgraced this country? It has now become an international issue and the members of the public are talking about it. Is he in order to remain quiet?

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

I will allow the hon. Minister of Home Affairs to issue a ministerial statement on the subject early next week.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

 Mr Mukosa: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the Hon. Minister if there is a possibility of replacing one of the roads that were submitted to his ministry to be worked on, in liaison with the local council, because the 32 km Chimbuka/Lupu Road, which was submitted to the ministry, may not be as important as the other roads which are in a worse off condition.

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, there is no problem with that. Since the procurement has not yet been done, we can replace the name.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

KAUMBWE MARKET AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OFFICE

 

149.  Mr L. Tembo (Kaumbwe) asked the Minister of Local Government:

 

(a)why the construction of Kaumbwe Market and the Area Development Committee Office (ADCO) in Kaumbwe Ward in Kaumbwe Parliamentary Constituency was abandoned;

 

(b)when the construction works would resume;

 

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

 

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

 

The Minister of Local Government (Mr Mwale): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the project for the construction of Kaumbwe Market and the ADCO was abandoned due to the insufficiency of funds released.

 

Sir, the construction works are scheduled to resume as soon as funds are secured. However, I would like to advise Petauke District Council to use some of the funds from the Local Government Equalisation Fund to complete the project. The project is planned to be completed six months from the date of recommencement. The contract sum for the project is K100,000.

 

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

 Mr L. Tembo: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has said that the project was not completed because of a lack of funds. Is he aware that all the materials for the markets and the ADCO were delivered, but were misused by the cadres? Why is the hon. Minister misleading the House by saying that there was a lack of funds when it is the Local Government that misused the materials? The people of Kaumbwe are aware of everything and …

 

 Mr Speaker: Order!

 

 Hon. Member, you have already made your point. You are now debating.

 

 Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, I do not know whether it is the Local Government or cadres who mismanaged the materials. However, some materials could have been lost on site. All in all, the reason the materials could not be used for the construction of the market and the ADCO was that there was a lack of funds to complete the works, hence the loss or abuse of the materials on site. The response, therefore, still remains that there were no funds available at the time, which could have led to the abuse or loss of some materials on site.

 

 I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Belemu (Mbabala): Mr Speaker, the hon. Member made referred to the Area Development Committee Office (ADCO) in a ward. I would like to find out if it is the Government’s policy for some district structures like ADCO or the Ward Development Committee (WDC ) to be built using public funds.

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, local authorities in different districts have been able to construct offices for WDCs to enable local participation in governance at that level so that people know where to take their complaints or get feedback from the local authorities. In some instances, local authorities have allocated money to carry out such projects.                

For example, Chipata District Council has been able to construct offices for the Ward Development Committees (WDCs) in all the twenty-two wards in the district. This is perfectly in order because funds for the local authorities are also public funds.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr L. N. Tembo: Mr Speaker, since the materials are already on site, answers to parts (b), (c) and (d) of the question are not relevant. When are the works for this project resuming?

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear! Hammer!

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, in my response to part (b) of the Question, I said that funds are not available. So, the works will resume once funds are secured. Further, I have advised the local authority to consider using the Local Government Equalisation Fund (LGEF), which is made available to the local authority every month, to complete the project. That being the case, my initial response is valid.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, often, we hear about projects being abandoned, especially by the Ministry of Local Government. Can the hon. Minister tell us, one of these days, where the projects are and how much it will cost the ministry to implement them so that we see whether or not he is an effective Minister?

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, I am willing to do so.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Jere (Livingstone): Mr Speaker, it is shocking that a project worth K100,000 would be abandoned on account of a lack of funds. Was this a labour based-project or a full contract?

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, this was a community initiative with support from the council. So, it was some kind of labour-based project.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Mukata (Chilanga): Mr Speaker, in the last Session of Parliament, Prof. Nkandu Luo presented a paper on an integrated development plan. The document was supposed to be part of the national development plans regarding public infrastructure such as markets and so on and so forth. I have noticed that the hon. Minister has not made reference to that document. Therefore, my question is somewhat tied to that for the previous questioner. Does this integrated development plan or blueprint exist? If so, why has it not been availed to us so that all of us can be on the same page as to when, for instance, a market will be put up in Chilanga?

