Friday, 15^th September, 2017

The House met at 1000 hours

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

________ 

The Vice-President (Mrs Wina): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, ...

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: ... will arrive at 1025 hours to address the House.

I thank you, Sir.

Business was suspended from 1004 hours until 1046 hours.

His Excellency the President entered the Assembly Chamber escorted by Mr Speaker.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

(Assembly resumed)

The Clerk read the Proclamation.

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THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

His Excellency the President (Mr E. C. Lungu): Mr Speaker, I am greatly humbled to have this honour to officially open the Second Session of the Twelfth National Assembly, in accordance with provisions of Article 86(1) of the Constitution of Zambia. This address comes almost at a mid-year term of our great Republic’s Vision 2030. It is, therefore, imperative, during this address, that I take cognisance of our development path in terms of how we have progressed in our endeavour towards meeting our national vision.

Mr Speaker, as we collectively reflect on how we have walked together as a country in implementing our national vision by taking stock of our achievements, challenges and, indeed, what lies ahead of us, let me pay tribute to all my predecessors who, in many ways, made immense contribution towards implementing the key milestones contained in the Vision 2030. 

Mr Speaker, as per tradition, this occasion accords me an opportunity to articulate to the nation the development agenda of my administration. I will, therefore, highlight what has been achieved during the period we have been entrusted by the Zambian people to preside over the affairs of the nation. I will also share with the nation, through this House, our socio-economic development status and the policy direction of the Government for the coming year. 

Mr Speaker, during the Session, the House approved the 2017 National Budget, passed eighteen Bills, considered 508 Questions and 104 Ministerial Statements. The House also approved the invocation of Article 31 of the Constitution in order to preserve peace and ensure national security, safety of property and the well-being of the general public. I wish to commend the state security wings for the professional manner in which they have administered the regulations on the preservation of public security.

Let me reassure the nation, through this august House, that the invocation of Article 31 was not meant to unduly inconvenience the general public, but to preserve peace and security in the country.

At this juncture, let me commend you, Mr Speaker, your two Deputy Speakers, Her Honour the Vice-President, as Leader of Government Business in the House, and the Clerk of the National Assembly for the able manner in which you all managed the Business of the First Session of the Twelfth National Assembly.

Mr Speaker, the theme of my address to this august House is “Moving towards a Prosperous Smart Zambia in Peace and Tranquility without Leaving Anyone Behind”.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

The President: Let me repeat, Mr Speaker. The theme of my address to this august House today is “Moving towards a Prosperous Smart Zambia in Peace and Tranquility without Leaving Anyone Behind”.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Livune: Question!

The President: This theme is informed by several factors. They include the recent developments in our country, as well as trends and best practices on the global stage. The theme calls upon all of us to seriously reflect on the state of our national unity and, by extension, our sense of patriotism and the spirit of “One Zambia, One Nation”. The theme is also underpinned by the need to remain focused on our national vision whilst embracing the tenets of a smart development approach.

Mr Speaker, the smart development approach is not necessarily about wearing smart suits or ties. It is an innovative way of getting what was previously seen as difficult and time-consuming tasks, done rapidly and easily. That is the smart development approach we are talking about.

Through e-Education, for instance, a child in Mufumbwe should be able to receive equal amounts of educational materials and lessons as the one in Kabulonga. A grandmother in Chadiza can receive funds through a mobile phone and afford the basic necessities of life through the smart Zambia approach. Combined services such as the renewal of a driver’s licence, registration of a motor vehicle, payment for electricity, water and other services for example, can be made at the touch of a button in the comfort of your home. This is the Zambia we aspire for. This is the Zambia we want to have. 

Doing things in a smart way enables us to free up time for other productive ventures. The smart development approach is a global trend aimed at promoting the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to enhance productivity, service delivery and the quality of life of the people.

Mr Speaker, during my address to this august House on 30th September, 2016, I indicated my desire to move away from the usual thematic approach to addressing national issues. I stated that in line with the model taken in the Seventh National Development Plan (7^th NDP), we will move away from stand-alone thematic lines to an integrated multi-sectoral approach which builds on multi-sectoral synergies.

This address, therefore, will follow the same pattern. It is the policy of my Administration to create an atmosphere where sectors work together in a complimentary manner if they are to meet common development outcomes.

In today’s Address, therefore, I will highlight the key result areas or strategic pillars of focus which my Administration has set for itself, as outlined in the 7^th NDP. Under each pillar, I will elaborate what we have managed to achieve and make key policy pronouncements which will guide development in the country, going forward.

Mr Speaker, to move towards a prosperous smart Zambia in peace and tranquility without leaving anyone behind, we all need to do some soul-searching. It is only after thorough soul-searching that we will come to the realisation that our oneness is embedded and secured in our common heritage, national values and principles.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: We need to do some soul searching.

Mr Speaker, this is underscored by our traditions and culture, our lineage and blood relations across tribes and intra-regional territories, reinforced by religious beliefs which most of us hold as Christians and which, ultimately, make us the great people that we are. One Zambia, One Nation!

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, indeed, we may disagree and quarrel, but we remain one.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: The factors that unite us are much greater than those that seek to divide us.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Just like when one arm cuts the other with a razor blade, one does not go out and get an axe to cut it off. We may disagree and quarrel, but we remain one.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: That is fundamental.

Therefore, Mr Speaker, the spate of acts of arson and sabotage, hate speech on social media and other injurious acts against each other are an assault on ourselves.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: No iota of explanation can justify what we have experienced in the recent past.

Who can comprehend and later justify the rationale behind the burning down of schools, which are essential for our people’s future, court buildings and markets where the poor and deprived members of our society are trying to earn a living? Who, Mr Speaker, can justify that? The cutting down of power lines supplying electricity to a life support mechine in a hospital where a brother or sister is fighting for survival, can never ever be a normal way of pursing one’s political ambition.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: During my State of the Nation Address in March this year, I discussed before this august House our application of the national values. I stated that patriotism and national unity should speak to the heart and soul of every Zambian in our quest to sustain our sovereignty and build a better country for ourselves and future generations. These words are as alive today as they were on the day I stated them.

Mr Speaker, patriotism and national unity should always speak to the heart and soul of every Zambian, particularly those of us in leadership. It is only when this is done that we will sustain our sovereignty and build a better country for ourselves, our children and our children’s children. That is the more reason that it is hard for me-and I believe for most patriots to-comprehend the reasoning behind these crimes which have been committed against our people and country recently.

Mr Speaker, a Zambia that is proud of fifty-three years of peace, stability and unity should not allow even one incidence of selfishness to divide it. That is why the theme of my address today speaks to our common desires, aspirations and destiny.

Mr Speaker, love, humility, truthfulness, selflessness and integrity should be at the core of our actions. I say this because this is consistent with the values that we have chosen for ourselves as a nation. These values are about the change of mindset, in the way we think and the manner in which we do things, especially for those who have not changed yet. I want to emphasise that we must always remember that Zambia is bigger than anyone of us.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Therefore, those of us who seek public office should advance much bigger love for our people.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Those of us who seek public office should advance much bigger love for our people, including respecting them.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, in addition to upholding peace and tranquillity as one people, the theme of my address speaks to our collective quest for pro-poor development and prosperity for all, in all spheres of human endeavour. Sustainable development should be for all, whether rich or poor, differently-abled or able bodied. We, in the Patriotic Front (PF) and the Government, will continue to drive efforts to achieve a better life and a better Zambia for all. 

We will, the PF Government, will, therefore, continue as to direct our development interventions in a targeted manner so that our children and our children’s children inherit a Zambia with abundant opportunities and greater hope, regardless of their status. That is the essence of socio-economic development which is pro-poor.

As a party and Government, we draw great inspiration from moving in the direction determined by our founding father, the late Mr Michael Chilufya Sata. As our leader and fifth President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Sata served this country with immense passion for the poor.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: He was always troubled by the poor standards of living of our people and, as a result, he premised our party on improving the living standards of those who were most in need.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: This is a legacy that we, in the PF, remain committed to.

