20^th February, 2018

 

The House met at 1430 hours

 

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

NATIONAL ANTHEM

 

PRAYER

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MR SPEAKER

 

CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OF SESSIONAL COMMITTEES

 

Mr Speaker: I wish to inform the House that in accordance with Standing Orders No. 135(3) and 148, adjustments have been made to the composition of some Committees. The adjustments arose from the recent changes in the membership of Cabinet, the appointment of Mr Chanda R. Mutale, MP, as Deputy Chief Whip and the nomination of Mrs Mumbi J. Phiri as an hon. Member of Parliament.

 

SESSIONAL COMMITTEES – MEMBERSHIP

 

HOUSE-KEEPING COMMITEES

 

Standing Orders Committee

 

Mr S. Chungu MP, now Chief Whip, to replace Mr R. Musukwa, MP.

 

House Business Committee

 

Mr S. Chungu, MP, Chief Whip, to replace Mr R. Musukwa, MP.

 

Committee on Privileges, Absences and Support Services

 

Mr S. Chungu, MP, Chief Whip, to replace Mr R. Musukwa MP.

 

Reforms and Modernisation Committee

 

Mr C. R. Mutale, MP, now Deputy Chief Whip, to replace Mr S. Chungu, MP.

 

Public Accounts Committee

 

Mr K. Mukosa, MP, to replace Mr Alex Chiteme, MP.

 

PORTFOLIO COMMITTEES

 

Committee on Parastatal Bodies

 

Mrs M. J. Phiri, MP, to replace Mr J. Malanji, MP.

 

Committee on Energy, Water Development and Tourism

 

Mrs M. J. Phiri, MP, to replace Mr J. Malanji, MP.

 

Committee on Local Governance, Housing and Chiefs’ Affairs

 

Mr C. Chali MP, to replace Mr K. Mukosa, MP.

 

Committee on Transport, Works and Supply

 

Mr J. Kabamba, MP, to replace Mr C. R. Mutale, MP, Deputy Chief Whip.

 

GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEES

 

Committee on Delegated Legislation

 

Mr H. Kalaba, MP, to replace Mr K. Mukosa, MP.

 

Committee on Government Assurances

 

Mr L. Kaziya, MP, to replace Mr C. R. Mutale, MP, Deputy Chief Whip.

 

FREE EYE SCREENING EXERCISE

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that Vision Care, Appasamy Eye Hospital and Vision Care Opticians will be conducting a free eye-screening exercise for hon. Members of Parliament and staff from Monday, 26^th February to Friday, 2^nd March, 2018.

 

The exercise will cover blood pressure monitoring, weight checking, corneal scar screening, pterygum screening, ophthalmic counselling, cataract screening and last but not least, refractive error (myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia and astigmatism).

 

The exercise will be conducted in Committee Room 5 from 0900 hours to 1600 hours on each day. Hon. Members and staff are encouraged to visit the health practitioners at their convenient time.

 

Thank you.

 

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

 

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

 

Josephine Chilufya Mumbi Phiri

 

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

 

The Vice-President (Mrs Wina): Mr Speaker, I rise to give the House some idea of the business it will consider this week.

 

Sir, let me take this opportunity to welcome all the hon. Members to the Second Meeting of the Second Session of the Twelfth National Assembly. I hope that they had a restful festive period and that they are ready to proceed with the Business of the House.

 

Mr Speaker, as indicated on the Order Paper for today, Tuesday, 20^th February, 2018, the House will consider Questions for Oral Answer. This will be followed by presentation of the following Government Bills:

 

The Rent (Amendment) Bill, 2018;

 

The Subordinate Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2018; and

 

The Judiciary Administration (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

 

Sir, on Wednesday, 21^st February, 2018, the Business of the House will start with Questions for Oral Answer, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider Private Members’ Motions, if there will be any. After that, the House will deal with presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any.

 

Mr Speaker, on Thursday, 22^nd February, 2018, the Business of the House will start with Questions for Oral Answer, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any.

