DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE SECOND SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 18th June, 2013

The House met at 1430 hours

[MR DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER
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OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

The following Members took and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance:

Daniel Munkombwe

Misheck Mutelo

Eddie Musonda

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MR DEPUTY SPEAKER

SESSIONAL COMMITTEES − MEMBERSHIP

Mr Deputy Speaker: I wish to inform the House that, following the appointment of Mr O. C. Chisala, MP, to a ministerial position, Mr L. Chabala, MP, has been appointed to serve as member of the Pan African Parliament to replace him. I further wish to inform the House that, following the appointment of Hon. Mwiimba H. Malama, MP, as Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications, Mr Moses Chishimba, MP, has been appointed to serve as a member of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) to replace him.

CHANGES IN COMPOSITION OF SESSIONAL COMMITTEES 

Mr Deputy Speaker: I wish to inform the House that, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order Number 131, the Standing Orders Committee has made changes to the composition of some of the Committees following the appointment of Mr O. C. Chisala, MP, and Mr R. C. Taundi, MP, to deputy ministerial positions and due to vacancies that have occurred in some Committees as follows:

Committee on Education, Science and Technology

Mr E. Musonda, MP, has been appointed to replace Mr O. C. Chisala, MP.

Committee on Government Assurances

Mr L. Evans, MP, has been appointed to the Committee.

Committee on Information and Broadcasting Services

Dr C. K. Kalila, MP, has been appointed to replace Mr R. C. Taundi, MP.

Committee on Delegated Legislation

Mr A. Mutelo, MP, has been appointed to the Committee.

Public Accounts Committee

Mr E. Muchima, MP, has been appointed to the Committee.

REA PRESENTATION

Mr Deputy Speaker: I further wish to inform the House that the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) will make a presentation on the operations, achievements, challenges and future progress of the authority on Tuesday, 25th June, 2013, in the auditorium at Parliament Buildings from 0930 hours to 1200 hours. Attendance is on a voluntary basis.

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: I urge hon. Members to attend this important presentation …

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Deputy Speaker: … and to be seated by 0900 hours.

I thank you.

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

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BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

The Vice-President (Dr Scott): Mr Speaker, I rise to give the House an idea of the business it will consider this week. As hon. Members will see from the Order Paper, today, Tuesday, 18th June, 2013, the Business of the House comprises Questions. Tomorrow, Wednesday, 19th June, 2013, the Business of the House will begin with Questions, if there will be any. These will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. The House will then consider Private Members’ Motions, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider a Motion to adopt the Report of the Committee on Agriculture.

Mr Speaker, on Thursday, 20th June, 2013, the Business of the House will commence with Questions, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider Motions to adopt the reports of the following Committees:

(a)Committee on Health, Community Development and Social Welfare; and

(b)Committee on Estimates.

Sir, on Friday, 21st June, 2013, the Business of the House will begin with the Vice-President’s Questions Time, provided I do not bring a letter from my doctor exempting me.

Laughter

The Vice-President: This will be followed by Questions to hon. Ministers, if there will be any. After that, the House will deal with the presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider a Motion to adopt the Report of the Committee on Lands, Environment and Tourism. Then, the House will deal with any business that may be outstanding.

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

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QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

LIVINGSTONE STADIUM CONSTRUCTION

 536. Mr Chipungu (Rufunsa) asked the Minister of Youth and Sport:

(a)when the construction of the Livingstone Stadium would commence; and

(b)what the estimated cost and timeframe for the completion of the project were.

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

The Vice-President (Dr Scott): Mr Speaker, the construction of the Livingstone Stadium will commence once the contractor has been identified. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth and Sport has provided K3 billion in the 2013 Budget towards the clearing of land and provision of services such as water and electricity as part of the Government’s obligation to the commencement of the project.

Mr Speaker, the stadium, with a capacity of 30,000 people, is expected to cost approximately US$64 million. It is important to state, however, that the development will boost tourism in Livingstone and lead to job creation thereby uplifting our brothers and sisters from poverty.

Sir, I thank you.

Mr Chipungu: Mr Speaker, …

Mr Mwiimbu: On a point of order, Sir.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, there are 160 political leaders who have been elected to serve the people of this country. Amongst these leaders are 150 directly elected hon. Members of Parliament, eight nominated hon. Members of Parliament, you, Mr Speaker, and His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia. It is assumed that these leaders are supposed to serve this country diligently. That is the intention of the people of Zambia when they elect them.

Mr Speaker, arising from the statement I have made, is His Honour the Vice-President in order to remain mute and not rebut a public statement that has been made at various fora by a nominated hon. Member of Parliament and now hon. Minister for the Southern Province that His Honour the Vice-President is in this House because of politics of the belly and that we are all here just to eat and not to serve the people of Zambia?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, is he in order to remain quiet and allow the people of Zambia to rebuke us on the basis of being in this House in the same vein of politics of the belly as Hon. Munkombwe without defending the dignity of this House?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Deputy Speaker: That is a kind of point of order that puts the Chair in a predicament in the sense that it involves a statement made by one of us. Be that as it may, I request His Honour the Vice-President to come up with a statement clarifying that point in the course of his debate, if he can. You can do this now if you can and if not, maybe, by Friday. That means that you can clarify this point anytime between now and Friday.

Mr Chipungu: Mr Speaker, as we prepare for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Conference, the alternative stadium to the one to be constructed in Livingstone is the Maramba Stadium. Is it, therefore, possible for His Honour the Vice-President to shed some light on how far the Government has gone with the Maramba Stadium renovations?

The Vice-President: Sir, I know that, very shortly, there will be a statement issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Arts that will cover this question precisely rather than roughly. As to the problem of the perceived challenge of Hon. Munkombwe’s belly, I think …

Laughter

The Vice-President: … I take him to be a humorous old chap. He has a lot of practice telling jokes over the years and I would not wish to compete with him by entering into the same debate.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwale (Chipangali): Mr Speaker, His Honour the Vice-President has told us that the construction of the stadium will only begin after a contractor has been picked. May he tell the House when this will be done?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the procurement process of that issue is midway and when that is completed, the contractor will be appointed and things will proceed. That is normal. If the hon. Member wants me to check the actual numbers, I can do that with advance notice.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ntundu (Gwembe): Mr Speaker, …

The Vice-President turned to look behind.

Mr Ntundu: The Vice-President is looking elsewhere.

Laughter

Mr Deputy Speaker: Please, ask your follow-up question.

Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, His Honour the Vice-President has stated that money for clearing the site and provision of water, among other services, has been released. Can he do this House a favour by telling us the progress as regards the money that has been released. We would like to know.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, while the contractor is yet to be selected, my ministry has provided K3 billion. This means that this money is available. It is in the account and it will be spent shortly.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, His Honour the Vice-President has informed the House and the nation that clearing on the site has started. Does it mean that a contractor has been appointed because if that is not the case, who is clearing if there is no contractor?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the answer that I gave was that K3 billion has been provided in the 2013 Budget towards the clearing of the land, provision of services and so on and so forth. I did not state that the clearing had begun.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Opposition Member: On a point of order, Sir.

The Vice-President: Is it a point of order or a question?

Hon. Opposition Member: Both!

Mr Deputy Speaker indicated to Mr Muntanga to take the Floor.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Why do I mistake your Constituency for Mazabuka Central? 

Mr Muntanga (Kalomo Central): Mr Speaker, I am still the hon. Member for Kalomo Central.

Laughter

Mr Muntanga: His Honour the Vice-President has stated that construction can only commence once a contractor has been identified. May I know the problem behind appointing the contractor who constructed the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola to construct a similar stadium in Livingstone.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I am quite sure that that will be in contravention of normal procedure. Somebody might want to come in cheaper than the contractor who constructed the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. That is the law. We cannot just keep awarding tenders to the same contractor.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mweetwa (Choma Central): Mr Speaker, His Honour the Vice-President has told us that the process of identifying a contractor is underway and that the procurement process has already been set in motion. Has the Government advertised the tender for competitors to come forth and seize the opportunity? If so which medium did it use?

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, my information is that it has been advertised.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Opposition Members: Through which medium?

SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGE SCHOOLS

537. Mr Bwalya (Lupososhi) asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a)    whether the Government had any plans to convert SOS Children’s Village schools across the country into grant-aided schools; and

(b)    when the ministry would begin seconding teachers to SOS schools in Lusaka, Kitwe and Livingstone.