Mr Kambwili: Question!

Laughter

The President: Mr Speaker, our commitment is attested by our party manifesto, which says:

“We, in the Patriotic Front, are even more assured in our ability to continue with our commitment to improving the welfare of all Zambians.”

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiinga: Question!

The President: Having elaborated on the theme of my address and its link to our peace, national values and principles, allow me, Mr Speaker, to highlight the contents of my address to this august House.

Firstly, I will dwell on the macro-economic situation of our country. Secondly, I will discuss the development focus of my Administration under which I will discuss economic diversification and job creation, poverty reduction and vulnerabilities, reduction of development inequalities, enhancing human development and creating conducive governance environment for a diversified economy. Thereafter, I will conclude my address.

Macro-economic Situation 

Mr Speaker, a strong economy, which enables the poor to afford the necessities of life and minimise their exposure to vulnerabilities of whatever form, is fundamental to achieving development which is pro-poor and, indeed, inclusive. A stable macro economy, which provides a supportive environment for all to create wealth and access jobs leading to poverty, vulnerability and inequality reduction, will be a key priority of focus for my Government.

This is in line with our aspirations contained in the Vision 2030 and the 7^th NDP. The aspirations are also firmly anchored in the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063, all of which have been mainstreamed in the 7^th NDP.

Mr Speaker, after subdued economic activities whose growth rate was reduced by 2.9 per cent, in 2015, the Zambian economy has rebounded in 2017.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: It is worth noting the factors that adversely affected the growth rate of the economy in the recent past in order to inform our policies, going forward. Copper prices declined, power generation capacity also declined due to poor rainfall. This negatively affected industrial production and the provision of services, while agriculture production also dropped due to poor rainfall patterns.

Consequently, domestic pressures arising from the huge demand to meet contractual obligations, mainly in the infrastructure sector, increased. My Government reacted boldly with well intended measures to remove subsidies and ease pressure on expenditures. This move was also intended to attract investment, especially in the power sector, following our move to migrate to cost-reflective tariffs.

Economic growth, Mr Speaker, is projected to strengthen at, about 4.1 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2017. It is further expected to be buoyant in the years ahead as we implement our Economic Stabilisation Programme. The harvest and electricity production will continue to be stronger due to the anticipated favourable weather patterns. Copper production will also increase because of the improved technology in the mines and good prices currently at the international market. 

The appreciation of the kwacha, as witnessed in the recent past, thanks to our good policies,…

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: … has helped ease the cost of servicing the external and dollar denominated debt. Inflation has continued to remain at a single digit. This, again, is attributed to our fiscal consolidation efforts, which have resulted in the economy being stable and working well for the majority of the Zambians. Mealie meal prices have declined significantly.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: For those in business, it is now cheaper to import industrial equipment than before and pass on the benefits in the cost of imported goods to the consumers.

Mr Speaker, in order to maintain a stronger economy, the Government will continue to dismantle the stock of public expenditure arrears and improve commitment controls and monitoring with a view to ensure that there is no uncontrolled building-up of arrears.

To augment public expenditure management further, including cash flow management, the Government will roll out the Treasury Single Account to all administrative units under the Central Government. This entails consolidating several accounts held by Government institutions, thereby improving utilisation of public funds and reducing administrative costs.

Mr Speaker, in the area of debt management, the Government will continue to put in place measures to ensure that our national debt remains within sustainable levels.

Mr Nkombo: Question!

The President: The Government will, therefore, contract loans only for economically viable projects.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kambwili: Question!

The President: Further, in accordance with the Constitution of Zambia, this august House will continue providing oversight on public debt contraction, as debt sustainability is pivotal in re-balancing the economy.

Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister responsible for finance will soon present the 2018 National Budget to this august House for consideration and approval. The Budget will outline many revenue reforms aimed at increasing revenue collection to fund planned expenditures. The Budget will also indicate progressive measures aimed at keeping the fiscal deficit at reasonable levels and avoiding expenditure cuts on planned programmes. I, therefore, urge the hon. Members of this august House to interrogate debate and eventually support the 2018 National Budget.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Development Focus

The President: Mr Speaker, in my last address to this august House, I promised to launch the 7^th NDP. I am happy to inform the House that the development plan was launched in June this year. The theme of the plan is “Accelerating Development Efforts towards Vision 2030 without Leaving Anyone Behind”. Unlike previous national development plans, the 7^th NDP has adopted an integrated multi-sectoral approach to development. This is a smart and more pragmatic approach to the development of our nation. 

The smart approach entails that sectors will now work together in clusters to achieve the desired development outcomes our people have been yearning for. The approach will also ensure that resources are not thinly spread to the various sectors. In this manner and, together, we will end hunger and reduce poverty and no one will be left behind.

Accordingly, the development agenda for the country for the next five years will focus on five strategic areas, namely:

(a) economic diversification and job creation;

(b) poverty and vulnerability reduction;

(c) reducing developmental inequalities;

(d) enhancing human development; and

(e) creating a conducive governance environment for a diversified and inclusive economy.

The rest of my address will focus on the above mentioned five developmental pillars in detail.

Economic Diversification and Job Creation

Mr Speaker, the economic diversification agenda is driven by a stronger macro-economic environment. As outlined above, our economic growth was lower than targeted, with a 3.4 per cent growth rate against the target of 7 per cent contained in the Revised Sixth National Development Plan (6^th NDP). With the experienced contraction in the economy arising from the difficulties I have elaborated, our economic diversification and job creation prospects were equally affected. 

Infrastructure projects, which contribute to job creation, stalled due to the economic difficulties we experienced. Similarly, agriculture, forestry and fishing, which are the leading employing sectors in the economy, slowed down in output on account of poor economic growth rate. 

Mr Speaker, mining recovered from a growth rate of 0.2 per cent in 2015, to 7 per cent in 2016, but the recovery was not accompanied by job creation, as the sector laid off an average of 10,576 workers in 2016, compared to the2,341 and 5,686 who were separated in 2015 and 2014, respectively. The value of non-traditional exports and total exports also decreased and this also contributed to the sluggish growth in our job creation.

Despite the above outlined setbacks experienced in the previous years, the Government is committed to attaining a resilient and diversified economy where all Zambians, young and old, female and male, and rich or poor, not only benefit from development, but also play an active role in its realisation.

The Government is pursuing economic diversification and job creation through value addition and industrialisation anchored on agriculture, mining and tourism. The overall success in this strategic area will be driven by private sector investment, while the Government will continue to play its role of improving the policy and business environment.

Mr Speaker, I want to stress the Government’s commitment to diversifying from an economy mainly dependent on mining to one dependent heavily on agriculture. This must be achieved against all odds.

In this regard, diversification to the agriculture sector has involved enhancing investment in agricultural infrastructure, mechanisation, agricultural value chains, crop and livestock diversification, increasing access to finance for production and exports, and promoting small- scale agriculture. Ultimately, these measures are steadily improving production and productivity in the agriculture sector. 

With reference to enhancing mechanisation in agriculture production, the Government is facilitating the construction of a tractor assembly plant by Ursus, a leading European manufacturer of tractors. The construction is expected to commence in 2018 and is expected to create 700 direct jobs and reduce the price of tractors and agricultural equipment in the country by not less than 20 per cent.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: To further accelerate production and productivity, the Government is increasing the area under irrigation, expanding hectarage under cultivation and increasing the number of our people involved in farming. These initiatives are being augmented by enhanced extension services.

I am pleased to inform this august House that during the 2016/2017 farming season, the Government and the private sector managed to bring on board an additional 8,000 ha of land under irrigation. This has increased the total area under irrigation from 192,000 ha in the 2015/2016 farming season to 200,000 ha in the 2016/2017 farming season.