 

Sir, on Friday, 23^rd February, 2018, the Business of the House will start with Her Honour the Vice-President’s Question Time. This will be followed by Questions for Oral Answer, if there will be any. The House will then deal with presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

_______

 

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

 

OUTBREAK OF CHOLERA IN THE COUNTRY

 

The Minister of Health (Dr Chilufya): Mr Speaker, thank you for granting me this opportunity to update the House and the nation at large on the fight against the outbreak of cholera in the country, and to indicate the measures that the Government has taken to stop the further spread of the outbreak, prevent deaths, treat the sick and rehabilitate them as well as mitigate against the potential catastrophic effects of the disease.

 

Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the current cholera outbreak has affected seven of our ten provinces, namely Lusaka, Central, Eastern, Southern, Copperbelt, North-Western and Western, with a cumulative total of 4,202 cases and eighty-five deaths between 4^th October, 2017 and 19^th February, 2018.

 

Sir, from the outset, it must be emphasised that the prevention of such an outbreak and the catastrophic after-effects are not beyond the realm of our collective capability. As civic or community leaders, elected representatives, the Church, the Government and non-governmental organisation (NGOs), actors, individual and collective agents of fortitude and behaviour transformation, we are called upon to recognise the potential hazards of our contemporary existence, living conditions and social behaviour to refuse the status quo and, with solidarity and mutual respect, uphold key values such as cleanliness and responsibility.

 

Mr Speaker, cholera is a diarrhoeal disease caused by a bacterium called vibrio cholerae that is mainly spread through contaminated food and water. It thrives in dirty environments, particularly where access to clean water is compromised by sustained indiscriminate waste disposal and environmental soiling. By and large, the conditions that cause the outbreak of cholera can be mitigated.

 

Sir, when an individual is struck by cholera, symptoms will include the rapid onset of diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pains, muscle cramps and body weakness. If untreated, the infection can result in rapid severe dehydration and death within twenty four hours. Within a short period, the affected individuals can spread the disease to their contacts, who would normally be family members, neighbours, fellow employees or, indeed, employers, customers or fellow church congregants.

 

Mr Speaker, we declared a cholera outbreak on 6^th October, 2017, and it has predominantly affected Lusaka Province which has recorded a total of 4,036 cases, representing 96.1 per cent, and seventy-five deaths. Nationwide, the number of deaths is eighty-five.

 

Sir, as at 06:00 am on 19^th February, 2018, 4,080, patients had been successfully treated and discharged. In Lusaka Province, the districts that have been worst affected are:

 

Lusaka                                    No. of Cases                                       

 

Lusaka                                           3,907                                                        

Chongwe                                            47

Chilanga                                              27

Kafue                                                 19

Rufunsa                                                5

Chirundu                                              1

 

Sir, Central Province has recorded a total of ninety-one cases and three deaths in eight districts, broken down as follows:

 

Lusaka                              No. of Cases                     

 

Shibuyunji                                 30

Mumbwa                                  24

Kabwe                                     24

Chibombo                                16

Serenje                                     15

Mkushi                                      4

Chisamba                                   4

Kapiri Mposhi                            3

Itezh-tezhi                                  1

 

Sir, a total of thirty cases and two deaths have been recorded in five districts of the Eastern Province, broken down as follows:

 

District                              No. of Cases

 

Lundazi                                    20

Petauke                                     4

Katete                                       3

Sinda                                         2

Chipata                                      1

 

Sir, in the Southern Province, seven districts have been affected, with a total of twenty six cases. However, there have been no deaths. The affected districts are as follows:

 

District                              No. of Cases

 

Chikankata                               11

Mazabuka                                  6

Kalomo                                     4

Sinazongwe                                2

Siavonga                                    2

Livingstone                                 1

Pemba                                       1

 

Mr Speaker, on the Copperbelt, two districts were affected by the outbreak, resulting in thirteen cases and one death. Ndola had seven cases, while Kitwe recorded six cases.

 

Sir, in the North-Western Province, two cases were recorded. However, there was no mortality. The districts affected were Mwinilunga where there was one case and Solwezi had one case. The Western Province recorded only one case.

 

Mr Speaker, like I said earlier on, we had eighty-five deaths. Seventy-five deaths were in the capital city whilst we encountered one each in Chongwe, Shibuyunji, Kafue, Mumbwa, Kabwe, Kapiri-Mposhi, Lundazi, Petauke and Ndola.