Mr Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, the Government does not initiate the conversion of …

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

We do not seem to be listening. I think that the hon. Minister cannot be heard because of the loud consultations. Can we, please, consult quietly. 

Hon. Minister, you may continue.

Mr Mabumba: I thank you, Sir.

… SOS Children’s Village schools into grant-aided schools, but facilitates the process of the conversion.

Sir, for the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education to consider granting the schools grant-aided status, the individual schools must apply to the Permanent Secretary and follow the channel of communication, which is through our District Education Board Secretaries (DEBS) Offices to the Provincial Education Officers and finally to the Permanent Secretary in Lusaka. In addition, an inspection report must be submitted with each application and the schools must have a constitution that will govern them.

Mr Speaker, teachers can only be seconded to such schools once the process which I have just mentioned has been completed and the schools are gazzetted. 

I than k you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY COLLEGE STATUS

538.Mr Muntanga asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training  and Early Education:

(a)what the status of Kwame Nkrumah University College was;

(b)whether the university college had a Vice Chancellor;

(c)what measures the Government had taken to recruit lecturers for the institution; and

(d)what the fate of the lecturers who were not qualified to teach at the upgraded institution would be.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Professor Willombe): Mr Speaker, Kwame Nkrumah University College is still operating as a college of education while offering Bachelors’ Degrees in Education. The Degree programmes currently being offered at the college are being underwritten by the University of Zambia (UNZA), using the affiliate status.

Mr Speaker, Kwame Nkrumah University College has no Vice Chancellor yet. Nonetheless, a search committee for the appointment of the Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor was constituted. The committee advertised these two positions both locally and internationally. The shortlisted candidates were interviewed and the report of the search committee has been submitted to the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education. The appointments of the approved candidates will be made soon.

Mr Speaker, the recruitment of lecturers for the institution has not yet begun. The recruitment of lecturers awaits the appointments of the Vice and Deputy Vice chancellors and the constitution of a university council.

Mr Speaker, there will be staff development programmes that will upgrade lecturers’ qualifications, thus, enabling them to meet the required qualifications. In addition, there will be redeployment of staff and officers to institutions that will suit their qualifications. There will also be the option of separations and payment of separation packages to officers who will not wish to continue working.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, …

Mr Mbulakulima: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, I thank you for this opportunity to raise a point of order.

Mr Speaker, it is a known fact that one innocent lady in Ndola is battling for her life because she was shot at by a police officer. A few days ago, we lost two innocent lives in Kampasa after they were shot at by the Zambia National Service (ZNS) officers.

Mr Speaker, having undergone military training, I am aware of the circumstances under which live ammunition is carried. I also know which circumstances such executions can be carried out in a democratic country like Zambia. Normally, they are carried out under a court order. Therefore, is this Government in order to keep silent on such a matter that affects the smooth running of this country?

Mr Speaker, I need your serious ruling.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

May the hon. Minister of Home Affairs shed more light on this matter through a ministerial statement by Friday, this week. He can do this tomorrow or on Thursday, but not later than Friday this week.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, the decision to turn Kwame Nkrumah College of Education into a university college was made some two years back. We have now been informed that it is still operating as a college. All the answers that have been given indicate uncertainty of the status of the institution. May I know the position of this new Government on Kwame Nkrumah University College. Does it believe in turning this institution into a university or should it remain a mere teachers’ training college?

Professor Willombe: Mr Speaker, phase one of converting the college into a university has been completed and the Government is serious about embarking on phase two.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kalila (Lukulu East): Mr Speaker, when was the search committee put in place and why has it taken long to appoint a Vice Chancellor?

Professor Willombe: Mr Speaker, it takes long to come up with the correct number of staff. Also, certain instruments such as a university council, the Senate and others have to be in place before things can move on to other phases.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, …

Mr Mwiimbu: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, a few weeks ago, the Government of the Republic of Zambia resolved to dissolve the Zambia Railways (ZR) Board and constituted investigations pertaining to the conduct of the board and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Professor Clive Chirwa. 

Mr Speaker, upon dissolution of the board, this Government decided to appoint one of the members of the dissolved board to head the ZR while the investigations were going on.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, before any pronouncement pertaining to the outcome of these investigations has been made, this Government has decided to retire Professor Clive Chirwa in national interest.

Interruptions

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, this means that Professor Clive Chirwa will benefit as if he has completed his term of service of five years. He has been rewarded. 

Hon. Opposition Member: For doing nothing.

Mr Mwiimbu: The questions which beg answers, and which I would like the Government to respond to are, firstly, why did the Government appoint a person who was part of the board that is under investigation to head the ZR?

Interruptions

Mr Mwiimbu: Secondly, why did the Government retire a person, who is under investigation, with benefits? We know that this issue is contentious. Is the Government in order to start flouting its own regulations to the detriment of this country? The Government suspended the board, and yet it is the one rewarding members of that board despite its saying it is above board and does not condone corruption.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, one of the conditions of the contract of service of Professor Chirwa was that he would be awarded 25 per cent of the shares of the ZR at the end of his tenure. If the Government has retired him in national interest, it means that he will be given these shares. Is the Government in order to remain quiet and not inform the nation about the outcome of the investigations and why it has decided to retire Professor Clive Chirwa and appoint someone who was a member of the dissolved board as the Director of the ZR? This House and the nation would like to have a statement from the Government on this matter.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, we would like a statement from the Government to this House and the nation at large.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Well, the hon. Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications will come with a ministerial statement during the course of next week.

Can the hon. Member for Chadiza continue, please.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out what minimum qualifications the lecturers at Kwame Nkrumah University College need to teach at the university and whether the same programme has already started where …

Professor Luo interjected.

Mr Mbewe: Do you want me to answer you? You will be sorry for the rest of your life if I do that.

Laughter

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Please, ask your supplementary question. If you are through with the supplementary question, let the hon. Minister give an answer.

Interruptions 

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, I thought that hon. Ministers would behave in a manner befitting of their portfolio, but it is unfortunate that they behave in this manner because this is not International Conference on acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Africa (ICASA) where people talk anyhow.

Laughter

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, may I know if the Bachelor’s Degree Programme is being offered by those who meet the qualifications at this university college.

Professor Luo: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, I am reluctantly rising on this point of order. As you know, I rarely rise on points of order.

Sir, is the hon. Member of Parliament, who has just asked a supplementary question, in order to, first of all, point his finger at me and threaten me in this august House when, in fact, this hon. House is for hon. Members and not thugs? He is threatening the life of a young lady …

Laughter

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Professor Luo: Secondly, Mr Speaker, is this hon. Member of Parliament in order to practice gender-based violence in this House when we passed the Bill against gender-based violence? Thirdly, is this hon. Member of Parliament in order to come to this House without understanding the qualifications that are required to teach at Kwame Nkrumah University College? I really need your serious ruling.

Laughter

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Before I make a serious ruling, let me advise and remind hon. Members that it is important to listen when a point of order is being raised. Talking while a point of order is being raised makes it difficult for presiding officers and some of you, hon. Members, to hear what is being raised in the point of order.

As for the ruling, it is not good for the hon. Member of Parliament to threaten the young lady.

Laughter

Mr Deputy Speaker: Can the hon. Minister continue, please.

Professor Willombe: Mr Speaker, the Bachelor’s Degree Programme at Kwame Nkrumah University College is operational and there are people qualified enough to teach under that programme. For others who have diplomas, they need to upgrade to Degree and Master’s Degree level to be able to qualify to teach. Those are basic qualifications. One must have a Master’s Degree to teach a degree programme.

I thank you, Sir.

SAFARI CONCESSIONS HELD AS OF DECEMBER, 2012

539. Brig-Gen Dr Chituwo (Mumbwa) asked the hon. Minister of Tourism and Art:

(a)how many companies held safari concessions in the country as of December, 2012;

(b)of the companies at (a), how many had submitted audited accounts to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), as required by the Zambia Wildlife Act, from 2001 to 2011; and

(c)how much money the ZRA realised from the taxes collected from the concessionaires under the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) in the period at (b).

The Deputy Minister of Tourism and Art (Mr Phiri): Mr Speaker, thirty-nine companies in thirty-nine hunting blocks held Safari hunting concessions as of December, 2012. 

Sir, the current Zambia Wildlife Authority Act No. 12 of 1998 does not have a provision which requires and demands that Safari hunting companies submit audited accounts to ZAWA. However, Safari hunting company holders are under obligation to ensure that these companies comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations in the conduct of business, including but not limited to labour, immigration, taxation, firearms, liquor licensing and hotel laws and their accompanying legislation as they may be amended from time to time under the hunting concession agreement signed with the companies, community resource boards and ZAWA.

