DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE SECOND SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH ASSEMBLY

Wednesday, 19th June, 2013 

The House met at 1430 hours

[MR DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

____________ 

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

PREPARATIONS FOR HOSTING OF THE UNWTO GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The Minister of Tourism and Arts (Mrs Masebo): Mr Speaker, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to give a second statement on the preparations for the co-hosting of the 20th Session of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly (UNWTO-GA) in August, 2013. As the House might already be aware, Zambia and Zimbabwe will co-host this event from 24th to 30th August, 2013, in Livingstone, Zambia, and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The two cities share the mighty Victoria Falls. 

As the hon. Members of this august House may recall, on 9th November, 2012, I delivered the first ministerial statement to the House on the roadmap towards the co-hosting of the UNWTO-GA. I reiterate what I said in my first statement, which was that the co-hosting of this meeting is an important national event that will not only provide the country an opportunity to showcase its major tourist attraction, the Victoria Falls, to the world and position itself as a major tourist destination, but also create a platform for sustained growth and development, through increased meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism development and access to the global markets and, in the long term, increase the number of tourists visiting our country. 

Mr Speaker, in my first statement, I articulated what the UNWTO is, as an organisation; meaning, how it is organised and what it does. The present statement will outline how meetings for this conference have been structured. I will, then, update hon. Members on how far we have gone with the preparations.

Attendance of the Meeting

Mr Speaker, attendance of the meeting is only open to the UNWTO member States, affiliate members and invited guests. Everyone must register using the online registration facility on the UNWTO website.

Meetings Structure

Sir, the meetings will take place from 24th to 30th August, 2013. Zambia and Zimbabwe will each host an equal number of meetings. In this respect, Zambia will host the following meetings:

Date    Time    Meeting

24th August, 2013    1000-1200 Hours    Planning and Budget Committee meetings
    1430-1600 Hours    Regional Commission for Africa meetings
    1600-1800 Hours    Regional Commission of the Americas meeting

25th August, 2013    0930-1130 Hours    Regional Commission for Europe meetings
    1000-1130 Hours    Regional Commission for the Middle East

26th August, 2013    Official Opening in Zimbabwe for two days

28th August, 2013    0900-1200 Hours    Third Plenary Session
    1200-1230 Hours    Media Briefing 
    1400-1700 Hours     Fourth Plenary Session
    1900-2200 Hours    Closing Dinner (official closing ceremony)

29th August, 2013    0900-1230 Hours    Fifth Plenary Session
    1400-1600 Hours    Sixth Plenary Session
    1630-1730 Hours    Ninety-sixth Executive Council Meeting

Mr Speaker, on the Zimbabwean side, there will be the following meetings:

Date    Time    Meeting

25th August, 2013    0900-1030 Hours    Regional Commission for the Pacifics meetings
    1100-1230 Hours    Regional Commission for South Asia
    1230-1300 Hours    Technical Committee Meetings
    1430-1730 Hours    Ninety-sixth Executive Council Meeting
    1900-2200 Hours    Official Opening and Welcoming Dinner

26th August, 2013    0930-1200 Hours        Ministerial Roundtable
     1200-1230 Hours    Media Briefing
    1530-1830 Hours    First Plenary Session
    1700-1830 Hours    Credential Committee Meeting
    
28th August, 2013    0900-1200 Hours    Second Plenary Session
    1100-1200 Hours    Associate Members Meeting 
    1500-1800 Hours     Affiliate and Board Members General Meeting
    1700-1830 Hours    ST-EP Board Meeting
    1900-2200 Hours    Closing Dinner (official closing ceremony)

Mr Speaker, I have included the opening and closing ceremonies on the actual meeting structure, although the two are not really meetings. However, they are very important activities and will be hosted by the two Heads of State. They also form part of the core business of the GA.

Mr Speaker, in addition to the actual meetings, the structure also provides for what we call special events and technical tours for the delegates. Included on special events to take place on the Zambian side are:

(a)    a sunset cruise to be hosted by His Honour the Vice-President;

(b)    Zimbabwe/Zambia First Ladies Gala Night to be hosted by our First Lady; and 

(c)    Kavango/Zambezi (KAZA) Trans-frontier Conservation Project Working Lunch. It will, first, be a workshop and, then, a lunch. 

Technical tours on the Zambian side will include trips to the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site, planting of trees in the rain forest of the Victoria Falls and some selected KAZA projects on the Zambian side. 

Mr Speaker, further, some special lunches and breakfast events for the various meetings have been lined up, but await conclusion because a number of private sector organisations are coming forward to sponsor them.

Mr Speaker, just to give additional information, two countries have, so far, expressed interest in hosting the 21st Session of the UNWTO-GA in 2015. The countries are Colombia and Cambodia. I am happy to report that Zambia will host a special Colombian Night on 27th August, 2013, while Zimbabwe will host a special Cambodian Night on 26th August, 2013. 

Further to the special events and technical tours, a comprehensive programme has been developed for the accompanying persons and many pre- and post-conference tours and activities have been arranged for the delegates to choose from. I have no doubt that our visitors will have a memorable experience in our country. 

Mr Speaker, as I had informed the hon. Members in my first statement, a Tri-lateral Hosting Agreement, which sets out the responsibilities of the host countries and those of the UNWTO, in respect of the conference, was signed on 29th May, 2012, by the two Heads of State, namely, Their Excellencies, Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, President of the Republic of Zambia, and Comrade Robert Gabriel Mugabe, and the UNWTO Secretary-General, Mr Taleb Rifai, on the Victoria Falls Bridge, which is a no-man’s land. This historic event was given further prominence by the two Excellencies’ signing of an agreement to promote sustainable development of tourism in their respective countries. 

Mr Speaker, preparations for the UNWTO-GA have reached an advanced stage. I, therefore, wish to take this opportunity to update hon. Members of this august House on our state of preparedness to co-host the event. 

Sir, the preparations have been at two levels. These are at the bilateral level with Zimbabwe and the national level, through the Ministry of Tourism and Arts. On the bilateral level, we have three committees, namely, the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC), headed by the hon. Ministers of the two respective portfolio ministries, the Joint Steering Committee (JSC), headed by the respective Permanent Secretaries, and the Joint Technical Committee (JTC), consisting of technical officers. At the national level, a National Steering Committee (NSC), chaired by the Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, provides oversight on the preparations. The NSC is composed of ten sub-committees chaired by Permanent Secretaries from relevant line ministries for the following tasks:

(a)    tourism and hospitality;

(b)    conference events and protocol;

(c)    transport logistics and infrastructure;

(d)    information, communication and publicity;

(e)    security and immigration;

(f)    health and green issues;

(g)    investment opportunities;

(h)    exhibitions and entertainment;

(i)    finance, budgets and procurement; and 

(j)    Local Organising Committee.

All the sub-committees are working under specific terms of reference derived from the Tri-lateral Hosting Agreement Joint Work Plan and the preliminary visit check-list by the UNWTO technical officials.

Mr Speaker, the Joint Implementation Framework (JIF) agreed upon by both countries provided for the establishment of a high-level policy organ chaired by the two respective portfolio hon. Ministers, which is called the JMC. So far, it has held four important meetings. The last was held in Serbia during the Ninety-fourth Executive Council Meeting from 27th to 29th May, 2013.

 The JSC, chaired by relevant Permanent Secretaries of the two respective countries, was constituted to oversee the implementation of the project. So far, fourteen meetings have been held to report progress …

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Both sides of the House are not listening. Please, let us give her an ear.

Hon. Minister, you may proceed.

Mrs Masebo: So far, fourteen joint meetings have been held to report progress made in the implementation of the common issues relating to marketing and promotion, media and publicity, transport and logistics, entertainment and events, protocol, safety, security and information and communication technology between the two countries. 

Mr Speaker, a National Secretariat dedicated to co-ordinating the hosting committees, and comprising members from the Ministry of Tourism and Arts and other ministries and institutions instrumental to the work of the committees, was finally constituted by March, 2013. The secretariat is split between Lusaka and Livingstone. The one in Lusaka is at Petroda House, on the Great East Road, in Northmead, while the Local Secretariat is at the One-Stop-Shop on Mosi-O-Tunya Road, in Livingstone.

Mr Speaker, allow me to, now, present the substantive progress made with respect to the preparatory activities concerning the actual event as well as the activities related to the co-hosting in the City of Livingstone. The latter includes the improvement of tourism attractions and border posts as well as construction of social infrastructure around the city, in line with the Presidential declaration of Livingstone as the tourism capital of Zambia.

Mr Speaker, in line with the Tri-lateral Hosting Agreement, the UNWTO Secretariat in Madrid, Spain, has been sending its technical team to Destination Victoria Falls to check on the state of preparedness. So far, three technical visits have been concluded and feedback from all the visits was that both countries were on course with the preparations. Of course, there were a few challenges, but I am happy to report that we have overcome them. May I take this opportunity to inform the House that the final technical visit by the UNWTO team will be from 25th to 29th June, 2013. 

Mr Speaker, the following is the detailed brief on the preparations:

The Venue

The venues for this important event, on the Zambian side, are the Sun International Resort and the Convention Centre in Livingstone. The Convention Centre has been secured for the duration of the conference. However, it has a challenge, in terms of capacity, to host the Plenary Sessions, which will need to accommodate up to 1,080 delegates for the GA. In this regard, the Government has made arrangements to construct an up-market temporary structure, with full conference facilities, on the premises, which is the Royal Livingstone Hotel, which will take up and facilitate the 1,080 delegates for the plenary sessions, of which Zambia will host four out of six.

The Temporary Structure

Mr Speaker, the temporary structure I have referred to is being sourced from Gear House Limited, a company in South Africa, which is well-known for events management. It will be erected on the lawns of the Royal Livingstone Hotel. A technical team from Gear House has already visited the proposed premises and is happy to provide the service. The team will move on site in July, 2013. The structure will be completed and handed over to the Zambian Government by or before 19th August, 2013, as agreed. In addition, air-conditioned marquees will be erected at the car park of the Royal Livingstone to cater only for the registration, accreditation and documentation of delegates, in line with the provisions of the Tri-lateral Hosting Agreement.  

Sir, several meetings have been held with the Sun International Resort management to ensure that adequate provisions are made for the event. It was resolved that the equipment for the temporary structure, such as audio, video and interpretation booths, screens and all that goes with conferencing will be procured by the Zambian Government. To that effect, a small taskforce has been established to handle procurement, in accordance with the Tri-lateral Hosting Agreement.

Professional Conference Organiser (PCO)

Mr Speaker, I am happy to inform this House that the Government signed a contract with a South African conference company named Professional Conference Organisers in May, 2013, in line with the requirements of the Tri-lateral Hosting Agreement for both host countries to engage a professional conference organiser (PCO). The PCO will help us with the professional organisation of the event and is already working with the Secretariat at Petroda House. 

Accommodation for Delegates

Mr Speaker, we have selected and secured seven hotels, ranging from five-star to three-star. These will be the official accommodation venues for the delegates. In addition to the seven hotels, the ministry also selected twenty provisional accommodation facilities; that is, hotels, guest houses and lodges, which have been inspected and approved for delegates who will look for cheaper rates and services.

Mr Speaker, to ensure that the quality of services and capacity of accommodation providers to host the delegates meet required standards during the GA, my ministry, through the Inspectorate Section of the Department of Tourism, has conducted several inspections of the establishments, leading to the selection of the seven hotels and the twenty back-up facilities. The hotels agreed to lower their rates and 490 rooms have been blocked and guaranteed by the Government at the seven selected official hotels, as follows:

    Hotels/Lodges    Number of Rooms

    The Royal Livingstone    115

Zambezi Sun    150

David Livingstone Safari    50

Protea    60

Chrismar    52

Fallsway Lodge    11

Courtyard    52

Total    490

Entry and Visa Facilitations

Mr Speaker, Zambia and Zimbabwe have resolved to waive visas for all the UNWTO delegates and their accompanying persons. This entails that there will be no fees and visa application formalities. To ensure that our security is not compromised, a procedure for implementing this resolution has been adopted. The details of the procedure have been posted on our website, which is www.unwto.org, and I appeal to all hon. Members of Parliament to take note of this website because it has all the relevant information.

In summary, all the delegates to the UNWTO-GA and their accompanying persons need to register online at www.unwto.org. After registration, they will need to send details, that is, their full passport particulars and point of entry they will use. The UNWTO will, then, forward the details to the immigration contact persons in Zambia and Zimbabwe, who will, then, issue facilitation letters only to those delegates who, ordinarily, would apply for visas prior to travelling to the two countries. The list of countries whose citizens would, ordinarily, have been required to apply for visas has been provided to the UNWTO Secretariat and is also available on the joint website. 

Sir, upon arrival at the point of entry, a visa stamp will be issued and it will be valid for thirty days from the date of entry. Delegates from countries that require prior application of visas will need to produce their facilitation letters before the visa stamp is issued to them. After that, the delegates will proceed to the Accreditation Centre to register themselves and be issued with an accreditation card that will allow them passage across the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, where there will be no border formalities, as I said earlier. Further, the ministries responsible for internal security in both countries have already issued an official letter to the UNWTO Secretary-General that confirms the two countries’ resolve to issue the visa waiver.

Mr Speaker, to speed up the clearance of the delegates at our two international airports, separate and dedicated booths will be established at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport. It is estimated that the delegates will start arriving on 21st August, 2013. 

Sir, the land border posts, that is, Victoria Falls, Katima Mulilo and Kazungula, are in the process of being computerised.

Security

Mr Speaker, the security wings are working in collaboration with the Resident United Nations Department of Security and Safety Advisors, who produce periodic security assessment reports for the United Nations (UN), and the reports are submitted to the UNWTO. So far, the reports have been positive. 

Sir, a comprehensive vetting of service providers and tour operators is on-going and will last until the beginning of the GA in August, 2013. A list of categories of illicit drugs and substances for both Zambia and Zimbabwe was submitted to the UNWTO Headquarters and a request was made that all medical drugs to be brought by delegates be accompanied by a medical practitioner’s prescription or letter. 

Sir, security officers to be deployed in Livingstone during the GA will be trained between June and July, 2013. I am happy to say that this training has started. Detection equipment for radioactive materials has been secured from the International Atomic Agency (IAEA) while the procurement of additional equipment and training programmes for frontline officers will be done by the end of June, 2013. 

