DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE SECOND SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 5th March, 2013

The House met at 1430 hours

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

The following hon. Member took and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance:

 Gabriel Namulambe

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ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR SPEAKER

INTER-PARLIAMENTARY GAMES

Mr Speaker: I wish to inform the House that, over the weekend, we returned from Lilongwe, Malawi, where we participated in three games on Saturday, 2nd March, 2013. The games played were football, netball and chess.

You recall that, earlier on, I informed the House that these were return matches, the first having taken place in June, 2012.

Hon. Members, it goes without saying that sport is a uniting and unifying factor, both at national as well as international levels. Also, at individual level, sport plays a critical role in the development of both a human mind and body. It is, therefore, trite that sport contributes significantly and positively to healthy living styles.

It is with this in mind that we should all, regardless of age and physical state, be involved in one way or another in sport and promote it as a means of developing a healthy and vibrant nation. The spirit behind the inter-parliamentary games that have been initiated transcends and is deeper than merely seeking to outdo each other in the games. Sporting provides an opportunity not only to bond with fellow hon. Members of Parliament beyond the borders, but indeed, also amongst ourselves.

This initiative that has been put in motion should, in my considered view, be used as a platform or springboard to broaden the range of sporting activities that hon. Members of Parliament will all soon be invited and urged to participate in. Ultimately, it is my earnest hope that we will be able to develop a sports policy for the House.

Let me now turn to the events in Lilongwe.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Our netball team bagged in five goals against Malawi’s fourteen.

Hon. Members: Aah! Dora Siliya!

Mr Speaker: The football game was the highlight of the day. In the first half, we conceded two goals but, after a comeback in the second half, saw our team score the first goal in the sixtieth minute and later on, an equaliser in the eight-seventh minute. The equalising goal, however and unfortunately, …

Laughter

Mr Speaker: … prompted the Malawian team to launch a counter-attack with such ferocity that they eventually secured the winning goal in the ninetieth minute. Of course, we could not go beyond the ninety minutes.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Until the encounter in Lilongwe, I was utterly unaware of the splendid talent that abounds in the House. I can earnestly proffer this team to the hon. Minister of Youth and Sport as a possible substitute for the national team.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: In chess, out of the ten games played, we won four, drew one and lost five.

Finally, hon. Members, I wish to thank all the hon. Members of Parliament and members of staff who participated in the games. I would also like to pay special tribute to the Secretariat for the logistical support and for making our experience in Lilongwe both pleasurable and memorable.

Thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

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MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FARMER INPUT SUPPORT PROGRAMME FOR THE 2012/2013 AGRICULTURAL SEASON

The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr Sichinga): Mr Speaker, I thank you for permitting me to make a ministerial statement to this august House, as promised last week, on the issue of the implementation of the input distribution for the 2012/13 Agricultural Season and the plan for the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) for the current year.

Mr Speaker, let me begin by giving assurance to this House that there should be no doubt, whatsoever, in any farming group’s mind of the commitment of the Patriotic Front (PF) Government to support agriculture programmes, especially for the vulnerable in our population.

Sir, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, under the PF Government, is unreservedly resolved to supporting agriculture in significant and practical ways by improving the implementation of FISP as well as in the diversification of crops beyond the challenges of the 2012/2013 Agricultural Season, especially as affecting maize.

Mr Speaker, the distribution of inputs for the 2012/13 Season is to all intents and purposes almost over. It will close on the 7th of March, 2013. As of the 27th of February, 2013, a total of 180,944 metric tonnes of both D-Compound and urea fertilisers, out of a total contracted amount quantity of 183, 634 metric tonnes, had been delivered to all districts across the country. This represents 98.5 per cent completion of the contracted fertilisers.

Further, 179,166 metric tonnes of both D-Compound and urea fertiliser had been paid for and collected by beneficiary farmers right across the country, representing 97.5 per cent of the total fertiliser tonnage which had been planned for distribution.

Mr Speaker, allow me to take this opportunity to make an earnest apology, on behalf of the Government, to this House, the whole nation at large and, particularly, the hard-working farmers who, each season, work hard to feed the nation. Although it is not always the Government’s fault that we experience failures, nevertheless, since it is ultimately in charge of national programmes, it takes responsibility for any failures that may occur in the various systems of governance. It is, therefore, not my intention to justify the failure in supply of inputs. Instead, I would like to start seeking to overcome the challenges which we encountered during the 2012/13 Farming Season.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. Opposition Members: Eeh ma Minister aya.

Mr Sichinga: Mr Speaker, I give this House the PF Government’s and my own commitment, as hon. Minister in charge, to significantly improve on our performance going into the 2013/14 Farming Season.

Sir, allow me to explain the performance during the 2012/13 Farming Season. All the 300,000 metric tonnes of D-Compound Fertiliser, which had been contracted to the Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ), were produced and distributed to the districts in five provinces ahead of schedule. This depicts a 100 per cent achievement by the NCZ, save for minor shortfalls caused by damages and stock losses along transportation, during delivery and within the warehouses. These losses will be replaced by the NCZ. The districts affected were Chibombo, Luanshya and Mazabuka, to name a few. Some areas which have experienced these shortages will have them made up for as we complete this exercise.

Mr Speaker, the supply of fertiliser by the contracted firms, primarily urea, which is the top dressing and requires importation, has proved to be most problematic. The recommended planting season closed on the 15th of December, 2012, and the delivery of D-Compound Fertiliser had only reached 96 per cent at that time. As I make this presentation, it has nearly reached 100 per cent whilst the distribution to the farmers within the districts now stands at 99 per cent against the target.

Sir, the undistributed D-Compound Fertiliser is due to some shortages attributed to warehouse managers in the affected districts. For urea, only 78 per cent of the total tonnage had been delivered to central points in the districts as of 15th December, 2012. Only 69 per cent of the allocated urea had been distributed to farmers in all the provinces as of 27th February, 2013.

Mr Speaker, 97 per cent of the total tonnage of urea has been delivered to the central points in the districts and 96 per cent of it has been distributed to the farmers in all the provinces.

Sir, in terms of seed distribution, a total of 8,575 metric tonnes of maize seed had been distributed to farmers across the country out of the contracted 8,770 metric tonnes thereby achieving a 97.8 per cent distribution as of 27th February, 2013.

Mr Speaker, by mid-February, 2013, the Government had also paid the fertiliser suppliers a total of nearly KR612 million against the total bill of nearly KR679 million. This represents 90 per cent of the total fertiliser bill due to the private fertiliser suppliers. Therefore, the Government has also almost met its contractual obligation in this regard. In view of the above, it is expected that the distribution of inputs will come to a scheduled close by 7th March, 2013.

Mr Speaker, I deeply regret to say that the foregoing is a record we, as a Government, are not proud of. We intend to ensure that there be no further repetition of this poor performance.

Sir, I wish to stress that there were serious problems on the Government’s and the suppliers’ side which impeded the early and successful implementation of the well-intended input distribution programme for 2012/13. On the Government’s side, the main reason of the delay was caused by making a decision on whether to pilot the Electronic (E)-Voucher. This, in turn, affected the commencement of the whole programme’s implementation. As a result of this, the launch of the procurement process was seriously delayed. Consequently, the contracts between the suppliers and the Government were only signed on the 21st of September, 2012.

Sir, on the supplier’s side, just before contracts could be signed, a court injunction was obtained by some of the bidders who had participated, but were not successful in securing supply contracts. The court case was not resolved until mid-September, 2012. In addition, as soon as the contracts were signed, the suppliers had another challenge – the lengthy joint investigations by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). This added to the delays in the execution of the contracts and as a result of all these factors, the actual distribution only started in November, 2012. Clearly, this is the time they should have been concluding the exercise in the individual districts. All that was certainly not the fault of the suppliers.

Mr Speaker, it is very clear that, had the Government spread the risk by involving more suppliers beyond the two selected, the negative consequences of the late distribution of inputs could have been mitigated. Despite the shortcomings experienced during the just-ended input distribution season, all the suppliers that were contracted, particularly the seed companies, performed exceptionally well. I wish to take this opportunity to commend them all for their dedication in their execution of the contracts. Had the seed companies defaulted in the distribution exercise, the situation would have been much worse than it currently is.

Sir, without seeking to gloss over our internal challenges and despite the problems in the distribution of D-Compound Fertiliser and the fact that no form of survey has been conducted, the feedback from a number of districts indicates that most farmers were able to plant their crops while waiting for D-Compound to be delivered. May I, therefore, urge the seed companies to continue working with the Government in the manner in which they did in order to enhance growth, in general, and national food security, in particular.

Mr Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to make an earnest appeal to the fertiliser suppliers, generally and, more specifically, those that are awarded contracts, that they needed to have performed much better during the 2012/2013 Farming Season. We also ask that they critically re-examine their modus operandi with a view to improving their delivery mechanisms.

Sir, in future, I intend to take very stringent measures aimed at ensuring that business entities only bid for tenders that they can accomplish in the stipulated period.

Mr Speaker, furthermore, the ministry’s plan for the 2013/2014 Agricultural Season is to maintain the number of targeted beneficiaries under FISP at 900,000. We are currently taking stock of farmers, in general, and potential FISP beneficiaries, in particular. This exercise is expected to be concluded by the end of April, 2013. However, drawing from the valuable lessons learnt over the history of the programme, particularly the 2012/2013 Season, my ministry has found it expedient to increase the number of participating suppliers by reducing the quantity of the fertiliser to be supplied by each of them. This will be achieved by reducing the number of zones from ten to five as well as restricting each successful bidder to one zone only.

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Sichinga: In this way, it is my expectation that the one successful supplier for each zone will dedicate all its time, energies and resources to the efficient and expeditious delivery of the fertiliser.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sichinga: Mr Speaker, it is my intention that the distribution exercise be completed no later than October, 2013. The target number of farmers countrywide, except in the ten districts earmarked for piloting the E-Voucher System, will access the support using the modified distribution arrangements. The number of farmers to benefit from the direct input distribution approach is estimated at 660,000 while the E-Voucher System is intended to support 241,000 farmers. The E-Voucher System will have a value of KR950 to be used to purchase an array of inputs of the farmer’s choice, including fertiliser, seed and chemicals. The inputs for direct distribution will be procured by open tender and distribution will be done by regional and local transporters delivering to collection points at the camp level within each district. It will be necessary to undertake a massive mobilisation of resources in this respect.

Mr Speaker, we are assessing the ability of the NCZ to produce and supply the entire FISP D-Compound Fertiliser requirement of about 70,000 metric tonnes. Should our assessment indicate a positive result, then, we intend to single-source all the fertiliser from the NCZ. On the other hand, 68,000 metric tonnes of urea fertiliser will be procured by open tender. Preparations for the procurement of both D-Compound and urea fertilisers, which are required under the conventional FISP, are both currently in progress. It is planned that the tender preparations be concluded for advertising by the end of March, 2013.

Mr Speaker, let me now explain, in some detail, the proposed trialing of the E-Voucher System, …

Interruptions

Mr Sichinga: … which my predecessor announced to this House last year. We intend to pilot the system in ten districts, namely Chibombo, Kabwe, Kapiri Mposhi, Ndola, Chongwe, Choma, Kalomo, Mazabuka and Monze. 241,000 farmers from the ten districts will be targeted. The farmers will be expected to contribute KR190 and only to use the subsidy provided by the Government to purchase inputs. We are mindful of the possible abuse of the system and are, therefore, working to close potential gaps.

Sir, may I caution, in advance, that there are numerous issues that need to be fully resolved before the E-Voucher System can be used. I intend to update this House in the next sitting on the progress that will have been made. Given that only farmers under the conventional FISP are earmarked to get inputs to produce maize, and that the average yield per hectare is 3 metric tonnes, the total maize production from the conventional FISP is expected to be 988,500 metric tonnes. However, maize production from the overall FISP could be higher, as some of the farmers receiving support under the E-Voucher System may also choose to get inputs for growing maize.

Sir, in terms of the expected contribution, and as a cost-sharing mechanism, under the conventional FISP, farmers will pay KR50 per 50 kg bag of fertiliser and KR80 per 10 kg bag of maize seed while those under the E-Voucher System will pay 20 per cent or KR190 of the KR950 value. This amount is intended to assist farmers meet transport costs from the dealer’s premises to their various locations. The E-Voucher will not subsidise transportation costs, hence our selection of target districts that are close to the main highways and the rail network.

Mr Speaker, it is my sincere hope that, henceforth, rather than dwelling on the failures of the past, hon. Members of this House will look at what we can do better.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the statement issued by the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock.

Mr Mbulakulima (Chembe): Mr Speaker, since the hon. Minister intends to make the 2013/2014 Farming Season more viable, I have observed that, in the last farming season, the Government’s subsidy in the Southern, Eastern, Central and Northern provinces was about K170 billion, on average, the North-Western and Luapula provinces had only K45 billion and the Western Province had K22 billion. What positive interventions to enhance production in the three provinces does the hon. Minister have in place?

Mr Sichinga: Mr Speaker, I noticed that there was a lot of noise while I was making my ministerial statement. Therefore, the reason such a question may arise is that hon. Members were not listening to what I was saying.