Mr Speaker, the requirements for the submission of audited accounts from Safari hunting outfitters shall be addressed through a statutory instrument (SI) which requires that, in addition to what is already provided for in SIs No. 32, 33 and 35 of 2013, all revenue generated from hunting activities in our protected area system be banked in commercial banks within Zambia and thereby attract the necessary Value Added Tax (VAT) and Corporate Tax. This measure is intended to curb foreign exchange leakage which has been quite rampant in the Safari sector.

Sir, the Government collected KR65,774,202.58 between 2003 to 2011.

I thank you, Sir.

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, …

Mr Mwiimbu: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I do recall that last year, the Minister of Home Affairs, Hon.  Edgar Lungu, came to this House to inform the hon. Members about the privileges accorded to them while visiting their constituencies. He also informed this House that his ministry and the Zambia Police Force had no intention, whatsoever, of frustrating hon. Members of Parliament who visited their constituencies and those who addressed meetings in their constituencies. This assurance arose out of complaints raised by Hon. Moono Lubezhi and an issue that affected Hon. Katuka, hon. Member of Parliament for Mwinilunga Constituency. 

Sir, despite that assurance, last week, one of your own, Hon. Mucheleka, was harassed by a battalion of policemen in his constituency as he carried out his parliamentary duties that arise from his privilege of being an hon. Member of Parliament.

Mr Muntanga: This is serious!

Mr Mwiimbu: He was informed that for him to visit his constituency, he must obtain permission from the District Commissioner …

Interruptions

Mr Mwiimbu: … and an officer in charge, who are very junior civil servants in the constituency. 

Mr Speaker, we would like to find out whether hon. Members of Parliament, under the Patriotic Front (PF) Government, are now being hindered from performing their duties in their various constituencies. Do we have to obtain permission from a District Commissioner or an officer in charge to enter our constituencies? 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, we are also aware that His Excellency the President urged us to go to our constituencies to inform our constituents about the policies of the Government pertaining to the removal of subsidies, the increase in price of fuel and …

Hon. Opposition Member: And mealie-meal. 

Mr Mwiimbu: … mealie-meal, among other issues.

Laughter

Mr Mwiimbu: Sir, we, as your hon. Members, seek protection from you. You are the custodian of our rights, both within and outside the House. Is the Government in order to start persecuting hon. Members of Parliament who are carrying out their duties?

Hon. Opposition Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, we would like to get assurance that we will be protected as we endeavour to explain the policies of the Government in constituencies. 

Mr Deputy Speaker: May the hon. Minister of Home Affairs come up with a ministerial statement on that issue in the course of next week because I am aware that you have one to present between now and Friday.

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, the money realised as a result of Safari hunting falls short of that which one obtains from photographic tourism, which has racked in about K25 billion, and is more conservative in nature. Are there any plans to develop a form of tourism which is only available in four areas of the country?

Mr Phiri: Mr Speaker, photographic tourism is what the Government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Arts, would like to encourage. This is the reason we are stepping up our conservation efforts to ensure that the animal population increases in various protected areas of the country.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chipungu: Mr Speaker, …

Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, a couple of weeks ago, we saw very horrifying pictures on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Television of alleged PF cadres carrying weapons of mass destruction …

Laughter

Hon. Opposition Member: Saddam Hussein.

Laughter

Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha: ... going to the Bible Gospel Church in Africa (BIGOCA) in Matero to mass destroy …

Laughter

Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha: … the worshipers gathered in the church. We later saw bishops, ordinary worshipers and even camera personnel being beaten up.

Mr Speaker, the Christian fraternity in the country and world over is worried about what is happening in Zambia. Is it normal for Christians to be beaten up in church? Is the Government in order not to deal with this issue and allow people in the country to peacefully worship God, according to their religious perceptions? 

Mr Speaker, this is a serious matter. As you may be aware, there are religious wars in Northern Nigeria arising out of people going into churches and beating up Christians. Can the Government shed some light on this matter?

Mr Deputy Speaker: Off-the-cuff, I have been reading the papers and if what I read is anything to go by, I recall that there were apologies made by the hon. Member for Matero, who is also the hon. Deputy Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry. He stated that the incident was regrettable and I believe one or two of those involved have been arrested by the police. It is an issue that we all regret having happened. 

Mr Chipungu: Mr Speaker, I need to be educated on these concessions. How long do they run and are they monitored by ZAWA? Further, are these concessions renewable at the end of their tenure?

Mr Phiri: Mr Speaker, the concessions currently run for a period of ten years. The majority of those concessions expired in December, 2012, except for nine, which are still running. These nine are yet to exhaust their expiry period. 

Sir, ZAWA is responsible for monitoring the operations of the Safari hunting companies, but, more importantly, is the heavy involvement of the communities in which these hunting activities take place through the community resource boards.

I thank you, Sir. 

STAFF SHORTAGE AND COMPUTER LABORATORY AT MPOROKOSO HIGH SCHOOL

540.Mr Mutati (Lunte) asked the Minster of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a)    when the ministry would resolve the problem of staff shortage at Mporokoso High School; and

(b)    when a computer laboratory would be established at the school.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the staff establishment for Mporokoso High School is fifty-five teachers. At the moment, the school has fifty-three teachers, which means that there is a shortfall of two teachers.

Mr Speaker, the Provincial Education Officer and the Head Teacher are making arrangements to send two biology teachers to the school to meet the shortfall of the teaching staff. 

Mr Speaker, the school has already refurbished one classroom for the purpose of establishing a computer laboratory and furniture has already been provided by the Zambia Information and Technology Authority (ZICTA). The only thing that remains is for ZICTA to provide computers to the school.

I thank you, Sir.

HOSPITAL BEDDINGS

541. Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma) asked the Minister of Health when the Government would procure enough beddings for its hospitals, especially the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), in Lusaka.

The Deputy Minister of Health (Mr Mulenga): Mr Speaker, the House may wish to note that the Government is aware of the need to provide most of its health facilities countrywide with beddings on regular intervals. The Government has already procured beddings for hospitals amounting to KR10,115,184.25 under the 2012 Budget. The delivery of the beddings to the Ministry of Health has commenced and as soon as it has been completed, they will be distributed to all the ten provinces. Therefore, the UTH is expected to benefit from this Government intervention.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

URBAN AND RURAL TEACHERS’ HOUSING ALLOWANCE RATES

542. Mr Hamusonde asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education whether the rate of housing allowance paid to teachers in the rural areas was different from the rate applicable to their counterparts in urban areas.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the conditions of service for the civil servants are regulated by the collective agreements. Consequent to that, the housing allowance which is paid to teachers in both rural and urban areas is the same at 20 per cent. 

I thank you, Sir.

SALARY ARREARS OWNED TO ZAPD EMPLOYEES

543. Mr Mushanga (Bwacha) asked the Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health:

(a) how much money was owed, as salary arrears, to employees of the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) as of January, 2013;

(b)what the cause of the non-payment of arrears was; and

(c)when the arrears would be paid to the affected employees.

The Deputy Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health (Ms Kapata): Mr Speaker, as at January, 2013, a total sum of KR95,647.10 was owed as salary arrears to employees.

Sir, the cause of non-payments of arrears was due to the following unexpected expenditures incurred by the agency during the period in question:

(a)legal fees amounting to KR100,147 for the former employees; and

(b)the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO) electricity bill for Kan’gonga Farm Centre amounting to KR30,000.
Sir, the Ministry of Finance released funds to the ministry early this month (June, 2013) and, so far, ZAPD has paid all the salary arrears and education allowances to the officers who were affected.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

VIP LATRINES AND TEACHERS’ HOUSES CONSTRUCTION AT BASIC SCHOOLS IN SIKONGO

544. Mr Ndalamei (Sikongo) asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a)when the Government would construct ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines at the following basic schools in Sikongo Parliamentary Constituency which were prone to floods during the rainy season:

(i)Nyengo;

(ii)Nakampungu;

(iii)Lubuta;

(iv)Likuyu;

(v)Liundu;

(vi)Ngulumani;

(vii)Mabua; and

(viii)Muchuo; and

(b)when construction of teachers’ houses at the school above would commence.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, based on the budget we have, we are going to construct forty teachers’ houses in the Western Province and a total of fifty VIP latrines. Consequential to that, in the 2013 Budget, the ministry will construct seven VIP latrines at Muchuo Primary School. Out of all those mentioned schools, we only have plans for one primary school. The reason behind this is that of budget limitation. 