Travel Facilitation

Mr Speaker, many international, regional and local airlines have come on board to support us. Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, South African Airways, Air France and Proflight have agreed to offer discounted rates to the delegates to the GA. As of 7th June, 2013, Kenya Airways had extended its services between Nairobi and Harare to Livingstone. Locally, I am happy to report that Proflight has taken advantage of the upcoming event by leasing a bigger aircraft, a 105-seater Boeing 737-200, which will service the Livingstone route during the event. This will be useful to delegates that will be transiting through Lusaka. In collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications, we are still trying to make further contact with other airlines for direct flights to Livingstone.{mospagebreak}

Transport and Logistics

Mr Speaker, upon arrival, during and after the conference, a joint shuttle plan outlining the pick-up of delegates from both the Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula and the Victoria Falls Airports to the various hotels and to and from the hotels to the venues, as well as technical tours has been drafted and will be finalised when the final structure of the GA, with timings, is provided. A simulation of the plan will be conducted before the final UNWTO Plenary Technical Visit on 26th June, 2013, which is next week. The routes have been allocated and we await the addition of colour codes on the buses and identification of a parking lot, as the venue hotel has indicated that there will not be adequate space for a parking. We are working on that issue.

Mr Speaker, both Zambia and Zimbabwe have identified similar vehicles for different categories of users during the conference. The categories are as follows:

Vehicles    Number    Categories/Purpose

Higer 30-seater luxury buses     4    Hon. Ministers and Heads of delegation

Higer 44-seater buses     5    Delegates

Toyota Prado    5    Picking hon. Ministers and heads of 
        delegation to and from the airports

Hyundai Santa Fe    10    Picking hon. Ministers and heads of 
        delegations to and from the airports
                                                                                                             
Mitsubishi Pajero    5    Picking hon. Ministers and heads of 
        delegations to and from the airports

Mercedes Benz Saloon    5    Picking hon. Ministers and heads of  delegations to and from the airports,
        particularly, the Secretariat staff

Infrastructure development

Mr Speaker, in terms of infrastructure development, the following work is being done:

(a)    at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport, work on a new international terminal is on schedule, and construction of a new wing is 85 per cent complete. I am hopeful that this will be ready by the end of July, 2013;

(b)    rehabilitation of township roads in Livingstone has continued, and I am happy to report to the House that the contractor has started working on the Mosi-O-Tunya Road, which is the main road leading to the conference venue. It is scheduled to be completed on time;

(c)    works on construction of the three ablution blocks at Mukuni Park, and Civic Centre, and the Town Centre Bus Station are on schedule. The buildings have been plastered, roofed and ceilings have been placed. The contractor is now working on the fittings;
                                     
(d)    construction of an ultra-modern market at the former Zimbabwe Market is on schedule. The foundation bases for the two-storey buildings have been completed and 75 per cent of the concrete columns have been erected. The contractor has also delivered eighty steel columns and beams for the superstructure. The construction team has only three months in which to complete the projects;

(e)    the construction of an Inter-city Bus Terminus is on schedule. The contractor has completed casting concrete on the bases and is working on the concrete columns, which are 15 per cent complete. The project is set to be completed in five months; and

(f)    development of infrastructure at the Victoria Falls Border Post has continued. The facelift includes construction of the loading bay, shelter, bus stop, taxi rank shelter, paving and a new ablution block.

Mr Speaker, improvement of tourist attractions and facilities in the tourist capital are on-going, especially on the following:

(a)    Victoria Falls World Heritage Site;

(b)    Mosi-O-Tunya National Park;

(c)    Livingstone Museum;

(d)    Maramba Cultural Village; and

(e)    Livingstone Gallery.

Hon. Opposition Members: Fyafula!

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, in terms of promotion of the activity, our marketing agent, the Zambia Tourism Board (ZTB), has promoted the event at major tourism events around the world, such as the World Travel Market in London, Fitur Travel Market in Spain …

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Minister!

It appears as if hon. Members have stopped listening.

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: No. Please, give her time to finish her ministerial statement because, after she has finished, some of you will begin asking questions that are out of the context of what she has said.

Please, continue.

Mrs Masebo: … the ITB in Berlin, Germany, the Indaba in South Africa, and at all the meetings of the UNWTO, the last having been in Serbia at the Ninety-fifth Session of the Executive Council Meetings.

Locally, Sir, the artwork for billboards is ready and mounting of billboards has commenced, starting with the City of Livingstone. Further, my ministry intends to conduct road shows in Livingstone, as recommended by the Local Organising Committee (LOC). The shows will be in high-density areas, such as Maramba, Dambwa and Linda, using local languages and local drama groups to communicate messages of the UNWTO-GA to the general public and residents. Additionally, a dedicated website has been developed and operationalised, and it is www.unwtoga2013.org. The website is periodically updated by the two webmasters from Zambia and Zimbabwe with content submitted by the tourism boards of both countries and the PCO. The website provides more useful information about the host countries and the destination, the Victoria Falls.

Mr Speaker, I would like to urge the hon. Members of Parliament that, instead of asking further questions, since fyafula, and you are tired, they should go to that website to get additional information. I hope, at the end of this statement, I will have no further questions for clarifications.

Interruptions

Mrs Masebo: Further, a permanent information booth has been installed at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport while the one at the Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport will be installed once the soft works have been completed.

Sir, the tender for the procurement of a mobile information booth has been completed and the actual procurement has been initiated with the view to placing the booth in strategic locations, such as the key border entry points, venue hotels and shopping malls.

Interruptions

Mrs Masebo: Do not worry. I have only one more page left.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, I am very grateful for the financial support that the Government has given to my ministry, especially for all activities related to this event. In the 2013 Yellow Book, KR15,000,000 was allocated, under the Ministry of Tourism and Arts, and the whole amount has since been released to the ministry. In addition to the KR15,000,000, the Ministry of Finance has also provided a capital budget of KR155.1 million and operational budgets for the various sub-committees under various sector ministries that have a hand in the preparation. The total is about KR68.9 million. Some amounts have already been released, and I am hopeful that the remaining amounts will be released as soon as possible, as we are only remaining with less than two months before the event. Actually, most of the money has been released. If there is any money that has not been released, it is because the Ministry of Tourism and Arts, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, did not think that such monies needed to be released.

Mr Speaker, in terms of challenges, we have had problems with co-ordination within the country, and between Zambia and Zimbabwe because the main players in Zambia are based in Lusaka while the event is being hosted in Livingstone. Secondly, co-hosting and managing a joint event from Harare and Lusaka comes with challenges of distance. However, I am happy to report that we have managed and overcome most of our challenges, and both countries are ready to successfully host the global event.

Sir, as I come to the end of my statement, I would like to inform the hon. Members of the House that we are ready. The UNWTO has already opened registration, which will close on 24th July, 2013.

Mr Speaker, may I take this opportunity to challenge hon. Members of this august House to take interest and visit Livingstone in their personal capacities.

Hon. Opposition Members: We will be arrested.

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, I wish to end by stating that our legacy to the people of Livingstone and, indeed, the nation, as a whole, will be that of having transformed the city into an internationally-renowned flagship tourism destination with all complementary services that will attract other sectors, such as sports, to host their events in the city in the future.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

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

Mr Mulusa (Solwezi Central): Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the elaborate statement. We have had a lot of bonus information. 

Sir, one of our challenges in Zambia is the low participation of local people in economic activities, especially in tourism. I have not heard any strategy that would show that Zambians have been given the capacity to start participating in tourism activities in our country, and actually grow the potential of the number of beds that we have. I am very sad to hear that only about 400 rooms have been set aside in Livingstone.

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, the hon. Members on your left were saying, ‘fyafula’ without even understanding what I was saying. I said that the Government had secured 490 rooms for delegates. That does not mean that Livingstone had only 490 rooms. It means that the Government has paid in advance to ensure that those rooms are not occupied by local tourists. Otherwise, we could have a problem. So, that point falls away.

Sir, if the hon. Member had cared to listen, he would have heard me articulate the various programmes being implemented in Livingstone for the local communities. However, I did that at the end of the statement and they were not interested in getting what I was saying. So, since I have already laid the statement on the Table of the House, I hope they can read it in their spare time.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ntundu (Gwembe): Mr Speaker, I do not know whether I heard the hon. Minister correctly because, looking at the time remaining, we have less than two months. I came from Livingstone two days ago, and I only saw pillars of steel at the former Zimbabwe Market. Is the hon. Minister sure that this market will be completed within the two months so that …

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Continue.

Mr Ntundu: Let her answer. I will tell Mr Sata when he comes.

Laughter

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

I am guiding the proceedings of the House. Have you finished your question?

Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, I would like to know whether this market will be completed within two months, even though I only saw steel poles when I checked two days ago.

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, I do not want to sound as if I am being rude to my colleagues. I have a lot of respect for this House, but I want them to be fair, as they ask questions. I did not say that the market would be completed within two months. I have already articulated the issue of the market and bus station. In fact, I categorically stated when completion is expected and made no mention of a two-month period. It would help if hon. Members listened attentively to the statements that we give so that they ask intelligently.

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Mrs Masebo: Yes, because they cannot ask questions seeking information that I have already given.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Hon. Minister, that is a point made but, all the same, are you able to indicate when that market will be ready? 

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, I will repeat the paragraph I read to answer that question.

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Why do you want to take over the responsibility of the Chair?

Laughter

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, on page 28 of the statement, under infrastructure development and, specifically, on the market, I said:

“Works on the construction of an ultra-modern market at the former Zimbabwe market are on schedule. The foundation basses for the two-storey building have been completed. The Contractor has put up 75 per cent of the concrete columns. The contractor has also delivered eighty steal columns and beams for the super structure. The construction team has only got three months in which to complete the project.”

Mr Speaker, on the Inter-city Bus Terminus, I said that works are on schedule and that the contractor has completed casting concrete on the bases and is working on the concrete columns, which are 15 per cent complete. The construction is set to be completed in five months.

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Bwalya (Lupososhi): Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for that detailed and well-articulated ministerial statement. 

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Mr Bwalya: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister made reference to the temporary structure that will be constructed … 

Mr Ntundu: On a point of order, Sir. 

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, (points at the hon. Minister) is the hon. Minister of Tourism in order to tell the nation that the questions we ask are not asked intelligently? 

Hon. Government Member: Finger!

Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, (pointing at Mr Deputy Speaker) I ask for your serious ruling.

Laughter

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Can the hon. Member for Lupososhi continue.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Bwalya: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister made reference to the temporary structure that will be constructed in Livingstone during the UNWTO-GA and the fact that a South African firm would be responsible for constructing it. Did our local firms not meet the specifications as required? 

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for a very good question.

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear! 

Intelligent question.

Mrs Masebo: When the tender was advertised, we had a Zambian company that had partnered with a German company, and a South African company. I believe that the assessors opted for the South African company, instead of the Zambian company that had partnered with a German company. 

Sir, the South African company, Gear House, had done similar work in South Africa and been involved in such global events. We began the project rather late and did not want to take chances. We wanted to get a company that had done something similar in the past. 

Mr Speaker, although this structure is labelled ‘temporary,’ it does not look like a temporary structure, at all, but like a dome. It is made of a mixture of steel, glass and a tent-like material. It will also have carpeting and air-conditioning, and will look like a regular building, although it will be taken down at the end. This is why I mentioned that the hand-over would only be done on 19th August, 2013. The actual construction will start about two weeks from 19th August. However, the procurement process has already begun.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mucheleka (Lubansenshi): Mr Speaker, towards the end of the statement, the hon. Minister stated that hon. Members of Parliament should be able to participate by travelling to Livingstone.

Sir, given that this Government has a habit of arresting hon. Members of Parliament who visit their constituencies, what guarantee do we have that we will not be arrested if we travel to Livingstone?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, I think, that question is irrelevant.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, we also hope that we, as hon. Members of the Opposition, will receive intelligent answers from the hon. Minister.

Mr Speaker, in August, the Victoria Falls get dry. As members of the UNWTO Council visit Livingstone, they will only see rocks. This is as a result of the diversion of water by the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) to generate electricity at the Victoria Falls. Is the Government considering closing the Victoria Falls Power Station in order to showcase the falls?

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, the issue of intelligence is up to the public to judge. So, I will just answer the question, for now. The assertion that the falls in Livingstone get dry during August is not correct. The falls in Livingstone, admittedly, have different water levels, and they are, currently, considered to be at its highest level. As we approach July, however, the levels begin to go down, but will not completely dry up. So, the issue that …

Mrs Masebo’s phone rang.

Mrs Masebo switched her phone off.

Mr Speaker, I apologise for the interruption.

Sir, I was saying that it will still be possible for tourists to enjoy viewing the Victoria Falls. You may wish to note that some tourists do not like visiting the falls when its levels are high because you hardly see much due to the mist. Currently, it is very difficult to see the whole Victoria Falls. You cannot even go to the David Livingstone Island because the Zambezi River is too full. It is also dangerous, for example, for you to go and swim at the Devil’s Pool or have your breakfast at the David Livingstone Island, which provides the best view of the Victoria Falls, and was where Dr David Livingstone viewed the falls from. Over a hundred years ago, when Dr David Livingstone arrived in Livingstone, the locals did not show him the Victoria Falls from some funny place. They showed it to him from the …

Mr Mucheleka: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

Interruptions

Mrs Masebo: … David Livingstone Island, and it was in September. When he saw it, he remarked on how beautiful it was, meaning that, when tourists go to Livingstone, they will be able to view the Victoria Falls the way David Livingstone did.  

Sir, on the issue that the hon. Member of Parliament for Monze Central has raised, concerning the generation of electricity, as a Government, we have engaged ZESCO to see how best we can address it. There will be no challenge as is being said. I have been to Livingstone during August and enjoyed viewing the Victoria Falls, despite generation taking place. I want to assure the tourists, in Zambia and abroad, that they will see the best of Livingstone even in August.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbulakulima (Chembe): Mr Speaker, I must mention that ‘me, I beat.’

Laughter

Mr Mucheleka: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, I rise on a very serious point of order. Is the hon. Minister in order to say that my question was irrelevant, given that it is very true that this Government arrests its own hon. Members of Parliament when they are carrying out their work in the constituencies? I need your serous ruling.

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order! 

Let us get on with the work because we have a number of issues to be dealt with. I do not want to say anything on the issue of arrests. If you recall, yesterday, I requested the hon. Minister of Home Affairs to come up with a statement. Therefore, let us not delve into that area until we hear what the hon. Minister will say. 

Can the hon. Member for Chembe continue.

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, in answering the intelligent follow-up question by the hon. Member for Lupososhi, the hon. Minister mentioned that the plenary session will, actually, take place in a temporary structure. She further mentioned that the registration will take place in the marquees and that the hand-over will be done on 19th August. We take it that, actually, there must have been a building where this plenary should originally have taken place. However, she has not told us what led to the non-completion of the original structure, taking into account that we had adequate time and had allocated adequate resources towards this important venture.