 

Mr Mwale: This question is similar to the one he asked a few days ago when he sought to find out whether I was willing to avail the House a road infrastructure development plan on feeder roads in all the districts. I confirmed that there is such an infrastructure development plan that could be made available. If the hon. Member wants a similar plan for markets and so on and so forth, we can also make it available. All the district councils have integrated development plans for their districts that are consolidated into one big national plan. I do not know if he wants all the plans made available to him or he only wants those that relate to markets and roads. There is a composite plan for the whole country.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

TEACHERS’ HOUSES IN CHINSALI

 

151. Mr Mukosa asked the Minister of General Education:

 

(a)        whether the Government  had any plans to construct teachers’ houses at the following schools in Chinsali District:

 

(i)Mulakupikwa Primary;

(ii)Chunga Primary;

(iii)Cheswa Primary; and

(iv)Mulakupikwa Secondary;

 

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

 

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

 

The Minister of General Education (Dr Wanchinga): Mr Speaker, the Government has no immediate plans to construct teachers’ houses at Mulakupikwa, Chunga and Cheswa primary schools. However, in the case of Mulakupikwa Day Secondary School, the Government intends to construct six classroom blocks, one ablution block and three teachers’ houses since it is one of the basic schools in the country which have been upgraded into secondary schools.

 

Mr Speaker, the House may wish to note that the Government’s policy is not to embark on the construction of new projects, but focus on the completion of existing infrastructure. Further, the construction of teachers’ houses at the above-mentioned schools will only be considered for inclusion in the future once the existing infrastructure development has been completed and new plans made.

 

Lastly, there have not been adequate resources to enable the ministry to embark on new projects. This is the reason the commencement of the construction of teachers’ house at Cheswa, Chunga and Mulakupikwa primary schools has delayed.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker,

 

Mr Mukosa: Mr Speaker, how is the ministry going to house the teachers at the schools where the hon. Minister has said that houses will not be constructed? I am, however, grateful for the intentions the ministry has to put up infrastructure at Mulakupikwa Secondary School.

 

Dr Wanchinga: This is a recurring question. Perhaps, I should just record it and replay it because I …

 

Mr Ngulube: Hear, hear! Ema shikulu, aya!

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: Unfortunately, there is no provision under our rules for one to record and broadcast responses to questions.

 

Laughter

 

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, on several occasions, I have said on the Floor of this House that there are three aspects to the response to this question. Firstly, I have said that teachers receive housing allowance which they can use to rent house. Secondly, I have said that this problem provides an opportunity for all of us, hon. Members of Parliament, including members of the community and councillors, to change the landscape of our constituencies by building low cost housing units.

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

 

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, before business was suspended, I was reaffirming the Government’s commitment to putting up houses for teachers. I was also saying that given the financial constraints, the Government is not in a position to meet all the housing needs for teachers countrywide. However, we are looking at other options to resolve this issue. The first option is that teachers be paid housing allowance, which can be used to rent houses. Secondly, this problem of teachers’ houses should also be seen as a business opportunity for all of us. It can also be an opportunity to change the landscape of the areas we come from. We can build low-cost houses which teachers can rent. Thirdly, the ministry is considering the option of putting up prefabricated because this might be a cheaper alternative to meet the challenge of housing for teachers.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, the issue pertaining to teachers’ houses keeps being raised on the Floor of the House. I am aware that the hon. Minister of General Education has made several statements and given responses ...

 

Mr Kambita: On a point of order, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Mr Kambita: Mr Speaker, I thank you for allowing me to rise on this point of order on the Clerk of the National Assembly.

 

Mr Speaker: How?

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: That is not possible. Hon. Member, take a seat.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Speaker: It is not possible. You are trying the impossible.

 

Mr Kambita: Mr Speaker, may I rephrase my point of order?

 

Mr Speaker: How can it shift from the Clerk to another person?

 

Mr Kambita: Mr Speaker, it is a point of order on a serious matter. When business was suspended, a well known Patriotic Front (PF) cadre walked into the restaurant and fidgeted with the tea that we take in that place. This is Mr Brian Hapunda. He was seated at a table with the hon. Member for Chama South and ...

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member, take a seat. I do not think I will allow you to proceed. First and foremost, you have brought in people who are not present here to defend themselves, yet this complaint is being broadcast. If you want to raise issues relating to your welfare as Members of Parliament, there are a number of channels you can use. We have got a Whip system here. We have got the Chief Whip, your party Whip and there is the Leader of the Opposition. All these are channels you can use. I do not think we should be dealing with this kind of matter on the Floor of the House.

 

Hon. Member, you may continue.