Sir, owing to budgetary constraints, again, only three teachers’ houses will be built at Muchuo Primary School. 

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ndalamei: Mr Speaker, will the hon. Minister not consider providing …

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

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, in the recent past, the Government made a very important decision to remove subsidies on fuel. Last year, this Government bought about 237 million litres of both petrol and diesel for US$500 million, which is US$2.11 per litres, when there was cheaper fuel elsewhere. Is the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development in order not to give reasons the Government opted to buy very expensive fuel from Trafigura Oil Company, which it cannot subsidise? 

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order! {mospagebreak}

You are talking about the fuel price now and then. Sometimes, it becomes difficult for rulings to be made on issues that are best discussed out of the Chamber. I will, therefore, let this issue rest here with the belief that the Government will take into account what that point of order says. If the Government has an opportunity to respond other than here, it is free to do so.

Mr Ndalamei: Mr Speaker, will the hon. Minister consider providing portable toilets for these pupils during the rainy season?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, that is a very interesting question and I think that is an area that can be looked into. However, the limiting factor is the budgetary constraint because even those portable toilets will need funding. This is why I have been supportive of the removal of the subsidies because the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education is going to get an  increment in terms of budget allocation so that it can deal with the matter of toilets in Sikongo.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kalila: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Deputy Minister whether he is aware that in my constituency, Lukulu East, his ministry is proposing to build two VIP toilets at a site where there is no school, …

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Dr Kalila: … in Monguli area.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Well, unless the hon. Minister really wants to answer that, this question was specific to the schools that were mentioned. So, I think, I will save the hon. Minister from answering that question.

KANYAMA HIGH SCHOOL

545. Mr Katuka (Mwinilunga) asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a)when the construction of Kanyama High School would be completed;

(b)what the estimated period for the construction of the school was;

(c)what the contract sum of the project was;

(d)of the contract sum, how much had been paid to the contractor as of December, 2012; and

(e)when the school would be officially opened.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the initial completion period for the construction of the school was 2011. This was not the case due to budgetary constraints. Nevertheless, our extended schedule for the completion of the said school is the end of 2013.

Mr Speaker, the contract sum for the project was K44,283,703.

Sir, as of December, 2012, a total of K20,623,371 had been paid.

Mr Speaker, the school will only be officially opened once the construction and the project has been handed over to the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education by the contractor. So, if our estimation is that it will be completed by the end of 2013, obviously, the official opening will be planned for 2014.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Katuka: Mr Speaker, …

Mr Mweetwa: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, last week, we saw horrifying pictures of the once PF advocate, Fr. Frank Bwalya, drenched in Chibuku Shake Shake, allegedly at the behest of PF cadres. This is clearly a violation of Fr. Frank Bwalya’s constitutionally entrenched human right of freedom of speech and expression. It is further reported that the media personnel at the particular media outlet where the assault took place were also harassed. In the media today, the Press Association of Zambia (PAZA) and the Freedom Committee of The Post Newspaper are lamenting the continued attacks and harassment of media personnel in this country which appears to be on the rise ever since the PF came into power.

Mr Speaker, is that PF Government in order to remain conspicuously mute when the human rights situation in this country is alarmingly deteriorating without reassuring the citizens of the Government’s mandate to recognise and respect human rights? I need your serious ruling.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Well, my serious ruling is that we have just opened today. I believe that the Government will look into complaints of that nature and ensure that we observe our human rights.

Mr Katuka: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister why his ministry is rushing to open this incomplete school which does not have toilets, bathrooms and water when it is supposed to be completed at the end of this year.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I do not think that we are in a hurry to open the school. The decision to open all the schools which we have been constructing is made by the District Education Officer, who has to inform the Provincial Education Officer. I was talking to the Provincial Education Officer over the said school and I do not really think there is a decision that has been made to open the school. If that is the information on the ground, I will ask the hon. Member of Parliament to go to our DEBS and tell him that we cannot open a school that has got no wash rooms. Nobody is going to allow that because at the end of the day, we do not want an outbreak of Cholera or Dysentery at the school. So, we are not in a hurry. Let me assure the hon. Member that if that is the information that he has got on the ground, it is not correct.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Prof. Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, at the time the PF took over the Government, and if my recollection is correct, there were about forty-five high schools that were being constructed in various parts of the country. Is the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education in a position to avail to the House a comprehensive and up-to-date list of the different stages of construction at which the various high schools are so that we are well-informed? 

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, just as the hon. Member has indicated, it is important that we come to this House to tell the hon. Members of Parliament at which point of construction these schools are. As he is aware, the completion of these schools has taken so long. However, as we bring the Infrastructure Development Plan, which will be coming soon, it will have information on the status of all eighty-three secondary schools.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

MWINILUNGA DISTRICT HOSPITAL AMBULANCE

546. Mr Katuka asked the Minister of Health when the Government would provide an ambulance to Mwinilunga District Hospital.

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, the Government is aware of the shortage of ambulance service in most of the districts in the country. Further, it appreciates that functioning ambulance service increases access to health services to the people of Zambia. To this effect, the Government has taken measures to avert the shortage of ambulance service not only in Mwinilunga District, but also in all districts countrywide. The Government has since procured 207 ambulances broken down as follows:

Type of Ambulance    No. of Ambulances

Advanced Ambulances    42

Basic Ambulances    160

Type IV    5

These will be distributed to all districts in the country and Mwinilunga District is expected to benefit from this Government intervention.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I would like to take advantage of the answer that has been given by the hon. Minister of Health to raise an issue pertaining to the failure to provide ambulances to victims of road transport accidents in this country. 

There have been situations in which road traffic accident victims have been ferried on scotch carts and tractors, which has resulted in deaths. Is the hon. Minister considering providing special vehicles and ambulances to RTSA to ferry accident victims in this country?  Can this be given special consideration? 

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament for Monze Central is spot on. We do have a problem. 

We do not have efficient emergency services. As a result, when an accident occurs, it is very difficult to get to the scene on time. Consequently, we have taken measures to, first and foremost, strategise trauma centres on most of the busy roads and also look at the quickest mode of transport. This is one of the reasons we are asking the general public and the hon. Members of Parliament to support the removal of subsidies on consumption. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, we also have plans to procure helicopters to easily access accident scenes. I can only appeal to my colleague, Hon. Jacky…

Mr Mwiimbu: I am not Hon. Jacky!

Laughter 

Mr Mulenga: … Hon. Jack Mwiimbu to support us when we come up with such policies to help us serve the people better. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, there are certain things we can do with minimal expenses. 

Sir, I was not very clear on the response that the hon. Minister gave to my previous question. Would it not be prudent for the Ministry of Health to embark on education and skills training in First Aid Management on the main roads in the country where there has been a lot of carnage. Lives and limbs can be saved by a first contact rescuer. Should this not be something which can be quickly and inexpensively ventured into while we wait, if at all we shall see, the benefits of the removal of subsidies? 

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, I cannot agree with the hon. Member more. What the hon. Member has stated is exactly what we are considering. As I mentioned earlier, we are working on strategising trauma centres. I think this is the best way to go because training without a target would result into an expensive venture. Therefore, we have already identified areas which can work as strategic trauma centres where victims of accidents can quickly be taken. 

I thank you, Sir. 

X-RAY EQUIPMENT AT LUWINGU DISTRICT HOSPITAL

547. Mr Mucheleka (Lubansenshi) asked the Minister of Health when the X-ray equipment installed at the Luwingu District Hospital would be operational. 

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, the X-ray equipment installed at Luwingu District Hospital is now operational. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, the information that I have is that the person who is manning the equipment is serving on a part-time basis and only reports for work twice a week. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister when the ministry will employ a full-time worker to operate the equipment.

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, I am not aware of the situation. However, we will look into it. The important thing is that the X-ray is operational. 

I thank you, Sir.

FUNDS DISBURSED TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND TRADITIONAL LEADERS IN 2012

548. Mr Mucheleka asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a)how much money was disbursed to all local authorities and traditional leaders countrywide, in 2012, as provided for under the Mines and Minerals Development Act, 2008; and

(b)who the beneficiaries were and how much each beneficiary had received.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Tembo): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that no funds were disbursed to local authorities and traditional leaders countrywide, in 2012, as provided for under the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2008. This is because the specific revenue sharing mechanism had not yet been put in place. Such a mechanism would ensure that local authorities and traditional leaders get an equitable share of the revenues derived from the mining activities within their localities. 