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, first of all, no money was released for the construction of a convention hall. I can only say that the Patriotic Front (PF) Government has decided that, as a legacy of the hosting of the GA, we will construct a permanent international convention centre with hotels, conference rooms for plenary sessions and side events, such as the one that Malawi constructed for purposes of hosting the African Union (AU) Meeting. As you know, the Royal Livingstone has a convention centre, but that can only take up to 400 delegates and will be used for the other meetings. Four plenary sessions will take place in Zambia while two will take place in Zimbabwe. Apart from that, we have site meetings of the different committees taking place in the convention centre, which is the Zambezi Hall. For the plenary, we do not have a facility that can seat a thousand delegates. We are putting up a facility that is semi-permanent. 

Sir, in the past, Gear House has constructed similar facilities in South Africa and other countries. That is what they used when they had public events. For example, in Zambia, sometimes, if you want to have a wedding and you do not want to use Mulungushi Hall, you can get Rooneys Hire Zambia to put up a marquee. In our case, we are not putting up a marquee, but an upgraded dome because it is made of steel. We also wanted to use the Zambezi River frontage so that people can enjoy our natural resources. We wanted to show case the Zambezi River and the Victoria Falls. These sites are going to look very beautiful. When people walk out, they will be able to view and enjoy the scenery of Zambia, generally.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

Mr Matafwali (Bangweulu): Mr Speaker, considering the fact that power outages are quite common in Livingstone, has the Organising Committee put any special measures in place to mitigate that?

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, the co-hosting of this event is to the advantage of Livingstone. Many things are happening in Livingstone that are not happening in Monze or Chongwe. ZESCO is working round the clock to increase electricity generation capacity in Livingstone. By August, there will be no black-outs in the city. Even after the event, there will be no black-outs. Livingstone would have earned something. That is why the hon. Minister of Youth and Sport has been forced to quickly go to Livingstone. By next year, he is going to start the construction of a modern stadium in Livingstone, not Monze or Chongwe. That is because our friends in Livingstone are lucky. That is the point I am trying to make.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muntanga (Kalomo Central): Mr Speaker, …

Mr Mwiimbu: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing …

Laughter

Hon. Members: Tourism!

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I know that she wishes to be hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing.

Laugher

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister of Tourism and Arts in order to continuously talk about Monze, which has been neglected by this PF Government? Is she in order not to spread those so-called developmental activities in Livingstone to Monze, which is the transit point for tourists who will be visiting Livingstone? Is she in order not to do something about Monze?

Laughter

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Before I rule on that point of order, let me indicate that it appears that we have exhaustively considered the issue.

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: I have two more people on my list and I promise that they will be up to the point. We have been considering this matter for one hour now and I think that we have done justice to it. Anyway, my ruling on that point of order is that she likes Monze. So, I think, that is fine.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has made the very important point that the PF Government is going to build a permanent structure for such meetings. I wonder whether she has taken into consideration the fact that the Zambezi River frontage has, more or less, been taken up by private investors, and that what has remained is the Victoria Falls Wildlife Game Reserve. Is she considering using part of that land for this development?

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, that is a very important question. Just to echo what the hon. Speaker said, I love Monze and only wish they could vote properly next time.

Laughter

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, indeed, most of the river frontage in Livingstone has been taken over by the private sector. However, we still have about three or four more openings. The preferred site, currently, is the one next to – what is the name of that hotel just before you get to Chrismar Hotel?

Hon. Members: Courtyard.

Mrs Masebo: Yes, the Courtyard wall and that whole road. It is not on the frontage, but the area is big enough. We also have another past the Zambezi Sun in Chief Mukuni’s area, which is on a hill where you can see the Victoria Falls, but not the Zambezi River. It will be up to the contractors to decide which of the two because we want to use the public-private partnership (PPP) mode because we think that the Government should not be the one to run such a convention centre, but the private sector. Much as the Government can have shares, it should have nothing to do with the running of such a facility.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kunda (Muchinga): Mr Speaker, a good road network is very important for this event to be a success. How far has the on-going rehabilitation of roads in Livingstone gone, and when will other rehabilitations be done?

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, the first part of his question is very intelligent.

Hon. Opposition Members: And the second one?

Mrs Masebo: About the second one, I will not even bother. 

Sir, one of the UNWTO requirements for this conference is that it should be paperless. I hope that the hon. Member of Parliament for Monze Central knows what a paperless conference is.

Laughter

Mrs Masebo: Therefore, it means that Internet connectivity will be crucial in Livingstone. To this effect, I am happy – I hope the hon. Mr Speaker can conduct sessions, especially for the hon. Member of Parliament for Monze Central, on how to use the internet. On a serious note, the Government, through the Zambia Telecommunications Company Limited and other providers, is ensuring that we will not only have good connectivity, but one that is fast. This is because of the challenge that we normally have in Zambia whereby one can access the Internet, but it is too slow. Unless you are a lazy person, like you know who, then you will have a problem. Otherwise, connectivity will be very fast.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Mr Speaker, …

Interruptions 

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Mr Sing’ombe: … the hon. Minister said that visa fees have been waived so that the delegates travel freely and smoothly into Zambia. Has the hon. Minister calculated how much revenue the country will lose as a result of that decision?

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, we think that, by waiving visa fees, we will have more tourists and delegates who, apart from staying in hotels, will visit some shops and spend more money than the visa fees. So, the issue of visa fees is, actually, on the debate table, internationally. Zambia needs to start debating it, too, because the issue of visa regimes is being looked at as a barrier to the easy movement of tourists. Countries that have easy ways of attracting tourists are having more tourists in their countries than those that have too many restrictions. Obviously, the issue of security must be taken into account but, as a country, there is a need to balance the issues. In fact, one tourist can create three to five jobs for nationals. So, the more tourists Livingstone can have, the bigger the number of people, including Hon. Jack Mwiimbu’s relatives, who will have jobs.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Hon. Minister, you seem to have a liking for Monze.

Laughter

Dr Kalila (Lukulu East): Mr Speaker, the UNWTO conference will be a huge opportunity for …

Mr Muntanga: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, I have seen that the hon. Minister of Tourism and Art’s does not only like Monze, but also, excessively, the hon. Member of Parliament, whom she has advised to learn how to use the Internet, among other things. Is she in order to continue doing that at the risk of the hon. Member’s wife hearing too much mention of her husband?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

Mr Deputy Speaker: May the hon. Member for Lukulu East continue.

Dr Kalila: Mr Speaker, the conference, no doubt, is very important and will provide an opportunity for the PF Government and, generally, the Zambians to significantly showcase the country to the outside world. Assuming that the hon. Minister, as a host, will be given the podium to speak before this huge conference on behalf of your Cabinet colleagues and Zambians, which I hope will happen, naturally, what important message will she give to the world in order to garner commercial capital out of this very important conference?

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, I thank you very much for that very intelligent question. It is a good closing question to ask.

Sir, we have a committee tasked to ensure that the policy of the Government is properly articulated, not by the hon. Minister of Tourism and Arts, but by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia. This is an international conference of which the main speakers will be the President of Zambia, the President of Zimbabwe and the Secretary-General of the UNWTO. Obviously, the two portfolio hon. Ministers will ensure that everything goes smoothly. 

Mr Speaker, I think that the policy statement can be articulated way before the UNWTO Conference. I have tried to communicate, in my various trips, what I think is good for the growth of Zambian tourism, despite the many challenges being faced, in terms of infrastructure, Internet connectivity, travel barriers, such as visa requirements and policies. These are issues that Zambia must address way before the conference. The ministry is trying to address them, and I hope that you can support us. Even as we prepare our policies and legislation, I hope that you can bring in any ideas that you have. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Mr Sianga (Sesheke): Mr Speaker, are there any works to be done on the Sesheke/Livingstone Road, since some delegates will use Katimamulilo Road? 

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications, through the Road Development Agency (RDA), has a number of plans to improve several roads and we have a schedule of all the roads that have been earmarked for rehabilitation in support of the UNWTO Conference. Furthermore, now that we are gathering additional resources from the removal of subsidies, we have started identifying more roads in Livingstone. I think that the Sesheke/Livingstone Road is one that has been mentioned for urgent spot works. I will confirm with the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

_____ 

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

KABWE ROADS

566. Mr Kapyanga (Kabwe Central) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply, and Communications:

(a)    whether the Government had any plans to use the stone sub-base design when constructing roads in Kabwe District, instead of the gravel sub-base; and

(b)    whether the Government had any plans to increase the number of roads earmarked for construction in the district.

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications (Mr M. H. Malama): Mr Speaker, the RDA has approved the design comprising the unstabilised gravel sub-base, base-course of stabilised gravel and double-surface dressing with slurry seal (Cape Seal) for Kabwe and Kapiri-Mposhi urban roads. The works are, currently, in progress and are expected to be completed by December, 2013. 

Mr Speaker, the request to adjust the scope of works on the project by increasing the number of kilometres by approximately 25km will be considered in the 2014 Annual Work Plan. 

I thank you, Sir. 

UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL SUPPLIERS

567. Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma) asked the Minister of Health:

(a)    how much the University Teaching Hospital owed suppliers of goods and services; and

(b)    how many of the suppliers at (a) were Zambians and how many were non-Zambians. 

The Deputy Minister of Health (Mr Mulenga): Mr Speaker, the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) owes its suppliers of goods and services KR6,955,787. 

The hospital owes 206 suppliers for various goods and services, of which 205 are Zambian while only one is non-Zambian. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, why has the Government allowed private companies to supply goods and services when we have Medical Stores Limited? 

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, our economy is liberalised. So, the market is open to anyone who has the capacity to supply. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, when was the bill of KR6,955,787 accumulated at UTH? 

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, the bill was accumulated between 2009 and now. 

I thank you, Sir. 

PENALTIES FOR TRAFFIC OFFENCES

568. Mr Hamusonde asked the Minister of Home Affairs whether the Government had any plans of reducing the penalty fees for various traffic offences. 

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Mrs Mwamba): Mr Speaker, the penalty fees for various traffic offences serve as a deterrent measure to would-be offenders. 

Mr Speaker, road traffic accidents, most of which have been as a result of careless and dangerous driving by motorists on Zambian roads, have been increasing over the years. This goes to show that the penalties imposed on offenders have not served their purpose. Accidents and contraventions of traffic rules have abounded. Secondly, the penalty fees are a source of Government revenue, which we need in order to implement various projects, such as the construction of police stations and police houses. Therefore, instead of talking about reducing penalties or fines, we should be talking about stiffening them by increasing them by 300 or 400 per cent so that would-be offenders can seriously be deterred. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Minister for the answer. However, does the Government realise that the high penalty fees are contributing to high levels of corruption among traffic police officers?

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Kampyongo): Mr Speaker, like Hon. Mrs Mwamba has stated, we have realised that the prevailing penalty fees are not high enough to deter would-be offenders. That is why we have decided to take offenders to court so that they can understand the drastic measures that we are trying to put in place to protect lives. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Mr Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Kalomo Central, you may ask your question.
 
Mr Muntanga (Kalomo Central): I thank you, Mr Speaker. 

Mr Deputy Speaker: Go ahead. However, next time, sit where you are supposed to sit if you want to raise a question. 

Mr Muntanga: I am much obliged, Sir. 

Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has stated that the penalty fees are not high enough. Why, upon admission of guilt, are drivers who are charged the full KR540 Admission of Guilt penalty still taken to court? Is this the way you will deal with these offences? Will people pay the maximum penalty and still be convicted?

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, contrary to the hon. Member’s assertions, it does not happen that way. What has been happening is that these offenders are given an option to either pay a fee or go to court. However, because of allowing them to pay, we have allowed a situation whereby some people actually think they can get away with lawlessness because they can afford to pay a certain fee. That is why, this time around, we have decided that, if a person becomes a second or third offender, they must be taken to court so that we cut down on cases of corruption.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kaingu (Mwandi): Mr Speaker, are hon. Deputy Ministers ranked? What I mean is, is there a deputy to an hon. Deputy Minister?

Laughter

Mr Deputy Speaker: Well, let us move to the next question.

CONSTRUCTION OF ROAD TO BBILILI HOT SPRINGS

569. Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications when the Government would construct a road from Kalomo, via Dundumwezi, to Bbilili Hot Springs to encourage tourists to visit the site.

Mr M. H. Malama: Mr Speaker, the Government, with funding from the World Bank and the African Development Bank (ADB), is, currently, undertaking a detailed study for improvement to climate resilient standards of the following selected strategic roads in the Kafue River Basin.

(a)    Kalomo to Dundumwezi (75.25km);

(b)    Itezhi-tezhi to Dundumwezi, through Ngoma and Nanzhila (124km); and

(c)    Namwala to Itezhi-tezhi (D180, 52km).

Sir, the study is meant to facilitate engineering assessments, social-economic studies, conceptual design and environmental and social impact assessments necessary to upgrade and maintain the targeted roads to climate-resilient standards.

Mr Ntundu talked to an hon. Government Member seated behind the Hon. Member on the Floor.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Hon. Deputy Minister, the people at your back are also talking. I think that it is only fair that, if we have to consult, we do it quietly so that the hon. Member on the Floor can be heard. 

You may continue, hon. Deputy Minister.

Mr M. H. Malama: Mr Speaker, the contract was signed with Messrs ASCO Consulting Engineers on 6th February, 2013, at a contract sum of KR1,616,200, exclusive of local taxes, and a duration of six months. It is envisaged that works on these roads will only commence after the finalisation of the study. The mode to be used will be output and performance-based road contract (OPRC).

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Sing’ombe: Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister has not informed this House on what the ministry is doing about the construction of a road to Bbilili Hot Springs. If the PF makes policies at the Cabinet level, how does his ministry intend to work with the Ministry of Tourism and Arts in constructing the road?

The Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications (Mr Mukanga): Mr Speaker, I appreciate the question by the hon. Member. The answer that has been given is that the Government, with funding from the World Bank, is carrying out an assessment. So, for now, that is what is being done. The ADB will fund the actual construction of the road.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, the road from Kalomo to Dundumwezi was rehabilitated three or four years ago by the Ministry of Tourism and Arts. After conducting several assessments, it was resolved that that road be not tarred, as the norm was for all roads in game parks. That has since changed because roads that are not tarred wear off quickly. Is the assessment also considering the tarring of the road from Kalomo to Itezhi-tezhi?

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, the engineering assessment will look into the socio-economic studies, conceptual design and the environmental and social impact assessments. We are trying to look at all these aspects to discover the best way forward for that road. However, we will only be able to tell which direction we shall take after the study has been done.

I thank you, Sir.