Sir, there are areas that are amiable to the growing of maize while others are not because of various factors that include rainfall patterns and soil types. The strategy that the ministry is adopting is the diversification of the crops grown in accordance with the suitability of the soils and other factors in the respective districts. Obviously, the figures obtained have been on the basis of the amount of production in respective areas. Therefore, the way forward is to increase production of other crops in the districts that may not be suitable for maize cultivation. For example, you have given the instance of the Western Province, which is capable of producing more rice and similar crops than any other place. It is for that reason that we will diversify to those crops. In this respect, we are asking the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry to help us to ensure that those clusters that we have talked about …

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sichinga: … have the backward linkage in the form of the raw materials that are required. Therefore, the hon. Member is pushing an open door.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa): Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the elaborate programme that he has given us. However, when will the assessment of the NCZ’s capacity be completed, because I see this to be a probable bottleneck to your timely decision-making on the distribution of fertiliser?

Mr Sichinga: Mr Speaker, that programme is currently in progress. In fact, those of you who have been hearing from the media would have heard that one of the achievements we have made is that of the hon. Minister of Finance providing us with the resources to rehabilitate some plants within the NCZ. I will be visiting the plant on Friday, 8th March, 2013, to ensure that the processes that are supposed to enhance the company’s capacity have been initiated. However, let me mention that the NCZ has been plagued with various challenges from the past, primarily that of the former Government’s wish to ground it to a halt and auction it off.

Hon. MMD Members: Question!

Mr Sichinga: I am explaining what has happened. That is why the plant was not been rehabilitated in good time. We are rehabilitating it and want to ensure that the various components of the plant are functional before we can give the green light. However, I expect the process to be completed …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mr Sichinga: … before the end of this weekend.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister spoke as if he is the hon. Minister of FISP and not the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock.

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Sing’ombe: He made the nation import fertiliser last season. What programmes is he putting in place to ensure that while he is supporting FISP, there is also enough fertiliser on the open market for those who do not fall under the programme?

Mr Sichinga: Mr Speaker, the statement was on the issues that arose during the input distribution exercise in the 2012/2013 Farming Season and anticipation of the programme in the coming season. Having said that, you must appreciate that the majority of the people who are accessing fertiliser that is subsidised by the Government are in those categories and, therefore, I needed to explain what had taken place.

Sir, the NCZ’s capacity to produce D-Compound fertiliser should be enhanced and not restricted to the 70,000 metric tonnes that is needed for FISP. Besides that, the suppliers will be informed on the component of the programme they will handle. The issue of the E-voucher, which I heard you complain about regarding my taking too long to implement, is, in fact, intended to address not only FISP, but also other issues beyond its scope. Therefore, we are working on the issue. Our programme for procurement is intended to enable the suppliers to assess the additional requirements they would have to meet outside FISP.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kazonga (Vubwi): Mr Speaker, the performance of FISP partly depends on that of the Camp Agriculture Committees. What plan does this Government have to improve the performance of the Camp Agriculture Committees, which deal with the identification of beneficiary farmers and distribution of fertiliser? I ask this because, if there is a problem, then, the whole programme will fail. Therefore, what plans does this Government have to modify and improve FISP at that level? As a consolation, a due diligence report was prepared under the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) Government for the NCZ.

Hon. Government Member: We do not want that information.

Mr Sichinga: Mr Speaker, the point that the hon. Member has raised on Camp Agriculture Committees has been a contributing factor to the problem that is before us. There has been a tendency by those in the committees to allocate themselves more inputs than they should. Therefore, I accept that there is a problem there and it is our intention to overlook the whole distribution system. As a strategy towards achieving a better distribution system, we are undertaking a programme to identify the farmer groups and those who would qualify to be beneficiaries under FISP. We expect to complete this exercise before the end of March, 2013, so that we have sufficient time to distribute the inputs.

Sir, in terms of identifying the various beneficiaries, including those in Vubwi, hon. Members of Parliament will have the criteria that we are going to use so that they can be part of the group that helps us to overcome this particular problem. This cannot be achieved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock alone. We are dependent on the communities in which these inputs go to ensure that there is fair and equitable distribution.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Chisanga (Mkushi South): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that the delay in distributing farming inputs will affect the yield and the effect will not be seen immediately, but next year? This means that if we, currently, have a shortage of mealie-meal, then, it will be worse next year.

Mr Sichinga: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for bringing up that issue. The Government recognises that any delay in the input-distribution exercise will obviously affect the output, just like the output for 2013/2014 Season will be affected by what happened in the 2012/2013 Farming Season. Therefore, we appreciate that point very much.

Sir, let me also say that, besides the fertiliser input, there are other factors that affect yields and, tomorrow, without pre-empting anything, I will be making a ministerial statement on the status of the stocks that we have in order to address that particular point. Our assessment is on-going and, tomorrow, I will be in a position to submit what the situation is regarding the potential of surpluses and shortfalls.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Kalima (Kasenengwa): Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the elaborate statement, which we have been waiting for. One of the main reasons for the late distribution of inputs is the non-availability of fertiliser stocks in the country, especially urea. This is due to the complexity of the fertiliser business, and it is only this year that its distribution was dependant on payments. Now that this Government has decided to use the E-voucher system, from which 240 farmers will benefit, how will it ensure that the agro dealers who will be involved in the distribution exercise have a constant supply of fertiliser? Usually, towards the end of the season, there is a shortage of fertiliser. I am mindful of the fact that the hon. Minister is going to extend the programme to the NCZ and include more suppliers, apart from the two that have been used in the past. However, I wish to mention that many other suppliers …

Mr Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Kasenengwa, ask the question. Do not give a submission.

Ms Kalima: Mr Speaker, I thank you for your guidance.

I hope that many other suppliers will come in towards the end. I, therefore, would like to ask the hon. Minister to – I am even lost now …

Laughter

Ms Kalima: … state how he will ensure that the agro dealers that will be involved in the E-voucher system have the fertiliser stock at all times since there is usually a shortage. 

Mr Sichinga: Mr Speaker, in my statement, I indicated that we are increasing the number of suppliers and that we are engaging the suppliers at the moment. It is not possible for the ministry to achieve an increment in the number of suppliers without engaging them. We also want to ensure that this is a co-operative matter.

Sir, I have been hon. Minister for Agriculture and Livestock for twelve days and, already, I have met almost all the stakeholders that are involved in the distribution of farming inputs, including those that are distributing seed.

One of the conditionalities of the engagement is that for them to be registered, they have to hoard the stock at local level. However, for them to do this, we need to allow them sufficient time to import urea, as it is not manufactured locally. Nevertheless, in the longer term, depending on what we do with the NCZ and how it responds to the rehabilitation programme it is undergoing, at the moment, our intention is to produce some of the urea through X-Compound here in the country.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Ms Siliya (Petauke): Mr Speaker, I wish to thank the hon. Minister for his statement and also take note of his apology for the dismal distribution of fertiliser and seed this farming season.

However, I would like to get more comfort from the hon. Minister. Obviously, the objective of FISP is that we have food security in the country. As Hon. Chisanga already commented, we are already having food shortages. We, therefore, expect more.

I have a lot of fear, considering the latest Fitch Ratings Report of February, 2013, on Zambia that I read yesterday. The report questions the capability of this Government to support FISP. Is the Government still committed to ensuring that farmers are supported or is the hon. Minister simply paying us lip service with overturning FISP piecemeal when it probably requires being critically looked at, especially in terms of financing because that is what seems to have been the problem this year.

Mr Sichinga: Mr Speaker, in my statement, I gave the Government’s and those of us charged with this specific responsibility at the ministry assurance. I do not know about the Fitch Ratings Report, but I can tell you about the PF Government’s commitment, which I have already stated, as far as this is concerned.

Further, we have been very consistent. The announcement of the E-voucher system was made by my predecessor in this House last year. We are not doing it as an afterthought. We have considered it and we want to improve it. I have cautioned that we need to ensure that the operation and modalities that are needed are put in place. We are working on this at the moment.

Mr Speaker, the number of farmers and financing their support is a challenge. It is a challenge because, even at this point, we are talking of only 900,000 farmers. Our support should be rendered to more farmers, but the Government’s coffers can only afford 900,000 at the moment. I do not think that we can give any more assurance than this. The Ministry of Finance has been kind enough to give us money to rehabilitate the NCZ and, as we are discussing now, we are also looking to award the contracts for the supply of inputs such as seed and extension services, which we have already talked about, to ensure that the whole package is working together.

Hon. Member for Petauke, we have given these assurances and, as far as we are concerned, our ability cannot be questioned. There will be no food shortage. Tomorrow, when we make the statement regarding the stocks that we have available, it will even consolidate the issue that you have raised. However, I do not want to pre-empt my statement. Tomorrow, I will give the figures, province by province and location by location, to ensure that you are satisfied.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Bwalya (Lupososhi): Mr Speaker, FISP is a very expensive venture and somewhere along the line, we did not tell the Zambian people the truth. I recall that the programme was supposed to be for three years after which the farmers would be weaned off. However, we have failed to do this.

Mr Speaker, we know that the marketing season for buying maize starts around June/July/ August and the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) is engaged in that particular exercise. However, the trucks that are supposed to transport maize from one location to another are empty most of the time. Can the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives look at this aspect so that we can see the synergies and as we collect the maize, the farm inputs are also being delivered to various places. Is this workable?

Mr Sichinga: Mr Speaker, we are reviewing the entire FISP. However, it is not possible to do this after twelve days in office. We are taking measures and building on what my predecessor did. We are reviewing this and assessing it against our performance to ensure that we change the mode of operation so that the beneficiaries do not remain on what has been described in places as chihole hole, meaning that they will always be on the receiving end. In other words, we want to make sure that when people have been assisted by the Government, they are, at a particular stage, weaned off. However, this is a process and not an event.

Secondly, transportation is an important component in the whole mechanism. Maybe, tomorrow’s statement will address the issue of transportation. We are quite clear that transportation of inputs and fertiliser needs to be synchronised. When we have dealt with all the changes that are necessary, it is my sincere hope that we can overcome this problem. This is why I promised, at the conclusion of my address, that I will keep this House posted, particularly during the next sitting.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Speaker: The hon. Member for Kabompo West may ask his supplementary question.

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo West): Mr Speaker, my question has been overtaken by events.

Mr Mtolo (Chipata Central): Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for being magnanimous on the challenges that we faced with regard to FISP. I also wish to join my friends in reminding the hon. Minister that the purpose of FISP is to ensure household and national food security.

Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that a vast area like Chipata has no mealie-meal today? There are more than a100 metre-long queues anywhere were there is a bit of mealie-meal. Is it really in order that we should wait for tomorrow to know what the hon. Minister will do to alleviate the problem of mealie-meal shortage in a vast province like the Eastern Province? Can the hon. Minister, please, answer.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Order!

I do not think that the question will go unanswered.

Mr Sichinga: Mr Speaker, the ministerial statement was on the state of the distribution of inputs and not on the challenges of the capacity to mill. It is my intention to look at the issue of capacities of millers in individual locations when we address the House tomorrow. It is not only the issue of availability of farming inputs that matters, but also the capacity to mill. I might as well give some comfort to the hon. Member for Chipata Central by stating that the major miller Chipata is no longer in operation. The hon. Member knows that. 

Mr Speaker, this hon. Minister is definitely aware that this operator is not operating at the moment. Therefore, what we are dealing with, in this case, is different from availability of grain stock.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, I heard the hon. Minister referring to tomorrow, but you did not give him permission to talk about food for tomorrow.

Laughter

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister …

Mr Speaker: Order, order!

Sorry, I just want to make a clarification. I gave him the permission to speak about that subject tomorrow.

Mr Mbewe: Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Sir, I heard the hon. Minister say that the E-voucher system is going to be operated along the line of rail. Personally, I feel that he has already missed the point because the samples that will come out of that study will not be true reflection of what is obtaining countrywide. Why has he just concentrated along the line of rail where there are already some suppliers and roads in a good state unlike places like Chadiza where there are no suppliers and roads are in a deplorable state? Why has he done so?

Mr Sichinga: Mr Speaker, I did explain that this is a pilot programme. Anybody who has been visiting some of the districts that I have mentioned would know that within these districts, there are some very remote areas which receive very scanty rains and also have impassable roads. I believe that we will be in a position to assess how the E-voucher system would be impacted in a rural set up. Suffice it to say that we are reviewing all these possibilities, as I have already stated, and we will come back to the House and keep it updated, stage by stage, particularly in the next sitting.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Mr Speaker, I wish to thank the hon. Minister for being very brave by apologising for the inadequacies in the distribution of fertiliser. However, that is not enough. I would like him to clarify what would happen to the farmers in the villages who have been affected with the yield that is likely to be very poor. Is the Government going to compensate them? I need clarification.

Mr Sichinga: Mr Speaker, to err is human. The challenges that our country faces are enormous. It is not my intention to dwell on this issue. The intention is to correct whatever may have gone wrong from whichever quarter. The farmers in the villages receive FISP not as a right, but as a support system by the Government. So, the issue of compensation does not arise.