However, my ministry, in liaison with the Ministry of Finance, is working on establishing a mechanism for revenue sharing. In this regard, there is a provision of KR50,125 in the 2013 Budget which is earmarked for disbursement as a development fund to the local authorities. This money has been generated from the mineral royalty tax and will be disbursed to councils throughout the country on the basis of bankable proposals. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Mr Mucheleka: Mr Speaker, the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2008 is very clear on the sharing mechanism. I would like to find out what challenges the ministry is facing regarding its failure to disburse the so-much-needed funds by the local authorities and traditional leaders in localities where these minerals are extracted and how soon the sharing will be done.

Mr Tembo: Mr Speaker, there have been a lot of changes in the disbursement of funds. However, I wish to assure the hon. Member of Parliament that the process has already started. This, of course, is in liaison with the Ministry of Finance. The Government has commenced the development of a comprehensive inter-governmental fiscal transfer system which, once put in place, will start the whole process. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

CHIEFS’ PALACES CONSTRUCTION IN KANCHIBIYA

549. Mr Sichula (Nakonde) asked the Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs:

(a)when the palaces for the following Chiefs in Kanchibiya Parliamentary Constituency would be constructed:

(i)Senior Chief Kopa;
(ii)Chief Chiunda Ponde;
(iii)Chief Luchembe;
(iv)Chief Kabinga; and
(v)Chief Mpepo; and

(b)whether the palaces that would be constructed at (a) would be considered institutional homes for the chiefs.  

The Deputy Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs (Mr Taundi): Mr Speaker, the construction of palaces for chiefs in Zambia will commence this year, 2013. There is a provision in the Budget for the construction and rehabilitation of palaces totalling KR11 215 500. The ministry is currently working out modalities of a standard design and the criteria for distribution. The palaces will be institutional houses for the chiefs.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Deputy Speaker: I want to seize this opportunity to advise hon. Members of the Executive on this particular question. This question relates to chiefs in Kanchibiya Parliamentary Constituency, but the hon. Minister decided to give an answer covering chiefs in the whole country. Sometimes, let the responses be specific to the questions.

Mr Chipungu: Mr Speaker, now that the hon. Minister has given us an answer concerning chiefs from all parts of the country, I would like to know the specific provinces and districts in which the Government wishes to construct palaces.

Mr Deputy Speaker: My having advised Members of the Executive was really in good faith. Therefore, I do not think the hon. Minister will be able to give an answer to that question because it would require a bit of research. All the same, I do not have to answer on behalf of the hon. Minister. If he is able to take on this question, he is free to do so.

The Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs (Professor Luo): Mr Speaker, the five chiefs who have been mentioned are not among the list of chiefs whose houses will be constructed this year. In relation to the palaces that will be constructed province by province, based on the money that is available to us and the cost of constructing each palace, we can only construct fourteen palaces this year. The criteria for which these particular palaces will be selected are being put in place. I think in the next question, we will give you the criteria.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT IN CHIEF KOPA’S AREA

550. Mr Sichula asked the Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development:

(a)why the electrification project in Chief Kopa’s area in Kanchibiya Parliamentary Constituency had stalled;

(b)what the total cost of the project was; and

(c)when the project was expected to be completed.

The Deputy Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development (Mr Zulu): Mr Speaker, the project to electrify Chief Kopa’s area in Kanchibiya Constituency stalled because of the late delivery of the switch gear, which has since been delivered and installed.

The total cost of the project is KR10 million. The project is expected to be completed by 31st July, 2013.

Sir, I wish to mention that the project to electrify the area is now progressing well. The project scope involves the establishment of a 66/33KV 2.5 MVA substation at Chalabesa area which will power the 100km long 33 KV power line to be constructed. The substation has already been constructed and we have already covered 31 km of the 100 km to the palace.

I thank you, Sir.

RELIGIOUS GROUPS AGAINST THE USE OF ARVS

551. Mr Hamusonde asked the Minister of Health what measures the Government had taken against religious groups that discouraged people living with the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS from taking Anti-Retroviral (ARVs) drugs and encouraged them to resort to prayers for their healing.

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, the Government, through Ministry of Health, supports faith-based organisations that are affiliated to the Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ) in the provision of HIV/AIDS care, treatment and support services.

Sir, reports of religious groups or preachers discouraging citizens diagnosed with HIV/AIDS from taking their life-saving ARVs and only focus on prayer for their healing are disheartening and must continuously be addressed. Some of the measures that the Government has taken against such religious groups include the following:

(a)the National Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Programme has been working with partners in faith-based institutions to educate them and their clientele on the importance of taking ARVs. Clients have been engaged in group or one-to-one counselling to educate them on how their medications work and the negative impact of cessation of medication on their health. HIV positive patients are encouraged to continue taking their ARVs even as they engage in prayers. The ARV programme is cognisant of the important role faith and prayers have in boosting the morale of all patients and not just those living with HIV. The programme, together with our partners in faith-based institutions, has been working with pastors who volunteer to serve as peer educators to support patients on treatment. They also serve as educators to other pastors or faith leaders in religious groups. In addition, communities are educated on the need to continue taking their ARVs while continuing with prayers;

(b)the Government, through the Ministry of Health, has been organising meetings through the church mother bodies such as the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia, Council of Churches in Zambia and the Zambia Episcopal Conference in order to educate citizens on the importance of HIV treatment; and

(c)through the Global Fund, the Ministry of Health and other co-operating partners are supporting faith-based organisations to actually open ART centres through which patients can be monitored and follow-up action taken against the defaulters.

Mr Speaker, the emphasis is to engage preachers or pastors and educate them on the importance of HIV treatment. The Government is appealing to all religious groups to desist from discouraging citizens diagnosed with HIV/AIDS from taking ARVs and the community is at liberty to report such religious groups to the Ministry of Health or the National AIDS Council.

I thank you, Sir.

LUMEZI MIDDLE BASIC SCHOOL CLASSROOM BLOCK AND STAFF HOUSES

552. Mr I. Banda (Lumezi) asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education: 

(a)when the Government would build more classroom blocks and staff houses at Lumezi Middle Basic School where double streams of Grades 1 to 7 share five classrooms; and

(b)when the Government last constructed a classroom block and teachers’ houses at the school.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, from the information available in the ministry, this school is under the administration of the Catholic Church …

Interruptions

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order, please!

Both my right and left are consulting too loudly. We want to hear what the hon. Minister is saying in his answer.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I was saying that Lumezi Middle Basic School is under the administration of the Catholic Church. However, the school is currently constructing a 1x3 classroom block using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Once completed, the classroom block will assist in alleviating the problem of classroom accommodation at the school.

Mr Speaker, it is true that the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education has not constructed classrooms or staff houses at this school before. So, the one that is being funded through the CDF will be the first.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr I. Banda: Mr Speaker, even though this school is under the Catholic Church, it has a very high population of pupils. Therefore, the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education is supposed to come in and help. When will the ministry do so by constructing a classroom block at this school?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I said that there is a 1x3 classroom block which is being constructed. Going forward, the hon. Member of Parliament should recognise the issue of ownership of the school. Nonetheless, we will ask the Provincial Education Officer for the Eastern Province to make an assessment on the school and inform the hon. Member of Parliament the results of this assessment.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

MWINILUNGA DISTRICT NATIONAL REGISTRATION OFFICE BUILDINGS

553. Mr Katuka asked the Minister of Home Affairs whether the Government had any plans to rehabilitate the National Registration Office buildings in Mwinilunga District which collapsed many years ago.

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Kampyongo): Mr Speaker, indeed, the Government has plans to rehabilitate that building. Currently, the whole project is under the procurement process and, very soon, a tender will be floated. Once the contractor is identified, the hon. Member will be informed when the works will commence.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

ROAD REHABILITATION IN KANCHIBIYA CONSTITUENCY

555. Mr Sichula asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications when the Government would rehabilitate the following roads in Kanchibiya Parliamentary Constituency: 

(a)Chiunda Ponde/Muwele;

(b)Kopa/Nchubula;

(c)Chambeshi/Chinkobo; and

(d)Chalabesa/Kawama/Kabinga.

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications (Mr M. H. Malama): Mr Speaker, ….

Mr Deputy Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1615 hours until 1630 hours.  

[THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the Chair]

Mr M. H. Malama: Mr Speaker, approximately KR25,000 will be spent on condition surveys for the said roads in 2013 and they will be considered for inclusion in the 2014 Road Sector Annual Work Plan.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

ADDITIONAL PARKING SPACE AT KITWE TOWN CENTRE

556. Mr Mutale (Kwacha) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing whether the Government had any plans to create additional parking space at Kitwe town centre. 

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr N. Banda): Mr Speaker, in an effort to resolve issues of parking space in the town centre, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, through the Kitwe City Council (KCC), is exploring ways of entering into a private-public partnership (PPP) with a local firm to construct an ultra-modern bus terminus along Nyerere Road. This will decongest the central business district as all the buses that travel long distance journeys will be relocated there.

The Government, through the council, has observed that the major causes of congestion in town are the lack of such a facility and the concentrated shopping activities within the central business district. The opening up of Copper Hill Shopping Centre, near Mindolo Police Station, has also reduced the flow of traffic into the central business district because residents from other parts of the district such as Chimwemwe and Buchi, among others, do not actually have to come to the central business district for their shopping activities. It is also envisaged that once the other malls like Freedom Park Shopping Mall and Copper City Mall, on Chingola Road, are opened, the issue of congestion of the parking space within the central business district will be dealt with. 

The council is also trying to organise some land within the central business district to create taxi ranks so that taxis operate from designated areas.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

TOWNSHIP ROADS AND DRAINAGES REHABILITATION IN KWACHA CONSTITUENCY

557. Mr Mutale asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a)when the township roads and drainages in Kwacha Parliamentary Constituency would be rehabilitated;

(b)what the cost of the project was;

(c)what the duration of the project was; and

(d)when the roads and drainages in Chantente Ward would be rehabilitated.

Dr Kaingu: On a point of order, Sir.

The Deputy Chairperson: A point of order is raised.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to raise this very serious point of order.

Mr Speaker, it is now evidently clear that Livingstone will co-host the UNWTO Conference with Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, the councillors for that city remain suspended. They have been suspended for more than six months now without this House or, indeed, the people who elected them knowing why.

Mr Speaker, we are seeing a lot of activities in Livingstone. Some of these are capital projects involving the construction of roads, and yet the councillors who were supposed to be supervising them …

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Dr Kaingu: … remain suspended. 

Mr Speaker, the Central Government was only supposed to be a watchdog. However, what we are seeing today is that the hon. Ministers are supervising the capital projects in Livingstone, including the digging up of pit latrines.

Mr Muntanga: They want to steal. Mbakabwalala.

Laughter

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing in order to remain mute as though she sees or hears no evil in what is happening when the people’s representatives remain suspended?

Mr Muntanga: Governance!

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, through decentralisation, we are trying to …

Hon. Member Interjected

Dr Kaingu: I do not want to answer you.

The Deputy Chairperson: Hon. Member, proceed.

Hon. Government Member: Bamalukula!

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, we want to devolve power to the people through councillors. However, what we are seeing is that it is not only the Livingstone councillors who have been suspended, but also Mpongwe councillors. 

Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing in order to remain quiet and not tell us why the councillors were suspended or, at least, tell us when they will be expelled so that our colleagues on the right can purchase voters as they have been doing?

The Deputy Chairperson: The ruling, which is for the benefit of many of us here is to merely request the hon. Minister concerned to come up with a statement which will educate us on the circumstances under which councillors can be suspended. I think it is important that you come up with a ministerial statement in the course of next week.

The hon. Minister may give his answer.

Mr Chilangwa: On a point of order, Sir.

The Deputy Chairperson: A point of order is raised.

Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, since when did blankets become part of the dress code in this House? I can see from this vantage point that Hon. Sara Sayifwanda is wrapped in a blanket. I need your serious ruling.

Laughter

The Deputy Chairperson: The serious ruling is that the Europeans call that a shawl and not a blanket.

Mr Muntanga: Hear, hear! One-zero!

Laughter

The Deputy Chairperson: Hon. Minister, you may proceed.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Kufuna): Mr Speaker, the Government, under the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, on 27th December, 2012, signed an Integrated Construction Unit (ICU) contract with Ng’andu Consultants for consultancy services …

Interruptions

Hon. Opposition Member: On a point of order, Sir. 

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Allow the hon. Minister to give an answer. Normally, when an hon. Minister is giving an answer, we rarely allow points of order.

Hon. Minister, you may proceed.

Mr Kufuna: … for design, supervision and upgrading of approximately 20 km of the Kitwe urban roads on the Copperbelt Province. Among the roads that will be worked on in Kwacha Constituency are as follows:

Name of Road    No. of Km to be Worked On

21st Street Extension    6.00

Emmanuel Mulemena    0.35

The contractor, China-Geo Engineering Corporation, has already mobilised and is on site and the total contract cost is KR118 million.

 Furthermore, works to be done on a total of 38.15 km of roads have already been approved and the contracts are currently with the Ministry of Justice for scrutiny.

The following roads in Kwacha Constituency will be worked on under the 38.15 km of roads that have been approved: 

Name of road    No. Of Km

Ngozi     0.8

Congo Way    0.9

Mporokoso    1.2

Mr Speaker, these mentioned road contracts are expected to be completed within twelve months.

Mr Speaker, through the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, the KCC has received a total amount of KR1,000 for emergency drainage works in the city. The council has engaged 500 casual workers for all the twenty-eight wards, including Chantete Ward. These drainage works have already started and are expected to continue for the next two months. Drainage works in Chantete Ward began on 21st March, 2013, and the drainage works along Mutapa Road have, for example, already been completed.

I thank you, Sir.

COMMUNICATION TOWERS’ CONSTRUCTION IN SIKONGO DISTRICT

558. Mr Ndalamei asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications when the Government would facilitate the construction of communication towers in the newly-created Sikongo District.

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications (Colonel Kaunda): Mr Speaker, the Government has prioritised the extension of mobile communication services to cover all unserviced chiefdoms and other areas. The ministry is working on extending mobile communication services to the newly-created Sikongo District within the course of this year. The tender for the construction of 169 towers closes on 28th June, 2013. After this, the specific timeline for the completion of the installation of these communication towers in Sikongo District will be availed.

Mr Speaker, I would like to assure all hon. Members of Parliament that after these tenders have been opened, we shall continue to install all the towers that we promised in this House.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ndalamei: Mr Speaker, last year, I asked the same question and I was assured that …

Mr Kalaba: On a point of order, Sir.

The Deputy Chairperson: A point of order is raised.

Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to raise this point of order. The time is 16:48 hours and the break ended at16:30 hours. I am wondering why the United Party for National Development (UPND) only has six hon. Members in the House. Where are the rest of the hon. Members because tea break has ended. Are they serious? I really require your serious ruling on this matter.

Laughter

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

The serious ruling is that we have a quorum and we can continue with the business.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Mr Ndalamei: Mr Speaker, how many towers are going to be erected in Sikongo District?

Col. Kaunda: Mr Speaker, in the Western Province, a total of fifteen towers will be erected. However, if the hon. Member wants to know exactly where in Sikongo the towers will be erected, he should see me tomorrow morning so that I can give him the details.

I thank you, Sir. 

SESHEKE BASIC SCHOOL

559. Mr Sianga (Sesheke) asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a)    when the Government would rehabilitate the ablution block at Sesheke Basic School;

(b)    whether the Government had any plans to construct a classroom block at the school; and 

(c)    whether the Government had any plans to construct additional teachers’ houses at the school.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the rehabilitation of the ablution blocks at Sesheke Basic School will be considered when funds are available. When I visited Sesheke in April, Sesheke Secondary School was identified as a priority school in terms of receiving assistance. Given that we do not have adequate money, we decided that, for 2013, we should focus on Sesheke Secondary School. However, going forward, and funds permitting, we will look at the need to rehabilitate ablution bocks at Sesheke Basic School.

Mr Speaker, the Government has no plans of constructing a classroom block at Sesheke Basic …

Mr Sianga: No plans?

Mr Mabumba: … and the reason is that of inadequate land at that school. However, to mitigate this problem, it was agreed, among the stakeholders in Sesheke, that a new site for the classroom block be identified. This new site was identified at Libala Primary School and the funds to construct a 1X 3 classroom block and three VIP latrines were released in the 2012 Budget.

Mr Speaker, as a result of the above answer, it is not possible for the Government to build any additional staff houses at Sesheke Basic School because the focus now is on Libala Primary School where there is adequate land.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Sianga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister said that the Government has no plans to construct an ablution block at Sesheke Basic School. Is he aware that the total number of pupils enrolled at this school is 3,289 − 1,779 boys and 1,510 girls. These pupils queue up for one VIP toilet. 