SCIENCE LABORATORIES AT NYANG’OMBE AND NTAMBU HIGH SCHOOLS

570. Mr Katuka (Mwinilunga) asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education when the science laboratories at Nyang’ombe and Ntambu High schools in Mwinilunga Parliamentary Constituency would be fully-equipped.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, learning has been taking place in these laboratories using the available equipment. However, our co-operating partner, the Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA), will be providing mobile laboratories to twenty secondary schools in the province. Each school will receive four mobile laboratories, which are equivalent to a fully-equipped laboratory. Nyang’ombe and Ntambu High schools will be among the beneficiaries.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Katuka: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out how the lessons will be conducted in these mobile laboratories.

The Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Dr Phiri): Mr Speaker, that is a valid question because of the word ‘mobile’. Ordinarily, given enough funds, we would have preferred to erect permanent structures, but that has not been possible. We have accepted to have mobile laboratories because, apart from a lack of funds, we do not have separate infrastructure for laboratories. So, for a school with limited infrastructure, this means that desks will be removed from the classrooms and replaced with four laboratories that are equal to one full laboratory. Thereafter, the laboratories are dismantled and the ordinary classroom set up reconstituted. We find this, under the circumstances, to be the best answer to the challenge of the lack of laboratories in our schools.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, ...

Dr Kaingu: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I would like to apologise to my colleague for disturbing his debate. Sir, you know that I only rise on very serious points of order.

Mrs Masebo laughed.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, you see, this wife of mine is disturbing me.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, …

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Mwandi, please, withdraw that statement and raise your point of order.

Dr Kaingu: I withdraw the statement, Sir.

Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister of Justice went on an assignment to Palestine and, while there, issued several statements in solidarity with the people of Palestine. He further stated that no people can be held in captivity against their will. The hon. Minister is back and has come into this House quietly like a thief in the night …

Laughter

Dr Kaingu: … without …

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order! 

Hon. Member for Mwandi, I think that you are capable of being civil in your debate. Please, be civil in what you want to say.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, he has come here quietly without informing this House, the people of Zambia and, indeed, the people of Barotseland, who are in similar circumstances to the Palestinians, about his trip. Therefore, is the hon. Minister of Justice in order to sit there quietly without informing this House and the people of Barotseland how his experience and findings in Palestine can help solve the local problem of Barotseland?

Mr Deputy Speaker: That point of order cannot be sustained because there is no place called Barotseland in this country.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear! Long live the Chair!

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education has acknowledged that, to solve the problem of a lack of science laboratories in schools, the Government has had to buy movable laboratory kits. Has using these kits in ordinary classrooms been a problem due to the fact that the classrooms are normally smaller than laboratory rooms built for the purpose? If so, how does he intend to solve that problem because, in some schools, headteachers refuse to use the kits because of the same reason?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, primarily because of the difficulties the hon. Member of Parliament has mentioned, we are putting in place the mobile laboratories because they are more user-friendly.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chipungu (Rufunsa): Mr Speaker, perhaps, I did not get the hon. Minister quite clearly. Will these mobile laboratories be confined to one region or they will be distributed throughout the country?

Mrs Masebo: Sir, a point of order before the hon. Minister answers.

Mr Deputy Speaker: On whom?

Mrs Masebo: On this man who is disturbing me here (pointing at Dr Kaingu).

Laughter 

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, could you …

Mr Deputy Speaker: No, I have not granted you the point of order because you …

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Can the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education continue.

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, both the hon. Deputy Minister and I were answering a question from Hon. Katuka, who wanted to know when the laboratories at Nyang’ombe and Ntambu High Schools in Mwinilunga Parliamentary Constituency would be fully equipped. The answer, therefore, was very specific to Mwinilunga.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

MINING AND PROSPECTING LICENCES IN MWINILUNGA

571. Mr Katuka asked the Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development:

(a)    which companies held the following licences in Mwinilunga Parliamentary Constituency:

(i)    mining licences; and

(ii)    prospecting Licences; and

(b)    what the duration of each licence above was.

Mrs Masebo: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mrs Masebo: Mr Speaker, the point of order has been overtaken by events. Nonetheless, is this man (pointing at Dr Kaingu next to her) in order to come here from an unknown country and start talking about things that do not make sense to me, considering that he is already a married man with two wives?

Laughter

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order! 

You are making it very difficult for the Chair to make a ruling because I do not know what he was saying to you. So, we will leave it at that.

Laughter

The Deputy Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development (Mr Musukwa): Mr Speaker, …

Professor Lungwangwa went and sat next to Mrs Masebo.

Laughter

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order! 

You know, I am very …

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

The Chair is very observant.

Laughter

Mr Deputy Speaker: I want to pre-empt any further points of order.

Laughter

Mr Deputy Speaker: I request Hon. Professor Lungwangwa to get back to his seat.

Laughter

Mr Musukwa: Mr Speaker, …

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Mr Musukwa: Mr Speaker, the following companies hold licences in Mwinilunga Parliamentary Constituency:

Mining Licences

(a)    Kalumbila Mineral Resources Limited;

(b)    ZK Lunga Mineral Resources Limited;

(c)    Jalusi Investments Limited;

(d)    Aakala Investment Limited;

(e)    Mamala Enterprises Limited;

(f)    Zamsort Limited;

(g)    Zebesha Mining Limited

(h)    Inga Limited;

(i)    Kasni Investments Limited; and

(j)    Jenjako Trading.

Prospecting Licences

(a)    Jing De Zham Mining Limited;

(b)    Copper Zone Resources Limited;

(c)    Providence Resources Zambia Limited; 

(d)    Golden Lion Mining Industry (Z) Limited;

(e)    Liaoning Non-ferrous Zambia Mining Company Limited;

(f)    Zambian Goldcommon Resources Holdings Limited;

(g)    Zhonglian Mining Group Limited;

(h)    Kalumbila Minerals Limited;

(i)    Victory Resources Limited;

(j)    Yetu Mining Limited;

(k)    Legana Investments Limited;

(l)    Zambian Kuangyang Resources Holdings Limited;

(m)    Waterbuck Resources Limited Mineral Ventures Zambia;

(n)    Fredkaz Engineering Import and Export Limited;

(o)    Oriental Copper Mining;

(p)    Lenda Mines Limited;

(q)    Giant Ore Mining Limited; and

(r)    Cannan Oil Exploration Mining Limited.

Mr Speaker, the duration of the licences is as follows:

Mining Licences

Licence      Duration

Kalumbila Minerals Limited    25 years

ZK Lunga Mining Limited        25 years

Jalusi Investments Limited        10 years

Aakala Investment Limited        10 years

Mamala Enterprises Limited                        10 years

Zamsort Limited    10 years

Zebesha Mining Limited    5 years

Inga Limited    10 years

Kasni Investments Limited    10 years

Zenjako Trading Limited    10 years

Prospecting Licences

Licence      Duration

Jing De Zham    2 years

Copper Zone Resources Limited    2 years

Providence Resources Zambia Limited    2 years

Golden Lion Mining Industry (Z) Limited    2 years

Liaoning Non-ferrous Zambia Mining Company Limited    2 years

Zambian Goldcommon Resources Holdings Limited    2 years

Zhonglian Mining Group Limited    2 years

Kalumbila Minerals Limited    2 years

Victory Resources Limited    2 years

Yetu Mining Limited    2 years

Legana Investments Limited    2 years

Zambian Kuangyang Resources Holdings Limited    2 years

Waterbuck Resources Limited    2 years

Mineral Ventures Zambia    5 years

Fredkaz Engineering Limited    5 years

Oriental Copper Mining     5 years

Lenda Mines Limited    5 years

Giant Ore Mining Limited    5 years

Cannan Oil Exploration Mining Limited    5 years

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Katuka: Mr Speaker, it seems that many mining licences are issued, yet there is no single mine operating on the ground, apart from Kalumbila Mineral Resources, which is a new-comer. Why are licences issued if the operations on the ground cannot take off?

Mr Musukwa: Mr Speaker, Hon. Katuka clearly stated that there are two processes. The first process is the prospecting stage while the other stage is mining. The duration for prospecting licences is two years, for small-scale operations, and five years, for large-scale operations. We envisage that the five-year licences will soon materialise into mining operations. However, in the formative stage of exploration work, there is rarely tangible work seen, but there are serious operations.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, the question that was raised by Hon. Katuka has not been answered by the hon. Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development. The question was on why the mining companies that are holding mining licences, not prospecting ones, are not mining, as per their licences.

Mr Musukwa: Mr Speaker, let me make it abundantly clear, for the sake of the hon. Member who has asked the question and the country, at large, that mining licences are issued after successful explorations. When their holders do not progress to actual mining, the Government intervenes. As we speak, today, we have in excess of 100 licences that are earmarked for cancellation as a result of the same reason.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

INFRASTRUCTURE AT CHIPUSHI AND MUSHITUWAMBOO SCHOOLS

573.    Mr Mucheleka (Lubansenshi) asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a)    whether any money was allocated for infrastructure development at Chipushi and Mushituwamboo schools in Luwingu District, from 2008 to 2011 and, if so, how much;

(b)    of the total allocation, how much was disbursed; and 

(c)    what the current state of the infrastructure at the schools was.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, in 2008, Chipushi and …

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1615 hours until 1630 hours.
                                                      
[MR DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, before business was suspended, I was answering a question from Hon. Mucheleka on infrastructure development at Chipushi and Mushituwamboo primary schools, and was saying that, in 2008, the schools were each allocated funds for the construction of 1 x 3 classroom blocks. However, there was no funding allocated to the two schools in 2010 and 2011. 

Mr Speaker, KR360,000 was disbursed to Chipushi Primary School over two years, 2008 and 2009, in sums of KR180,000 per year while Mushituwamboo received KR180,000 in 2008. 

Mr Speaker, at Chipushi Primary School, two 1 x 3 classroom blocks were completed and are in use while a 1 x 3 classroom block was completed and the classrooms are in use at Mushituwamboo Primary School. However, there are minor works of flooring and drainage that are still outstanding for both the projects.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, I challenge the hon. Minister to visit the two schools and he will discover that the infrastructure that he has referred to as having been completed is not complete. What surprised me was that the two schools were allocated thirteen teachers each, who have since been deployed to other schools because there is no infrastructure. Can I ask the hon. Minister to, seriously, find out what happened to the funding that he talked about …

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Lubasenshi, it seems you are debating, when you are supposed to ask a follow-up question.

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister find out what has happened. He should be able to give me proper answers, instead of what he has read because that is not true.

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for alerting us on what is on the ground. However, in the same vein, let me appeal to him to liaise very closely with the district officials …

Mr Mucheleka: They will arrest me.

Hon. Government Members: Ah!

Dr Phiri: … because the projects are at the grassroots level and it is, literally, impossible to monitor development from Lusaka. The ministry will take this issue up. I also want the hon. Member to take a keen interest in these two projects.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, what has happened to the good Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) that was devised by the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education two years ago? I ask this because nothing has taken place on all those projects in the plan, especially in my constituency.

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, concerning the hon. Member’s constituency, it would be difficult for me to give a categorical answer. However, despite that, we submitted an elaborate infrastructure plan. What seems to be lacking is the evaluation of that plan. That is what we want to undertake. 

Sir, the IDP for 2013 is almost reaching its final stage, and we will soon be able to circulate it. Hon. Jack Mwiimbu talked about the IDPs for 2012 and 2011. For the sake of emphasis, let me repeat that what is lacking is a review of those plans. However, we want to undertake that review, beginning this year.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mufalali (Senanga): Mr Speaker, I heard that Mushituwamboo Primary School was renovated, yet those renovations did not take place. Does the ministry have an appraisal mechanism to ensure that information on infrastructure development that is brought in this House is updated and valid?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, we have it. Otherwise, it would be futile to bring the plans to this House. Once a question is asked, there are elaborate ways of collecting information from the ground. If this information conflicts with what hon. Members have, we follow up the discrepancy, just as I have assured Hon. Mucheleka on the matter he raised.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said there are problems in evaluating the implementation of the IDPs for 2011 and 2012, yet his ministry is already in the process of finalising the one for 2013. At what point will he ensure that the plans that have not been evaluated are in tandem with the new ones in the construction and development of schools?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, the production of the 2013 IDP follows an evaluation of the one for 2012. That is why we are now saying that all the plans that will come in the future will have to follow an evaluation of the previous ones.

I thank you, Sir.

QUOTAS IN TERTIARY TRAINING INSTITUTIONS

575.    Mr Mucheleka asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a)    whether the Government had any plans to introduce a quota system in the allocation of training places at tertiary institutions within a province in order to cater for local residents; and

(b)    if so, when the policy would be implemented.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Professor Willombe): Mr Speaker, the ministry does not have a quota system in the allocation of training places at tertiary institutions. 

Mr Speaker, the procedure is that, annually, between May and July, the ministry sends advertisements to the electronic and print media, calling on school leavers and members of the general public to attend interviews. The interviews are for teacher training at colleges of education spread across the country, but people are advised to attend interviews at colleges near their localities. However, they are still free to do so at any college of their choice. Currently, colleges accept students depending on the availability of classroom and boarding space. So, no quota system is allowed in the allocation of training places in colleges of education. There are two upcoming universities that will offer training for senior secondary school teachers, two colleges offering training for senior secondary school teachers and eight colleges offering training for primary school teachers. Following this observation, the ministry may consider the viability of the quota system.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for that response. He has said that the ministry might consider the quota system. It is true that most young people, especially in rural provinces, are marginalised in accessing tertiary education because most of the places end up being taken by people from urban provinces. Can the hon. Minister clearly indicate when the ministry will come up with the quota system policy.

Professor Willombe: Mr Speaker, it will be done as soon as it will be possible.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Laughter

CHILD LABOUR AND CHILD ABUSE IN PROVINCES

576.    Mr Bwalya (Lupososhi) asked the Minister of Labour and Social Security:

(a)    which province recorded the highest cases of child labour and other forms of ill-treatment of children from 2010 to 2012, year by year; and

(b)    which form of child labour was prevalent in the following provinces:

(i)    Eastern;

(ii)    Luapula;

(iii)    Lusaka;

(iv)    North-Western;

(v)    Western; and

(vi)    Southern.

The Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Security (Mr Mbulu): Mr Speaker, first of all, allow me to define child labour in order to put into context the responses to the question by Hon. Bwalya.

Sir, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), child labour is any work or activity that is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful to a child, interferes with the child’s schooling by depriving the child of the opportunity to attend school, obliges the child to leave school prematurely or requires the child to combine school attendance with excessively long and heavy work.