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I was saying that the issue pertaining to teachers’ houses has been raised on the Floor of the House. Several hon. Ministers of General Education have made statements and responded to questions relating to this matter. I am aware that the former hon. Minister of General Education, Hon. Dr Ngwata Phiri, presented a comprehensive plan for the construction of teachers’ houses in every constituency that indicated where the houses would be built in the constituencies.

 

I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether the Ministry of General Education has now abandoned that plan which was well accepted by this House, members of the public and teachers.

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, I am not aware about the ministry having abandoned any construction works concerning housing units for teachers. When a secondary school is built, there is a provision for, at least, teachers’ houses to be built. Hon. Members who have visited sites where new secondary schools are being built found a provision for up to twenty teachers’ houses at those sites. That is the plan I assume the former hon. Minister of General Education talked about. Also, he may have emphasised the importance the ministry attaches to solving the problem of teachers’ houses. Some of the plans I outlined in my response are simply supplementary to help resolve the challenge of housing.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mukosa: Mr Speaker, ...

 

Mr Mwiimbu: On a point of order, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I rise on a procedural point of order. Is the hon. Minister in order not to respond to my question? I did mention that his predecessor gave us a comprehensive statement on the construction of teachers’ houses in various schools in the constituencies. I am not talking about new secondary or primary schools.

 

Mr Speaker, is he in order to express ignorance and tell us that he is not aware about the hon. Minister having come to the House to present an infrastructure development plan? If he is not aware, the best thing he can do is request for your permission to come back and issue a statement on the issue.

 

Is he in order not to respond to my question?

 

Dr Wanchinga stood in his seat.

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, please, take a seat. I am making a ruling.

 

Dr Wanchinga: Thank you …

 

Mr Speaker: No, no.

 

Laughter

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear! Boma!

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, as you respond to the question by the hon. Member of Parliament for Chinsali, please, take that point of order into account.

 

My guidance is that if, in the event that you are not able to respond to the question now, there is no harm in indicating that you wish to take leave to consult. We understand there were predecessors, but there is always continuity in these offices. So, we should not express doubt or plead ignorance. We should consult where we feel wanting. You can defer a response and I will allow that.

 

Mr Mukosa: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for giving us that business idea to build houses that teachers can rent. However, would he be in a position to share with this House how much housing allowance is paid to teachers for them to rent houses in rural areas.

 

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, the teachers’ housing allowance is pegged to the salary, but the general cover is 20 per cent of one’s basic salary.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, you have not responded to the point of order by the hon. Member of Parliament for Monze Central.

 

Laughter

 

Dr Wanchinga: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Firstly, I wish to acknowledge the wisdom of the Speaker in terms of guidance that said that where I am in doubt, I should consult. I will, indeed, consult. Actually, as regards the issue raised by the hon. Member for Monze Central, the Ministry of General Education talked about an infrastructure development plan for the construction of schools in the country which comprises a standard of twenty housing units. Nonetheless, if the hon. Minister had said something to the contrary, then, I take leave to consult. I will come back to the House with more information.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Speaker: I am sure you will be assisted by the technocrats. They are always available, as they keep the memory of the institution.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Mutelo (Mitete): Mr Speaker, in his response, the hon. Minister indicated that the Government has no immediate plans to construct teachers’ houses or to implement any new projects for the three primary schools. However, if I heard him correctly, in the case of Mulakupikwa Secondary School, he mentioned that it is earmarked for the construction of three classroom blocks and three staff houses. Will this be done this year or next year? Could he clarify what he means by “earmarked” for the construction of classroom blocks and staff houses?

 

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, in our context and in the context of this response, “earmarked” means that the construction of housing units will be taken into consideration in the 2017 Budget. Given the release of funds, we should be able to construct the housing units.

 

Thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, I hope that both the hon. Minister and Her Honour the Vice-President are not serious when they suggest that hon. Members of Parliament should start building houses in their constituencies for teachers to rent. However, my question is: Does the hon. Minister think that 20 per cent of a teacher’s housing allowance, which amounts to K600 to K800 per month, is attractive enough for Members of Parliament to start putting up houses for teachers to rent? Would they be able recoup their investments?

 

Mr Speaker: The question is: How attractive is your proposition?

 

Laughter

 

Mr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, this is a subject which touches my heart. I am very passionate about this issue because I believe that if we are going to change the landscape of our rural areas, it is the responsibility of us, the Zambians who come from those areas, to do so. If we are going to be motivated by profit and not sacrifice for the people, then, we are not going to develop the rural areas.