Let me reiterate my call to public service workers to actively engage in agricultural activities now and not wait until they are tired and retired. Let me repeat my call to public service workers, please, engage in agricultural activities now and do not wait until you are tired and retired. In this context, I am happy to inform the House …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: …this includes my hon. Ministers.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: I am happy to inform the House that so far, eighty public service workers have accessed agro-equipment through the Public Service Micro-finance Company at an estimated value of K8.9 million. Out of this amount, a total of K6.8 million has been disbursed to female applicants.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: I will get the statistics from my hon. Minister on how many female hon. Ministers are engaged in farming.

Mr Speaker, to promote value addition, the Government is supporting a number of pipeline projects to be delivered in the next two years. These include the establishment of a mango processing facility in the Eastern Province; investment in a palm oil plantation and palm oil processing plant in Luapula Province; investment in a cashew nut project in the Western Province and re-establishment of a pineapple processing facility in the North-Western Province.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: The projects will be implemented in the next two years. We should be able to get returns on these investments.

Mr Speaker, the Government is aware of the challenges that our farmers are facing in marketing their produce. The Government is pleased to note that the private sector is already participating in crop marketing through the Zambia Agriculture Commodity Exchange. I wish to call upon financial institutions to actively support such private-sector led initiatives.

Accordingly, the functions of the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) are being streamlined to enable it to effectively perform its original mandate of procuring strategic food reserves. The review of the FRA legislation is expected to be completed before the end of the year in readiness for consideration by this august House.

Mr Speaker, the diversification agenda in agriculture is also being promoted using the e-Voucher System by way of supporting various inputs for crops, livestock and fisheries. The e-Voucher System is also aimed at ensuring proper targeting of beneficiaries, efficient use of resources, increased private-sector participation in the supply of inputs as well as giving choices to the farmer in the acquisition of various farming inputs.

The e-Voucher System that was piloted in thirty-nine districts will now be rolled out to the rest of the country before the start of the 2017/2018 farming season and will target one million beneficiaries.

Mr Speaker, the livestock sector in Zambia has potential to contribute to wealth creation as well as poverty reduction. Currently, the sector contributes about 3.6 per cent to the overall national GDP and 42 per cent to the agricultural GDP.

Given our abundant water and pasture land, the sector has a great potential to drive our diversification agenda. The market opportunities for small livestock are vast. Saudi Arabia alone has expressed interest in importing over one million goats and sheep from Zambia per annum. The Government is actively ensuring that the sector’s productivity is enhanced and potential markets are fully exploited.

Mr Speaker, the Government is, therefore, supporting livestock development through the construction of modern infrastructure for livestock breeding, milk collection and satellite artificial insemination service centres. The livestock service centres are intended to be used as extension service delivery points.

Mr Speaker, I am happy to report that we now have sixteen livestock breeding centres across the country. Out of these, four centres, namely Kachindu in Sinazongwe, Mbesuma in Chinsali, Mukulaikwa in Shibuyunji and Kanyama in Mwinilunga, North-Western Province, are offloading improved breeding stock to eligible beneficiaries.

I have not heard anyone say, “Question!”

Laughter

The President: Mr Speaker, the Government will continue to promote aquaculture. The measures put in place are already bearing fruit, as evidenced by the increase in fish production, from 22,713 metric tonnes in 2015 to 27,658 metric tonnes in 2016, representing a 22 per cent increase. By mid this year, fish production stood at 34,573 metric tonnes. This is, indeed, commendable. To improve fish production, seventeen Government and eleven community-based fingerling production centres have been established across the country.

Mr Speaker, we cannot run away from the importance of our mining sector and our diversification agenda, which includes diversifying not only from mining, but also within the mining sector.

Mr Speaker, to diversify within the mining sector, the availability of geological information is critical, as it facilitates the discovery of new mineral deposits. The Government, therefore, has, to, date geographically and structurally mapped 60 per cent of the country. This has enabled the provision of necessary information to investors in the sector and for land use planning. I can only urge investors to utilise the available geological information. The Government commits itself to continue with the mapping programme for the remaining parts of the country, namely Muchinga, Luapula, Northern and Western provinces.

Mr Speaker, as the Government, we also carry out mineral surveys for gemstones, clay and limestone in order to promote their exploitation. Specific areas to be surveyed include the North-Western Province for gemstones, while limestone exploration will be conducted on the Copperbelt, North-Western and Luapula provinces. Increased exploitation of limestone will contribute greatly to the growth of the agriculture and construction sectors, while increased gemstone production will obviously enhance foreign exchange earnings.

Mr Speaker, our people have to benefit more from our country’s mineral resources. Small- scale mining activities across the country, therefore, provide such an opportunity for them and an avenue for growth and development of the sector. I, therefore, urge our people to actively participate in this sector, but within the confines of the law.

To build the capacity of small-scale miners, the Government will continue with the implementation of the Development Mineral Capacity Building Programme. The programme is building capacity in the exploitation of minerals through training, the creation of market linkages and provision of grants to the participants. Over seventy small-scale miners have since undergone a trainer of trainers programme in geology, mining, processing, environment, safety, value addition, quarry management and human rights.

Mr Speaker, in my address last year, I informed the House that the Government would put in place measures to strengthen mechanisms for monitoring production and export of minerals in order to promote transparency and accountability of both the Government and the private sector so as to enhance revenue collection from mining activities.

I am glad to report that an on-line system, which links the Ministry of Mines with the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), is now operational.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Through the system, most large copper mines now report their production levels. The system has facilitated access to more detailed data and has improved the tracking of reported production. The system has also enabled the incorporation of data on previously un-reported products. Work is now in progress to include export, import and trade permits on the system. Further, the Government is enhancing its capacity to effectively monitor the production and export of gemstones through the acquisition of gemological equipment.

Mr Speaker, the extraction of petroleum in Zambia is still in its infancy, with activities limited to exploration. To attract more prospecting activities, we require an appropriate regulatory environment. Therefore, the Government will hasten the review of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act Cap 440 of the Laws of Zambia.

Mr Speaker, our country is richly endowed with abundant natural resources. Each region has a unique comparative advantage that can be leveraged to promote investment. Comprehensive resource mapping and marketing of provinces and districts is crucial to the promotion of investment.

In this regard, I would like to commend the Luapula Provincial Administration for hosting a successful expo and investment conference.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Thank you, Luapula, for setting the bar. I can only implore other provincial administrations to emulate this commendable effort. The destiny of our country is entirely in our hands.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, let me reiterate the Government’s resolve to realising the potential of the tourism industry in contributing to economic diversification and job creation. For a long time now, focus in our tourism promotion has been on handicrafts, wildlife and the Victoria Falls. However, the country has numerous other potential attractions that can be exploited.

We as the Government are, therefore, working on ensuring that the sites, natural wonders and cultural events in Zambia, which are not exploited now, are well marketed domestically and internationally. I can only call upon the tourist operators and associations to find ways and means of promoting local tourism. I further urge our people to also sample our local tourism products.

Mr Speaker, the Government is developing and promoting ethno tourism through such events as the Pamodzi Carnival, which is an annual event aimed at showcasing Zambian art and culture. In addition, the Government has embarked on holding carving and crafts fairs as centres of cultural tourism. Other efforts in diversifying the tourism sector include the promotion of non-traditional tourism products such as sports events, mine tours, medical tourism, meetings, conferences and events, including Christian gatherings and conferences, which bring in a lot of people.

Mr Speaker, in an effort to conserve and protect wildlife and ensure sustainable wildlife management, the Government is involving communities in the management of wildlife. In this regard, the Government has made progress in facilitating the establishment of community resource boards and, so far, seventy-six community resource boards have been established in game management areas (GMA), employing 914 scouts from within the communities.

We are also trying to excite our traditional rulers to join us in developing wildlife ranches where they will be able to get their much-sought-after game meat for their traditional ceremonies.

As part of the programme to promote safari and photographic tourism, Mr Speaker, the Government will restock national parks and facilitate the restocking of eleven newly-established private game ranches. This will develop the wildlife tourism product to satisfy both local and international tourists.

Mr Speaker, to supplement Government funding in the areas of tourism infrastructure development, marketing, product development, training and research, a tourism levy was introduced in March this year. The Tourism Development Fund has since been established and, so far, K3.4 million has been collected.