Interruptions

Mr Sianga: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Deputy Minister aware that even the learning process at this school has been disturbed because pupils and teachers have to go to the bush to answer the call of nature?

The Deputy Chairperson: The hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education, are you aware of that?

Laughter

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member has asked a different question from the principal one. This question is talking about the rehabilitation of the ablution block. However, I hear him asking about construction. I told him that I was in Sesheke, in April, this year, and we are aware of the situation. However, our efforts to address the situation are constrained by the budget limitation. Once we find some extra resources anywhere, it could be in 2013, although I cannot promise that, we will look into this matter. As I said, our focus for 2013 is on Sesheke Secondary School and the hon. Member should appreciate that effort. I also recognise that we need to deal with the rehabilitation of the ablution block at Sesheke Basic School.

I thank you, Sir.

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, in his response to the question, the hon. Minister informed the House that the focus is on Sesheke Secondary School. Sesheke Secondary School is the alma mater …

Hon. Members: Aah!

Professor Lungwangwa: … of many hon. Members in this House.

Interruptions

Professor Lungwangwa: Can the hon. Minister enlighten the House …

Hon. Opposition Member: On the alma mater.

Laughter

Professor Lungwangwa: … on what aspects of rehabilitation will be undertaken at the alma mater of many of us in this House?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, what is critical, at the moment, at Sesheke Secondary School, like at any other Kaunda Secondary Schools, …

Mr Muntanga: Kaunda Secondary Schools?

Mr Mabumba: … is the collapsed water system. I meant to say secondary schools built in the Kaunda era. We are going to focus on rehabilitation of the water and sewerage system at Sesheke Secondary School.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mufalali: Mr Speaker, now that the hon. Deputy Minister is aware of the crisis at Sesheke Basic School, does he not think that it is an urgent matter to rehabilitate the ablution block so that the pupils do not continue going into the bush?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I cannot commit myself on this issue, but I will liaise with the Provincial Education Officer for the Western Province to provide a write-up to the Permanent Secretary. From there, we will see what will be done.

I thank you, Sir.

DISTRICT EDUCATION BOARDS OFFICES IN NEWLY-CREATED DISTRICTS

560. Mr Mushanga asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a)when the Government would construct offices for the DEBs in newly-created districts countrywide;

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

(c)what the timeframe for the construction of the offices was.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, let me just provide a genesis. 

Sir, in the Budget for 2013, our plans are to construct DEBs offices in eight districts. Out of all these, only one new district, which is Limulunga, was considered in the Western Province. However, that is not to say we are not going to focus on other newly-created districts. 

Mr Speaker, the money that has been allocated for the construction of offices in the eight districts is KR4,480,000. Construction of each of the new DEBs offices will cost around KR560,000.

Sir, once the tender process has been completed, we expect to start the construction this year.

I thank you, Sir.

CHIEFS’ PALACES CONSTRUCTION AND REHABILITATION

561. Mr Mushanga asked the Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs:

(a)how much money the Government intended to spend on the construction and rehabilitation of chiefs’ palaces countrywide in 2013;

(b)which palaces had been earmarked for construction and rehabilitation;

(c)what criteria had been used to identify palaces to be constructed and those to be rehabilitated; and 

(d)of the palaces earmarked for construction or rehabilitation, how many were in the Central Province.

Mr Taundi: Mr Speaker, the Government has provided KR10,215,500 and KR1,000.00 for the construction and rehabilitation, respectively, of chiefs’ palaces countrywide in the approved 2013 Budget.

Interruptions

Mr Taundi: I am saying rebased.

The Deputy Chairperson: Order! 

Allow the hon. Minister to give the answer, please. When you go back to your constituencies, this is the information you will be feeding the constituents with.

Hon. Minister, proceed.

Mr Taundi: Mr Speaker, the exercise to determine which palaces require rehabilitation and/or construction is currently in progress.

Sir, the Government is in the process of devising criteria to be used in identifying which palaces to be rehabilitated and those to be constructed.

Mr Speaker, currently, no chiefdom has been identified for rehabilitation or construction of a palace because the Government is still in the process of devising criteria.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, from the uncertainty in the answer regarding the actual amount, I would like to find out what the real amount is. Is it KR10,000 or KR10,000,000? This is because I think that is where the alma mater of the question lies.

Laughter

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Prof. Luo: Mr Speaker, the amount of money that has been earmarked for construction of chiefs’ palaces is KR11,250,000. As I said earlier, going by the design, at the moment, the construction of one palace is slightly over KR600,000. As a result, in our calculation, we are only going to be able to construct fourteen to fifteen palaces this year. This will depend on the outcome of our mobilisation and engagement of the private sector to participate in the construction of these palaces.

Sir, the rationale is that around the country, we see very little social responsibility by the private sector, and yet they go to the chiefs everyday to ask for land for investment. So, as a ministry, we believe that they have to contribute. 

Mr Speaker, in terms of the criteria, we are waiting for the House of Chiefs to approve the criteria that we have worked on. We believe that we need to focus on chiefs’ palaces where chiefs have absolutely nowhere to stay. For example, one of the chiefs by the name of Chief Chona has even moved and started living in Monze because he has nowhere to stay.

Secondly, there are certain palaces that are completely dilapidated. The third criterion is, of course, gender. We will ensure that as many female chiefs as possible also have access to good palaces.

So, there is absolutely no uncertainty. We are very clear about what we are doing.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chipungu: Mr Speaker, I appreciate the very eloquent answer from the hon. Minister. I am just wondering if the ministry has ever undertaken a research or consultation with the traditional leadership. I am aware that in certain cultures, once a chief dies in a palace, then, they relocate. In the meantime, the Government wants to spend huge amounts of money on the construction of these palaces. I need a bit of clarification on that matter.

Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, the ministry is fully aware of the cultures and traditions of the different chiefdoms. In fact, as a ministry, we have not only done research, but have also physically visited the palaces and held discussions with the chiefs.

Sir, even when this was done, we still subjected it to the representatives of the chiefs, the House of Chiefs. So, the decision has been in full consultation with the chiefs because we believe in democracy.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has mentioned that they are still working out the calitirier, caritier …

Laughter 

Mr Muntanga: … criteria to build these palaces. However, she has reason to build houses for a chief who has no palace in Monze and another one who has a dilapidated one. Is it not true that the Government is not able to decide because its prime objective is to see to it that a chief indicates favourable objectives to its party before he/she can be considered for a house? That is why even the chief without a house cannot be helped until he becomes partisan with an affiliation to the PF.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, I said that the criteria that have been devised are in the process of being presented to the representatives of the House of Chiefs so that they may agree with us because we are doing it in full consultation with them. I made reference to the chief who has no house as an example of the criteria we want to use. There is no point in building a palace for a chief who has shelter. 

Mr Speaker, there was no mention of people being partisan. I would not like the hon. Member to put words into my mouth because I am capable of speaking English very well.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter

Professor Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has made reference to the design of the palaces twice this afternoon. Has attention been given to the innovative imaginary design of these palaces to blend tradition and modernity in architecture? These palaces will eventually be a part of our national heritage. 

Hon. Opposition Member: Hear, hear!

Interruptions

Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, I am aware that the hon. Minister likes to use big words, …

Laughter

Professor Luo: … but basically what he is asking is whether we have paid attention to the architectural plans.

Laughter

Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, we returned the first architectural designs to the architects the first time they were presented. This was because we not only want to blend tradition with modernity, but also ensure that the designs speak to the cultures and traditions of particular chiefdoms. Further, because they will be part of the national heritage, we want to ensure that museums are also part of the designs.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

ROAD CONSTRUCTION COMPLETION IN LUMEZI CONSTITUENCY

562.Mr I. Banda asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication when the Government would complete the construction of the following roads in Lumezi Parliamentary Constituency: 

(a)the road from Chikomeni to Chief Mwanya; and 

(b)the road from Bulete to Chief Kazembe.

Mr M. H. Malama: Mr Speaker, the road from Chikomeni to Chief Mwanya will be completed in 2014. There are 35 km that remain to be worked on. 

Sir, the distance between Bulete and Chief Kazembe is approximately 90 km. Messrs Jiangxi Zongmei Engineering Corporation is undertaking works on approximately 52 km under Package 4 of the Output Performance Road Contracts under the Agriculture Development Support Programme (ADSP) in Lundazi at the contract sum of KR 45,269,130.70. Messrs ASCO Consulting Engineers is the supervision consultant. The contract has run from 1st March, 2009, and is on-going up to 1st March, 2014. 