 

Certainly, the 20 per cent housing allowance teachers receive is adequate to rent modest accommodation. We are not talking about a five storey housing unit in a rural area, but a simple housing structure. Let us look at the lodges, for instance, one can have lodges of similar standard in a rural area and here in Lusaka, but the room rates will not be the same.

 

So, what I am saying, Sir, is that we can still build simple housing units in rural areas that teachers can afford to rent rather than them renting huts in villages. Under normal circumstances, we will be able to recoup in the long term. This is the difference between, for instance, what people might call a shop like Pep and a boutique. One can make money by selling one unit or make money over a long period of time by charging low rates. So, it is possible to recoup, but over a long period.

 

However, what I am saying is that we have got the responsibility to change the landscape of rural areas and give a service to our people and not be motivated purely by profit.

 

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

HOSPITAL CONSTRUCTION IN MAFINGA

 

152.  Mr Siwale (Mafinga) asked the Minister of Health:

 

(a)when the construction of the following hospitals in Mafinga Parliamentary Constituency would be completed:

 

1. Thendere; and
2. Muyombe; and

 

(b)what had caused the delay in completing the projects?

 

The Minister of Health (Dr Chilufya): Mr Speaker, I would like to inform the House that theconstruction of Thendere Hospital, comprising an outpatient department and administration block in Phase I commenced in September, 2016, and is due for completion in May, 2017. The contractor is now at ring beam level and is progressing well.

 

The site for the construction of Muyombe District Hospital was only identified in November, 2016, and the contactor is on schedule, as he is due to complete the project in November, 2017.

 

Sir, the contractor for Thendere delayed in commencing works because there was protracted debate amongst the stakeholders on the site for the project.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

KAFUBU WATER AND SEWERAGE COMPANY WATER SUPPLY

 

153.  Dr Chanda (Bwana Mkubwa) asked the Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection:

 

1. whether the Government was aware that the residents of Itawa, Mushili and Ndeke Township in Bwana Mkubwa Parliamentary Constituency were supplied with contaminated water by Kafubu Water and Sewerage Company; and

 

1. what short and long-term measures the Government was taking to ensure that clean and safe water was supplied to the residents.

 

The Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection (Mr Kaziya): Mr Speaker, the Government is aware that residents of Itawa, Mushili and Ndeke Townships in Bwana Mkubwa Parliamentary Constituency were supplied with seemingly coloured water by Kafubu Water and Sewerage Company. The southern part of Ndola, where Itawa, Mushili and Ndeke Township are located, is supplied with water drawn from Kafubu River. The river is infected with algae plant which has lead to the green coloration of water.

 

Sir, despite the decreasing water levels in the river which has led to an increase in the concentration of the algae, the Kafubu Water and Sewerage Company ensures that the water is adequately treated before it is supplied to the residents.

 

Mr Speaker, to ensure continued supply of clean and safe water to residents, the Government has put up emergency measures at the treatment plant to shut it down should there be any manifestation of poor quality water. The frequency of cleaning the sedimentation tanks at the treatment plant has been increased. Water treatment chemicals have been secured and multiple doses of chlorine are applied to improve the quality of water. Further, rehabilitation works are currently ongoing at the Kanini and Lubuto Sewerage Treatment Plants which discharge their effluent into Kafubu River to improve the quality of the final effluent. This is part of the Kafubu Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation improvement project which the Government is implementing with support from the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). The project is worth US$104 million.

 

Sir, arising from the persistent challenges of water quality in Ndola, the Government has secured funding from the Export-Import Bank of China, worth US$449 million, for the improvement of the Kafulafuta Dam water supply aimed at improving the quality of water and access to water supply services in Ndola, Luanshya and Masaiti districts. Kafulafuta Dam will be constructed on the Kafulafuta River which has better and reliable raw water. The project is currently at detailed design stage and the execution of works will commence once the loan agreement becomes effective after all the conditions precedence to singing the loan agreement are met by both the Government and Export-Import Bank of China. The project is expected to be implemented over a period of three-and-a-half years.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Dr Chanda: Mr Speaker, the longsuffering people of Bwana Mkubwa Constituency want to know the exact timeline that the Government is working with. When exactly is the implementation of the Kafulafuta Dam Project going to start? Since it is a long-term project, is the hon. Minister considering short-term measures like sinking boreholes in the most affected areas?