Mr Speaker, energy is a catalyst to economic diversification and job creation. The demand for electricity in 2015 stood at 1,949 Megawatts and is projected to increase to 3,000 Megawatts by 2020.

The 2015 electricity crisis is fresh in our minds, and its negative impact is still felt even today, especially with regard to the foregone income generation opportunities across the economy. This was mainly due to our over-dependence on hydropower as a source of energy. Therefore, there is a need to diversify sources of energy from hydro to solar, wind, bio-mass and nuclear. In addition, we need to harness the huge potential of hydropower generation in the rain-rich northern parts of our country.

Mr Speaker, to meet the increase in demand, investments in energy projects are on going. So far, the Itezhi-tezhi Hydropower Plant, developed under a public private partnership (PPP), is operational and has added 120 Megawatts to the national electricity grid. In addition, Phase I of the Maamba Coal Fired Power Plant in Sinazongwe became operational in December, 2016 and is adding 300 Megawatts to the national electricity grid. An additional 15 Megawatts from the Lusiwasi Upper Hydro Scheme is expected to come on stream in 2018. These projects are increasing power supply and contributing to job creation.  So far, the Maamba Coal Fired Power Plant has created 1,800 direct jobs.

Mr Speaker, to promote more private investment in electricity generation, the Government is implementing gradual migration towards a cost-reflective tariff regime. To this effect, a 75 per cent tariff adjustment has since been implemented. This, I must say, might appear as a harsh decision on the part of the Government in the short term. However, in the long term, the country will benefit from increased investment in the sector which will generate the much-needed electricity for our Industrialisation and Diversification Programme, thereby creating more jobs and improving the well being of our people.

Mr Speaker, to ensure that citizens in the rural areas are not left behind, the Government will continue promoting and expanding rural electrification programmes which will increase access to electricity by rural communities at an affordable cost. Under the Rural Electrification Programme, nineteen grid extension projects are being implemented. These include Milenge Grid Extension Project, …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: …e.g. Kasanjiku Mini HydroPower Station in Mwinilunga District of North-Western Province and Chunga Solar Mini Grid in Mumbwa District.

As at 31^st December, 2016, seven grid extension projects were completed. These include the Mushindamo Grid Extension Project in Mushindamo District, Mwinuna Grid Extension Project in Mpongwe District and Kankolonkolo Grid Extension Project in Kasempa District.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, this Government will continue to place emphasis on an export-oriented economy.  In this regard, we are developing a National Trade Policy that will seek to promote both domestic and international trade with a view to transforming Zambia from being an exporter of primary products to a net exporter of value-added products. The Government will expedite the finalisation of the policy which will soon be made available to the public.

To secure access to regional and international markets as well as reduce barriers to trade, the Government will continue to engage with its trading partners at bilateral, regional, continental and multilateral levels. We will also continue implementing trade facilitation programmes to reduce the cost of doing business. The initiatives include the establishment of one-stop-border posts, inter-modal cargo depots, inland dry ports and the provision of other requisite infrastructure.

Mr Speaker, our quest is to make Zambia a transport hub in the region and beyond. The Government will, therefore, continue to invest in the expansion and modernisation of infrastructure to support the Diversification and Job Creation Programme while promoting private sector participation. In this regard, the Government will continue to implement the Link Zambia 8,000 km, Lusaka 400 km and Copperbelt 400 km road projects.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: To ensure sustainable financing for road maintenance, the Government embarked on the Road Tolling Programme which covers tollgates, weighbridges at ports of entry. Currently, tolls are being collected from ten ports of entry, six weighbridges and five inland tollgates. The Government will continue to construct more toll gates across the country, including Mazabuka.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Nkombo: Tomorrow!

The President: Between January and June this year, about K345 million has been collected from the Road Tolling Programme. About K1.6 billion has been collected between November 2013, when the programme was launched, and July, 2017. This is, indeed, one of the most successful projects that the Government has implemented.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, with regard to Greenfield Railway Projects, I am happy to inform this august House that feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs for the extension of the Chipata/Muchinji Railway Line to connect to the Tanzania Zambia Railway Line at Serenje have been completed.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Works are expected to commence soon at an estimated cost of US$2.3 billion.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: The railway line is expected to create 8,000 direct jobs during construction. Once completed, the railway line will provide a vital trade link to the port of Nacala in Mozambique. Further, feasibility studies on the Nseluka/Mpulungu Railway Line have been completed, while the study on the Livingstone via Kazungula to Sesheke Railway Line has commenced.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: In addition, feasibility studies for the Greenfield Railway Line from Chingola to Jimbe will commence in 2018.  

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Feasibility studies for the Kafue/Lions’ Den Railway Line between Zambia and Zimbabwe will also commence in 2018. Once completed and operational, the projects will contribute towards extending the life span of our roads, reducing road maintenance costs as well as the cost of ferrying bulk cargo.

Mr Speaker, the Government is constructing a new terminal at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) in Lusaka. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2018, at a cost of US$360 million.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Notable progress has been recorded and the project is at 52 per cent completion. This year, the Government also launched the construction of the Copperbelt International Airport at a total cost of US$397 million.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, the Government recognises the role ICT plays, not only in economic diversification, but also in attaining a smart Zambia. Accordingly, the Government is undertaking an ambitious ICT Infrastructure Development Programme to achieve universal access to communication services.

Under Phase I of this programme, 204 communications towers have been constructed across the country. During Phase II, 1,009 towers will be constructed in unserved and underserved areas, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that communication services are not only accessible, but also affordable in Zambia.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: The services will also promote increased production and productivity through the facilitation of e-extension services and market information.

Mr Speaker, the Government also recognises the need to accelerate universal access to information through radio and television. To this effect, the Digital Migration Roll-out Programme is being implemented and is progressing well. So far, ten digital broadcasting transmitters have been installed along the line of rail, thereby bringing digital television services to thousands of homes at a minimal cost.

Thirty-six more transmitters will be installed in different parts of the country and will become fully operational before the end of this year. The installation of the transmitters will mark the completion of the digital migration roll-out and ensure that the digital broadcasting signal reaches every town, village and household in Zambia.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, to support the development of local content and promote a home-grown film industry, the Government is implementing the National Film Policy. The policy gives clear guidelines on film production, distribution and marketing in the country. Particular emphasis is on the use of local talent and locations in order to create the much-needed jobs for our people and market our country, with its rich, natural and cultural heritage.

Mr Speaker, to further support diversification and job creation, the Government will continue to undertake business reforms to enhance access to finance and promote corporate governance and quality assurance, among others.

Mr Speaker, you may recall that during my address to this august House in 2016, I indicated that the Government would expedite the implementation of the Moveable Property (Security Interest) Act No. 3 of 2016, to increase access to finance, especially for small and medium enterprises.  I am happy to inform this august House that we now have a regulatory framework for the implementation of the Act and a provisional collateral registry has since been established.

During this year alone, more than 500 clients have accessed finances using moveable assets such as household goods and vehicles as collateral. It is now easier for a farmer in Chief Mulendema’s area in Mumbwa to use cattle as collateral to access finances. This is a good start. I urge financial institutions to increase support to micro, small and medium enterprises as part of their contribution to economic diversification and job creation. 

Mr Speaker, despite the successes recorded, a lot remains to be done to make local enterprises more competitive and to enable them to contribute to our industrialisation and job creation agenda. To this effect, the Government is supporting the linkage of small and medium enterprises to potential markets for their products through capacity building programmes. 

In the area of food safety and quality assurance, for instance, some products manufactured by small enterprises such as Lumuno Organics Limited are now being supplied to chain stores. Similar interventions will continue under the Agri-business and Trade Project where small and medium enterprises will be supported in the areas of standardisation, quality assurance and development of market linkages. 

I have complained before that our people are not able to access the retailers to supply their food grown in their backyard gardens because of a lack of standards. Going forward, with this initiative, we will find more of our backyard, small and medium enterprises getting their products on the market. 