Sir, the hon. Member also stated that he expects the current yield to be very poor. Probably, I would like you to wait until you hear the statement tomorrow before you decide on that.

Under the circumstances, Mr Speaker, we are mindful of the need for food security at the household as well as national levels, as the household level constitutes the national level. It is important for us to increase the beneficiaries of this programme, but on a weaning basis. This is why we have said that we will come back to the House and advise on how we are remodelling and fixing the various loopholes and challenges we are facing.

Therefore, I would like to suggest that we should not run to the fact that there will be a poor yield. Our assessment is that there will be no poor yield.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mumba (Mambilima): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether there are examples in the sub-region where this E-voucher system has worked effectively and successfully.

Mr Sichinga: Mr Speaker, yes, there are examples in the region, and among them are Mozambique, Malawi and Tanzania. We are reassessing this by taking lessons from what has been experienced elsewhere. In fact, tomorrow, I have a meeting scheduled in my office. During this meeting, briefings, which I have asked for from the various groups and committees that are involved in the preparation of the E-voucher system, will be presented.

Now, let me just give this extra information to the hon. Member of Parliament for Mambilima. When you run an E-voucher system, Mr Speaker, it calls for a number of components to be in place. For example, who issues it? Also, if we are talking about several products that it can be used for, we have to agree on who will issue the many vouchers. There is also the need for encashment. How do you bring this to maturity? How do you convert this E-voucher to cash? For example, there are issues of abuse of the system. There are also issues of capacity of the areas in which you are operating from and having sufficient electronic capacity to be able to support the messaging that will take place. All these are factors that we have to take into consideration. That is why I said we are reviewing it and I will come back to the House and report on this matter. I will satisfy myself that this is a possibility and we can do it before coming to the House.

However, those three examples that I have quoted have already been tried out and we will learn lessons from them in order to avoid the pitfalls.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.{mospagebreak}

Mr I. Banda (Lumezi): Mr Speaker, many small-scale farmers under FISP complain of underweight bags of fertilisers. What is the Government doing to curb such a vice?

Mr Sichinga: Mr Speaker, I have said that there is a whole range of issues that are affecting both the Government and the suppliers and some of them are the underweights and also the quality of seed. There are people providing substandard quality. We intend to invoke the provisions of this by the law passed by this House and use the Zambia Bureau of Standards to ensure that what is being imported into the country is of a correct quality. Also, we have engaged the seed suppliers on certification. In fact, tomorrow, I am officiating at one of their functions and I will raise this particular issue of quality of certification.

Yesterday, I was at Mount Makulu Research Station, discussing with them issues that the hon. Member has raised. So, we are mindful and we are going to deal with all those issues that you have raised. I am thankful and I am keeping a record of all the issues being raised. Many of them are already at hand. We are handling them and we expect to resolve them.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kaingu (Mwandi): Mr Speaker, how much did it cost you to rehabilitate the NCZ and how do you intend to recoup the money that you put in?

Mr Sichinga: Mr Speaker, the first component that is going to the NCZ, in terms of rehabilitation, is KR25 million. We have also provided an additional KR255 million for the additional plants. This is because our intention is to get the ammonium nitrate plant operational so that it can provide urea or X- Compound as well as ammonium nitrate for the manufacture of explosives.

So, I hope that from the sales of the ammonium nitrate to the explosive manufacturers as well as the supply of fertiliser, we will be able to recover the money put in from both within and outside FISP. However, as I have said, the amortisation will take place over a period of time because you neglected the NCZ for a long time.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Ng’onga: Ema Ministers, aya!

Mr Speaker: We have to make progress now.

___________

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY UNIT

461. Mr Bwalya (Lupososhi) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

(a) when the ministry would consider upgrading the Intellectual Property Unit (IPU) in the Zambia Police Force to a directorate level;

(b) when office space would be provided to the IPU at the Zambia Police Force Headquarters; and

(c) what the total value, in Zambian Kwacha, of pirated music and counterfeit products the IPU confiscated as of 30th September, 2010.

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Mrs Mwamba): Mr Speaker, the Government has no plans of upgrading the IPU in the Zambia Police Force to directorate level. The IPU currently falls under the Operations Department and, so far, it is functioning well. The Zambia Police Force, however, intends to spearhead the decentralisation of the unit to all districts as this will greatly help in the fight against piracy and counterfeit products in the country.

Sir, office accommodation will be provided to the IPU once all sections under the Criminal Investigations Department move to the building which is being constructed. The new building will also house the Zambia Police Forensic Laboratory. The Government’s policy is to ensure that all sections/departments involved in operations are moved to divisions and districts.

Mr Speaker, the total value of pirated music and counterfeit products that the IPU confiscated as of 30th September, 2010, was K2,243,928,900.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kazonga (Vubwi): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out if there are any set criteria to enable a unit such as the IPU to be elevated to directorate level.

Mrs Mwamba: Mr Speaker, there is no set criteria, but suffice it to say that a department, a division or a wing of a department of a ministry can be elevated if the structure or the establishment grows bigger. Apart from the establishment, if the operations also increase, there may be a need to upgrade it.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

FORMER DIPLOMATS

462. Mr Bwalya asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs:
(a) whether there were any diplomats who had been recalled after September, 2011, but failed to return to Zambia as of 30th September, 2012; and

(b) if so, why the former diplomats had failed to return.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs (Dr. E. Lungu): Mr Speaker, all diplomats that were recalled between September, 2011, and 30th September, 2012, returned to Zambia within the specified period.

Sir, once recalled, diplomats are given three months in which to pack their household goods and prepare to return to Zambia. Our records show that all the diplomats who were recalled after September, 2011, returned well within the expected timeframe.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Bwalya: Mr Speaker, despite the recalling of diplomats usually having to be done at short notice, I still would like to believe that individuals who are in the Diplomatic Service may obtain loans within the particular country in which they operate. I would like to know how the Government treats such kind of engagements. Are they treated on a government-to-government basis or purely on an individual basis?

Dr E. Lungu: Mr Speaker, when we send people out, they are sent as individuals to represent the country. What they go to do, such as entering into loan agreements in those countries, should be sorted out in their personal capacity. The Government has no authority over whatever they do in terms of repaying those loans. Before they depart, we run a course for diplomats to warn them against involving themselves in deals of loans to be repaid over lengthy periods and excess dealings. In fact, the letters of appointment state that they could be recalled at anytime.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Rev. Lt-General Shikapwasha (Keembe): Mr Speaker, would the hon. Minister inform this House and the nation how much it has cost the PF Government to bring back all the diplomats.

Dr E. Lungu: Mr Speaker, I would advise the hon. Member of Parliament for Keembe Constituency, who is an experienced man in this House, to pose a new question that will require statistics.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamududu (Bweengwa): Mr Speaker, there are different categories of workers in the Diplomatic Service, some of them being civil servants. When the Patriotic Front (PF) came into office, it literally did away with everybody in the Diplomatic Service, including passport officers and accountants, who had nothing to do with politics. These diplomats have school-going children and families that are doing many things. Does the security of tenure for these diplomats’ contracts offer them any form of protection because when individuals are recalled, they are greatly inconvenienced together with their families?

Dr E. Lungu: Mr Speaker, these diplomats have contracts which state that they can also serve anywhere else. So, when they are recalled before their tenure of office is over, they are deployed elsewhere.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

NEW DISTRICTS’ INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

463. Mr Mtolo (Chipata Central) (on behalf of Mr Mucheleka (Lubansenshi), asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a) what strategy the Government would employ to fast track the construction of the necessary infrastructure in all the newly-created districts; and

(b) whether the Government had carried out any feasibility studies to ascertain the immediate infrastructural needs and services required to be provided in the new districts.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Kufuna): Mr Speaker, I would like to inform this august House that the ministry has developed a short-term strategy to fast track the construction of necessary infrastructure in all the newly-created districts. It is planned that key infrastructure such as the civic centres, staff housing units for senior officials and guest houses for revenue generation will be constructed. This will be financed through the capital grant provision for 2013. In order to complete the construction of the infrastructure on schedule in the newly-created districts, the ministry will outsource some tasks to the private sector.

Sir, the districts which were created before the Budget was passed have already been assessed and the provision of infrastructure services has started in that the expression of interest to construct civic centres and houses has been advertised. In the other remaining districts, infrastructure needs assessments are being carried out at local level and the ministry has since requested for a supplementary budget.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Musokotwane (Liuwa): Mr Speaker, …

Mr Mweetwa: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to raise what I consider to be a very important point of order and apologies to my elder brother who was on the Floor. At the end of the last sitting of this House, just before adjourning sine die, the hon. Minister of Information and Broadcasting assured the nation, on the Floor of this House, that the Freedom of Information Bill would be brought to this House, in his own words, by early 2013. We are now in the third month of the year, which is the end of the first quarter.

Mr Speaker, is the Government in order to remain conspicuously quiet about this very important Bill? After the aforementioned assurance was given to the nation, this House has not been informed of any difficulties, if any, our colleagues have been encountering in bringing the Bill to this House. Some interested stakeholders such as the members of civil society have even branded this Bill as a promissory note, the same way many other promises which were given by those people on your right have remained unfulfilled.

Mr Speaker: I will request His Honour the Vice-President to issue a statement on this subject on Thursday, 7th March, 2013.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, I heard the hon. Minister saying that preference in the construction of infrastructure in the new districts is given to things like guest houses, civic centres, Government offices and so on and so forth. If the people in those districts prefer the construction of, for example, hospitals first rather than guest houses or Government offices, will the ministry take such factors into consideration?

Mr Kufuna: Mr Speaker, in the ministry’s budget for 2013, what was considered was the construction of civic centres, guest houses and staff houses.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Miyanda (Mapatizya): Mr Speaker, how many staff houses are earmarked for construction per newly-created district?

Mr Kufuna: Mr Speaker, that is a new question.

Interruptions

Mr Kufuna: However, Mr Speaker, I will still answer it. Last week, I mentioned that we have plans to construct 100 staff houses per newly-created district.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo West): Mr Speaker, I have lost count of how many districts have been created and would like the hon. Minister to refresh my mind on this matter. How many districts have been created, so far, at what cost and in which provinces?

Laughter

Mr Speaker: I have said before that certain information, by its very nature, is not expected to be readily at hand and I have said that hon. Ministers are not encyclopedias which you can plug into to get the exact information you may want whenever you want it. I think let us give them an opportunity to solicit this information on your behalf. I mean, it is quite obvious, from the question, that that kind of information cannot be supplied on the spur of the moment. However, in the event that the hon. Minister is able to, I will allow him to answer the question.

Mr Kufuna: Mr Speaker, the number of districts that have been created is thirty.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Of course, that does not answer your whole question, but part of it has been answered to some extent.

Mr Namugala (Mafinga): Mr Speaker, the creation of districts has been welcomed by a lot of people, especially the people of Mafinga.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Namugala: I am surprised and worried to hear the hon. Minister talking about prioritising the construction of guest houses when one of the reasons for the creation of new districts is to try to alleviate the suffering of the people in seeking services such as health provision from faraway places. Is there any collaboration with other ministries to ensure that the newly-created districts have the necessary infrastructure such as hospitals so as to ensure that the people in these districts do not have to go to other districts to seek services that should be in their districts?

The Minister of Youth and Sport (Mr Kambwili) (on behalf of the Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mrs Kabanshi)): Mr Speaker, we have clearly stated that we are going to build 650 health posts throughout the country and we asked hon. Members of Parliament to participate in the exercise by identifying the areas where these health centres should be built. Therefore, if there is a new district in the hon. Member’s area, she should engage the local authorities and other stakeholders to identify where we can build a health centre so that her constituency can benefit from the 650 health posts which we want to build.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr L. J. Ngoma (Sinda): Mr Speaker, the construction of guest houses, staff accommodation and the like requires a lot of space. Some traditional authorities are on record as having refused to give land for the construction of such infrastructure in the newly-created districts. What is the Government’s position on that matter?

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, where I come from, there is a saying that ‘Takalwila namwine’. We all know that …

Mr Speaker: Can you translate that saying.

Mr Kambwili: It literary means that for somebody to take away something you own from you, he/she has to ask you for it, and that is exactly what is happening. We know that customary land is under the custody of chiefs and State land is owned by the President. So, we have to engage the traditional leaders in order for us to get land for development in rural areas. We cannot just go and bulldoze our way into the rural areas because we know that the traditional leaders are supported by the law.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kalila (Lukulu East): Sir, we are yet to see the first brick being laid down in concrete out of the 650 health posts which the hon. Minister is talking about. Is he aware that Lukulu District has only been allocated two health posts out of this number?

Mr Kambwili: Sir, I may not be aware of what Hon. Dr Kalila has said, but I do know that the truth of the matter is that the distribution of these health centres is done with the consultation of the provincial administration. It is up to the provincial administration to engage stakeholders like hon. Members of Parliament in choosing where these clinics will be sited. So, if the Western Province administration has chosen to put two health posts in Lukulu, so be it.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Siliya (Petauke): Mr Speaker, the very purpose of creating these districts is to make services readily available for the people, especially hospitals. We know that in a district, even if there is a hospital, sometimes, there will still be a need for a health post. So, in that vein, I think what we are trying to find out is whether the hon. Minister would consider allowing the private sector to put up guest houses, instead of prioritising them like staff houses, and use the money meant for their construction to build extra health facilities.