 

Mr Kaziya: Mr Speaker, we have put in place short-term measures to sink boreholes in the mentioned townships. The Government’s desire is to ensure timely implementation of this project which will start at the end of this month.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Ng’ambi (Chifubu): Mr Speaker, I wish to commend the hon. Minister for having come up with the short-term measure of implementing the US$104 million project which also covers my constituency. However, there has been a delay in the implementation of the project. When will it be completed?

 

Mr Kaziya: Mr Speaker, we have completed all the design works. The contractor is on site and we shall move in at the end of the month.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: Completion?

 

Mr Kaziya: Mr Speaker, the project will be completed in three-and-a-half years.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

SESHEKE/LIVINGSTONE ROAD

 

 

154   Mr Kufakwandi (Sesheke) asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:

 

1. whether the Government was aware that the rehabilitation works on the Sesheke/Livingstone Road stalled in March, 2015; and

 

1.  if so, when the works would resume, considering that the condition of the road had deteriorated.

 

The Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development (Mr Chitotela): Mr Speaker, the Government is aware that the rehabilitation works on Lot 1 of the Sesheke/Livingstone Road stalled in March, 2015, with about 90 per cent physical progress having been achieved at the time. However, the contractor is currently on site working on the remaining minor works. The scope of works under Lot 1 include the construction of a  65 km asphalt overlay on the section of the road between Livingstone and Kazungula, pothole patching and surface sealing on the last 30 km of the Livingstone/Sesheke Road.

 

Sir, the remaining works on the Livingstone/Sesheke Road, which is approximately 113 km from Kazungula to Sesheke, will be covered under Lot 2 of the project. The Government has completed the procurement process for a contractor to carry out the rehabilitation works on Lot 2 of the project. However, the project has been deferred to the 2018 Road Sector Annual Work Plan (RSAWP), subject to the availability of funds. In the interim, the Road Development Agency (RDA) will patch potholes on the road to ensure the safety of road users.

 

I thank you, Sir.  

Mr Kufakwandi: Mr Speaker, the condition of the road between Kasaya Bridge and Mamboba has deteriorated to a point where it will soon be impassable. The road services two export/import routes. These are the Kazungula/Botswana and Katima Mulilo/Namibia routes. It also ranks high amongst the economic roads in Zambia. We think that some emergency measures should be taken to repair, particularly the portion from Kasaya Bridge to Mamboba. Otherwise, Zambia will experience problems in bringing traffic through Katima Mulilo.

 

Mr Speaker: What is your question?

 

Mr Kufakwandi: Mr Speaker, what emergency measures have been put in place to work on the road, apart from the patching of potholes by the Road Development Agency (RDA)? A large part of this road has actually been washed away. It is not a question of …

 

Mr Speaker: You have asked a question. Let the hon. Minister respond.

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, in my response, I stated that the road has been divided into two sections, namely Lot 1 and lot 2. Lot 1 is at 90 per cent completion under a company called Gomes Haulage Limited at a total cost of K173 million. Lot 2 is under the same company at a cost of K911 million. It is anticipated that the works will start by the beginning of next year.

 

I also stated that when we visited the site, we observed that there were some potholes on the road. So, we assigned the RDA to patch the potholes before the contractor moves to Lot 2 so that the movement of people is not disrupted.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, why has the Government delayed in engaging the second contractor to work on Lot 2? The idea of having two lots is to expedite the works so that instead of the project going up to next year, like he has said, it is implemented this year. This will entail having two contractors so that they do the work simultaneously. Why did the hon. Minister find it necessary to award the same contractor the two lots instead of getting two different contractors in order to expedite the works?

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, it makes sense to award the two lots to the same contractor who is working on Lot 1 because it saves the Government the trouble of having to pay mobilisation fees twice.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Jere: Mr Speaker, this is an economic road, considering that it is a gateway to one of the busy ports known as Walvis Bay. The hon. Minister stated that he had actually undertaken a site visit on that road. Does the road need patching or a complete overhaul?

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, the road requires full rehabilitation. That is why the contract was awarded to a contractor to rehabilitate the road fully so as to make it passable. So, we cannot wait until the contractor moves to Lot 2. We have, therefore, engaged the Road Development Agency (RDA) to work on the road, despite the Government having signed a contract at a total sum of K911 million. We have decided draw some money from the emergency account to patch the potholes before the contractor moves on site.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Kambita (Zambezi East): Mr Speaker, in his response, the hon. Minister stated that the project would be implemented when funds are made available. This has repeatedly come up in many responses. I would like the hon. Minister to explain further the criterion being used to prioritise roads. Do we have information on this that can be distributed to hon.  Members so that we know when our roads are going to be worked on?