Mr Speaker, in line with the Government’s commitment made last year to list State-owned enterprises on the Lusaka Stock Exchange (LuSE) within the next five to ten years, I am glad to inform the House that we have made progress. The Government has approved the conversion of Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation Limited (ZAFFICO), Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC) Life Limited, ZSIC General Limited, Mulungushi Village Complex Limited, Zambia Railways Limited and Indeni Oil Refinery Limited into public limited companies. This measure is aimed at transforming the companies into smart institutions with improved governance and accountability, while increasing citizen participation in the economy.

Mr Speaker, good corporate governance is a catalyst for private sector growth and competitiveness. I am glad to inform the House that both the Companies and Insolvency Bills have been submitted to the National Assembly for consideration. Once enacted, the Bills will create an enabling environment for private sector growth and competiveness. 

 Mr Speaker, to promote the production of quality products, the Government enacted the Compulsory Standards Act, 2017, the Standards Act, 2017, the National Technical Regulations Act, 2017, and the Metrology Act, 2017. This will also enhance access to regional and international markets for locally-manufactured products. I, therefore, urge the private sector to embrace quality assurance and continuous product and service improvement in line with the principles of a smart Zambia. 

Mr Speaker, in repositioning the country to adopting and adapting science and technology on the Transformational and Development Agenda, the Government is prioritising investment in research and development. This is to enhance the application of science and technology in all sectors of the economy.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: To this end, the Government will strengthen human and institutional research capacities in various areas such as science, technology and innovation. This will be complemented by an effective intellectual property rights protection regime in order for innovators to benefit from their innovations. 

Further, the Government is developing a policy, legal and institutional framework on nuclear science and technology and its utilisation in the areas of energy, health, mining and agriculture. The Government will streamline the institutional framework for research and development to ensure co-ordination, rationalisation of resources and effective linkages among research institutions.

Mr Speaker, the Government is also creating centres of excellence to spearhead research in infectious diseases and sustainable mining at the University of Zambia (UNZA) and the Copperbelt University (CBU) respectively. This will not only contribute to the development of human capital, but also enhance research and development capacities. 

Mr Speaker, in the same vein, the Government has established a Strategic Research Fund. The fund is supporting research in improved, drought resistant and hybrid seed varieties as well as out-grower support technologies. The interventions will not only facilitate the diversification process, but also improve incomes for rural farmers, thereby reducing poverty among our people.

Mr Speaker, to promote industrialisation, the Government is creating incubation centres that will nurture start-up enterprises in all sectors. This will contribute to creating job opportunities for the youth and reduce inequalities. The first incubation centre has been established at the Kabwe Institute of Technology.

Mr Ngulube: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, I hope hon. Members of this august House can see that my current Address is reporting significant progress from my previous addresses.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Your Government, Mr Speaker, is indeed working.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Poverty and Vulnerability Reduction  

Mr Speaker, poverty levels in the country remain unacceptably high, with 54.4 per cent of our people living below the poverty datum line.

The President: That is what you want to hear. Poverty levels in our country are overwhelmingly rural phenomena with a rate almost three times the level observed in urban areas. More than half of the rural population, that is 55 per cent is affected by poverty while, in urban areas, the poverty levels are at 13 per cent. I want hon. Members to know what the Government is doing to reduce poverty and vulnerability in the country.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: The vulnerable include orphans, female, child-headed households, differently-abled persons, the chronically ill on palliative care and older persons. The interventions, therefore, should give them hope for a better life and that of their children and children’s children.

The President: Mr Speaker, climate change remains an obstacle to poverty and vulnerability reduction and has the potential to erode Zambia’s strides to diversify the economy and attainment of sustainable development.

Mr Speaker in order to mitigate this problem, several climate-proofing initiatives have been put in place in our National Climate Change Policy with a view to helping integrate climate change-related aspects in development. Making our economy resilient to climate change variability calls for drastic and decisive measures aimed at arresting the disruption of livelihoods, promoting sustainable production coupled with a number of measures that will result in increased energy generation, building climate resilient infrastructure, and indeed, building back better, are some of the key strategic interventions we have embarked on.

Mr Speaker, social protection programmes serve three noble purposes. Firstly, they are channels for achieving poverty reduction. Secondly, they are an effective and visible means for reducing inequality and, thirdly, they contribute to the attainment of inclusive development. The Government has been increasing budgetary allocations to social protection programmes. The allocation increased from 2.7 per cent of the National Budget in 2015, to 4.2 per cent in 2017.

Mr Sikazwe: Hear, hear!

The President: This has increased the scope and coverage of key social protection programmes, which include the Social Cash Transfer, the Food Security Pack and the Public Welfare Assistance Scheme.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, I am pleased to report that the Social Cash Transfer Programme has been scaled up from seventy-eight districts in 2016, to all the districts in 2017.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, the number of household beneficiaries has also increased from 242,000 to 590,000. Further, the transfer amount per beneficiary household has increased by 28 per cent, from K70 to K90 per month. In 2018, the Government will, increase the caseload of beneficiary households from the current 590,000 to 700,000, …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: … translating into 4.2 million individual beneficiaries.

Mr Speaker, we are working.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

The President: Mr Speaker, through the Social Cash Transfer Programme, for example, Chilufya Kanakashi of Luwingu was able to attend school and buy a new uniform. Thirty-eight year-old Simutondo, who lives with her son, Choolwe, and her sister’s son, Sichimwa, in Kazungula was able, over time, to build her own house, …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: … pay school fees and buy uniforms for her child and nephew because of the Social Cash Transfer Programme.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: An eighty-three year-old grandmother of Kalomo District, who was looking after two teenage grandchildren, has also greatly benefited from the Social Cash Transfer Scheme.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, with this money, she was able to join a village savings group scheme, where she has been saving some of her cash and was later able to pay for a fertiliser pack, pay people to plough her field and harvested enough maize for both home consumption and sale.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, she is now able to afford most of the commodities such as cooking oil, sugar, soap that she could not afford to buy, and meet some school requirements for her grandchildren. This is a clear demonstration of our pro-poor policies at work.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear! Kokolenipo!

Hon. UPND Members: It is magical!

The President: Mr Speaker, it is not magical.

Laughter

The President: Mr Speaker, the Government has also continued to support incapacitated households through the Public Welfare Assistance Scheme (PWAS). The scheme is enabling poor and vulnerable individuals to access the much-needed health and education services. This is effectively breaking the cycle of inter-generational poverty and guaranteeing inclusive development.

Mr Speaker, to enhance food security at household level as well as accelerate the reduction of poverty and vulnerability, the Government is implementing the Food Security Pack Programme. This programme managed to reach 35,000 vulnerable, but viable households in the 2016/2017 farming season, as compared to only 32,300 in the previous year.

Mr Speaker, the programme also managed to successfully wean off 50 per cent of beneficiaries the 2015/2016 farming season upon attaining the threshold of becoming food secure. For example, Bashikulu Chipili of Kaputa District used the food security pack on a piece of 1.5 ha of land to grow assorted crops, keep goats and to look after two orphaned children.

Mr Ngulube: Hear, hear!

The President: It is estimated that 45,000 households across the country will benefit from this effective and economically-liberating programme in 2018. 

Mr Speaker, it is our collective resolve, as the PF Government, to reduce poverty by 20 per cent by the end of the 7^th NDP period.

Mr Livune: Question!

The President: I can hear someone say, “Question!” It is our collective resolve to reduce poverty by 20 per cent by the end of the 7^th NDP period.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Sir, we are committed to establishing a sustainable pension scheme that will help motivate workers and give a decent life to pensioners.

Mr Ngulube: Hear, hear!

The President: The new system will be extended to State office bearers and constitutional office holders to reduce destitution in retirement.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: The Government will expedite the finalisation of the Social Protection Bill and ensure that it is tabled before this House for consideration during this Session.