 

Sir, this august House should note that this was not inevitable. The deaths are not a calamity, but are as a result of a historical challenge of unplanned slums. However, bold action, particularly at individual, community, civic and constituency levels led to a quick reaction that resulted in the epidemic starting to abate.

 

Mr Speaker, the Government of His Excellency, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, has mounted a spirited ...

 

Mr Livune: Question!

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Chilufya: ... and energised multi-sectoral response to combat the cholera outbreak. I will repeat ...

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order, on the right!

 

Dr Chilufya: The Government of His Excellency, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, ...

 

Mr Livune: Question!

 

Dr Chilufya: ... has mounted a spirited and energised multi-sectoral response to combat the cholera outbreak. The Government and our co-operating partners have continued to supplement resources and put in place measures to control and end the outbreak. The interventions that have been put in place include:

 

Multi-Sectoral Response

 

The National Level Committee has been meeting daily to co-ordinate efforts from the time the outbreak was declared. All districts have activated their multi-sectoral district epidemic preparedness meetings. Prevention Control and Management Committees are now in place and rapid response teams have been constituted.

 

Mr Speaker, to support the cholera response efforts, Statutory Instrument No. 79 of 2017, entitled the “Public Health Infected Areas Cholera Regulations, 2017” was issued on 29^th December, 2017. This has resulted in enhanced enforcement of regulations related to the inspection of public facilities and closure of facilities that do not meet sanitary standards, and those with inadequate access to clean and safe water.

 

Sir, the opening of schools was also deferred so as to ensure that they were safe for learners and give a chance to Lusaka-based learners to benefit from the cholera vaccine. A cautiously optimistic and prudent approach has been taken when easing these restrictions for specific identified facilities such as markets and schools if and when they meet the required standard. Facilities are only opened after inspection by health inspectors with a focus on water and sanitation.

 

Mr Speaker, in the true spirit of multi-sectoral synergies, the Ministry of Local Government has issued Statutory Instrument No. 10 to strengthen the fight against ...

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

The consultations on the right are rather loud.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Ubomba mwibala!

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: Let us have some order!

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, in the true spirit of multi-sectoral synergies, the Ministry of Local Government has issued Statutory Instrument No. 10 of 2018 which has strengthened actions against public health nuisances while the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has issued a gazette notice that will extend a fishing ban in cholera-affected areas and allow for the closure of fishing camps that do not have adequate sanitary facilities, including access to clean and safe water. The three statutory instruments will complement each other and form synergies that enable a robust immediate and medium-term response to the outbreak.

 

Case Management

 

Sir, cholera treatment units across the affected districts remain open for triage and stabilisation of suspected cases. Additionally, in Lusaka, the two main cholera treatment centres at the National Heroes Stadium and Chawama First Level Hospital remain open to manage patients. These facilities have been staffed with doctors, nurses and other health workers. The treatment centres have also been provided with adequate medical supplies, including drugs and intravenous fluids to support patient care. All provincial and district medical offices countrywide have been put on high alert to escalate disease surveillance activities, isolation facilities have been put in place and emergency supplies have been stocked up.

 

Sir, the Ministry of Health has procured and increased the provision of chlorine, medical supplies, laboratory reagents, personal protective equipment and information, education and communication (IEC) materials to all the districts affected by the outbreak.

 

Contact Tracing and Active Case Finding

 

Environmental health staff and community health workers have been deployed to trace all contacts of infected patients. This is critical to quickly identify those who may have contracted the infection so that they are screened and given appropriate treatment, hence stopping further spread of the infection. In addition, the door-to-door distribution of household chlorine and chlorination of water sources is ongoing.

 

Health Education

 

Sir, health education to the public has continued in various congregate settings such as schools and through various forms of media.

 

Environmental Management

 

Mr Speaker, environmental management, that includes the monitoring of water quality, has been escalated.

 

Oral Cholera Vaccination Campaign

 

Sir, finally, an Oral Cholera Vaccination Campaign was launched. With support from the World Health Organisation and other co-operating partners, we managed to secure 2,070,100 vaccine doses. The first round, which was launched on 10^th January, 2018, successfully recorded an overall coverage of 109 per cent, with 1,317,925 people vaccinated in Chawama, Matero, Kanyama and Chipata compounds. A second dose, which increases the immunity and protection to three years, was given to 722,704 Kanyama and Chawama residents, giving coverage of 147 per cent based on the total number vaccinated in the first round. We will continue with the vaccination exercise in Chipata and Matero.