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, we have identified roads that we shall prioritise and categorise. There are roads of high economic value and potential. The road, which I am referring to, connects Zambia to our neighbouring countries. It is a road of economic value. That is why we have awarded the contract to that contractor to work on it. The reason we say that we shall work on the roads when funds are made available is that we are projecting the works for next year. This is one of the roads that will be submitted to the Ministry of Finance so that when the Budget is approved next year, it will be allocated a sum of K911 million to enable us to work on Lot 2 of the road.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: Are you able to share your list of priorities?

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, the Road Sector Annual Work Plan for 2017 is being finalised. We should be able to distribute it to the hon. Members of Parliament soon.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Dr Musokotwane (Liuwa): Mr Speaker, it is not long ago when I drove on this road and I can confirm that it is actually in a poor state. Someone would be lucky to drive 22 km/h on that road. In view of the fact that the hon. Minister has admitted that this is an economic road, why is it that they want to wait until 2018 to work on it? The patch work that the hon. Minister is talking about is not tenable. The road is so bad that patching it will not work.

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, in my response, I stated that the road has been divided into two lots. There is Lot 1 which is 95 km and is 90 per cent complete. It stretches from Livingstone to Kazungula. That stretch is in perfect condition. Currently, the contractor is on site and, like I said, the road is 90 per cent complete. Lot 2, which is 113 km and stretches from Kazungula to Sesheke, was awarded to the same contractor. We have not abandoned the road. Works on Lot 2 are expected to begin next year. As an interim measure, we want to ensure that the road does not deteriorate completely. We have put measures in place to ensure that people can use it smoothly. 

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, the issue seems to be why the works for Lot 2 should being in 2018.

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, earlier on, I stated that the project has been deferred to 2018, subject to the availability of funds. This is because the procurement process started after we had already prioritised the roads for 2017. We engaged a contractor and agreed that works should begin next year because this section of the road was not provided for in our Annual Work Plan for 2017.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

TOWNSHIP ROADS IN KALOMO

 

155. Mr Kamboni (Kalomo Central) asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:

 

(a)        why the tarring of township roads in Kalomo District had stalled;

 

(b)        when the works would resume;

 

(c)        what the total cost of the project was;

 

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

 

(e)        what the name of the contractor for the project was.

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Local Government had commenced the process to procure a contractor to carry out works on the Kalomo urban roads. However, no contract was signed owing to Budgetary constraints. Works will only commence once funds are made available.

 

Mr Speaker, the full cost of the project will be determined after the contract has been awarded. However, by the time the Ministry of Local Government advertised the project, the estimated cost was K70 million. The time frame for the project is twelve months from the date of commencement. The name of the contractor will be known once the contract is procured.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Kamboni: Mr Speaker, the township roads in Kalomo District were budgeted for in the 2015/2016 Budget. This means that money was allocated. Currently, the roads are in such a bad state that a two-year old child can be immersed in the potholes.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kamboni: You can hardly drive on the township roads from the filling station.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Shame!

 

Mr Kamboni: Sir, the township roads were budgeted for, but the hon. Minister is saying that they will be worked on subject when funds are made available. This could be twenty years from now or later. When a question relating to time frame is raised, a specific date should be given. To say that the roads will be worked on when money is made available is as good as saying that they will not be worked on. Where is the money that was initially allocated towards the project?

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, Parliament needs to conduct more workshops for Members of Parliament. When the Budget is presented in Parliament, it is called Estimates of Expenditure and Revenue. So, a project being budgeted for does not necessarily mean that the money has been sourced and released. There is only an estimation of expenditure and revenue. No money was released for this project. Therefore, it did not take off. In the Zambian budgeting system, if a project is not financed in a particular fiscal year, it cannot be carried over to the next fiscal year unless it is provided for in that fiscal year.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Kamboni: Mr Speaker, I did not ask for a workshop. I understand the meaning of a Budget and,  ...

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kamboni: ... if anything, better than the hon. Minister. I asked him a question and I think that questions must be taken seriously. When a Budget fails, it is supposed to be brought to the attention of the people. However, no explanation has been given as to why the project has not been implemented, yet when we ask, no specifics are given. When you budget, you estimate your revenue collection and know when ...