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, for any development to take place in any respective area, there must be people to administer it. Therefore, for people to build and monitor the building of hospitals, we need offices and houses for the people who will supervise them. Therefore, we have to first build the infrastructure for administration before we build auxiliary infrastructure like hospitals.

Thank you, Sir.
YOUTH TRAINING

464. Mr Mushanga (Bwacha) asked the Minister of Youth and Sport:
(a) when construction of Ngungu Youth Training Centre in Bwacha Parliamentary Constituency would be completed and opened to the public;

(b) how many former street children had been trained at the Zambia National Service (ZNS) camps in Katete and Kitwe from January, 2008 to June, 2012, year by year;
(c) what skills had been imparted to the trainees; and

(d) whether there was any exit strategy for the trainees and, if so, what the strategy was.
The Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport (Mr Masumba): Mr Speaker, let me inform this august House that the manifesto of this Government is to construct, at least, a vocational training centre in each district, which includes Kabwe. The Ministry of Youth and Sport will complete the construction at the earliest convenient time. In collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, the Ministry of Youth and Sport will also ensure that title to the land is transferred to it for the facility to come under its jurisdiction in order to facilitate financial and material support to the institution for its opening and operations.

Mr Speaker, the former street children who had been trained at the ZNS camps in Katete and Kitwe from January, 2008 to June, 2012, year by year are as follows:

Year Total Female Male

2008 444 82 362
2009 447 139 308
2010 Nil Nil Nil
2011 Nil Nil Nil

Mr Speaker, in 2010 and 2011, no training was conducted. This was because of the change in policies and portfolios as the Department of Child Affairs, whose mandate was to train street children, was realigned from the then Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development to the then Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare. The target for 2012 is 200 females and 350 males. The programme will be undertaken by the ZNS.

Mr Speaker, the type of skills that had been imparted to the trainees were those of general agriculture, shoe making, tailoring and designing, catering, plumbing and sheet metal, carpentry and joinery, bricklaying and plastering and also auto mechanics.

Mr Speaker, the ministry has an exit strategy which entails providing graduates with start-up equipment and resettlement. As I speak, there are youths who have been resettled at Mwange in Mporokoso in what used to be Mwange Refugee Camp. The land is about 3,000 hectares.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mushanga: Mr Speaker, thank you very much.

Dr Kaingu: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to raise this point of order which I consider to be very serious. Several times, His Excellency the President, Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, has said that civil servants should not involve themselves in politics. I have also heard some good hon. Ministers on your right who have buttressed this point.

Mr Speaker, in yesterday’s The Post newspaper, dated Monday, 4th March, 2013, a Mr Mpombo, who resigned from politics on his own accord, leaving a very good position of Minister of Defence to take up a job of Assistant Under Secretary in that ministry, is quoted in this paper, making political pronouncements which are disdainful and presumptuous to the ears of people who are in politics. I want to quote as follows:

“Meanwhile, Mpombo says …”

Interruptions

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, on Page 4, he says as follows:

“Meanwhile, Mpombo says Zambia’s problems cannot be solved on streets of Johannesburg, and described the opposition political parties that held a briefing in South Africa as political amateurs whose careers would soon go kaput.”

Laughter

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, he further says:

“Even in my former constituency, Kafulafuta, there was a local government by-election, and the MMD got a paltry 100 while PF got over 600.”

Mr Speaker, is it a new policy for this Government to allow civil servants to start participating in politics? I need your serious ruling.

Dr Kaingu laid the paper on the Table.

 Mr Speaker: My ruling is that this issue will be addressed by His Honour the Vice-President and I direct that, as he responds on the earlier issue on the Freedom of Information Bill, he can also update the House on what the current position on this matter is.

The hon. Member for Bwacha, continue.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mushanga: Mr Speaker, in his response, the hon. Deputy Minister stated that the title for land where the youth skills training centre is situated is under the Ministry of Local Government and Housing. I would like the hon. Minister to attach the timeframe within which the title will be transferred to the Ministry of Youth and Sport.

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member who has asked the question is a councillor at the Kabwe Municipal Council and I think that he would be the best person to speed up the process of transferring the title.

I thank you, Sir.

MULEYA STADIUM

465. Mr Mushanga asked the Minister of Youth and Sport what immediate and long-term plans the ministry had for the Muleya Stadium in Kabwe.

Mr Masumba: Mr Speaker, you may wish to know that the Winter Muleya Stadium is not a provincial stadium and its ownership falls under the Kabwe Municipal Council. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the municipal council to maintain and upgrade it. It is equally important to emphasise that the Ministry of Youth and Sport is responsible for provincial stadia only and those which are now being constructed or have been constructed, such as the Levy Mwanawasa and the Independence stadia under construction in Lusaka.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mushanga: Mr Speaker, despite Kabwe being the provincial headquarters for the Central Province, it has no modern stadium. I would like to find out whether there is a possibility to build one in view of the fact that Zambia is contemplating hosting the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019. Is it possible that Central Province, through Kabwe, can also benefit through the construction of a modern stadium?

Mr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, the policy of this Government is to build modern stadia in all provincial centres. However, that is dependent on the availability of funds.

 I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kapyanga (Kabwe Central): Mr Speaker, the question has been overtaken by events.

Laughter

FEEDER ROAD GRADING IN MUCHINGA CONSTITUENCY

466. Mr Kunda (Muchinga) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication when the grading of feeder roads in Muchinga Parliamentary Constituency would commence.

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Mr M. H. Malama): Mr Speaker, only one feeder road was budgeted for in 2013. However, other feeder roads will be considered in the 2014 Budget.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kunda: Mr Speaker, good roads are essential for the transportation of fertiliser and maize. Therefore, we should attach importance to these issues. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister which feeder road he is referring to.

Mr M. H. Malama: Mr Speaker, we are referring to the main one which is the busiest feeder road.  We are going to consider the other feeder roads after the rainy season and ascertain the ones to be worked on in 2014.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: What is the name of the main feeder road?

Mr M. H. Malama: Mr Speaker, the name was not given to us. However, we will follow it up so that we can help our brother know which feeder road this is.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma): Mr Speaker, some years back, each province had been given a grader. I would like to find out whether these graders still exist.

The Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Mr Yaluma): Mr Speaker, the graders were issued and, presumably, are in good condition and must be operating right now. If they are not, please, report to the Rural Road Units (RRU). It will have them repaired.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Sianga (Sesheke): Mr Speaker, I would like to know the length of the road that you are planning to work on.

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, the length of the road? May I also ask which road the hon. Member is referring to.

Interruptions

Mr Yaluma: You mean the main road in …

Mr Speaker: The main road.

Mr Yaluma: …  Mafinga? Oh, Muchinga? I cannot tell you off-the-cuff, but I think it could be about 100 km-plus.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chishiba (Kafulafuta): Mr Speaker, I am glad to hear from the hon. Deputy Minister that Muchinga Constituency is one of the constituencies that will benefit through the grading of one of its roads. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether the ministry has put in place a national programme to grade, at least, one road in each rural constituency like Kafulafuta.

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, it has always been the practice of the Government to ensure that it has plans in place for each and every feeder road. We have the work plans and if you would like further information, you can come to our offices and we will show you where we are, as per information provided by the RRU.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

COMPENSATION FOR UNITA ATTACKS

467. Mr Njeulu (Sinjembela) asked the Vice-President whether the Government had any plans to compensate:

(a) the families of the Zambians that were killed by former National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) rebels; and

(b) the farmers of Lilondo area in Shang’ombo District whose animals were forcibly taken away by the former UNITA rebels.
The Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice-President (Mr Mwango): Mr Speaker, let me take this opportunity to thank the people of Mpongwe for giving us yet another seat on the Copperbelt Province.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwango: Mr Speaker, the affected families were victims of a civil war in Angola, over which the Government of the Republic of Zambia had no direct control. It is worth mentioning that Zambia experienced peculiar circumstances during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s when the region was fighting for liberation. Civil wars and liberation wars affected not only the people in Shang’ombo, but also other people in most border areas. These included the people of the Eastern Province, who were affected by the Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO) attacks; Southern, Lusaka, Central and Western provinces, which were affected by the liberation of Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia when the imperialist Apartheid regime launched attacks to force Zambia to stop supporting liberation movements in the region. Currently, Luapula and some parts of the Northern Province continue to suffer intermittent insecurity due to the on-going civil strife in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Mr Speaker, the Government has no plans to compensate the farmers of Lilondo area in Shang’ombo District whose animals were forcibly taken away by the former UNITA rebels, as the loss was a result of the Angolan Civil War.

I thank you, Sir.

CROP PRODUCTION IN KALABO DISTRICT

468. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock:

(a) how Kalabo District was ranked in the production of maize, rice and cassava among other districts in the Western Province and throughout the country;

(b) if crop production in Kalabo was low, what the reasons were; and

(c) what plans the Government had put in place to ensure improved crop production in Kalabo District and the entire province.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr Mwewa): Mr Speaker, in the 2011/2012 Farming Season, Kalabo District was ranked as follows:

(a) lowest in the province and sixty-sixth out of the then seventy-four districts in the country in terms of maize production;

(b) first in the province and second in the country in terms of rice production; and

(c) second in the province and ninth in the country in terms of cassava production.

Mr Speaker, crop production in Kalabo District is generally low due to the following reasons, among others:

(a) prevalence of natural and environmental hazards, such as drought and floods;

(b) low soil fertility in most areas, especially upland;

(c) poor crop and land husbandry practices among farmers;

(d) widespread use of recycled seed or planting materials by most farmers;

(e) lack of agro dealers selling agricultural inputs; and

(f) high transportation costs of agricultural inputs.

Mr Speaker, some of the plans of the Government to ensure improved crop production in Kalabo District and the Western Province, as a whole, include:

(a) improvement of the road network in the province;

(b) recruitment of officers at camp, block, district and provincial levels in order to increase farmer outreach;

(c) provision of transport to camp staff to increase their mobility and outreach to farmers. 150 motorcycles have been distributed  to camps in the province;

(d) provision of farming inputs, such as seed and fertiliser, through the Farmers Input Support Programme (FISP);

(e) purchase of agricultural commodities through the Food Reserve Agency 
(FRA);

(f) promotion of irrigation, through the construction of  irrigation infrastructure and water harvesting structures. These are in Kaoma (Kalumwange, Kahare and Shishamba), Sioma, Mongu (Sefula) and Sesheke (Kanyimba);

(g) promotion of improved agricultural technologies through field days, farmers exchange visits, agricultural shows and demonstrations;

(h) promotion of crop diversification. This includes rice, maize, tobacco, cassava, vegetables, fruits and trees; ...

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1615 hours until 1630 hours.

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Mwewa: Mr Speaker, before business was suspended, I was outlining the plans that the Government had taken to ensure improved crop production in Kalabo District and the Western Province as a whole. The list continues as follows:

(i) formulation of the National Rice Development Strategy (NRDS) and Cassava National Strategy in partnership with the private sector. The Western Province is one of the priority areas in which cassava and rice are being promoted by both the Government and the private sector. This involves promoting, marketing, variety development, extension services and development of relevant infrastructure in rice and cassava growing areas; and

(j) collaboration with organisations promoting agriculture in the province.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, these answers the hon. Minister has given are quite good. However, if you went to Kalabo, you would not find what has been stated in the answers happening.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order!

But why did you say that they are good?

Laughter

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, the questions we pose in the Chamber are not from without; they are problems and challenges.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: What is your question?

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, among all these measures that the hon. Deputy Minister has stated, which ones are practically being implemented on the ground in Kalabo?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwewa: Mr Speaker, nearly all the measures are on the ground. I think that the hon. Member knows that we are improving the roads in the province. We recruited officers at the camp and district levels and about 151 motorcycles that I talked about are already in the Western Province. I can comfortably and safely say that the Government is really handling this issue in the manner that I have indicated.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kalila: Mr Speaker, first of all, I was very impressed by the statistics that indicate that Kalabo is second in the production of rice in the country. Since we have been informed that agriculture is one of the sectors that the PF wishes to use to foster employment creation, what is the Government doing about the potential of rice production in Kalabo to enhance employment creation in the area? Are there any steps taken to promote value-addition because most of the rice that comes from that area is in raw form?

Mr Mwewa: Mr Speaker, as the Government, we are formulating the National Rice Development Strategy in Kalabo. This will ensure that we have a standard rice variety from Kalabo that we can market within and outside Zambia. We understand and appreciate what the people of Kalabo are doing and are trying to help them to produce and sell their rice and make money out of it. As a Government, we are happy with what is happening and will continue giving them the support they need.

I thank you, Sir.

Professor Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has referred to the National Rice Development Strategy several times in his response. Can he shed some more light on this strategy so that we are aware of its various parameters.