Reducing Developmental Inequalities

Mr Speaker, inequality anywhere is a threat to long-term social and economic development and unity.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, although the country has, in the past decade, experienced impressive economic growth, averaging 6.9 per cent, developmental inequalities have not reduced. The gap between the rich and the poor remains wide. The high level of inequality has a historical perspective, which my Administration has resolved to tackle decisively in the 7^th NDP. Foreign direct investment, which tends to generate positive spillovers such as technological transfers, employment creation, skills development and growth of small and medium enterprises, has been concentrated in the mining sector.

Since 2000, five mining firms have accounted for the bulk of foreign direct investment inflows into the country. The manufacturing and agriculture sectors, which create and sustain productive employment, have not yet received sufficient investments to trigger the required growth and employment generation, especially in rural areas. My Administration is poised to stimulate targeted industrialisation and fight overdependence in copper mining, which has low-spread effects in terms of wage earnings. To reduce higher income inequalities, my Government will take measures to accelerate investment in ventures such as forestry, tea, cotton, coffee, and aquaculture production, including their value chains. These, Mr Speaker, are sectors which can absorb the huge unemployed population from the unskilled to those with high levels of skills. My Administration is also aware that pockets of inequality exist even within urban areas. These trends have been analysed with a view to understanding the factors at play in the different regions and districts in order to provide evidence based and target-specific interventions.

Mr Speaker, the Government’s resolve to increase access to social services and reduce infrastructure deficits in the rural areas remains unwavering. It is unacceptable to continue with trends where 42 per cent of maternal deliveries occur at home in rural areas compared to 11 per cent in urban areas. Ninety-four per cent of the urban population is literate, compared to 74 per cent of those in rural areas. This is unacceptable.

There is no justification for 51 per cent of rural households accessing clean and safe water, compared to 89 per cent of households in urban areas. We cannot continue to allow a situation where, in the same country, only 4.4 per cent of the rural households are connected to electricity, compared to 67.3 per cent of households in urban areas. We are also cognisant of the huge disparities that exist between planned and unplanned settlements in urban areas in terms of accessing social services. Therefore, together, we can, together, we should and together, we will bring this to an end.

The President extended his hands to both sides of the House.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, only if we work together.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: To address the developmental inequalities, the Government will promote integrated rural development and provide market linkages between rural and urban areas. We will also enhance income redistribution measures through a variety of social protection interventions and strengthening gender affirmative action. Further, the Government will continue to prioritise urban and rural housing development and upgrade informal settlements in cities and peri-urban areas.

Mr Speaker, the Government will continue to undertake rehabilitation and maintenance of district and feeder roads which provide access to markets for rural farmers. This is aimed at enhancing rural connectivity and improving agricultural production. The target is to rehabilitate approximately 4,000 km of the feeder road network in all the provinces commencing in 2018.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: The establishment of multi-facility economic zones will see structural transformation of our economy with a view to incorporating agriculture industry into the supply chain. This will, in the medium term, be integrated with improvements of trade routes and border administration, access to dependable and sustainable electricity in both the rural and urban productive sectors, development of road infrastructure between urban and rural areas buttressed by the development of skilled labour and substantially employ more people in gainful employment.

Mr Speaker, the strategies towards reducing development inequalities are at the core of our values as a political party. After all, we were founded on that basis. We will remain resolute to this cause and we will soldier on to see improvements in the well-being of the population. We will ensure that we have a better Zambia for all, regardless of one’s social standing or where they live, be it in Lusaka or Milenge, Ndola or Lunga, Kabulonga or Kalikiliki. Everyone is included.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Ngulube: Including Dundumwezi!

The President: Yes, including Dundumwezi.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Enhancing Human Development

The President: Mr Speaker, allow me to address the issue of enhancing human development.

Mr Speaker, human capital development is critical for a Smart Zambia and inclusive development. Accordingly, the Government has continued to prioritise investment in human capital development for a healthy, skilled, productive and innovative citizenry.

Mr Speaker, a healthy citizenry is vital to economic productivity. To achieve universal access to health services, the Government has continued to construct, expand and modernise health infrastructure.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Currently, thirty-five district hospitals are at various levels of construction, out of which twelve are operational.

Mr Ngulube: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, nine provincial hospitals have been expanded and upgraded to tertiary level hospitals. The modernisation of tertiary level hospitals such as the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka, Livingstone Central Hospital and Ndola Teaching Hospital is ongoing.

Mr Lusambo: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, under my Administration, we have recorded huge success in child immunisation coverage, at over 91 per cent. The Tuberculosis (TB) treatment rate has equally increased, while under-five mortality and maternal mortality rates have equally reduced. Despite the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) pandemic still being a challenge in the country, we have made significant strides in combating it.

Mr Ngulube: Hear, hear!

The President: This is evidenced by the reduction of the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the adult population from 13.3 per cent in 2014, to 11.6 per cent in 2016. It is for this reason that my Government has launched the “Test and Treat towards Ending HIV/AIDS” Policy.

Mrs Simukoko: Hear, hear!

The President: We are testing and treating. There is nothing mystical about it.  HIV testing and treatment in Zambia is now being undertaken on a routine basis. If you go to a health facility, you will be examined and treated. There is nothing wrong with that.

Laughter

The President: Mr Speaker, there is no room for controversy. It is the matter of life and death. We would want all hon. Members in this House alive.

Sir, to improve health service delivery, the Government will continue with the recruitment of front line health staff. Since my address to this august House last year, a total of 7,400 health workers have been recruited. This demonstrates the Government’s commitment to improving the health worker/patient ratio.

Mr Speaker, the promotion of private sector investment in the manufacturing of essential drugs is equally important on Government’s agenda. I am glad to report that four major pharmaceutical manufacturing companies are locally manufacturing some of the essential medicines that are used in the country. These are Natural Resource Board (NRB), Pharma, Pharmanova, Baxy Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company and Intelligent Distributed Controls (IDC) Limited.

Mr Speaker, to promote child health, the Government has made progress in the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The transmission rate has reduced from 3.7 per cent in 2014, to 2.5 per cent in 2016. In addition, the prevalence rate of acute malnutrition in children has reduced from 2.2 per cent in 2014, to 1.6 per cent in 2016. My Government will continue to increase child immunisation against preventable diseases in order to maintain a sustained and fully immunised coverage.

Mr Speaker, further, the Government remains committed to reducing malaria-related deaths and achieving a malaria-free Zambia by 2020. To this end, we are distributing 10 million long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets and spraying a minimum of 85 per cent of eligible structures against mosquitoes.

Mr Speaker, the Government is developing a comprehensive policy that will address alcohol and other substance abuse …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: … to ensure wholesome development of our people, especially the youth. In addition, rehabilitation programmes have commenced at Chainman Hills Hospital in Lusaka and will be rolled out to all the provinces.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Special emphasis is being placed on rehabilitation and re-integration into society of those afflicted with various substance addictions, including alcohol and tobacco.

Mr Speaker, fatalities arising from non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and trauma resulting from road traffic accidents are increasing in Zambia. In an effort to promote healthy living and wellness, I initiated the Annual National Health Week in May this year, which is aimed at entrenching a national culture of physical activity and sport, healthy diet, regular medical check-ups and reduction in substance abuse, particularly alcohol. I urge the citizenry to take up this health culture at personal, family and community level. I am glad to see many of you running around State House in the morning. Keep that habit up!

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker, to ensure sustained local financing for universal health access, the hon. Minister of Health will table the National Health Insurance Bill during this Session of Parliament.

Mr Speaker, another critical component of human development is education and skills development. It is important that the current and subsequent generations of Zambians are adequately equipped with requisite knowledge and skills founded on our national values and principles.

Mr Speaker, the Government recognises the importance of universal access to quality education in human development. Therefore, it will continue with the recruitment of qualified teachers. In 2016, eighty-four early childhood education teachers, 2,298 primary school teachers and 3,410 secondary school teachers were recruited. The Government will also continue with the construction of new schools, particularly at secondary school level. During the same year, sixty-two new secondary schools were completed and are now operational. The schools are spread throughout the country. No single area or region has been left out.