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member, ask your question.

 

Mr Kamboni: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order ...

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kamboni: ... to say that I need a workshop? Instead of answering the question, he is referring me to a workshop. That is why I am trying to define the budget for him. I think that questions must be answered seriously.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: That comes through like a point of order as opposed to a question to the hon. Minister.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, I think that that was a light moment from the two hon. Members, with one requiring a workshop and the other one not. By the way, for the information of the hon. Minister, it is actually Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure and not Estimates of Expenditure and Revenue.

 

Sir, what percentage did the budget under his ministry underperform for it to fail to source the money for the figures that were indicated in the Yellow Book?

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, there was substantial performance of the budget in my ministry.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: The hon. Member asked about the percentage.

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, looking at the budget for my ministry and its performance, I would estimate the performance to be between 70 to 75 per cent. 

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister drove from the council to the Boma. May I know whether the he was pleased with the state of the road?

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, I was not pleased. Seriously speaking, I must assure the people of Kalomo that I drove into Kalomo Town and on some of the roads that the hon. Member of Parliament is referring to. I think that out of all the towns in the Southern Province that are along the line of rail, Kalomo seems to be the only district which did not benefit from the upgrading of township roads. However, once we embark on another project of upgrading township roads in various districts, Kalomo will be prioritised.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Miyanda (Mapatizya): Mr Speaker, ...

 

Mr Nkombo: On a point of order, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, this House is governed by procedure which must be followed to the latter. In his response, the hon. Minister said that only Kalomo did not benefit from the upgrading of township roads, yet he is aware that China Jiang Si, the contractor for the Mazabuka township roads, who had actually started working on the Mazabuka township roads, disbanded and left.

 

Is the hon. Minister in order to insinuate that it is only Kalomo that has been affected by the non-attendance by his Government?

 

I seek your ruling, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, as you respond to the question by the hon. Member for Mapatizya, please, take care of Mazabuka Central.

 

Mr Miyanda: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister indicated that the Ministry of Local Government’s budget for the roads in Kalomo was K70 million. I would like to know how many kilometres were scheduled to be worked on in K70 million?

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, let me begin by responding to the point of order raised by the hon. Member of Parliament for Mazabuka Central.

 

Mr Nkombo: We are discussing Kalomo Central.

 

Mr Chitotela: Yes, Kalomo is one of the districts, but Mazabuka …

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Chitotela: ... benefitted from the rehabilitation of township roads because the Government signed a contract and the contractor was paid mobilisation fee, moved on site and started working. However, we, as the Government, had difficulty meeting our obligation during the implementation of the contract. Thus, the contractor demobilised. However, we have re-engaged the same contractor. Nonetheless, we shall still sign a contract with the same contractor, subject to the availability of funds.

 

Mr Speaker, for Kalomo, no contract has been signed. As for Choma, there was a contractor who did some work up to bituminous level. I am saying this based on the inspection the works that I have carried out. I repeat that from Lusaka to Livingstone, it is only Kalomo District which did not benefit from the construction of township roads because no road contract for Kalomo was signed.

 

Sir, in regard to the question raised by the hon. Member of Parliament for Mapatizya, requesting me to give an estimate of the cost of constructing township roads, I wish to say that the cost depends on the nature of the road to be constructed. The last time I spoke about this issue on the Floor of this House, I said that we take into consideration the traffic flow. We can have chip and straw or a double seal type of road. So, we are able to determine how many kilometres will be worked on in K70 million, depending on the nature of the road.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Ms Chonya (Kafue): Mr Speaker, I get worried when I listen to responses to questions relating to infrastructure such as roads, hospitals and schools. When Members seek to find out when infrastructure will be developed, the usual response has been that it will be done when funds are made available. It would appear that we do not have money for any project in the Budget that was celebrated so much when it was passed. My question is: How much, exactly, has been reserved for the township roads because there have been a number of questions relating to township roads though the hon. Minister said only Kalomo has not benefited from the project. For instance, I know that there have been questions relating to the status of township roads in Kafue and several other areas. So, how much has been budgeted for the roads so that we know when to expect development to take place in our constituencies?

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, the question was specifically on Kalomo. If I start giving estimates on all the 107 councils in the country and how much money has been budgeted per council by the Government, I will open a Pandora’s Box. I did not prepare that information. If the hon. Member for Kafue wants to know what the procedure is and how much has been budgeted for the roads, she can file in a question and I will come back with a response.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Speaker: Just a reminder. We are dealing with Kalomo. Of course there are supplementary questions, but we are still dealing with Kalomo.