Mr Speaker, according to the labour survey that was conducted by the Central Statistical Office (CSO) between 2008 and 2012, the province that recorded the highest cases of child labour and any other forms of ill-treatment of children in 2010, 2011 and 2012, was Eastern Province while the forms of child labour prevalent in the Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka and the North-Western, Western and Southern provinces were early marriages, farm work, fishing, quarrying and mining, domestic work, cattle herding and stone-crushing.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Bwalya: Mr Speaker, what is the Government doing to reduce the prevalence of child labour in the provinces that have been mentioned? 

The Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Security (Mr Chitotela): Mr Speaker, as very responsible Government, the first thing we did was to implement the Child Labour Policy. We are working in collaboration with different ministries, namely, Ministry of Gender and Child Development, Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education, Ministry of Youth and Sport, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). We have also introduced an action plan, a guide to implementing organisations so that we work together as a team. Further, we have introduced free primary education.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kazonga (Vubwi): Mr Speaker, in the implementation of the measures that have been mentioned by the hon. Minister, is there any form of collaboration with the International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC)? I may wish to extend this question by indicating that I was privileged to be a consultant with IPEC eight years ago and we did surveys in some provinces. Fortunately enough, the statistics that have been indicated are similar to the findings of the surveys we did. Is the Government working together with IPEC?

Mr Mbulu and Mr Chitotela rose to answer.

Hon. Opposition Members: Are you competing?

Laughter 

Mr Mbulu: Mr Speaker, there is no competition whatsoever.

Sir, what is important for Hon. Dr Kazonga to appreciate is that we have two conventions governing issues of child labour. We have Convention No. 29, governing issues of child labour, in general, and Convention No. 182, governing the worst forms of child labour. So, as a Government, …

Mr Matafwali rose.

Mr Deputy Speaker: I suppose, a point of order is raised. Please, indicate that you want to raise a point of order. Do not just rise.

Mr Matafwali: Mr Speaker, I rise on a very serious point ...

Mrs Sayifwanda removed a small blanket she had been covering herself with.

Mr Matafwali: … Sorry, Mr Speaker, it has been over-taken by events.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Please, note that, normally, when hon. Ministers are answering questions, you should not raise points of order.

May the hon. Minister continue.

Mr Mbulu: Mr Speaker, I was saying that child labour is a serious issue, globally. We have Convention No. 29, governing child labour alone.

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order, on my left!

Continue, hon. Deputy Minister.

Mr Mbulu: Mr Speaker, we also have Convention No. 182, governing the worst forms of child labour. 

Sir, as a country, we are a microcosm of the broader society and work in collaboration with the international community to draw synergies and capture losses experienced elsewhere in conquering issues of child labour. We are not sitting idly or on the fence, but doing the best we can.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I take note of the statistics that have been given on the incidence of child labour in the various provinces. The question that begs an answer is: How did the Government come up with those statistics, considering that, in most districts in these provinces, there are no labour officers? How can they even say that the Eastern Province has the highest rate of child labour when most of the districts have no labour officers to ascertain that?

Mr Mbulu: Mr Speaker, I said, quite categorically, that a labour force survey was done by the CSO, not the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and that the survey covered the whole country. It conducted this survey between 2008 and 2012. I hope I was clear.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mufalali: Mr Speaker, how are the forms of child labour prevalent in the provinces ranked in percentage terms? Which one is ranked highest?

Mr Mbulu: Mr Speaker, I am sorry to say that I cannot answer that because, truly, it is a new question. I can only assure the hon. Member that those statistics can be made available if a request is made formally. I am not able to give an answer now.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Siliya (Petauke): Mr Speaker, in the global effort to fight child labour, it has been resolved that one of the answers is keeping children in school for as long as possible. That is why the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recommended that there should be, at least, a minimum of nine years of education, which is what is called basic education. Since the Eastern Province has the highest incidence of child labour, would the hon. Minister agree that, working together with hon. Members of Parliament from the province, he should push the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education to build more schools in the province so that we overcome this scourge?

Mr Mbulu: Mr Speaker, quite frankly, my sister is right. As mentioned by Dr. Phiri, the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education, every effort is being put in place to ensure that there is access to education. However, it is not an event, but a process.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, …

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, the House is aware that I rarely rise on points of order. So, this is a necessary one.

Laughter 

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, it is a serious point of order because we are all aware that, without food, the family and the nation perish. May I draw your attention to an article in the Zambia Daily Mail of Monday, 3rd June, 2013, in which bids were invited for participation in the distribution of D-Compound fertiliser from Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) 

Mr Speaker, is the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock … 

Hon. Opposition Member: Where is he?

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo: … in order to omit important agricultural areas in Central Province, such as Mumbwa, Chisamba, Mwembeshi, Chibombo, Kapiri-Mposhi and Kabwe in the exercise? Is he in order to subject this country to the possibility of food insecurity? Without the participation of these areas, there will be a great dent in the production of our staple food. I will lay this paper on the Table as I ask for your serious ruling.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Before you lay it on the Table, I advise that you use the other avenue of putting that question through so that a detailed answer can be made available by the hon. Minister at a later stage.

You may lay your paper on the Table. 

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo laid the paper on the Table.

Interruptions

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, the problem of child labour is a long-standing one. The ministry has stated the same reasons it has given before. In the Southern Province, it is that of children herding cattle. The question was what the Government was doing to curb that and the answer was the provision of free education.

Mr Speaker, in the early stages of our Independence, the then Government had decided to construct paddocks for farmers to send their cattle to so that children stop herding them …

Mr Deputy Speaker: Hon. Muntanga, …

Mr Muntanga: Is the Government considering finding a specific solution for each particular problem so that children stop being victims of child labour? 

Mr Mbulu: Mr Speaker, the issues raised here are social in nature and require social responses. They are not issues that can be dealt with by the Ministry of Labour and Security alone. We have to operate as a collective.

Sir, we, as hon. Members of Parliament, need to take positions because some of these issues require sensitisation. The people who are herding these cattle are our own children. If I have a child who is herding cattle, do I need a labour inspector? 

Mr Speaker, we need to combine our efforts and move on collectively.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

REHABILITATION OF THE MV FRIENDSHIP

577.    Mr Chungu (Luanshya) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications when the rehabilitation of the MV Friendship Vessel, under the Bangweulu Water Transport in Samfya, would commence.

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications (Col. Kaunda): Mr Speaker, the ministry is in the process of obtaining funds from the Treasury for rehabilitation of the MV Friendship. A report on the scope of works has been done and will include the following:

Interruptions 

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order, on my left!

Many will not be able to hear what the hon. Minister is saying. So, please, consult quietly.

Col. Kaunda:

(a)    full rehabilitation of the engines;

(b)    replacement of the surface base;

(c)    installation of an electrical system;

(d)    rectification of the steering system;

(e)    fixing of the radars for directional control (navigation system);

(f)    mounting of a canopy and a toilet; and 

(g)    installation of new passenger seats.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Chungu: Mr Speaker, when will the project commence? He has not indicated that.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister, before I give you the Floor, you do not seem to be appropriately dressed.

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Okay. Now I can see the scarf. I had not seen it. You can answer, hon. Deputy Minister.

Hon. Member: It is a T-shirt.

Interruptions

Col. Kaunda: Mr Speaker, the project will commence as soon as funds are made available, hopefully, from the money to be saved through the removal of subsidies.

I thank you, Sir.

ENCROACHMENT ON ROAD RESERVES 

578    Mr Hamusonde asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing why the Government had been giving authority to people to construct houses very close to designated or gazetted roads.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr N. Banda): Mr Speaker, by regulation and design, all designated and gazetted roads should have enough space for the carriage way (paved surface) and space (shoulders) for public utilities and drains on either side. Plot boundaries start outside the road reserve.

Mr Speaker, all residential development requires conformity with building lines, which stipulate the minimum distance between the building and the plot boundary. The building lines range between 5m and 9m in front, depending on the plot size, while the distance on the sides range between 1.5m and 9m, depending on the plot size and building design. 

Mr Speaker, in light of the above, any structures below the minimum standards were illegally constructed and any such should be brought to the attention of the planning authority for action.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister is aware that some houses are built too close to roads. When will those houses be demolished since they are a danger to the lives of the people?

Mr N. Banda: Mr Speaker, the Government is aware that some of the buildings have been illegally built very close to the road infrastructure due to the weaknesses in the Act regulating the constructions. The ministry is, currently, reviewing it to ensure that it has all the provisions that can contain the scourge. 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has told us of the importance of planning. What is he, therefore, going to do to planning units in the city and district councils where roads to or from some areas or plots may totally be closed? 

Mr N. Banda: Mr Speaker, the phrase, ‘totally closed’ might be too strong for this issue. If that happens, it is important for the people in the affected area to report it to the ministry. 

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Bwalya: Mr Speaker, this issue …

Mr Muntanga: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, I seek clarification so that we do not have any doubt …

Mr Deputy Speaker: Is it a clarification or a point of order?

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, it is a point of order.  

Is it in order to put on a scarf on a shirt or a safari suit? Should shirts that are supposed to be worn with ties be worn with scarves?

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order! 

Let us abide by the rules of the game. Since there is this persistent request on dress code, can I ask the Clerk to establish whether the hon. Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications, Col. Kaunda, is properly dressed or not so that, next time, we avoid this situation.

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: It will be unfair if I just send him out without clarifying whether he is properly dressed or not. I can only do that if I am assisted.

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order! 

I am getting advice.

Laughter

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order! 

On occasions like this, I depend on advice. I am told that I should read from our National Assembly Standing Orders, Dress Code, 207 (1), which states that:

“The official dress for male Members of Parliament shall be a lounge suit, a pair of long trousers, a tie and jacket, toga or a safari suit (not khaki, except uniform for Members of the Defence Forces) with long or short sleeves and a scarf or tie.”

Hon. Members, it appears that the hon. Member is properly dressed.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. Opposition Members: No!

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker consulted the Clerk again.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order! 

That is the problem of getting advice while you are trying to solve a problem. I have been corrected that you can wear a scarf only if you are wearing a safari suit, not the way the hon. Deputy Minister is dressed.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Deputy Speaker: Therefore, it is proper for me to tell the hon. Deputy Minister to go and dress properly.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Col. left the Chamber.

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Continue, hon. Member for Lupososhi.

Mr Bwalya: Mr Speaker, the issue of construction of houses near roads and even near the railway line is quite common and needs to be addressed. What is the ministry doing to sensitise the masses on the building regulations that have been mentioned in the answer?

Mr N. Banda: Mr Speaker, one of the steps that the ministry has taken is to review the relevant law. This will include the sensitisation of members of the public on the issue. 

Sir, on the railway lines, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing is responsible, through the local authorities and their planning areas. We directly control the planning areas for local councils. As a Government, we also control the areas that are outside the jurisdictions of council planning authorities. This is done by the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications, through the Road Development Agency (RDA). The Ministry of Local Government and Housing and the RDA collaborate to control the situation.

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Pande (Kasempa): Mr Speaker, why does the Government allow construction of permanent structures for car washing businesses, particularly in Lusaka, to be very close to the roads when it is not permitted?

Mr N. Banda: Mr Speaker, the car-washing structures are not permanent.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, in case the hon. Minister is not aware, his ministry is the responsible planning authority for the 300m from Kafue Road. Therefore, the railway line that has been referred to falls within the jurisdiction of the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing, and the bad scenario is his responsibility. Is he not aware of that fact? I ask this because the Government issued a statutory instrument over that matter.

Mr N. Banda: Mr Speaker, we are aware. I think that I was categorical in indicating that places that are away from the planning authorities are controlled by the responsible ministry. The Ministry of Local Government and Housing controls areas that are within the planning area of the councils, including the railway line.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: So, if you control that area, what are you going to do with those that are within the 300 m?

Laughter

Mr N. Banda: Mr Speaker, I indicated that we are reviewing the law so that it is able to take care of this situation.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Ms Lubezhi (Namwala): Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister said that the car-wash structures are temporary, and that is why they are built close to roads. In his judgement, as an hon. Deputy Minister, is it alright to allow those structures near the roads simply because they are temporary?

Mr N. Banda: Mr Speaker, I admitted that some of the structures have been illegally constructed. The car-wash business premises are not an exception. They should be demolished if they have been put in wrong places. That is the stance of the ministry.

I thank you, Sir.

SINKING OF BOREHOLES

579. Mr Sichula (Nakonde) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a)    how many boreholes were earmarked to be sunk countrywide in 2013; and

    (b)    what the estimated cost of sinking the boreholes at (a) was.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Tembo): Mr Speaker, the answer is as follows:

(a)    2,500 boreholes are earmarked to be sunk countrywide, as indicated in the Yellow Book; and

(b)    the estimated cost of sinking the 2,500 boreholes is KR75,000.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, in reference to the first part of the question, which was on the number of boreholes that will be sunk, is there any plan, similar to the ones that we get from the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education and the Ministry of Health, which shows, specifically, where the boreholes will be sunk, for instance, in the districts or constituencies, so that we are able to follow, as we do with projects in the other two ministries I referred to?

Mr Tembo: Mr Speaker, the plan has already been drawn and was distributed to the hon. Members of Parliament. However, if some of them did not receive it, they can visit our ministry so that we show them, exactly, where the boreholes will be sunk.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister said that the Government will sink 2,500 boreholes costing K75,000. If I use simple arithmetic, that is K30 per borehole. How possible is that?

Mr Tembo: Mr Speaker, I thank you very much for that observation, but that has been taken care of because some of the funding will come from the donor component.

Interruptions

Mr Tembo: Sorry ...

Mr Speaker, I think that I am being …

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Let us give the hon. Minister a chance to respond.

Mr Tembo: … disturbed. I want to explain the issue. 

Sir, the allocation of funds has already been done and calculations were made according to the number of boreholes that will be sunk. If there will be any variance, there is always a component of donor funding coming in, such as from UNICEF, the ADB and JICA. So, the amount which is there is about KR75,000 as I already indicated.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Antonio (Kaoma Central): Mr Speaker, maybe, the question is: How much does one borehole cost?

Mr Tembo: Mr Speaker, the pricing of boreholes depends on the tenders awarded. The tenders for these projects are being managed from different councils.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, what is coming out, very clearly, here, is that the Ministry of Local Government and Housing is supposed to be responsible for the provision of water in these areas. If they, as a planning authority, are only allocating a meagre K75,000 while praying and hoping that somebody somewhere will be kind enough to give them more money, the question that begs an answer, really, is: Is the Government taking the job of providing water in this country seriously, especially in places where fifteen to twenty villages are expected to share one borehole? To talk about villages is even far-fetched because, even here, in Lusaka, there is no water.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Please, Hon. Siliya, we get your question, which is: Is the Government taking the job seriously?

Hon. Minister, please, answer the question.