 

Mr Speaker, to support the vulnerable female learners, especially in rural areas, The Government is implementing a bursary scheme titled “Keeping Girls in School.” Through this project, over 14,000 girls from extremely poor households are being supported to access secondary school education.

Mr Speaker, under university education, the Government has continued to make huge investments in order to enhance access to quality education. To this effect, we are constructing additional universities and upgrading some existing colleges to universities. The construction of Kapasa Makasa University and the upgrading of Chalimbana, Mukuba and Kwame Nkrumah colleges into universities ...

Mr Ngulube: Hear, hear!

The President: ... have since been completed and the institutions are operational. Works on the construction of King Lewanika and FTJ universities are expected to commence soon. These interventions will increase access to university education from the current 44,000 learners to approximately 60,000 learners by 2021. Additional colleges will also be constructed to provide specialised training in the fields of science, technology and mathematics.

Mr Speaker, in a bid to transform the technical education, vocational and entrepreneurship training sector and increase access to skills development, the Government introduced the Skills Development Levy Act, 2016. The Act provides for the collection of a levy from the private sector into a fund, which is providing financing for infrastructure development, equipment upgrading and staff development in the education sector.

Mr Speaker, to improve the quality and relevance of technical and vocational training, continuous review of curricula will be undertaken to align it to the needs of industry and our diversification agenda. The Government will further increase access to skills training through the completion of on-going construction works at trades training institutes and youth resource centres across the country.

Creating a Conducive Governance Environment for a Diversified and Inclusive Economy

Mr Speaker, let me now deal with the creation of a conducive governance environment for a diversified and inclusive economy.

Sir, good governance cannot be over emphasised.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The President: The Government will continue to uphold and promulgate the tenets of good governance.

Mr Kambwili: Question!

Interruptions

The President: This is a prerequisite to our political stability, human security, economic growth and sustainable development. The Government remains committed to the consultative process in the governance of the country.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: The Government remains totally committed to the consultative process in the governance of the country and although we are in the majority and have the authority, we will still consult.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: In this regard, the Government has created a smart platform for consultation through cluster advisory groups at national and sub-national levels. The finalisation of the administrative framework to buttress the operational effectiveness of the cluster advisory groups will be expedited.

Mr Speaker, the sector advisory groups, which are being replaced with cluster advisory groups, did not live up to the Government’s expectations. This is because they were configured along ministerial thematic lines, and inhibited the development of cross-sector synergies which resulted in the pervasive thinly spreading of resources among sectors, with weak focus on the attainment of results. We now want to go with multiple advisory bodies. Under sector advisory groups, we experienced higher transaction costs in planning, budgeting and service delivery. It is now cheaper to cluster everything and discuss.

Mr Speaker, under the governance pillar of the 7^th NDP, measures have been taken to arrest this trend which is inimical to development through a co-ordinated approach. The Ministries of Finance and National Development Planning held budget policy hearing meetings this year in clusters and the results will obviously be seen when the National Budget is presented. From now on, this will be the trend.

Mr Speaker, it is also gratifying to note that both the political leadership and the technocrats are resolved, with great zeal and enthusiasm, to embark on a new development paradigm of integration. If there are any sceptics, please, be aware that the train has taken off, you either have to jump on or remain behind.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, we cannot hope to develop using the same models, which have tried before and failed. We have to move with new ideas.

Mr Speaker, to augment this and improve on our quest to jointly account for development results, the quarterly reports, which I receive and will soon be receiving from hon. Ministers, will be held in clusters so that hon. Ministries can demonstrate to my office and, indeed, the general public on how they are forging links and working together, and delivering on common development outcomes.

Mr Speaker, at national level, the National Development Coordinating Committee, including their cluster advisory groups, have started meeting. The active Provincial Co-ordinating Committees, have also been re-aligned to conform their sub-committees to the development pillars of the 7^th NDP. I am glad to note that through the Vice-President’s Office, the desire to focus on results is increasing.

Mr Speaker, let me take this opportunity to urge chairpersons of the advisory bodies to ensure that there is broad participation from both State and non-State actors and discussions continue to focus on accounting for development results, which impact positively on the majority of the people. Therefore, there is room for the private sector and all other stakeholder groups to participate in the advisory bodies.

Mr Speaker, in my address to this august House in 2016, I reiterated the Government’s commitment to implementing the Decent Work Agenda and addressing labour market distortions. To this end, the Government is finalising the Occupational Safety and Health Policy and the Social Protection Bill to provide a conducive environment for workers to fully exploit their potential in work places without worrying about occupational accidents. The Social Protection Bill is aimed at enhancing co-ordination among the players in social protection with a view to freeing the majority of the people from the trapped of the vicious poverty cycle so that they too can lead decent livelihoods.

To enhance and protect the rights of workers while safeguarding the investment and productivity of enterprises, the Government has embarked on a comprehensive review of labour laws. These include the Employment Act Cap 268 of the Laws of Zambia and the Industrial and Labour Relations Act Cap 269 of the Laws of Zambia. The bills will be presented to this august House for consideration during this Session of Parliament.

Mr Speaker, accelerating the implementation of the National Decentralisation Policy remains cardinal. The devolution of functions from the Central Government to the local authorities with matching resources remains a cornerstone of the policy. I wish to inform the House that the Bill to amend the Public Finance Act, 2004 and the Local Government Act Cap 281 of the Laws of Zambia, will be tabled before the House during this Session of Parliament.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Local councils should have power and power cannot be devolved without financing them.

Mr Mwale: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, in 2015, I launched the Smart Zambia Agenda, which entailed embracing the use of ICTs and innovation in the delivery of public services. In this regard, the Government has established the Smart Zambia Institute to spearhead the transformation of Government operations into a smart Government. A smart Government is doing things better, building smart cities, ensuring smart and easy accessibility on the communications platform.

Mr Mushimba: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, to date, a total of nineteen e-Government systems have been developed, deployed and are functional. These include the Electronic Tax System, Electronic Patents and Business Registration and Electronic Entry Visa System. From January, 2016, to June, 2017, more than 4,000 businesses have accessed e-Business-related services online. The Government will also introduce electronic payment systems for public services with a view to increasing the collection of non-tax revenue and minimising leakages.

Mr Speaker, the Government is in the process of implementing an Electronic Cabinet System across all Government ministries. Cabinet business will soon be conducted under a paperless environment. This will improve on time and cost efficiency, and will contribute towards attaining a green economy. The Government will also implement the e-Pamodzi, which is an integrated electronic platform. The e-Pamodzi will enable the people to access Government services and information online from any location and at any time with ease. This will contribute to reducing the cost of doing business and eliminating corruption by reducing human contact.

Mr Speaker, the Government has made commendable strides towards promoting further liberalisation of the telecommunications sector through the Revised Legal and Licensing Framework. The new licensing framework in the telecommunications sector will enhance competition, innovation, and will encourage investment in new technologies. It will ultimately lead to improved communications services to be accessed by our people. 

Let me commend the private sector players who have embraced electronic commerce under this enabling licensing regime. To those that are yet to come on board, I urge you to join us so that together, we can usher Zambia into an era of cost and time efficiency as well as competitiveness.

Mr Speaker, land can be a serious binding constraint to development if it is not properly administered. I am concerned that the development of the National Land Policy and review of legislation has taken long to conclude. To restore sanity and public confidence in land administration as well as benefit more Zambians, I am directing the developmental cluster and relevant ministries and institutions to expedite the finalisation of the National Land Policy and amendment of the Lands Act, Cap 184 of the Laws of Zambia so that the Zambians can have access to land in a meaningful and transparent manner.

Mr Speaker, transparency and accountability are important governance tenets that are critical to national unity and inclusive development. To this end, the Government will continue strengthening oversight institutions such as the Anti-corruption Commission (ACC), Office of the Public Protector (OPP) and the National Audit Office.

In our continued fight against corruption, the Government ...

Mr Ngulube: Hear, hear!

The President: ... is reviewing the National Anti-corruption Policy and developing regulations to give effect to the provisions of the Public Interest Disclosure Act, 2010.

Mr Kambwili interjected.