Mr Mwewa: Mr Speaker, the other strategy that we are thinking of is the packaging of this rice and giving it a name, indicating that it is from the Western Province. Normally, there are different varieties of rice, but we would like to come up with one variety which is well-packaged, and which we will be able to export so as to earn it that respect as being from the Western Province. Therefore, the technocrats are working on how best this can be done. This year, we will come up with one variety that we can refer to as Kalabo Rice and package as Western Province Rice. That way, we will promote it, just like it is done with Chinese Rice and Nakonde Rice.

Mr Speaker: Is that the only element of the strategy?

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Please, proceed hon. Minister.

Mr Mwewa: Mr Speaker, there are many more strategies.

Laughter

Mr Mwewa: However, if you look at what I have talked about, it all goes down to growing, processing, packaging and marketing of the rice. All these things will make the Western Province more appreciated in Zambia.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, in the primary answer by the hon. Deputy Minister, he indicated development of two strategies, which are the Rice Development Strategy and the Cassava Development Strategy. Is the he aware that the ministry already has a cassava development strategy?

Mr Mwewa: Mr Speaker, I am aware that the ministry has the Cassava Development Strategy. The strategy that I talked about will help the cassava growers because, currently, the market of cassava is not very good. So, as a Government, we are trying to introduce the addition of cassava to the 25 kg bag of mealie-meal. If we can have about 10 per cent of cassava meal added to the maize meal, it will, at least, help the cassava growers have a ready market. Currently, the people who are growing cassava have a problem of marketing their crop.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr M. B. Mwale (Malambo): Mr Speaker, once, the hon. Minister informed this House that it was the plan of the PF Government to make agriculture sexy.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr M. B. Mwale: May I find out from him …

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member for Malambo, I do understand the meaning and context in which you have employed that word, ‘sexy’, but I think that it is inappropriate to use such colloquial language in a dignified House like this one. Please, withdraw it and use a suitable substitute.

Mr M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister indicated, on the Floor of this House, that the PF Government was doing everything possible to make agriculture appealing or attractive. Which strategies or plans has the Government put in place to make the production of those crops attractive to the people of the Western Province with regard to price stability?

Mr Mwewa: Mr Speaker, I said that we are trying to encourage cassava growers to grow the crop. We can only do that by finding a market for them. As a Government, we are trying to convince the brewers and millers to add cassava to the maize meal that is sold. That is not happening in Zambia. Therefore, we strongly feel that if we do that, we will encourage cassava growers because there will be a ready market for them to sell their crop, instead of a situation in which they grow cassava, but do not have where to sell it. Therefore, this Government is trying to provide a solution to the problem of marketing cassava. So, as Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, we are not only concentrating on maize, but also diversifying to other crops such as cassava and rice.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr I. Banda (Lumezi): Mr Speaker, what is the ministry doing to encourage winter crop production in the wetland areas of Kalabo?

Mr Mwewa: Mr Speaker, earlier, I said that we were promoting irrigation through the construction of irrigation infrastructure and hot harvesting structures. So, we want to encourage even those areas that are dry in the Western Province so that we have farming throughout the year and not only in a particular season. If we have irrigation throughout, then, we will be able to grow any crop that is suitable for the soils of the Western Province.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mtolo: Mr Speaker, one of the stages in the processing of cassava is fermentation, which causes the cassava to lose its marketability and appeal. What is the Government doing to help our hardworking cassava farmers, like those in Kalabo, to improve their product?

Mr Mwewa: Mr Speaker, I am not sure what my friend wants me to say …

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Just respond to the questions.

Laughter

Mr Mwewa: Mr Speaker, the Government is doing everything possible to ensure that the people who grow cassava in Zambia continue growing it and earn an income. Profits will be made from growing cassava. Therefore, the fermentation that the hon. Member is talking about is part of the process of how we treat our cassava. If they are to be encouraged to earn income from the growing of cassava, then, they will definitely ferment it.

I thank you, Sir.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Let us make progress.

Interruptions
THE GREEN MARKET

469. Mr Miyutu asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a) why construction works on the Green Market in Kalabo District stalled for more than two years;

(b) how much money was originally budgeted for the project;

(c) how much money had been expended as of November, 2012;

(d) what the source of the money at (c) was; and

(e) who the contractor for the project was.

Mr Kufuna: Mr Speaker, the construction works of the Green Market in Kalabo District have stalled for more than two years due to some issues that are currently in court. The total budget for the market was KR104,000.00.

Sir, KR97,980.00 was disbursed to the project. The sources of money were as follows:

Source Amount (K)

Government Support 2008 30,000,000.00
Local Funding 14,000,000.00
Community Development Fund 60,000,000.00
Total 104,000,000.00

The contractor was Ndala Kawengo.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, what is the Government planning to do to help the people of Kalabo acquire a modern market whilst this case is still in court?

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Tembo): Mr Speaker, we indicated that the issue of the Green Market in Kalabo is in the courts of law. If we were to review any intentions that we have, as a Government, then, they could be used as submissions in court. Suffice it to say that I am sure that the Government is committed to putting up markets countrywide and will do that as soon as the case is disposed of.

I thank you, Sir.

WATER PROVISION IN KASENENGWA CONSTITUENCY

470. Ms Kalima (Kasenengwa) asked the Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development:

(a) how many boreholes would be sunk in Kasenengwa Parliamentary Constituency in 2013, ward by ward;

(b) how many boreholes would be rehabilitated in the same year, village by village; and

(c) how many dams would be constructed, ward by ward.

The Deputy Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development (Mr Zulu): Mr Speaker, the Government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, will, in 2013, sink thirty-two boreholes in Kasenengwa Parliamentary Constituency. The boreholes to be sunk are as follows:

Ward No. of Boreholes

Mkowe  6
Kwenje 7
Chiparamba 5
Ngongwe  7
Mboza 7
Total 32

Mr Speaker, the Government will rehabilitate twelve boreholes in the following villages:

Settlement/Village No. of Boreholes Ward

Kathintha School 1 Makungwa
Mponda 1 Makungwa
Mashekela 1 Makungwa
Konkhoni 1 Chiparamba
Simion 1 Chiparamba
Yohane 1 Chiparamba
Mwanaml’angeni 1 Ng’ongwe
Mboza Basic School 1 Mboza
Bulwe 1 Chingazi
Chizimati 1 Chingazi
Gundani 1 Mboza
Chongo Turn-off 1 Mboza

Mr Speaker, the Government will undertake feasibility studies by the end of this year to determine which sites are suitable for dam construction and plan for their construction in 2014.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, may I know whether the Government is considering coming up with an infrastructure development plan which will show that exact information, including constituencies, wards and all that data indicated. Does the Government intend to share that important information with us through an infrastructure development plan?

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, the Government will come up with that plan.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Will you share it as well?

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, I said earlier that this falls under the Ministry of Local Government and Housing. However, I am sure that plan is already there at the Ministry of Local Government and Housing.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, the other question was whether it is available for distribution.

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, I would have to follow it up with the Ministry of Local Government and Housing.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that thirty-two boreholes would be constructed in Kasenengwa Constituency. May I find out who the contractors are and how much was spent on drilling the boreholes?

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, again, I will have to follow it up with the Ministry of Local Government and Housing.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, may I know when the works are going to start.

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, again, I will have to follow it up with the Ministry of Local Government and Housing.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Laughter 
FEEDER ROADS IN KASENENGWA CONSTITUENCY

471. Ms Kalima asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication how many feeder roads would be worked on in Kasenengwa Parliamentary Constituency in 2013, ward by ward.

Mr M. H. Malama: Mr Speaker, feeder roads in Kasenengwa Parliamentary Constituency have not been budgeted for in the 2013 Road Sector Annual Work Plan (AWP), but may be considered in future as funds are secured.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kalila: Mr Speaker, I have noticed that this is the second time reference to an annual work plan is being made by the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication. As has been the custom in the past, when are you going to avail this annual work plan to the hon. Members so that they can see which roads will be worked on in their respective constituencies?

Mr M. H. Malama: Mr Speaker, it is always important to give hon. Members the information they need. I will make a follow-up on that issue and make sure that the hon. Members are aware about the roads that will be worked on in their respective constituencies.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, roads in Kasenengwa Constituency are in a very bad state. According to the answer given by the hon. Minister, the roads have not been budgeted for. What immediate measures is the Government going to put in place to make sure that they are worked on? I am saying so because the Government has told us not to use the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in the line ministry for this purpose.

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, we are waiting for the rains to subside before we can evaluate the status of the roads and rank them accordingly so that the works can commence immediately, according to the plan.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, as the ministry plans for next year, is it possible for it to check with the RRU at the provincial office and see what can be done in some of the wards in Kasenengwa?

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, I agree with what Hon. Dr Kazonga is saying. There is what we call critical maintenance. When such segments of the roads that need repair are identified, the RRU will move in and start working on the roads. We will not wait for funds. The RRU will work on the road as long as it has identified the segments which need to be maintained.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kakoma (Zambezi West): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister stated that the whole of Kasenengwa Constituency will have no roads worked on in 2013. In the interest of fairness in the distribution of the country’s resources not only in Kasenengwa, but also in other constituencies, would the Government not consider working on two roads in each constituency rather than leaving out the whole constituency for a year or more?

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, I think the RRU will put in place such kinds of interventions. The hon. Members of Parliament are at liberty to influence the selection of the roads in their constituencies. They should come and tell us which roads need to be worked on. If the hon. Members do not assist us in identifying these roads, then, that will be a problem because we will not be able to know them. I, therefore, urge the hon. Members to help us identify these roads so that we can work on them.

I thank you, Sir.

CONSTRUCTION OF OFFICES AND DISTRICT HOSPITALS IN KAZUNGULA DISTRICT

472.  Livune (Katombola) asked the Minister of Health:
(a) when the Government would construct offices for the Director of Health in Kazungula District;

(b) when construction of a district hospital would commence; and

(c) what the estimated cost of the projects at (a) and (b) was.

The Deputy Minister of Health (Mr Mulenga): Mr Speaker, the House may wish to note that the Government, through the Ministry of Health, has been encouraging districts to initiate construction of offices. Kazungula is a new district and the Ministry of Health, through the District Health Office, intends to commence construction of offices, but is currently awaiting the local administration to decide on a suitable location. It is expected that funds shall be provided in the 2014 Infrastructure Development Plan for this purpose.

Mr Speaker, the Government, through the Ministry of Health, has prioritised construction of Kazungula District Hospital within the 2013 Infrastructure Operational Plan. Kazungula District Hospital shall be constructed in three phases, in accordance with the standards guidelines for implementation. In order to ensure that the hospital is made operational upon completion, Phase I shall comprise construction of the Outpatient Department, Theatre and X-Ray blocks as well as a maternity wing.

Mr Speaker, the construction of Kazungula District Hospital is estimated to cost KR30 million, upon completion of the three phases, whilst the office block is estimated to cost KR1 million.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Livune: Mr Speaker, Kazungula District was created about fifteen years ago. Is the Director of Health or the hon. Minister of Health comfortable with keeping its District Medical Office in a different town?

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, as stated earlier, Kazungula District is a new district, …

Mr Livune: Fifteen years ago! 

Mr Mulenga: We were not in office fifteen years ago.

Mr Speaker: Order!

No ‘cross border’ dialogue. It can only be through the Speaker.

Laughter 

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, the PF Government is aware of the backlog of work that we found when we came into power. Therefore, we are trying hard to work on that.  As a Government, we have plans to ensure that we construct a hospital in Kazungula District. KR30 million has been allocated towards that project. This construction is supposed to be undertaken this year and I see no problem.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamudulu (Siavonga): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has given an estimate in terms of the cost of the Director of Health’s office and he has assured us that in next year’s Budget, this project will be covered. May I know how long this project will take. Do we expect this office block to be completed next year?

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, not until all the procurement processes are completed will I state when this project will be completed. This is because certain processes may take longer than anticipated. Therefore, I cannot give the exact time when we will complete the project. However, let me state that we are a committed Government which will ensure that it completes the project on time.

I thank you, Sir.

PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN SOUTHERN PROVINCE

473. Mr Livune asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a) whether the Government had any immediate plans to construct a public university in the Southern Province;

(b) if so, in which district it would be situated;

(c) how many faculties it would have; and

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

The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Professor Willombe): Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to construct a university in the Southern Province. The university will be located in Livingstone. A team of senior academicians has been assembled to work out the faculties which are required and a report is being awaited. The full cost of establishing and constructing a university in Livingstone is about KR500 million.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Hamudulu: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Deputy Minister for the good news about the Government’s intention to give the Southern Province a public university. I would like to find out from him when the construction works will begin.

Professor Willombe: Mr Speaker, at the moment, the amount of money which is in the ministry’s budget is only for the construction of certain specific universities. We already have about six universities that we are trying to complete. We will source more funds and when they are available, extend the works to Livingstone.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister the timeframe that was given to this committee of experts to look at the faculties which are intended to be established at the public university which has been earmarked for construction in the Southern Province.

Professor Willombe: Mr Speaker, feasibility studies are being carried out for universities in Luapula Province as well as the Western and Southern provinces. At the moment, we cannot give an exact timeframe within which the exercise will be completed. However, before moving on, we have to wait for the reports from the experts.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

Mr Chishiba: Mr Speaker, what accelerating factors are pushing for the construction of more universities at the expense of funding the existing ones which are going through serious challenges?

The Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Dr Phiri): Mr Speaker, that is a very valid question and it is often asked. I have always said that we want to help the existing universities which have been pushed to the limit. Let me give an example of the University of Zambia (UNZA) which was built by our founding fathers for a population of 2,000 and now has a staggering 12,000 students with no changes in the infrastructure and a depleted human resource. We are hoping that, as we are attending to the problems affecting our existing universities, we shall also, at the same time, be putting in place initiatives to broaden our young people’s choices. It is the PF Manifesto that drives us into this direction. If you read the manifesto, you will notice that it clearly states that we need to provide universities or higher education in the provinces where the needs may be peculiar to a given province and that such education should be targeting to meet the needs of our people.

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Dr Phiri: I think that is an important point. Any other consideration, be it negative, cannot dilute this foresight by the party.

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, the fact that we want to construct new universities does not mean that the existing ones have no challenges. We are hoping that, as we move on, we can have several universities offering specific programmes to meet the needs of our people. That is the driving force behind our plans. Despite our being faced with challenges, we still feel that there are opportunities for this Government to provide other services which are supposed to be provided.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, like everybody else, I think the policy on constructing universities for each province is a very good one and I applaud the PF Government for coming up with it. However, what the hon. Deputy Minister said on this issue gave me very little hope for a good future. What he said could just be compared to promissory notes. It seems as if the Government has not even identified the source of funds for the construction of the universities.

Mr Speaker: What is the question?

Mr Lufuma: The question, Mr Speaker is: Has the Government seriously identified a source of funds which will hasten the implementation for this good plan?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, I wished the allocation to the ministry for the construction of the universities was a huge basket, but it is not. However, that does not deter us from forging ahead with our plans. We are continuously sourcing additional funds apart from the allocation that which this House voted for the ministry. When negotiations for additional funds are concluded, we will let the nation know through this august House.

For now, Mr Speaker, I would just like to urge the hon. Members to believe in this Government’s determination to realise its goal of constructing universities in all provinces. I thank all the hon. Members who have complimented the PF on this initiative. What they are saying is very encouraging. Let me state that for those provinces that are not being mentioned, it does not mean that we are abrogating our responsibilities to them. The plans are to have, at least, one university in each province. Although some provinces may have one or more universities now, the focus still remains that of having, at least, a minimum of one university in each province.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kaingu (Mwandi): Mr Speaker, when will this Government craft policies out of the PF Manifesto so that even non-members of the party, like us, can understand what it is doing?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, that is well-said and coming from the vice-president of the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), I am particularly pleased.

Laughter

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, if I said that we are in the process of doing what the hon. Member has asked us to do, he might think that he has just awakened us. This process of doing what the hon. Member has asked us to do has already started. I am glad that he is thinking in the same lines as we are doing. It is important for our people to understand why we are doing things in a certain way.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, are these plans or suggestions?

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order!

I am debating on whether to allow the hon. Minister to answer that question.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order!

The hon. Minister may respond.

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, these are plans as well as suggestions.

Laughter

Dr Phiri: Sir, I have been to the Western Province twice now to try to find suitable land. I have had very useful consultations with the Kuta there. It was at that point that I realised that Hon. Professor Lungwangwa has a huge task ahead of him because one of the areas I was taken to was along the road leading to Kanya, in Nalikwanda Constituency. 
 
Hon. Member: Nakanya!

Dr Phiri: That is right, Nakanya.

Laughter

Dr Phiri: In fact, I almost said Nakanya earlier.

Mr Speaker, it dawned on me that the challenges which the hon. Members have been talking about are real. I am being persuaded to think that we could agree to brighten the route towards Nakanya by constructing the King Lewanika University. In short, what I am saying is that certain pronouncements which we have made are not suggestions. We are determined to build new universities. This is the undertaking I made to the Western Province leadership and it is the same one I am making to those of the other provinces. The people should trust that the PF will bring development to this country. I know that it frightens many people when they begin thinking of how there will be universities all over because this will knock them out completely, as the Opposition.

Laughter

Dr Phiri: However, this is not the intention. The intention is to allow our young people opportunities to change their provinces using indigenous knowledge unlike the way it is now ...

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Phiri: … where a child from Kalabo goes to UNZA to study psychology which will not even change Kalabo in any way. We need to move away from this trend. This is the position that the PF Government has taken. Trust it and things will happen.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Ng’onga: Hear, hear!

Professor Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, I was hoping that my colleague, the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education, Hon. Professor Willombe, would answer this particular question.

Mr Speaker, the academic nomenclature in public universities in our country, as they relate to academic units, is that of schools. However, reference has been made to faculties. Can the hon. Minister shed light on the difference between schools and faculties, as they relate to our public universities.

Mr Speaker, I hope that the hon. Deputy Minister can answer this one.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order!

Dr Phiri will answer.

Laughter

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, I thank you for not allowing a war of professors to ensue.

Sir, usually, we are mindful that schools and faculties are words which are interchangeably used. You will pardon us if we did not show any specific differences between the two. However, this does not subtract anything from what the Deputy Minister, Hon. Professor Willombe, stated. The focus is on our building universities. Whether they call the various departments, schools or faculties, the choice is theirs. There are many names you can call these departments, but whatever they will be called, the focus is on solving the people’s challenges in various provinces.

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 

Dr Kalila: Mr Speaker, it has been said that the problems of Africa or its underdevelopment is as a result of a lack of a critical mass of competent individuals who can solve its problems. One way of sorting out this problem is by the Government providing education to the people. The idea of the PF flooding the country with universities is, indeed, as the hon. Minister said, good. However, there have been alternative thoughts by other development experts who feel that we should be developing more trades schools or vocational institutions rather than white collar professions.

Hon. Minister, what is your view regarding this alternative development thought which I have shared with you?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, that is a very good way of looking at issues. There is no correct answer at all. In my view, you can have universities, but not at the expense of institutions that must provide the artisans and technicians.

We have learnt from our recent past when we silenced the Zambia Institute of Technology (ZIT) and opted for a university. We are still reaping the fruits of that simple mistake. By the way, we are not flooding the country with universities for no apparent reason. We are creating universities in all the provinces so as to allow our children to dream bigger. We are not doing this at the expense of lessening the construction of infrastructure in the Technical Education and Vocational Training (TEVET) institutions. The two have been moving together except, now, I am singing a song about universities.

Mr Speaker, through you, hon. Members will also be interested to know that we have an accelerated programme to increase the number of institutions and enrolment levels in the TEVET sector. This is why you will hear, at a later stage, when we are ready, of a polytechnic we are establishing in Luanshya. We hope that it will guide the various trades training institutions, which we are continuously building all over Zambia.

Mr Speaker, degrees do not develop a country. However, it is with the help of certificate holders such as technicians, artisans, bricklayers, painters and carpenters that a nation is developed. Nevertheless, degree holders are also important for the purpose of giving direction. The two cannot be divorced from each other. I thank the hon. Member for that thought-provoking question.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

UNDERPAID AND UNPAID TEACHERS’DUES

474. Mr Chishimba (Kamfinsa) asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a) how many teachers in Kitwe District had been underpaid repatriation allowance and leave travel benefits from 2010 to-date; and

(b) how many teachers in the district, on contract, had not been paid their gratuity from 2010 to date.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, as a ministry, there are 434 retired and deceased officers that we owe repatriation under the Kitwe District Education Board Secretary’s (DEBS) Office. Those that we owe leave travel benefits are 378.

Mr Ntundu: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, I rise on a very serious point of order. The Head of State promised, in this House, to construct a university in Gwembe called Ntundu University whose construction, I am told, has been shifted to Livingstone.

Laughter

Mr Ntundu: Is the hon. Minister in order to shift a university that I was given by His Excellency the President? This was supposed to be a super university, above all universities, but the hon. Minister has shifted it to Livingstone. Is he in order to shift the Ntundu University given by His Excellency the President to Livingstone?

Laughter

Mr Ntundu: I seek your serious ruling, Sir.

Laughter

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Well, my ruling on this issue is reserved.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: The hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education may continue, please.

Laughter

Mr Mabumba: Sir, there were three teachers under Kitwe District whose contracts ended in 2008. The documents for these teachers are being processed to enable the ministry to pay them. At the moment, we have only one teacher who is currently on contract under DEBS in Kitwe.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Next question!

Mr Chishimba: Sir, I have not asked the supplementary question.

Mr Speaker: Oh, sorry. You may ask your supplementary question now.

Mr Chishimba: Sir, may I find out from the hon. Minister how much money is owed to the 484 retired and deceased teachers and also to those teachers on contract in gratuity?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, for repatriation, the total amount is KR2,197,000. For leave travel benefits, it is KR942,000.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

TEACHERS’ SALARY ADJUSTMENTS

475. Mr Chishimba asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education how many teachers in Kitwe District had not had their salary scales adjusted from 2010 to date.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, there are a total of 318 teachers whose salary scales have not been adjusted from 2010 to date. This is due to non-availability of Provincial Education Management Committee (PMEC) vacant positions such as ESS/08 and ESS/10 which are limited due to non-upgrading of the establishment on the payroll.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chishimba: Mr Speaker, may I find out when the ministry will start upgrading the establishment’s payroll.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, discussions have already commenced with our colleagues at the Public Service Management Division (PSMD). As soon as they are concluded, we will get back to this honourable House as well as inform our teachers who are serving in many parts of this country and we cannot upgrade because of the non-upgrading of the establishment.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, may I find out whether the 318 teachers include those that went for further training and have acquired higher qualifications. Are they part of this 318 that their salaries cannot be adjusted?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, Hon. Dr Kazonga is right. That number includes teachers who have upgraded their qualifications by either getting a diploma or a degree.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

LOCAL COURT BUILDINGS IN NALIKWANDA CONSTITUENCY

476. Professor Lungwangwa asked the Minister of Justice:

(a) when the Government would construct permanent local court structures at the following places in Nalikwanda Parliamentary Constituency:

(i) Liande;

(ii) Mbekise; and

(iii) Nakato; and

(b) whether the Government had any plans to construct local court buildings in chiefs Lyambango and Mwanang’umune in the constituency.

The Deputy Minister of Justice (Dr Simbyakula): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that Liande, Mbekise and Nakato local courts have not been considered in the 2013/2015 Infrastructure Development Plan for the Judiciary. This is due to financial constraints. The 2013/2015 Infrastructure Development Plan only provides for the construction of twelve courts in each province.

However, within Mongu District, in which Nalikwanda Constituency is situated, Namaenyi, Namushakendi and Lumbo local courts have been included in the current plan.

Sir, the Government has plans to construct as many courts as possible in most parts of the country. Construction of local courts in chiefs Lyambango and Mwanang’umune will be considered in the next phase of the infrastructure development plan which will commence in 2016.

I thank you, Sir.

Professor Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister says no attention has been paid to Liande, Mbekise and Nakato. However, consideration is being given to the Lyambango and Mwanang’umune areas. Is there any consideration, in 2016 and beyond, for the consideration of the first part of the question, in terms of infrastructure development, or is the ministry waiting for our turn to get back in the Government so that we can construct these local courts?

Dr Simbyakula: Mr Speaker, Liande, Mbekise, and Nakato will also be considered in the 2016 Infrastructure Development Plan. We are hopeful that there will be more resources then.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

477. Professor Lungwangwa asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a) which Government unit was responsible for the integrated development planning and what its capacity was;

(b) what the estimated cost of producing a District Integrated Development Plan (DIDP) currently was; and

(c) whether the Government had completed the DIDPs for the newly-created districts and, if not, why.
Mr Tembo: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that the Department of Physical Planning and Housing in the Ministry of Local Government and Housing is responsible for integrated development planning. The department is guided by the Town and Country Planning Act, Cap. 283 of the Laws of Zambia.

Sir, its current capacity is sixty-five filled positions and seventy-four vacant positions in the whole department, that is, at headquarters and provincial offices. The staff shortage makes it difficult for the department to effectively carry out its mandate as there are insufficient planners, particularly at provincial level. A request has been made to Cabinet Office for authority to fill vacant positions. In addition, the ministry is engaging consultants to assist in the preparation of the IDPs.

Mr Speaker, the estimated cost is KR900,000 to KR2,000,000, depending on the size and level of development of the area. However, the cost may be much higher for major cities and when the IDPs are prepared by international consultants.

Sir, the IDPs for newly-created districts have not yet been prepared. The Government has, instead, focused on preparing local area plans for newly-created districts which are quicker and cheaper to prepare in anticipation for future preparations of the IDPs which will be focused on wider needs. The focus of the local area plans is on the district centre. The estimated length of preparing an IDP is eighteen months while the estimated plan for preparing one for the local area plan is three to six months. Layout plans are only prepared for small areas requiring the provision of urgent infrastructure. It is anticipated that supplementary funding will be approved by Parliament for preparation of the local area plans for the newly-created districts. However, preliminary works such as the identification of district boundaries, township planning boundaries, central business districts and preparation of layout plans have already began in some districts.