Mr Speaker, approximately 20 km from 52 km to 72 km was under the Ministry of Local Government and Housing and Messrs Infasim was the contractor for the works. The remaining stretch is approximately 18 km and will be considered for inclusion in the 2014 Road Sector Annual Work Plan.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr I. Banda: Mr Speaker, if the construction of the road will be moved to the 2014 Annual Work Plan, will it be a wholesome kind of plan which will include the road from Chikomeni to Chief Mwanya because, at that time, the part which has been worked on would have dilapidated?

Mr M. H. Malama: Mr Speaker, we will send our regional engineer when the time comes to assess the remaining portion of the road. However, I can assure the hon. Member that we will definitely work on that road.

I thank you, Sir. 

PALACE AND SCHOOLS’ ELECTRIFICATION IN LUPOSOSHI PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY

563.Mr Bwalya asked the Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development when the following institutions in Lupososhi Parliamentary Constituency would be electrified:

(a)Chibofwe Basic School;

(b)Tungati Basic School;

(c)Nsombo Basic School and Mission Centre;

(d)Mfungwe Primary School;

(e)Chief Tungati’s Palace

(f)Chief Chabula’s Palace;

(g)Senior Chieftainess Chungu’s Palace; and 

(h)Chief Katuta’s Palace.

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, according to the Rural Electrification Master Plan (REMP), the mentioned schools, health centres and chiefs’ palaces in Lupososhi Parliamentary Constituency are scheduled for electrification in 2014.

I thank you, Mr Speaker. 

ZAMBIAN HERITAGE SITES ON WORLD HERITAGE LIST

564.Mr Bwalya asked the Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs:

(a)what criteria were used by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to classify a heritage site as a world heritage site for inclusion on the World Heritage List; 

(b)how many Zambian heritage sites were on the list;

(c)what measures the Government had taken to ensure that more Zambian heritage sites were included on the list; and 

(d)whether there were any sites in Luwingu District which could be classified as World Heritage Sites.

Mr Taundi: Mr Speaker, UNESCO uses one or more of the following criteria to inscribe a heritage site as a world heritage site on the World Heritage List. A heritage site must:

(a)represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;

(b)exhibit an important interchange of human values over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world on developments in architecture or technology, monumental, town-planning or landscape design;

(c)bear a unique or, at least, exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilisation which is living or which has disappeared;

(d)be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage or stages in human history;

(e)be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use or sea-use, which is representative of a culture or cultures or human interaction with environment, especially when it has been vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;

(f)be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas or with beliefs, artistic and literary works of outstanding universal signifance;

(g)contain exceptional natural beauty and artistic features;

(h)be outstanding in terms of ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;

(i)be outstanding examples representing major stages of the earth’s history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landform, significant geomorphic or physiographic features;

(j)    contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.

Sir, there is only one site on the World Heritage List and this is the Victoria Falls. The National Heritage Conservation Commission has submitted to UNESCO a dossier on the Barotse Cultural Landscape for possible inscription on the World Heritage List.

Mr Speaker, following the UNESCO criteria, at present, there are no sites in Luwingu District which can be proposed for inscription on the World Heritage List.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chipungu: Mr Speaker, on the development aspect of these heritage sites, who is permitted to develop these sites? Do you prefer non-Zambians to Zambians?

Professor Luo: Mr Speaker, first of all, I want to emphasise the fact that Zambia lives in a global village. The international discourse, at the moment, is that the communities on these sites must be part and parcel of the development as well as beneficiaries of the sites. Our view, as a ministry, is that we have no preference for who should develop these sites. As long as the people have the capacity to develop, they can do so, but they must do it in partnership with our community as a way of giving back to them. 

Mr Speaker, in my presentation, during the Budget session, I said that my ministry is interested in developing the rural areas and part of that development process are the natural resources that are found in the different parts of Zambia. These natural resources are our rich national heritage sites. Everybody is free to participate and they must be ready to partner with communities and chiefs and must give back. They must display a high quality of corporate social responsibility.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

ZNBC RADIO SIGNAL IN SENIOR CHIEF MILAMBO AND CHIEFTAINESS SOKONTWE’S CHIEFDOMS IN MILENGE DISTRICT

565. Mr Mbulakulima (Chembe) asked the Minister of Information and Broadcasting when the ZNBC radio signal would be improved in Senior Chief Milambo and Chieftainess Sokontwe’s chiefdoms in Milenge District.

The Deputy Minister of Information and Broadcasting (Mr Kapeya): Mr Speaker, the ministry has put in place measures to ensure that Milenge District is adequately covered by the ZNBC radio signal. However, the process is being implemented in phases. Under the current phase, only three sites in Luapula Province have been earmarked for installation of the Frequency Modulation (FM) radio transmitters, which is expected to be done by the end of this year. The districts to be covered, this year, are Chienge and Samfya.

Mr Speaker, in 2014, the ZNBC will consider other districts, Milenge inclusive.

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, although the hon. Minister has not emphasised the point that Milenge will benefit in 2014, in concomitance with the aspirations of the people of Milenge, when do you think this will be complemented with the television facility?

The Minister of Information and Broadcasting (Mr Sakeni): Mr Speaker, what is important to note is that Milenge is not yet connected to the power grid and the Government is actually taking power there. Once that is done, it will be easier to install FM transmitters and the digital terrestrial television facility, which we are supposed to start rolling out anytime this year. That is what we are waiting for. We cannot start installing the old transmission facilities for televisions now. Otherwise, it will be a waste of Government resources since we are migrating to digital terrestrial by 2015. I can assure the hon. Member that Milenge, like any other district, will be covered.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwanza (Solwezi West): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister is talking of power being a hindrance to taking development to Milenge. Therefore, I want to find out when power will be taken to Milenge.

Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, I gave the hon. Member a very good bonus answer that the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) is actually in the process of taking power to Milenge and that is what is happening in the province. My colleague should take time to visit his constituency so that he interacts with our officials at the Permanent Secretary’s office …

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

The Deputy Chairperson: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to mislead this House by telling the people of Milenge and the nation at large that I have not been to Milenge when I came back from there on Saturday? Why is the hon. Minister confusing himself when he is the one who does not visit his constituency? 

Laughter

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!
 
The contribution from the hon. Minister was merely advisory. He may continue.

Mr Sakeni: Mr Speaker, what I have said is what is obtaining on the ground. Milenge is one of the districts which are earmarked for electrification in Luapula Province this year. That is a fact. I have advised the hon. Member to interact with the Provincial Administration in Luapula Province to get informed about the development programmes which are going on.

I thank you, Sir.

_________

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to.

___________

The House adjourned at 1727 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 19th June, 2013.

WRITTEN REPLY TO QUESTION

MATERNITY WING CONSTRUCTION AT NDOKI RURAL HEALTH CENTRE

554. Mr Mucheleka (Lubansenshi) asked the Minister of Health:

(a)how much money was allocated for the construction of the maternity wing at Ndoki Rural Health Centre in Isangano Ward in Lubansenshi Parliamentary Constituency; and

(b)what the current state of the maternity wing was.

The Minister of Health (Dr Kasonde): Mr Speaker, the House may wish to note that the construction of a maternity ward and staff house at Ndoki Rural Health Centre, in Isangano Ward, in Lubansenshi Parliamentary Constituency, was funded in one combined contract awarded to one contractor, Ruthern Engineering Limited), with the construction of a maternity wing and  staff house at Shibwalyakapila Rural Health Centre in Mporokoso District, construction of a maternity wing and staff house at Kasongole Rural Health Centre in Kaputa District and construction of a maternity wing and staff house at Kafwimbi Rural Health Centre in Isoka District at a total contract sum of KR2,746,867. Therefore, the amount that was allocated towards the construction of the maternity wing and staff house at Ndoki Rural Health Centre is KR686,716.

Mr Speaker, the current status is that the structures, maternity wing and one staff house, are at substructure level with the following materials delivered to the site:

(a)steel bars;
(b)doors and window frames; 
(c)building and river sand; and 
(d)stones 

This site lagged in terms of progress compared to the other three sites in Mporokoso, Kaputa and Isoka. The Government was concerned about the slow progress at Ndoki Rural Health Centre and has since terminated the contract which was awarded to Ruthern Engineering Limited. The remaining works will be re-advertised so that the project could be completed.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.