Mr Tembo: Mr Speaker, our answer is that, yes, we are serious. However, the allocation to the sinking of boreholes depends on the resource envelope, which is not adequate enough. Therefore, my appeal to the hon. Member of Parliament and the entire House is that, when we come up with budgets in the House, let us support the Ministry of Local Government and Housing so that more money can be allocated and more boreholes sunk in our community.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, the figure that has been given by the hon. Minister, K75,000, is only enough for two boreholes.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Is that K75,000 in the rebased currency?

Mr Mwiimbu: Yes. That is for two boreholes, at KR35,000 each. Is the hon. Minister not aware that the donor funding component is part of the National Budget, and that we considered and approved the donor component in this House? Why is he misleading the House that the donors will come and provide additional funding when it is already in the Budget?

Mr Tembo: Mr Speaker, maybe, he misunderstood me. What I said, in answering part (b) of the question, was that the estimated cost of sinking the 2,500 boreholes is KR75 million …

Laughter

Mr Tembo: … which translates into K75 billion in the old currency.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

To be very honest, hon. Minister, maybe, it was a slip of the tongue. You said KR75,000. However, if you are now correcting the figure, we will get it as KR75 million.

Mr Tembo: Mr Speaker, I am sorry, but I meant K75 billion, which is KR75 million. The cost for one borehole is about KR30 million.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Opposition Members: Yes!

Mr Deputy Speaker: You have clarified yourself, hon. Minister, and the House seems to agree with you after that clarification.

NTAMBU POLICE POST

580. Mr Katuka asked the Minister of Home affairs when Ntambu Police Post in Mwinilunga Parliamentary Constituency would be re-opened.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, Ntambu Police Post will be re-opened once rehabilitation works have been completed.

Sir, I wish to take this opportunity to thank the hon. Member for the efforts he has put into trying to rehabilitate the police post. However, the ministry will ensure that further rehabilitation works are done this year after we source some funds. We also intend to put up some housing infrastructure for officers who will be assigned to the police post. 

My assurance to the hon. Member of Parliament is that, once these works are done, the police post will be re-opened. 

I thank you, Sir. 

______

MOTIONS

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Mr Muntanga (Kalomo Central): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do adopt the Report of the Committee on Agriculture for the Second Session of the Eleventh National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on 10th June, 2013.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

Mr Chipungu (Rufunsa): Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion. 

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, in line with its terms of reference, as set out in Standing Order 157 (2), your Committee considered the livestock sector in Zambia and the Action-Taken Report on your previous Committee’s report. 

Sir, in order to get deeper insight into the livestock sector in Zambia, your Committee invited written memoranda and oral submissions from various stakeholders, and undertook tours in Lusaka, Southern and Western provinces. 

Sir, your Committee’s findings are highlighted in your Committee’s report. It is my sincere hope that hon. Members of Parliament have taken time to read the report. I will, therefore, only highlight some of the salient issues raised in it. 

Mr Speaker, the importance of the agricultural sector, in general, and the livestock sector, in particular, in our country cannot be over-emphasised. Agriculture is the main source of employment and income in peri-urban and rural areas, where the majority of Zambians reside, and accounts for about 20 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The livestock sub-sector accounts for about 35 per cent of Zambia’s agricultural GDP. 

Sir, livestock is a very important tool for poverty alleviation. It provides households with nutrition and serves as a savings mechanism, which provides cash, savings, gifts, dowry and collateral for credit. It is also a form of social capital and gives prestige, identity and respect to owners. Added to that, livestock can cushion rural households against the risks of crop failure due to climatic conditions. 

Mr Speaker, the demand for livestock products in the country, including meat and dairy products, has been steadily increasing over the years. In the case of beef, demand outstrips supply, pointing to the fact that there is a need for increased production in the beef sector. Resulting from the increased productivity in the sector, the country is exporting a variety of livestock products. I have no doubt that, if the current trends continue, the positive impact on the country’s economy and livelihoods of people engaged in the livestock industry will be tremendous. However, these trends can only improve with more commitment, on the part of the Government, towards the livestock sector. 

Mr Speaker, in spite of the potential that the livestock sector has, it continues to face many challenges, including inadequate Government funding, absence of input support, high disease prevalence, poor disease control mechanisms, poor supply of breeding stock, high cost of finance, shortage and high cost of stock feed, inadequate and inappropriate research, poor extension support, poor organisation of marketing services and poor infrastructural support. 

Mr Speaker, while your Committee takes cognisance of the efforts that the Government is making to address some of these challenges, a lot more needs to be done in order to increase the livestock sector’s productivity and its contribution to national economic development. The Government should, without fail, begin to make more concerted efforts in addressing the challenges of livestock farmers and producers. As things stand, the livestock sub-sector is overshadowed by the crop sector, which receives more than three quarters of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Budget. This, in your Committee’s opinion, is particularly unacceptable, especially in light of the potential that the livestock sub-sector has. Your Committee, therefore, strongly urges the Government to re-introduce a fully-fledged Ministry of Livestock. 

Mr Speaker, your Committee observes that, in the past, livestock rearing was, mainly, restricted to traditional practices and people relied on knowledge that was passed on from generation to generation. However, it is, now, becoming more sophisticated, with modern techniques and best practices that are necessary for improved productivity. These modern techniques and practices can only be acquired through training. 

Sir, while your Committee notes that there are a number of institutions that offer training in various aspects of livestock management, the state of some of these institutions leaves much to be desired. Your Committee, therefore, urges the Government to look into ways of upgrading facilities at institutions like the Natural Resources Development College (NRDC) in Lusaka and the Zambia Institute for Animal Health (ZIAH) in Mazabuka. 

Still on the subject of training, Sir, allow me to bring to the fore your Committee’s concerns over the Palabana Dairy Training Institute in Chongwe. Your Committee notes that the ground-breaking ceremony by His Excellency the President, Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, to flag off the construction of Palabana University took place on Wednesday, 15th March, 2013. While, as stated earlier, there is a need to upgrade livestock training, your Committee is concerned that the construction of a university at Palabana Dairy Training Institute will result in the destruction of the existing infrastructure there. Your Committee finds this unacceptable, particularly, in light of the fact that the institute sits on 1,200 hectares of land. In this regard, your Committee strongly urges the Government to explore possibilities of constructing the new university at another location within the large piece of land, instead of destroying the Palabana Dairy Training Institute.  

Sir, allow me to pay tribute to the private sector for its contributions towards the development of the livestock sub-sector. Your Committee, particularly, acknowledges the efforts of Zambeef Products Plc and Majoru Investments Limited, which your Committee visited during its tours. Your Committee urges the Government to enhance private sector participation in the livestock sub-sector. Your Committee also recognises the efforts of a number of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and co-operating partners that are providing various forms of support to livestock farmers around the country. 

Sir, your Committee observes that there are no reliable livestock statistics in the country. The last livestock census was conducted over ten years ago and the current statistics are estimates. This is not an ideal state of affairs because decision-making, in terms of planning for animal health, husbandry and other interventions cannot be effectively done. The Government should, therefore, conduct a livestock census in the shortest possible time. 

Mr Speaker, in order for any sector to develop properly, it needs to be guided by well-formulated policies. Your Committee, therefore, urges the Government to finalise the Livestock Development Policy as a matter of extreme urgency.

Sir, in conclusion, your Committee wishes to express its gratitude to you for the guidance rendered during the session. Your Committee is also grateful to the witnesses who appeared before it for their co-operation and input into the deliberations.

Mr Speaker, I would also like to extend your Committee’s appreciation to the Clerk of the National Assembly and her staff for the services rendered during the session.

Lastly, but not the least, I wish to extend my gratitude to the members of the Committee on Agriculture, who were very helpful and supported me, as Chairperson.

Sir, I beg to move.

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

Mr Chipungu: Now, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion urging this House to adopt the report of the Committee on Agriculture for the Second Session of the Eleventh National Assembly laid on the Table of the House on Monday, 10th June, 2013.

Sir, I wish to begin by thanking the Chairperson of the Committee for ably presenting your Committee’s report to this august House, and for his good and dedicated leadership throughout the Committee’s work.

Interruptions

Mr Chipungu: Mr Speaker, I am being distracted by Hon. Ministers here.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

He is just being honest because that is why we say, please, consult quietly, especially those near the person speaking. You should be mindful of the fact that you could be disturbing the person speaking.

Mr Chipungu: Mr Speaker, your Committee cannot over-emphasise the importance of the agricultural sector to the health of the nation as well as to the growth of the country’s economy. As pointed out by the Chairperson, livestock is an integral part of the agricultural sector and needs the full support of both the public and private sectors so that its full potential can be realised.

Sir, allow me to bring to the attention of this august House a factor that is of utmost importance to the growth of livestock. Without high-quality breeding stock, the industry cannot flourish into a productive one. It is for this reason that your Committee welcomes the efforts that the Government has made to revamp and construct breeding centres around the country.

Mr Speaker, this commendation, however, comes with a word of caution. These breeding programmes are being set up at a huge cost to the nation and should, therefore, not be abandoned.

Sir, one of the biggest challenges faced by livestock farmers in the country is the high prevalence of livestock diseases. While it is worth noting that the Government has a number of disease control mechanisms in place, a lot more needs to be done. With specific reference to the Western Province, your Committee urges the Government to quickly find ways to address the issue of the cordon line in Shang’ombo District because the failure to do so poses a serious threat to the livestock in the province and, indeed, the country, as a whole.

Mr Speaker, while on tour, your Committee interacted with a number of stakeholders and one of the most prominent pleas from them was the need for improved public infrastructure, such as roads, and access to electricity, which are vital to the livestock sub-sector. Your Committee, therefore, urges the Government to seriously look into this matter as improved infrastructure is one way of attracting private sector investment in the livestock sub-sector in rural areas.

Sir, another very important plea from the stakeholders, as already pointed out by the Chairperson of the Committee, is for the re-introduction of a fully-fledged Ministry of Livestock. The stakeholders felt that the ministry would, primarily, focus on issues affecting the livestock industry, unlike currently when there is a bias towards crop farming.

Mr Speaker, there appears to be a misconception in this country that livestock refers to cattle. Your Committee, therefore, urges the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to correct this misconception so that attention is given to all forms of livestock.

Sir, your Committee has no doubt that the Government is committed to improving the status of the livestock sub-sector in Zambia and will, therefore, address the concerns that have been highlighted in your Committee’s report.

Mr Speaker, allow me, on behalf of your Committee, to end by expressing my gratitude to you for the guidance rendered during the session. Your Committee is also grateful to the witnesses who appeared before it for their co-operation and input into the deliberations. I would also like to extend your Committee’s appreciation to the Clerk of the National Assembly and her staff for the services rendered to it during the session.

Sir, I beg to second.

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity to debate the Motion that has been ably moved by the hon. Member of Parliament for Kalomo Central and seconded by the hon. Member for Rufunsa.

Sir, as I stand to debate this Motion, I would like to categorically state that I am a very sad person because of the happenings in the agricultural sector. I have received representations from Kalabo Central, Shang’ombo, Sinazongwe and Itezhi-tezhi on the decisions made by the Government after the Committee finalised its report. This issue relates to the removal of subsidies and contributions by small-scale farmers to FISP.

Mr Speaker, there is a correlation between the increase of the money that small-scale farmers are required to contribute towards the purchase of fertiliser and other inputs and the decline of the livestock sub-sector in the villages. As Hon. Chipungu indicated …

Mr Mwewa: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mwewa: Mr Speaker, I rarely rise on points of order. Actually, this could be the first one I am making. Is the hon. Member of Parliament in order to debate something that is not in the report, such as the withdrawal of subsidies? We all listened to the Chairperson of your Committee, and the issues he raised are on livestock development. There was nothing said concerning the withdrawal of subsidies.

Mr Deputy Speaker: I am not sure whether the hon. Deputy Minister has read the whole report of the Committee. Otherwise, he would know that what the hon. Member on the Floor is raising in his debate are issues that fall under its context. Therefore, I think that the hon. Member is in order.

You may continue, Hon. Mwiimbu.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, for the benefit of the hon. Deputy Minister who raised the point of order, I would like to state, and I have already indicated, that there is a correlation between the issue of subsidies and productivity of the livestock sub-sector in this country, and was about to agree with the sentiments of Hon. Chipungu, that livestock farming is not about cattle only. It is the rearing of …

Mr Mbewe: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised. However, before you have your point of order, hon. Member for Chadiza, I want to emphasise that we should not debate through points of order. I think that it is important that we reflect seriously on the report before us. 

Go ahead and raise your point of order.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to raise my point of order. I am sorry for disturbing my State Counsel, who is debating the agricultural sector very well.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, in 2012, the Government promised this House and put it in the Budget that it would construct 650 health posts. Again, this year, the same has been done. However, to date, and this is June, nothing has happened. We told our people that the Government would do that and, now, they are asking us when we go back to our constituencies where the 650 health posts are. Is that Government in order to keep quiet over this very important matter that affects Zambians?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Deputy Speaker: Well, this gives me an opportunity to, once again, reiterate the conditions that should compel us to raise points of order. Points of order must relate to procedure, relevance to the subject under discussion or decorum. The point of order raised by the hon. Member for Chadiza does not fall in any of the categories. Therefore, it cannot be sustained.

The hon. Member on the Floor may continue.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, as I was saying, deciding to increase the rural small-scale farmer’s contribution towards the purchase of fertiliser for growing maize with which to feed their chickens will disadvantage them. Even the intention of the Government to improve the livestock sub-sector in the country will be defeated because the people in rural areas will struggle to feed themselves and their livestock. As a result of that decision, we are killing the livestock sub-sector and adversely affecting the lives of people in rural areas. As a result of the malnutrition that will afflict the rural people, the point of order that was raised by Hon. Mbewe would be relevant because they will need clinics for them to obtain medical care.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

That should not be a way of beating the Chair’s ruling. You must stick to your debate. 

You may continue.

Laughter

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I urge the Government to seriously look at the issue of the increase in farmers’ contribution towards the purchase of fertiliser. That decision will increase poverty levels in rural areas. We are all aware that, last year, our people cried that they could not afford the then price of K65,000 for a 50kg bag of maize. Now, we have decided to increase the farmers’ contribution by more than 125 per cent. Which poor farmer in the constituencies that we come from can afford that? I challenge my colleagues on your right, if they stand for the poor farmers in their constituencies, to stand up and say that farmers are able and willing to pay that money. 