 

Mr Lumayi (Chavuma): Mr Speaker with your direction, I do not have a question.

 

Mr Ngulube: Hear, hear!

 

MUFUMBWE AGRICULTURE DISTRICT OFFICE

 

156. Mr Kamondo (Mufumbwe) asked the Minister of Agriculture:

 

1. when the Mufumbwe Agriculture District Office would be provided with a motor vehicle to enhance its operations; and

 

1. when additional Agriculture Extension Officers would be deployed to the District.

 

The Minister of Agriculture (Ms Siliya): Mr Speaker, the Office of the District Agriculture Co-ordinator (DACO) in Mufumbwe has a vehicle bearing registration number GRZ 588CE which is in a fair condition. The staff at Mufumbwe District Agriculture Office are encouraged to use the vehicle to enhance their operations.

Sir, Agriculture Extension Officers will be deployed in the district once the ministry of Finance grants authority to employ Agriculture Extension Officers.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Kamondo: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for that answer. However, I would like to bring to her attention the fact that Mufumbwe is a vast district. From the town centre to the farthest point, it is about 470 km. This, coupled with the state of the vehicle, has made it difficult for the office of the DACO to perform its functions. My question is: Do you not see it prudent that the ministry should give the office of the DACO an extra vehicle, considering the vastness of the district.

 

Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, I appreciate the challenges Mufumbwe District is faced with. I am aware that we have quite a lot of transport challenges in outlying areas. So, it would be helpful if the office of the DACO Mufumbwe could be given another vehicle. Currently, our fleet of vehicles is overstretched. Nonetheless, I promise to look into this matter in liaison with the hon. Member of Parliament for Mufumbwe.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Kamondo: Mr Speaker, as usual, I appreciate the hon. Minister’s responses. I have always appreciated her.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Nkombo: Where?

 

Mr Sing’ombe: How?

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Kamondo: Mr Speaker, in Mufumbwe, there are only six Agriculture Extension Officers to service almost sixteen wards. So, it has been difficult for the officers to perform their duties. My question is: Why is the number of Extension Officers reducing instead of increasing, as the hon. Minister knows that Mufumbwe is an agriculture area? What other measures is the hon. Minister putting in place to ensure that more Agriculture Extension Officers are sent to Mufumbwe whose mainstay is agriculture?

 

Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, I hope I can continue to give the hon. Member satisfactory answers.

 

Sir, I totally agree with him that for an area such as Mufumbwe where agriculture is predominant, it is important to have Agriculture Extension Officers. That is why despite the employment freeze by the Government, with the exception of the health and education sectors, the ministry is preparing a Cabinet Memorandum, requesting authority from the Treasury to employ more Agriculture Extension Officers to service farmers in Mufumbwe and elsewhere in Zambia.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

INSTITUTIONS ELECTRIFICATION IN MILANZI

 

157. Mr W. Banda (Milanzi) asked the Minister of Energy:

 

1. when the following institutions in Milanzi Parliamentary Constituency would be electrified:

 

1. Dole Primary School;
2. Chimbundile Primary School;
3. Kambila Primary School; and
4. Mindola Rural Health Centre;

 

1. what had caused the delay in electrifying the institutions; and

 

1. whether the transformers that were provided to the institutions were still in good working condition.

 

The Minister of Energy (Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, part of the project scope to electrify the above-mentioned institutions in Milanzi Parliamentary Constituency was implemented under a component of the project called Increased Access to Electricity Supply which was funded by Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA). The scope of the project was to install distribution transformers on the existing Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) lines for supply to the institutions.

Sir, as mentioned earlier, the balance of the scope of works to construct Medium Voltage (MV) lines from the transformers up to the end users are currently being executed internally by the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) using a phased approach due to budgetary constraints. The said institutions shall be connected by the end of the third quarter of this year.

 

Mr Speaker, the transformers that were provided to the institutions are still in good working condition and will be connected to the MV lines once the construction has been completed.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr W. Banda: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister stated that the project was funded by Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA). Who was the contractor for the project?

 

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, unfortunately, I did not find out who the contractor was. However, the project was funded by JICA and the contractor only installed the transformers, but they were not connected.

 

I thank you, Sir.  

 

_________

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

 

MOTION

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

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

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

_________

 

The House adjourned at 1802 hours until 1430 hours on Thursday, 9^th March, 2017.