Furthermore, all provincial planning officers have been directed to prepare layout plans for the new districts as a stopgap measure. The local area plans and layout plans will feed into future integrated development plans.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Professor Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, it is very clear from the response that, as a nation, we do not have capacity for our physical planning process. Has the ministry given attention to a long-term training programme in order to meet this specific national requirement?

Mr Tembo: Mr Speaker, as indicated in my earlier response, measures have already been taken to ask Cabinet for authority to train more staff that can carry out the physical planning of these newly-created districts in our provincial head provincial heads in the Budget.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr M. B. Mwale: Mr Speaker, I would like to know what led to understaffing getting to a level of 53 per cent in the Department of Physical Planning and Housing over the years.

Mr Tembo: Mr Speaker, there are so many reasons that led to these vacancies. One of them is that some of the people in these offices have retired while others have died.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Dr Kazonga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has indicated that the Government has gone for local area plans instead of the IDPs. I would like to find out if the Government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, is not considering undertaking overall development of these newly-created districts. Is it possible for the Government to prioritise the development of a complete IDP for each of these newly-created districts, which include Vubwi, Lunga and Nsama?

Mr Tembo: Mr Speaker, as I indicated earlier, we have come up with a layout plan for these newly-created districts because of financial constraints. I am sure you are aware that coming up with an IDP requires huge sums of money which, in this case, were not budgeted for. However, we can only quicken the process and the developments of these newly-created districts by coming up with the local layout plans.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, my constituency also has a new district. Hon. Minister, why did you create these districts when you were not ready to develop them?

Mr Tembo: Mr Speaker, as far as the Government is concerned, it is ready for the creation of new districts.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Tembo: So, I think, the question of readiness does not arise.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

KING LEWANIKA UNIVERSITY

478    Mr Hamusonde asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a) what the estimated cost of constructing King Lewanika University in the Western Province was;

(b) when the construction of the university was expected to be completed; and

(c) who the contractors were.

Professor Willombe: Mr Speaker, the estimated cost of the initial phase of constructing King Lewanika University is KR500 million.

Sir, the construction of the university is expected to commence after the completion of the land evaluation, tendering process and awarding of the tender by the Government.

Mr Speaker, the contractor for the project will be announced after the tendering process is completed.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, the construction of King Lewanika University is a good idea. However, does the ministry know that schools in rural areas have no desks and need to be completely rehabilitated? How does the Government rush into building this university when we have a series of other problems in the province?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, Hon. Hamusonde chose the wrong example, that of desks, …

Laughter

Dr Phiri: … because that is no longer a problem in the ministry. We have supplied desks to schools countrywide. In fact, the process started before the PF Government came into power, and I see Hon. Siliya nodding her head.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Phiri: We have built on that wonderful foundation and are almost done with that exercise. We even have districts that can boast of having excess desks. However, that does not dilute the hon. Member’s question. There are enormous challenges that our education sector is faced with from pre-school through to tertiary level. I do not know whether the hon. Member would advise us to wait until we solve all these challenges before we can we move on. That would, however, be a very poor strategy. Even in homes where meals are infrequent, there are some things that can be done whilst people look for means to sort out that lingering problem. We have heard, and will learn from the hon. Member’s wise counsel, maybe, not to accelerate the programme or to completely abolish it, if it is, in his view, the right direction to take. However, we have already made an undertaking and the Government will accomplish what it has projected for itself.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr M. B Mwale: Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister respond to part (b) of the question, which is: When the construction of the university was expected to be completed, not commenced.

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, we beg the hon. Member’s indulgence. The hon. Deputy Minister thought that he was supposed to state when the project is expected to begin, which will be immediately the necessary works are done. Nonetheless, since the hon. Member has reminded us that the question is, actually, on the completion, we would like to complete this project within the lifespan of the mandate that the people of Zambia have given us. If we are not able to finish by 2016, we will seek their indulgence, again, to continue, …

Interruptions

Dr Phiri: … and I know that the support of our people will come overwhelmingly, the next time around, because, by then, there will be a structure coming up. However, the aim is to complete this project within this Parliament’s lifespan.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kakoma: Mr Speaker, if I heard the hon. Minister very well, the construction of King Lewanika University appears to be behind schedule because the Government is still doing some land evaluation. What land is being evaluated and what difficulties are our colleagues having in evaluating that land for the Government to delay this project?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, this evaluation may not be seen because it is invisible. The process is slow but, eventually, we will get there. We hope to use the funds that are in our budget for this year to begin the process whilst looking at other ways of raising the necessary money for various universities. So, this year, we will see the beginning of this project, but we hope that the process will lead us to something concrete before the year ends so that we begin the actual construction.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

PASSENGER TRAIN OPERATIONS

479. Mr Hamusonde asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication when the Government would improve the operations of the passenger train service between the Copperbelt and Southern provinces.

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Colonel Kaunda): Mr Speaker, the Government has begun the process of improving the operations of Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL). The company is currently undergoing a re-structuring process and a board of directors has been appointed to steer the management of the ZRL. This has been done with the sole purpose of ensuring that the aspirations and needs of the Zambian people are met, through a competitive, efficient and cost-effective service from the railway system. In this regard, the Government has committed KR600 million for the rehabilitation of the ZRL main line.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, are we going to use the same old locomotives or the Government will get new ones?

Colonel Kaunda: Mr Speaker, we cannot put new wine into old bottles. We have to rebuild the entire railway system. So, everything will be new, including locomotives, wagons and the management.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kapyanga: Mr Speaker, when will the former employees of the Railway Systems of Zambia (RSZ), who are now working for the ZRL, be paid their separation benefits?

Colonel Kaunda: Mr Speaker, I do not want to speculate. The hon. Member can either come to the ministry’s offices and we shall give him the answer …

Interruptions

Colonel Kaunda: … or he can submit a new question and we will provide an answer at a later date.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwanza (Solwezi West): Mr Speaker, I heard the hon. Minister say that a new board of directors for the ZRL has been appointed. Can he share the names of the board members, if he can remember.

Interruptions

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, I think, that information has been in the public domain for the past two months. The names have been published in both the electronic and print media. The fact is that we have appointed them and they are known. Therefore, the hon. Member can go and google or surf the Internet to get the names.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Ms Siliya: Mr Speaker, I think that many Zambians must be quite concerned. We keep reading and hearing in the media about the dreams of the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ZRL. Obviously, he is trying to make sure that he has new bottles for his new wine. However, are some of the figures he is talking about not of concern to this Government? I have heard that he needs about US$600 million. That is almost the same amount as that of the Eurobond that this Government borrowed. So, are we really sure that we have the right management there and that we can take comfort in the belief that the service between the Copperbelt and Southern provinces will actually be made more effective and have new wagons?

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, firstly, we have a very strong board that will run the management of the ZRL very well. I have no doubt, in my mind, that the CEO is a highly-competent person who will guide the company in the right direction.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Livune: Mr Speaker, usually, when railway transport is spoken of, there is a lot of emphasis on the railway line from the Southern to Copperbelt provinces while very little is said about the Mulobezi Railway Line. When will the Government give a face-lift to that railway line as well as the passenger coaches used on it?

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, we are going to rehabilitate the Livingstone/Mulobezi Railway Line. Money has already been allocated for that purpose this year. What remains to be done are feasibility studies. So, rehabilitation works will commence before the end of this year.

Thank you, Sir.

Mr Kakoma: Mr Speaker, a lot of concern has been expressed, in the past, over the railway system in Zambia and, in particular, in relation to the transportation of heavy goods, such as copper, on our roads, which has not only led to accidents, but also the destruction of our roads. People have called for the reconstruction of the railway network and the hon. Minister of Finance convinced us in this House, during the presentation of the 2013 Budget, that he had allocated US$350 million for that exercise. We expected that the railway line from the Copperbelt to Livingstone would be rehabilitated. We now hear that money will be used to build underground train stations and Njanji Commuters. When will the ministry start the reconstruction of the railway system?

Interruptions

Mr Kakoma: Is that the solution and how does the ministry intend to spend that money?

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, I think that we all know very well that we have an ambitious programme for the railway network just as much as we have for the roads. We are seriously embarking on a project to overhaul the entire railway system in the country. We want to rehabilitate the ZRL and the Tanzania-Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA) because copper is being hauled on the roads, which is damaging them. The rehabilitation of the railway system will prevent the transfer of cargo via roads. We have agreed with the Tanzanian authority to implement this project.

Sir, I do not think that we are ready on the issue of underground railway stations. We need to rehabilitate the existing railway network so that we can start transporting cargo into and outside the country.

Thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR CONSTRUCTION

480. Mr Chisala (Chilubi) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:

(a) how many short courses the National Council for Construction (NCC) conducted from January, 2010 to October, 2012; and

(b) how many construction companies had been registered by the council in the following categories, as of November, 2012: 
 
(i) Grade 1;

(ii) Grade2;

(iii) Grade 3;

(iv) Grade 4;

(v) Grade 5; and

(vi) Grade 6.

Mr M. H. Malama: Mr Speaker, seventy-two short courses were conducted by the NCC from January, 2010, to October, 2012, as indicated in the table below:

Skills Award Courses Conducted from January to December, 2012

Programme/Course    Duration of Course  No. of Courses
 (Weeks)

Road Construction and Maintenance 
 Supervision 16 1
 Earth Moving Plant Operators 3 5 
 Materials Testing 3 2 
 Auto Card 2D and 3D 4 1 
 Building Technology 4 2 
 Provincial Training Workshops 1 9 
 Contract Management 4 2 
(Construction Management)
Total 22

January to December, 2011

 Building Works Supervision 
(Building Technology) 4 2
 Road Construction and Maintenance Supervision 1 6 
 Basic Land Surveying 3 1
 Contracts Management 4 2 
(Construction Management) 
 Materials Testing 3 2
 Earth Moving Plant Operators 3 4
 Auto CAD 2D & 3D 4 1
 Provincial Training Workshops 1 9
 Total 27

 January to October, 2012

 Road Construction and Maintenance Supervision 16    2
 Contracts Management 4    1
(Construction Management)
 Management of Civil Engineering 8    1
 Construction Processes
 Provincial Training Workshops (Conditions of 1 10
 Contracts, OSH, NCC Code of Conduct)
 Materials Testing 3    2
 Basic Land Surveying 3    1
 Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) 1    1
 Steel Fixing 1    1
 Building Technology 4    1
 Earth Moving Plant Operators 3    5
 Auto CAD 2D & 3D 4    1
 MS Project 2    1
 Drainage Structures Construction 5    1
 Total  28
 Grand Total 77
Sir, the following are numbers of companies registered by the NCC, as of November, 2012, per grade:
  
Grade   No. of Companies 
1  149 
2  100
3  128
4  408
5  886
6  1,915
I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, we can create many jobs in the informal sector through such short courses for contractors. This being the case, may I know how many short courses are earmarked for 2013.

Laughter

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, after having looked at the performance for last year and the year before, we have increased the earth moving plant operators by two. There were five courses before but, now, they will be seven.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbulakulima (Chembe): Mr Speaker, I am interested in this topic. Among the courses mentioned were Auto-card 2D and 3D. What are these?

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, if the hon. Member for Chembe wants to know what 2D and 3D are, I would encourage him to go and enroll for these courses. Nonetheless, it is 2-dimension and 3-dimension.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, we know that for people to carry out any construction works, they need to register with the NCC. I would like to find out how decentralised this office is for us in the rural areas to take advantage of its presence.

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, for the people who are in the rural areas, we have provincial offices which are manned by people who have formed construction associations in particular areas who process and manage those applications and, then, forward them to the Lusaka Office for final certification.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mooya (Moomba): Mr Speaker, I stand to be educated. The question is on categories and not grades. May I be educated on the difference. It is category and not grade we are discussing.

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member is right. It is categories.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, the question was whether we had centres in other provinces apart from Lusaka, particularly in the rural areas, where the training is being conducted.

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, I might not have picked the question properly. I thought the first question was on whether we had processing centres for registration and not training. In that case, training is only done in Lusaka.

I thank you, Sir.

FOREIGN MISSIONS IN THE ARAB REGION

481. Mr Chisala asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs whether Zambia had any foreign missions in the Arab Region and, if so, in which countries.

Dr E. Lungu: Mr Speaker, currently, the Zambian Government has only one mission in the Arab Region which is located in Egypt.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chisala: Mr Speaker, may I know why the embassy in Saudi Arabia was closed by the MMD Government during the Frederick Chiluba era.

Dr E. Lungu: Mr Speaker, embassies are opened and closed on the prerogative of the Government. It is not possible for me to get into the details of why the MMD Government closed the embassy in Saudi Arabia. Suffice it to say that the PF Government will re-open the embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at the cost of K241,762.35.

Mr Speaker, governments operate differently. We feel that Zambia can be represented in Saudi Arabia, economically and, hence, we have decided to re-open the embassy.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

SCHOOLS, MARKETS AND CHIEFS’ PALACES ELECTRIFICATION

482. Mr Mpundu (Nchelenge) asked the Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development when the Government would electrify schools, markets and chiefs’ palaces in Nchelenge District.

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, the Government will electrify eleven schools and other beneficiary areas in Nchelenge District. Electrification of the schools and other areas will be funded by the Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA). Implementation of the project started last month.