Sir, all our colleagues are saying is that the Government is removing maize subsidies, but they are not explaining the implications of that decision. Our children in the rural areas, because of this decision by the Government, will fail to go to school because their parents will struggle to look for money to meet the obligations that have been imposed on them. It is your responsibility, as a Government, to provide for the poor. Do not use economics to make a decision. Use your responsibility to provide for the poor. You are failing to make a decision and saying that subsidies cannot work …

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Can you address them through the Chair by saying, ‘They are failing ...’ and other third-person pronouns, not directly.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, there is no country in the world that does not support and subsidise the staple food of its people. All those countries that are advising you not to subsidise the staple food, the food that is supposed to support the livestock sector, are, actually, advising you …

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

You are supposed to say, ‘Those who are advising them ...’

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, those who are advising them are, actually, encouraging them to lose power. There is no way we can tell somebody who was failing yesterday that, today, they will be able to meet that obligation. We all know why we decided to come up with maize subsidies. Most of the people in my constituency, especially women, rely on goat rearing. If they fail to produce maize, they will fail to look after their goats and keep chickens in the villages. What are we doing? By the removal of subsidies, we are destroying livelihoods.

Mr Kapeya interjected.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I have heard one boda-boda politician making a comment.

Laughter 

Mr Deputy Speaker: What is boda-boda?

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, a boda-boda is a type of motorcycle that is very common in East Africa, where there is no law and people just ride anyhow. That is just like the comment that is coming from one of them on the right.

Laughter{mospagebreak}

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I appeal to the conscience of my colleagues. They should seriously look at this issue. Maybe, some of us can afford the K125 that we are asking our people to pay, but bear in mind that we are here for the people who voted for us and sent us here as hon. Members of Parliament. Search your conscience. Look at the plight of our people in the villages. If we do not do what the people are asking us to do, I can assure you that you will be a one-term hon. Member of Parliament. This issue has affected everyone and our people are crying in both the rural and urban areas.

Professor Luo: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

As you know, I am raising this point of order with great difficulty, especially that it is Hon. Jack Mwiimbu who is debating. However, is he, debating out of context as he is, and because he wants to talk about subsidies and is taking advantage of the report to debate, in order to start calling some of us boda-boda politicians? I would, really, like him to mention who the boda-boda politician is if it is not he. I need your serious ruling because, as far as I know, there is no boda-boda politician here. If it is not he, then, there is no other boda-boda politician.

Mr Deputy Speaker: I thank you for that point of order, Hon. Professor Luo. 

I have always advised that we should be civil in our debates. Let us show humility. The idea is to convince one another to do the right thing. If you are going to debate by calling others the terms you are using, you may harden their attitude. There is no boda-boda politician, and I know that the hon. Member who raised that point of order did it in good faith. 

In the same breath, let me advise that the running commentaries that we make when somebody is debating, sometimes, have the tendency of distracting them. While it is wrong for him to call others boda-boda politicians, and I know that there is no boda-boda politician in this House, I also appeal to all hon. Members to listen, instead of interjecting using some words that may not be palatable.

Hon. Member, you may continue.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I commend your Committee for making very bold decisions and recommendations on the livestock sub-sector. As we debate this Motion, I would like to appeal to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to consider setting up a credit scheme where members of the public who want to rear cattle can access funding and buy cattle. I know that, in the past, we used to have a cattle financing company and a number of our people, especially in the Southern Province, about which I am very conversant, benefited a lot out of that scheme. I have no doubt that, if that scheme was re-introduced, a number of our people countrywide would benefit. I do not think that many of our people enjoy hand-outs. If given the opportunity to borrow money to buy and rear cattle, they would utilise it prudently. Therefore, I urge the Government to seriously consider this issue to enable areas that have never had cattle to have access to this fund and start livestock farming.

Mr Speaker, finally, on behalf of the people of Kalabo Central, I would like to appeal …

Laughter

Mr Mwiimbu: … that Kalabo Central, Shang’ombo, Sinazongwe and Itezhi-tezhi be considered …

Laughter

Mr Mwiimbu: … favourably as we discuss this issue because these are cattle-rearing areas. As I do not see those who used to represent them on our side, I will speak on their behalf.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter

Professor Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, I thank you for according me this opportunity to debate the Report of the Committee on Agriculture. Let me begin by commending the Committee for a job well done because it has been able to identify pertinent issues that affect the agricultural sector, with specific reference to the livestock sub-sector.

Mr Speaker, the report has come out, very clearly, that 60 per cent of our population lives in the rural areas. On page 4 of the report, it states that, within that population, 50 per cent of rural households earn their income through livestock, which indicates that the majority of our people in the rural areas depend on livestock. However, the report has painted a very bleak picture of this sub-sector on which the majority of those in rural areas, who are, to a large extent, poor, depend. The report shows that there are major problems that affect the sub-sector.  The problems have to do with the preponderance of various livestock diseases, which affect productivity in our country and cannot be adequately addressed by rural farmers because they do not have the means to do so. They do not have the money to buy the drugs, which are neither adequate nor readily available to the farmers. However, even if they were, the poor farmers could buy them. 

In addition, Sir, the report indicates that the poor farmers, who constitute 50 per cent of the rural population, have no access to any form of funding from the Government to enable them to improve their livestock. Further, there is no co-ordinated marketing system for livestock in our country. Even the road infrastructure is not good enough to support the sub-sector. The knowledge aspect, which is equally important in the production of livestock, is also not easily accessed by the poor rural farmers because extension workers are not adequate and, when available, do not have facilities to enable them to visit livestock farmers. All these various problems, which the report has highlighted, indicate that there is a great need for the Government to support poor livestock farmers. This, in fact, goes to justify the need for a greater subsidy to those farmers who are engaged in livestock farming because the sub-sector is afflicted by many problems. If there is any justification, at all, for a Government subsidy in the agricultural sector, with respect to livestock production, this is the one. This is an area that requires a lot of attention from the Executive in order to address the problems that affect the livestock farmers in our country.

Mr Speaker, the report goes on to make some comparisons. Some countries around us have supported the livestock sub-sector intensely. As a result, the levels and quality of production, and the farmers engaged in livestock production have improved tremendously over the years. That is the case in Tanzania, which has 30 million cattle when Zambia only has 3.5 million, yet the report indicates that Tanzania is only 20 per cent bigger than Zambia. This means that we also have enough land mass to keep even more than 30 million cattle. 

Sir, the report also indicates that we only have slightly over a million pigs, 76 million chickens and over 700,000 sheep. This is extremely insufficient, considering the amount we need to feed ourselves and raise the quality of life of our people in rural areas. Therefore, all this shows that we need a lot of support, financially and technically, and various other forms of support, to be extended to the sector in order to address the problems of poverty and under-development in our rural areas. As the Chairperson of the Committee has indicated, it is important that the Executive pays a lot of attention to this sub-sector if we are to address poverty in our nation.

Mr Speaker, the report indicates further that there has not been any effort made, so far, to formulate a national policy on livestock production in our country, since Independence, I presume. As you know very well, people without a vision perish.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Professor Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, the lack of a policy on livestock in our country signifies that we do not have a vision for the development of the sub-sector. We have not had a vision for livestock production since Independence. It is no wonder, therefore, that our poor farmers in the villages are struggling to engage in livestock production, but are failing. It is no wonder, too, that, as a nation, we have not managed to make any significant inroads into advanced markets, such as Europe, with our livestock products. The reason is that we have not addressed the aspect of quality control in the livestock sub-sector in our nation. 

Mr Speaker, countries like Botswana have been able to export livestock products like beef into the European market while Zambia, a neighbour to Botswana, has not been able to achieve that kind of development because the sub-sector has not been adequately supported. Therefore, it is important that the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock begins to seriously address the major teething problems that affect the sub-sector in our nation. 

Sir, it is very important that the Department of Livestock Development comes up with a strategy for benchmarking our livestock production to best practices in the world. For example, we know that we have an hon. Deputy Minister in charge of livestock production. It is very important that he visits the best countries in livestock production with his technical team, maybe, over a period of time, so that he gains the knowledge, skills, and understanding that will enable him to provide effective leadership in the sub-sector. It is not enough for the hon. Minister or his deputy to just attend seminars and workshops. He must visit countries like Brazil, Botswana, South Africa and others that are near us, and come up with the insights that will enable us to address issues that affect livestock production in our country. The hon. Minister of Finance should equally mobilise resources to subsidise livestock production in our country. 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Professor Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, it is very important that he does that. 

With those few comments, I thank you, Sir.

Business was suspended from 1815 hours until 1830 hours.

[THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the Chair]

Mr Bwalya (Lupososhi): Mr Speaker, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the Motion on the Floor and support your report, which has been ably moved by the hon. Member for Kalomo Central. I will begin my debate from Page 3 of your report and quote from it.

Sir, indeed, livestock farming is a critical component of Zambia’s economy and contributes significantly to the national GDP. As has been submitted to your Committee, it contributes 35 per cent to the agricultural GDP.

Mr Speaker, I think that we need to look at the issues that enhance the health of the livestock. These are the extension and veterinary services and, indeed, the breeding centres. It is true that the population of animals is growing. Therefore, as a Government, we need to pay particular attention to prioritising the services that are rendered to ensure that animals are healthy. Therefore, the agricultural sector must be supported, in terms of provisions in the Budget.

Sir, on Page 3, the report reads:

“The Zambian livestock industry had experienced a steady growth. Notably, beef and dairy products marketing were increasing at a rate of 5 to 7 per cent and 10 per cent, per annum.” 

Sir, that must be supported so that we grow our economy by increasing animal production and supporting livestock farmers.

Mr Speaker, Page 4 of the report addresses the role of the livestock sub-sector in Zambia. There are a number of percentages that have been given to show how important the sector is, especially, in those areas that have not been traditionally known as livestock areas. This is where I want to urge our Government to pay particular attention because there are emerging livestock-producing areas that require many support services.

Sir, the diseases that have been mentioned in your report also require attention. The cost of chemicals that the farmers need to control livestock diseases is quite high. I think that it is important that, as we look at FISP, this component is included so that livestock farmers can also access subsidies.

Mr Speaker, on the subsidy that was mentioned by the hon. Member of Parliament Monze Central, it is important that the record is set straight. The subsidy that has been removed is not on production, but on maize that is sold to millers by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA). I think that Zambians must get the message straight so that we do not mislead the nation. The maize would have already been bought from the farmers and put into the shed at the FRA. The millers buy maize from the FRA because they have been buying at a subsidised price. However, the FRA would have spent colossal sums on ferrying the maize to the sheds. 

Sir, mealie-meal is not the only thing that millers get from a 50kg bag of maize. They get other bi-products. However, the problem has been that the benefits of the subsidies that the Government gives do not trickle down to those who are supposed to benefit from them. The mealie-meal is sold at exorbitant prices or packed at night and ends up being sold in neighbouring countries. So, does this benefit the poor? It does not.

Sir, another issue is that, while we want to diversify and ensure that subsidies go to those who keep livestock, we must look for money elsewhere and stop subsidising consumption so that we channel the subsidy where it is supposed to go and produce more.

Mr Speaker, with regard to FISP, the newly-introduced e-voucher system should also include chemicals for treating livestock diseases. That is how we intend to use the subsidy in this country.

Sir, Hon. Mwiimbu mentioned that the 50kg bag of fertiliser that farmers buy at KR100 has a market value of KR250. It is important that Zambians know that the Government requires farmers to buy the fertiliser at less than half its market value. Over and above that, the Government will still subsidise more, as the seed will be given for free. Is that not a good way of channelling the subsidy? 

Interruptions 

Mr Bwalya:  Is this not the production we want to increase? We want more maize so that we lower the price of mealie-meal.

Hon. Government Members: Sosa!

Mr Bwalya: Mr Speaker, I recall that the Chairperson of the Committee, when moving the Motion, said that there was a need for a separate ministry to look after livestock. That is a good recommendation, but it must be realised that, when the Government makes bold decisions, such as introducing another ministry, we should all, as hon. Members of Parliament, support them. The problem is that we are enemies of ourselves. The ministry will be established, but somebody else will say that we are broadening the Government. It must be realised that there is a need to enhance the livestock sub-sector in this country. However, as we do that, we should also be mindful that the introduction of more ministries will be done at a cost, which must be met with funding from the money that we will save from the removal of subsidies so that we can run this country economically, effectively and efficiently for the benefit of the people of Lupososhi Constituency and Zambia, at large.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr Kazabu): Mr Speaker, let me join those who have spoken before me in debating the Report of the Committee on Agriculture. Since the issue of livestock, which is very dear to my heart, has come out very strongly in the report, I got motivated to add my own contribution, although I will be very brief.

Mr Speaker, let me begin by sharing the background against which the subsidies, which appear to be controversial, were introduced. Those with good memories will recall that in the 2001-2002 Farming Season, our country experienced a drought in some areas and floods in others, which persisted in 2002-2003. 

Sir, it was with that in mind that the Government of the day, then headed by our late dear President, Dr Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, SC., may his soul rest in peace, decided to support the small-holder farmers. The reasoning was that the droughts and floods had eroded the asset base of the small-holder farmers because those who had assets had to sell them in order to sustain themselves and their families. That was when the Government introduced agricultural subsidies and each small-holder farmer was entitled to eight bags of fertiliser, four D-compound and four urea, and a seed pack. 

Sir, by the way, the subsidies were supposed to last three years only, the reasoning being that, after that period, some level of capacity would have been built in the farmers so that they are able to stand on their own. Sadly, that did not happen, and I do not want to delve into the reasons the subsidies continued until 2011, when the PF took over the reins of power.

Mr Speaker, I listened to various messages on the subsidies, and the general complaints are on what small-holder farmers are going to do. However, the correct position is that, while it is true that the subsidy on the consumption side has been removed, the ones on production have simply been re-aligned …

Ms Lubezhi: On a point of order, Sir.

The Deputy Chairperson: A point of order is raised. However, let me give a bit of guidance. We rarely allow points of order when an hon. Minister is making a contribution. That is very clear in our Standing Orders. However, we, sometimes, exercise our discretion to allow points of order. Therefore, I reluctantly allow you to have your point of order.

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Speaker, I rise on a very serious point of order. The hon. Minister who is debating the Report of the Committee on Agriculture, which is on livestock, is not collaborating livestock with the subsidies. The hon. Deputy Minister is from the Ministry of Agriculture …

Interruptions

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Allow the lady to make her point.

Ms Lubezhi: High-level hecklers, please, give me time …

Laughter 

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

May you just raise your point of order. The hecklers have been told to stop heckling. Please, proceed. 

Ms Lubezhi: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister who is debating in order to go off the Report of the Committee on Agriculture, which is on livestock farming, and start talking about subsidies without collaborating the two? If the ministry wants to make a statement on subsidies, it should bring a statement. Is he in order?