Laughter

The President: The regulations will provide guidelines and procedures to enhance the protection of whistle blowers, among others.

Mr Speaker, the House may recall that in 2014, the Government approved the National Planning and Budgeting Policy to guide the preparation of national development plans and annual budgets. To give effect to the policy and enhance the integration of national planning and the budget, the Government will table the National Planning and Budgeting Bill before the House during this Session of Parliament.

Mr Speaker, the Government remains committed to improving public procurement systems in order to get value for money.

Mr Kambwili: Question!

Laughter

The President: Consequentially, the procurement reforms have reached an advanced stage. The Government will, therefore, table a Bill to amend the Public Procurement Act, 2008. Once enacted, the Bill will increase public procurement efficiency, transparency and accountability.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, the Government’s commitment to addressing inconsistencies, as identified by stakeholders in the amended Constitution, remains unwavering. I will repeat that. The Government’s commitment to addressing inconsistencies, as identified by stakeholders in the amended Constitution, remains unwavering.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: To this effect, the Government is working out modalities on how to move forward in addressing those inconsistencies and lacunas. I am sure the hon. Minister of Justice has been talking on those lines.

Mr Lubinda indicated assent.

Mr Speaker, the Government remains resolved to amending the Public Order Act Cap 113 of the Laws of Zambia. It is, however, saddening to note that despite appeals by the Government for submissions, political parties and other stakeholder groups have not been forthcoming. I wish to reiterate the Government’s call for political parties and other stakeholders to make their submissions on this important matter.

Hon. Government Member: Or shut up!

The President: Or shut up, indeed.

Laughter

The President: Mr Speaker, the Government has also continued to deepen the freedom of expression in the country by granting more radio and television licences.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Mulenga: indicated assent.

The President: To date, a total of 111 radio stations are operational across the country, while forty-three television stations are also freely operating in different parts of the country.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, on Constitutionalism, I am aware that there are many lacunas that are in the Constitution, which need to be resolved with utmost objectivity. There are many lessons, which require deep reflections as we embark on the journey to improve on the Constitution, starting with what prevailed before and during the 2016 General Elections.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: I am, therefore, directing the good governance developmental cluster, and relevant ministries and institutions, to ensure that all the provisions that hinder the enhancement of good governance and other provisions are urgently addressed. May I call upon all the three arms of Government namely: the Judiciary, the Executive and the Legislature to work together and put in place a Constitution that will work for all of us in providing a supportive governance environment.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: I heard a voice saying the use of the word “shut up” is inappropriate. Mr Speaker, I beg to withdraw the word “shut up”.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear! That is fine.

Conclusion 

Mr Speaker, I can confidently say that the Government is on course in the socio-economic transformational journey; a journey aimed at achieving prosperity for all; a journey aimed at enhancing national unity and a journey anchored on our national motto “One Zambia, One Nation”. It, therefore, now remains for us to continue building upon our successes as a united Zambia.

Mr Speaker, we only have this one Zambia, …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: … and we cannot take for granted the peace that we have enjoyed since Independence. We should learn from other countries on the continent that have experienced civil strife out of greed and selfish interests.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: We should be thankful to God and ensure that we guard our peace and national unity jealously. We only have one Zambia and we cannot take for granted the peace that we enjoy. We should learn from other countries on the continent that have experienced civil strife out of greed and selfish interests of few individuals. We should also be thankful to God Almighty and ensure that we guard our peace and national unity jealously.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, development is not an accident. It is a result of a series of conscious decisions. For this reason, the Government has set a transformational agenda to attain a smart Zambia where every citizen embraces a transformational culture; a Zambia that is promoting and maintaining a clean, healthy and safe environment; a Zambia whose citizens are patriotic and put the nation first before self.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: Mr Speaker, the path the Government has taken in accelerating development, through the multi-sectoral approach in the National Development Plan, is expected to achieve more for less. With this approach, I am confident that there will be reduction in developmental inequalities, poverty levels and vulnerability.

Mr Speaker, I urge all the Zambians who use the various media platforms to do so responsibly, and to communicate and promote a positive image of our country, locally and abroad.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: This will contribute towards enhancing unity, peace, investment and prosperity for all. Let us love one another as citizens of this great country. Let us use our collective wisdom to build a better Zambia for our children and children’s children. Nothing is impossible with God on our side.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The President: May God bless you all. God bless our people and may God, indeed, bless Mother Zambia.

I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!  

Clapping

The President left the Assembly Chamber.

Mr Speaker took the Chair.

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BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

The Vice-President (Mrs Wina): Mr Speaker, I rise to give the House some idea of the Business it will consider next week. However, before I do that, let me welcome all hon. Members to the First Meeting of the Second Session of the Twelfth National Assembly. I am hopeful that the House, as usual, will work harmoniously in the performance of its functions despite hon. Members, divergent views on various matters.

Sir, let me now come back to the Business the House is expected to transact next week.

As indicated on the Order Paper for today, on Tuesday, 19^th September, 2017, the Business of the House will commence with Questions. This will be followed by debate on the Motion of Thanks to His Excellency the President’s Address, which was delivered on Friday, 15^th September, 2017.

Mr Speaker, on Wednesday, 20^th September, 2017, the Business of the House will start with Questions, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will deal with Private Members’ Motions, if there will any. The House will then continue with the debate on the Motion of Thanks to His Excellency the President’s Address.

Sir, on Thursday, 21^st September, 2017, the Business of the House will commence with Questions, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. The House will then continue with the debate on the Motion of Thanks to His Excellency the President’s Address.

On Friday, 22^nd September, 2017, the Business of the House will begin with Her Honour the Vice-President’s Question Time. This will be followed by Questions to hon. Ministers, if there will be any. After that, the House will deal with presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Then, the House will continue with the debate on the Motion of Thanks to His Excellency the President’s Address.

I thank you, Sir.

____________

MOTIONS

ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE

The Vice-President (Mrs Wina): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that at its rising today, the House do adjourn until Tuesday, 19^th September, 2017.

Sir, may I begin by expressing on behalf of this House and, indeed, on my own behalf my sincere thanks to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, for the stimulating and insightful speech.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Livune: Question!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I am sure all hon. Members will join me in congratulating His Excellency the President …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: … on delivering an inspiring speech.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: The House will agree with me that the President has raised a number of important issues, which need careful analysis by all of us. The President’s message is not only clear, but also thought provoking. It has set the tone for economic development, national unity, the fight against poverty, diseases and corruption and, indeed, national healing and building, which the country must pass through in the next four years. These issues deserve serious introspection and analysis by the House.

Consequently, I am of the view that the House should rise now so that hon. Members are allowed ample time to digest and analyse the speech, and reflect on the important issues that His Excellency the President has raised. This will enable them to make informed contributions during the debate on the Motion of Thanks, starting on Tuesday, 19^th September, 2017.

Mr Speaker, this is a straightforward Motion and I request hon. Members of this august House to support it.

Sir, I beg to move.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Question put and agreed to.

Mr Chiteme (Nkana): Mr Speaker, allow me to put on record my sincere gratitude for the rare opportunity accorded to me to speak first on this important Motion moved by Her Honour the Vice-President on the occasion of the Official Opening of the Second Session of the Twelfth Nation Assembly.

Sir, I am in agreement with Her Honour the Vice-President that hon. Members need time to digest and carefully analyse the speech which has been delivered by His Excellency the President of this great Republic, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chiteme: The adjournment is, indeed, necessary because hon. Members need ample time to critically analyse the speech and come back to the House next week fully prepared to debate meaningfully on the various issues that have been highlighted in the President’s Speech.

Mr Speaker, I fully support the Motion and urge all my colleagues to do the same.

Sir, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, Hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I am very grateful to the House for its unanimous support of this Motion. I hope the weeks ahead will be as constructive and to the point as today’s debate has been.

With these few remarks, Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Question put and agreed to.

ADJOURNMENT

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

Question put and agreed to.

_________

The House adjourned at 1248 hours until 1430 hours on Tuesday, 19^th September, 2017.