Sir, the hon. Member would like to know the areas that will be electrified. We have categorised the areas in three, namely Mbereshi 1, Mbereshi Kawambwa and Mbereshi 2. The areas that will be electrified in these areas are as follows:

Project Area to be electrified
 
 Mbereshi1 Munshimbwe

  AsitonChokwe

  Kafumbe

  Kabalenge Basic School and Rural Health Centre

  Kabumbu

  Mushindike

  Chilange

  Kapesa

  Chinyanta

  Seesa

  ‘Mbolo’

Laughter

Hon. Members: Mumbolo!

Mr Zulu: Sorry, it is Mumbolo.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mr Zulu:

  Lufubu

  Katotoma

  Koni

Mbereshi Kawambwa Chifuntu Basic School

  Munyembe Rural Health Centre

  Bulembe Basic School

  Kani Basic School

  Chisulo Basic School

  Kani Basic School

  Zakeyo

Mbereshi 2  Kanyembo Basic School

  Lunde Basic School

  Shanyembo Middle Basic School

  Shimulundu Basic School

  Shabo Clinic

Mr Speaker, I also wish to inform the House that the Government has completed other grid extension electrification projects in Nchelenge District. These are Mukamba and Chabilikila Electrification projects where Mukamba and Chabilikila Basic schools were electrified. These projects were funded by the Government and were each electrified at a cost of KR367,116.40 and KR80,000.00 respectively.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mpundu: Mr Speaker, I have only heard the hon. Deputy Minister mention schools located in the southern part of the district. When are those located in the northern part of the district going to be electrified?

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, for now, we are looking at the schools that I have mentioned. I am sure that the ones in the northern part will be catered for next year.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1815 hours until 1830 hours.

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

FUEL STATION IN NCHELENGE DISTRICT

483. Mr Mpundu asked the Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development when the Government would facilitate the construction of a fuel station in Nchelenge District.

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, the Government has no immediate plan to construct a filling station in Nchelenge District. However, in 2013, it intends to carry out an assessment that will determine which districts should be considered for construction of rural filling stations in 2014. Nchelenge, like other districts, will be considered in the assessment.

I thank you, Sir.

SHED AND SLAB CONSTRUCTION AND CATTLE RESTOCKING IN SHANGO’MBO

484. Mr Njeulu asked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock:

(a) why the FRA abandoned the construction of sheds in Nangweshi and Shang’ombo in Sinjembela Parliamentary Constituency;

(b) when the FRA would pay the casual workers who were employed to work with contractors on the sheds and slabs at (a);

(c) when the ministry would restock cattle in the Shang’ombo State Ranch; and

(d) when the ministry would send veterinary officers to Shang’ombo and Sioma districts.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr Kazabu): Mr Speaker, the FRA has not abandoned the construction of the storage shed in Shang’ombo and the upgrading of four hard-standing slabs at Nangweshi in the Western Province. The two contracts were terminated in 2012 and the agency intends to complete them in-house before the 2013 Marketing Season commences. Funds have been allocated in the 2013 Budget to complete the two projects. The contractor, Dansuz Investment Limited, was contracted to construct the storage shed with a storage capacity of 1,500 metric tonnes in 2011 in Shang’ombo. Due to challenges such as the remoteness of the site and the difficulty of acquiring materials locally, among others, faced by the contractor, the agency tried to assist the contractor by procuring all the major materials such as cement, roofing sheets and crushed stones. Despite this assistance, the contractor deserted the site on the pretext of mobilising other resources to complete the project. After three months, the FRA management decided to terminate the contract as per the provisions of the contract.

Furthermore, another contractor M & F Enterprise was contracted to upgrade the four slabs at Nangweshi, which would have provided a covered storage capacity of 2,000 metric tonnes. The FRA management decided to terminate the contract because of poor workmanship and lack of capacity by the contractor to complete the work. Subsequently, the two contractors have been reported to the NCC, as required by law.

Mr Speaker, the FRA was not aware that the two contractors had some outstanding payments to the workers they engaged for the work. The agency paid Dansuz Investment Limited KR348,000 and M & F Enterprise KR229,000. Therefore, it was their responsibility to ensure that they paid their workers. However, the FRA management will now consider how it can address this problem in the shortest possible time.

Mr Speaker, the Shang’ombo Livestock Breeding Centre, which is the former Senanga State Ranch, has been earmarked for development and civil works commenced in 2012 with the construction of a crush pen and a staff house. The ministry has allocated KR3 million in the 2013 ministerial budget for the continuation of construction works. The work to be done includes the construction of staff houses, livestock infrastructure, water reticulation and fencing. Once these works have been completed, the breeding centre will be restocked with cattle. Additionally, three livestock service centres have been constructed in Shang’ombo District at Mutomena, Sioma, and Natukoma. These facilities have crush pens, feeding pens, water troughs and holding pens.

Mr Speaker, the ministry has allocated resources for the recruitment of new staff to fill vacant positions for all departments in 2013. Shang’ombo and Sioma districts are expected to benefit from this recruitment.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mooya: Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister said that the two contractors were reported to the NCC. I would like to know what action, if any, the NCC has taken against them.

Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, so far, we do not have feedback from the NCC on the issue.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Imenda (Luena): Mr Speaker, at one time, the hon. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock announced, in this House, that people throughout the country would benefit from the Government buying maize at a subsidised price. The people of Luena did not benefit because there was no maize in the storage sheds in the Western Province except in Shang’ombo and there was no transport for the Government to get to Luena. May I know what the ministry is doing about making Shang’ombo accessible.

Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, we are mindful of the challenges which the hon. Member has spoken about. That is the more reason this Government has plans to rehabilitate a number of feeder roads which hitherto, stand in a state of disrepair. We have plans to do that so that the problems which Hon. Imenda has referred to can be addressed.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mufalali (Senanga): Mr Speaker, what control mechanisms has the hon. Minister put in place to ensure that the contractors that will be contracted this time around will not do shoddy jobs?

Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, as a ministry, one of the things that we have decided to do is not to give these kinds of works to all and sundry. To avoid recurrence of shoddy works, we are only going to give contracts to contractors with good track records.

I thank you, Sir.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister talked about a number of works which his ministry is going to do, but forgot to respond to part (c) of the question in which Hon. Njeulu wanted to find out when the Government will restock the Shang’ombo State Ranch.

Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, according to our plans, it is envisaged that by December, this year, we will have restocked the particular area under discussion.

I thank you, Sir.{mospagebreak}

Professor Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, both Dansuz and M & F contractors failed to do the work, but K577 million was paid to them. What was the basis for the payment?

Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, it is interesting that the question is coming from Hon. Professor Lungwangwa.

Laughter

Mr Kazabu: Our friends from whom we took over the reins of power should have the appropriate response because at the time the payment was made, we were not in control.

Hon. Opposition Members: Tell us. We want to know.

Mr Kazabu: Sir, as I have already explained, the only remedial measure we could take was to report the contractors to the appropriate council, which was supposed to take the necessary action against them.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out whether the restocking of cattle in Shang’ombo will be done after working on the condo…

Laughter

Mr Hamusonde: … cordon line.

Laughter

Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, when the cordon line was built, it was meant to act as a buffer to prevent contagious bovine pleuro-pneumonia (CBPP) disease from spreading to other parts of the country other than the Western Province. However, now, the cordon line has become irrelevant in the sense that the CBPP has gone beyond it. So, it is merely an academic exercise to have the cordon line in place. We believe that we require a different regime of measures to protect the animals that our people rear in that part of the country.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyanda: Mr Speaker, in answer to part (c) of the question, the hon. Minister made it clear that it was the intention of the Government to restock the ranch by the end of December. How many animals are intended for restocking in Shang’ombo?

The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr Sichinga): Mr Speaker, if the hon. Member of Parliament would like to have specific details on the implementation, he should ask a question accordingly. The question was only asking of when the restocking would take place. The number of animals which will be part of the exercise will depend on the space that will be created at the ranch.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, the hon. Deputy Minister informed this House that the erring contractors were reported to the NCC. However, no punitive or any measure taken against these contractors has been reported back to the ministry. Is there a timeline within which the NCC is supposed to report back to the ministry regarding the measures it takes against erring contractors after they have been reported to it?

Mr Sichinga: Mr Speaker, there is no timeline. In fact, we are reviewing the way companies have been doing business with the ministry. Those companies which are found wanting in whichever area, whether it is construction or deliveries, will be dealt with appropriately. We do not intend to condone this kind of behaviour where people think they can simply come in, collect money and move out. This problem has been going on for far too long and it was allowed to continue until this time. This time, we are stopping it, as the PF Government.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chipungu (Rufunsa): Mr Speaker, I am aware that the problem of lack of veterinary officers is not only in Shang’ombo, but also throughout the country. Is it that we do not have enough veterinary officers or it is the recruitment authority from the Public Service Management Division (PSMD) which is a problem?

Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, it would benefit the hon. Members of this House to know, for example, that in terms of the veterinary services, our establishment at the ministry is 1,434, in which field positions are 773, and the shortfall or deficit is 661. There lies the explanation.

Hon. Opposition Members: You employ!

Mr Kazabu: Sir, we are being allowed year after year to bring on board additional staff so that the outreach or extension services can be at the level where we want them to be.

I thank you, Sir.

Brig-General Dr Chituwo (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, with regard to the two contractors whose contracts were terminated, the hon. Deputy Minister answered that he could not explain why they were paid K500 million plus. On what basis did they terminate the contract if there was no information that they found in the files in the ministry? Was the decision made arbitrarily or there was information which could have assisted them in arriving at that position? There was no need to say that the MMD should provide the reasons the contracts were terminated.

Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, this is a case regarding performance. They failed to perform so it followed that their contracts had to be terminated.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

SOLWEZI/CHINGOLA ROAD REHABILITATION

485. Mr Katuka (Mwinilunga) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication what plans the Government had to rehabilitate the Solwezi/Chingola Road which was in a deplorable state.

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Mr Malama): Mr Speaker, the contract for the periodic maintenance of the Solwezi/Chingola Road has been awarded to the Road and Paving Zambia Limited at a contract sum of KR 70,767,718.22, Value Added Tax (VAT) inclusive, with the completion period of twelve months. The contract was signed on 10th January, 2013. The works consist of milling existing pavements on selected sections, pothole patching and edge repairs, reconstruction of selected sections, surface dressing, the drainage and road line marking. The contractor is currently mobilising.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Katuka: Mr Speaker, driving on the Solwezi/Chingola Road is a nightmare. May I find out why this specific road was left out in the famous Link Zambia 8,000 Road Network Project.

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, in reality, the Solwezi/Chingola Road has not been left out of our plans. There is a plan to construct a dual carriageway between Chingola and Solwezi. At any time before the end of this year, we will start looking for funds to finance this project. However, for now, we are just trying to maintain the road so that people can have safe passage and enjoy driving on it.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kakoma: Mr Speaker, the road in question continues to be maintained by the Government at a high cost every year. Every time this road is resurfaced, it continues to be damaged by known companies that are transporting heavy goods like copper. The companies include Kansanshi and Lumwana mines which are soon be to be joined by Kalumbila and other mining companies. May I find out whether the Government has engaged these mining companies to contribute to the maintenance or reconstruction of this road, including the dual carriageway, rather than leaving the funding of doing these works to the poor tax payers while the mining companies continue making more profits.

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, First Quantum Mines is contributing to the maintenance of the road in question. If you are leaving Solwezi and heading to Chingola, you will see a poster which demonstrates the commitment of the said mining company to efforts intended to repair that road. We have engaged the mining companies to see how they are going to contribute to the construction of the dual carriageway. We are at an advanced stage of the talks. We will ensure that the mining companies contribute something for the works on the roads which they damage.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwanza: Mr Speaker, the Solwezi/Chingola Road is very dear to me. Does the Government have any plans to construct toll-gates on that road so that the contributions which the hon. Minister is talking about from the mining giants are easily collected?

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, the Solwezi/Chingola Road is one of the roads on which we plan to put toll-gates. We will advertise the tender for the works once the designs have been finalised at the end of this year.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, we appreciate the fact that there is a plan to construct the dual carriageway to replace the currently dilapidated road. However, going by what is happening and the load that travels on that road, it is highly unlikely that this dual carriageway will be maintained after it has been constructed. Are there any alternative plans to facilitate the construction of a railway system so that the problems affecting that road are completely resolved?

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, we have serious plans to construct the North-West Railway line which was initiated by Mr Kavindele. We were in Angola three weeks ago, discussing how we are ‘gonna’ put up the railway line for the North…

Laughter

Hon. Opposition Members: Gonna?

Mr Yaluma: Pardon me, I was in Angola.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, there is a concern about your language.

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, I am very sorry. I withdraw this wrong choice of words.

Sir, we were in Angola, three weeks ago, to discuss issues regarding the Lobito Corridor. Mr Kavindele was in attendance at this meeting. We need to put up this railway line urgently so that we reduce the load on the road in question. We shall meet Mr Kavindele, again, to see how we can team up with him and other investors who would be interested in seeing this project succeed.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Order!

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MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to.
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The House adjourned at 1855 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 6th March, 2013