The Deputy Chairperson: The Chair has been listening very attentively to the contribution from both the left and the right, and the issue of subsidies was first raised by the hon. Member for Monze Central.

Hon. Government Members: Yes.

The Deputy Chairperson: It is in light of that, I hope, that the hon. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock is trying to make a contribution along those lines. I am just waiting for him to make a connection and move to another point.

Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, I will indicate, very shortly, the link between what is being talked about, in terms of the removal of subsidies, and livestock development. However, I thought that it would be important for all of us to understand where we are coming from, and that is why I took the trouble to share the background against which the subsidies were introduced. 

Mr Speaker, there has been an outcry from the hon. Members who have debated before me that, over the years, the livestock sub-sector has not been given its due consideration, in terms of the allocation of resources. I want to submit, through you, that this is one reason the Government has decided to remove the consumption subsidy and re-align the production subsidy.

Mr Speaker, through the measures we have taken, we hope to make some savings, which will, then, be channelled to, among other needs, livestock development. This is serious business. In developing livestock, certain imperatives have to be in place, one of which is infrastructure, such as dipping facilities, …

Hon Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kazabu: … which our people do not have, currently. That is why our farmers lose their animals whenever they try to increase the herds. The Government wants to deliver dipping facilities to its people. Those who have read the Yellow Book will know that there is an allocation there for the rehabilitation and construction of dip tanks because that is critical in the development of livestock.

Mr Speaker, secondly, it will be naïve for anyone of us in this august House to think that we can develop livestock without water. I have been privileged to travel to various parts of the country and I know that there are areas where people keep animals, but they have problems providing them with drinking water. We need money to come from the savings that will be made as a result of the removal of the consumption subsidy and the re-alignment of the production subsidies. We want to build, in those arid areas, small and medium-sized earth-dams so that our people do not spend their time drawing water for their animals. I had a very unpleasant experience in Kandanzovu, where I found people drawing water for their animals from a well. One man told me that they spent as many as three days without having a bath because of drawing water for their animals. He further said that, if they did not do that, the animals, on which their livelihoods depended, would die.

Mr Speaker, there is also a need to improve the extension service. Currently, the service, in terms of livestock development, is not what this Government would like it to be. The veterinary camps are either too large for Veterinary Assistants to reach some areas or not manned at all. We want to re-demarcate even those camps. We also want to build houses for our field staff so that our farmers are not placed in a situation whereby they have to look for drugs everywhere when their animals are sick and, by the time they get back home, their animals are dead. That should not be the case. 

Mr Speaker, one of my colleagues referred to the very bad road network. It is true that the road network in the countryside is very bad. In this regard, our small-holder farmers, even for those who have dairy cows, have difficulties in delivering their milk to the collection centres. We want those roads to be worked on. However, that can only happen if financial resources are available. Part of the savings will be channelled in that direction as well. 

Mr Speaker, it is also important that the Government provides a market for small-holder farmers to sell their livestock and livestock products. As I speak, we are in the process of establishing milk collection centres. In fact, some of the centres are already operational. Those who want to prove for themselves can visit the centres in Monze, Mazabuka or Choma. We believe that we need more of these facilities so that our small-holder farmers do not experience hardships in selling their livestock and livestock products. 

Sir, there is a need for us to continue researching into stock feed. In case some people think that livestock, cattle in particular, can eat any type of grass, that belief is wrong. There must be palatability in the grass that those animals enjoy eating. To come up with the right feeds, we need to continue with research, and that also costs money. 

Mr Speaker, the population of cattle in this country stands at 3.4 million. To double it by 2016, we need to do a lot. How come that, just next door, in Tanzania, they boast of 22 million head and, in Ethiopia, 32 million head. We may not be in the same league with Brazil, but we can draw lessons. They talk about 132 million head of cattle. Clearly, there is something that we have not been doing right from the time we got our Independence. No wonder the livestock sector is where it is today. I want to submit that we will sort out all the problems in the sector. In other words, we will put in place all that is required so that we can meaningfully talk about developing livestock and raising it to a higher level.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mucheleka (Lubansenshi): Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to debate this report. In the interest of saving time, I will try, as much as possible, to restrict my debate to issues that have not been talked about by other hon. Members who have already spoken. 

Mr Speaker, livestock development is a very important aspect in the agricultural sector. In the Sixth National Development Plan (SNDP), agriculture, including the livestock sub-sector, is considered to be a growth sector, which means that it is important for economic growth and poverty reduction in our country. However, I would like to advise that we take time to look at what is contained in the SNDP with regard to livestock development. The SNDP and this report both clearly indicate the challenges that are faced in the livestock sub-sector and, indeed, what needs to be done. It also sets out strategies, programmes, targets and key performance indicators. If we took time to appreciate what might have been done by the previous administration, we could get somewhere by 2015. The livestock sub-sector could have acted as a vehicle to help us attain the millennium development goals (MDGs), particularly MDG Number One. However, we may not attain that particular goal because we have not done very well in the agricultural sector, including the livestock sub-sector. 

Mr Speaker, on subsidies, I think that there is no point in trying to tear one another apart because of having different views on the issue of subsidies. What is important to appreciate is that there is nowhere in the world where there are no subsidies. You may wish to know that, even under the European Union Common Agriculture Policy, on an average, one €1 billion is spent on subsidising agriculture per day, translating into €365 billion per year. Even here, when we talk about removing agricultural subsidies on consumption or, perhaps, realigning the subsidies on production, you need to understand that rural people are very rational, make very rational decisions and have their own views.

Mr Speaker, for those of us who belong to the Catholic faith, in the latest edition of a magazine called Icengelo, meaning ‘light,’ there is an article on subsidies. Before any hon. Member of Parliament even gets to their constituency, people have already read and will ask you questions on how the subsidies are being re-aligned towards the agricultural sector because they are able to compare what happened last year with what is going to happen this year. They will be able to tell you that, last year, they were paying K50,000, but they are now being asked to pay KR100 or two 50kg bags of maize, translating into KR130. They will also ask you why, if, indeed, the subsidies are meant to improve our livelihoods, the floor price of maize has remained at KR65. When I attempt to answer those questions and explain the subsidies the way I understand them, no one should feel insulted and try to prevent me from doing so. So, really, you should go out there and explain what it means when you are removing subsidies.

Mr Speaker, we are all aware that Zambia is a signatory to the 2003 Maputo Declaration, under the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) framework under which we committed ourselves to allocating, at least, 10 per cent of our annual Budget to the agricultural sector. However, we did not do that under the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) Government and we have not done that under the PF. So, when you talk about wanting to channel the subsidies towards improving the productivity of the small-holder farmer, you should just tell us that, in the 2014 Budget that you will present, perhaps, in September, you will be able to allocate a minimum of 10 per cent to the agricultural sector. Then, the farmers and everybody will agree with you.

Sir, the report has brought out many challenges in the agricultural sector, including the livestock sub-sector, and we know what the challenges are. The major one is, basically, inadequate funding. If we were to improve funding to the sector, it is possible that, indeed, we would increase livestock production as well as productivity in the agricultural sector, generally, to the point of even making the necessary linkages in the economy. We want to create opportunities for our people to alleviate the poverty they are in.

Sir, we have all agreed with the report that the majority of our people in the rural economy are in the agricultural sector. Within the sector, the livestock sub-sector is a very important component. It is not a seasonal activity like crop farming. If we were to focus our attention on improving production or the quality of our livestock, we would be able to create opportunities for people to take themselves out of poverty. Only then can the slogan, ‘More Money in Your Pocket’ be justified. Livestock acts as insurance in case of crop failure. That is where we need to focus our attention so that all the talk about political will is not mere rhetoric. Try not to assault or injure those who may have different views from yours because it does not help. We have only one country. 

Mr Speaker, I am aware that, prior to the 2011 General Elections, the MMD Government signed the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) component, …

Dr Kazonga: I signed it. 

Mr Mucheleka: … through Hon. Dr Kazonga, who was the then hon. Minister. The programme placed responsibility on us, as a country, to commit 10 per cent of our Budget to the agricultural sector. However, that has not happened. 

Mr Speaker, within CAADP are four pillars, which I implore this Government to familiarise itself with because they will help it to create necessary linkages, not merely politicking, which does not help us at all. 

Hon. Government Members: Aah!

Mr Mucheleka: The four pillars are there. Visit the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Website for all the information you need so that, when you go out there, … 

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Address the Chair. 

Mr Mucheleka: Let us debate and base our arguments on evidence. There is no point in trying to mislead the Zambian people. Zambians are very rational people who know what is going on. Yes, it is possible that, in the agricultural or other sectors, there could be budget overruns and, therefore, some pressure might be experienced, resulting in the removal or reduction of subsidies on consumption. However, you need to explain to the people what is going on. They will hear you. 

Mr Speaker, most importantly, we do not have any other sector that can help us …

Mr Kapeya: On a point of order, Sir. 

The Deputy Chairperson: A point of order is raised. 

Mr Kapeya: Mr Speaker, is Hon. Mucheleka in order to claim that this Government has not sensitised Zambians on subsidies when all hon. Ministers and Deputy Ministers have been to the people to explain what subsidies are? I need your serious ruling. 

The Deputy Chairperson: The serious ruling is that sensitisation is a continuous process because the purpose is to capture as many people as possible to let them understand the good intentions behind the decision. He is just reminding you that sensitisation should not end. He is, therefore, in order.

The hon. Member for Lubansenshi may continue. 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, within the SNDP are many components on agriculture. I have always indicated that the SNDP is not, in any way, an MMD document because it resulted from extensive debates and consultations among the private sector, civil society and the Government. I want to believe that the technocrats who were in the forefront of drawing the SNDP are still there. I am also convinced that there is great capacity within the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. We have well-qualified people in the ministry but, because of partisan considerations, they are not supported adequately in what they should be doing.  

Mr Speaker, those components will help this Government to respond to some of the issues raised by Hon. Kazabu, concerning extension services, irrigation infrastructure, storage facilities, market taxes and others. Let us add value in the livestock sub-sector so that we begin to create an agro value chain. This will help us link animal farmers in Lubansenshi, Mulobezi, Rufunsa, and everywhere else to the market so that the value chain distributes the benefits. That is the only way that poverty reduction can be achieved. People in the affected areas need to participate in the country’s economic activities. We have all agreed that the agricultural sector is very important, especially, for the rural people. It also facilitates forward and backward linkages between the rural and urban economies. Only then will the PF Government be able to say that it discharged the mandate the people gave it well at the end of its five-year mandate. 

Sir, my humble appeal to the Government is that it does not waste time on wrong priorities at the expense of those that are beneficial to the people. Sooner or later, its time will run out. So, it is imperative that it takes serious steps to improve the agricultural sector and, more importantly, emphasises the role of the livestock sub-sector in the country’s economy.

I thank you, Sir.

The Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development (Mr Yaluma) (on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr Sichinga)): Mr Speaker, many people have already spoken, and I think that they have touched on most of the issues I wanted to address. Nonetheless, I will address the few areas that they did not touch and wind up this debate as soon as possible.

Sir, I acknowledge the good work done by the Committee in submitting this report. Indeed, it highlights many challenges facing the agricultural sector, which are impacting on the performance of the livestock sub-sector. As a Government, we will consider this report with utmost seriousness and use it as a working document to improve the performance of the sub-sector. 

Sir, Hon. Professor Lungwangwa talked extensively about the need to develop a policy for livestock. I would like to inform this House that, as we speak, the Livestock Development Policy is under development and, currently, in a draft form. We will finalise it before the end of 2013. It is imperative that we have that document because it will guide us on how we are going to improve the sector.

Mr Speaker, the issue of disease control was also highlighted and, to that effect, I reiterate that the prevalence of livestock diseases is one of the challenges in the livestock sub-sector. However, to reduce disease prevalence, the Government has been implementing several disease-prevention and control measures, including the provision of vaccination services.

Sir, the Department of Veterinary Services carries out vaccinations against contagious diseases, such as Contagious Bovine Pleural-Pneumonia (CBPP), Foot and Mouth Disease and East Coast Fever. About 450 cattle are vaccinated each year, which means that we are getting better in preventing livestock disease outbreaks.

Mr Speaker, the Government will endeavour to seriously review this document and be guided by it in the implementation of what has been recommended. 

Sir, on the introduction of a separate ministry specifically for livestock, I cannot say much, except that it is being considered and we may separate the Ministry of Livestock from Agriculture. 

May I end by thanking your Committee for the job well done.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, I have taken note of what has been said concerning the report of your Committee. 

Sir, many issues have come out and, as Chairperson of your Committee, I begin to think that there is a need to correct some of the issues that have been brought out. However, I am delighted to note that the hon. Minister has promised that the report will be used …

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

(Debate Adjourned)

ADJOURNMENT

The Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications and Chief Whip (Mr Mukanga): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

Question put and agreed to.

______

The House adjourned at 1915 hours until 1430 hours on Thursday, 20th June, 2013.

WRITTEN REPLIES TO QUESTIONS

KABOMPO DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICES

572.    Mr Lufuma (Kabompo West) asked the Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health:

(a)    whether the Government had any plans to rehabilitate the district offices in Kabompo Township; and 

(b)    whether the Government had any plans to procure a utility vehicle for the district office in Kabompo.

The Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health (Dr Katema): Mr Speaker, residential and office accommodation has been a challenge for the Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health at the district level due to budgetary constraints, as most of our resources are not for capital projects, but for assisting the vulnerable. Nevertheless, in addressing the shortage of office accommodation in the districts, the ministry has been renovating and constructing offices. For instance, last year, it renovated office accommodation in Kalabo, Chongwe, Luangwa, Serenje and Katete districts, and constructed offices in Shang’ombo and Luangwa districts. This year, it is in the process of constructing offices in Siavonga, Chirundu, Serenje, Itezhi-tezhi and Chililabombwe districts.

Sir, the rehabilitation and construction of district offices is an on-going exercise. So, Kabompo will be considered in due course, through the infrastructure development funding of the ministry.

Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health procured vehicles for most districts in 2009 and one vehicle was given to the District Social Welfare Office in Kabompo as a utility vehicle. Unfortunately, due to the high case load and poor road network in the district, the vehicle broke down. Efforts are being made to repair it. 

I thank you, Sir.

DIVISION OF MPIKA DISTRICT

574. Mr Sichone (Nakonde) asked the Vice President whether the Government had any plans to divide Mpika District into three or more districts.

The Vice-President (Dr Scott): Mr Speaker, the Government has no plans to divide Mpika District into three or more areas. 

Sir, the power to subdivide districts and create new ones is vested in the President of the Republic, in accordance with the provisions of the Provincial Boundaries Act, Cap 289 of the Laws of Zambia.

I thank you, Sir.