 

Sir, as I conclude, once again, I wish to call upon each and every hon. Member of this august House and the whole citizenry of this great Republic to action. We need not have tribulation as a result of diseases such as cholera. It is in our hands to free ourselves from preventable outbreaks of disease. We need to be bold and make decisions that will allow posterity to judge us well. In our jurisdictions, we must not allow communities to accumulate garbage indiscriminately or use pit latrines that discharge human waste into neighbouring shallow wells. Let us allow vending of food only from designated places. We should not, in a simplistic manner, think that we are being popular if we go against these tenets.

 

Sir, every part of Zambia is made up of a constituency and these constituencies must be free of squalor and cholera. The call to action is for every hon. Member of Parliament to provide leadership in his/her constituency and co-ordinate with all stakeholders to ensure that they promote hygiene.

Mr Speaker, with collective action, we will overcome cholera. The Government is doing everything possible to ensure that the outbreak is contained within the shortest time.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

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

 

Mrs Chonya (Kafue): Mr Speaker, since the hon. Minister is talking about a multi-sectoral response to the cholera epidemic, I wish to find out whether he is aware that one of the possible causes of cholera is the inadequate investment in the water sector which has resulted in a poor water reticulation system. The dilapidated water reticulation system is responsible for the discharge of contaminated water into our water system. If he is aware, is the Government thinking of investing adequately in the water sector?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, like I said in my preamble, the drivers of the epidemic include consumption of water that is not safe, and that points to inadequate investment in water and sanitation infrastructure.

 

Mr Speaker, as part of our short-term response, we have worked closely with the Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company and the Office of the Vice-President to put measures in place to provide citizens in affected areas with clean and safe water. Furthermore, there are medium to long-term interventions that have been put in place, such as ensuring that the slums have piped water within the shortest period. So, contractors have been mobilising to ensure that issues of water reticulation are addressed.

 

Mr Speaker, we are aware of the water reticulation issues. Besides, this is the first Government to embark on an urban renewal exercise where slums will never be the same again. This is a historical problem and, for the first time, there is an Urbanisation Programme that will look at improving services to the people in slums.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Mr Speaker, I do not know how the hon. Minister feels when he says this is a historical problem. Can he assure us that they will come a day when the Government will solve completely this historical problem.

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, I will change my vocabulary.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Chilufya: Sir, this challenge has been there for a very long time and we have inherited it. All I am saying is that we are not resigned to the situation. The Patriotic Front (PF) Government has embarked on a renewal exercise which looks at the provision of social services to people who have settled in unplanned areas. So, we are not leaving the unplanned settlements as they are since they have been in existence for twenty to forty years, but have taken the bull by its horns by ensuring that people living in those areas are healthy and productive. We have decided to address the root determinants of health, including water and sanitation. It is for this reason that we have put contractors in those areas to plan and install a new water network.

 

Mr Speaker, with these interventions, this problem will be over sustainably.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, I did not hear the hon. Minister speak about the associated cost to the fight against cholera in his statement. I am aware that towards the close of last year, the former Minister of Finance, Hon. Mutati, had indicated that all the constituencies that had not received their Constituency Development Fund (CDF) would get their allocation before the end of the year. However, as the cholera epidemic escalated, we were told that about K99.4 million was to be paid to the 156 constituencies, excluding the fourteen that have already received their allocation. I would like to know whether it is deliberate that he has decided not to tell us how much money, in absolute terms, has been spent on the fight against cholera.

 

Mr Kambita: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the cholera outbreak is still there and resources are still being spent. I wish to assure the House and the nation that all the resources that have been allocated to the cholera response are being spent prudently.

 

Mr Speaker, there shall be an audit of all the resources that have been pumped into this exercise. So far, the Government has released K64 million towards the fight against cholera. If an audit were to be carried out immediately, you would find that not even one penny is missing.

 

Mr Mwiinga: Question!

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the evidence of the efficacy of our response lies in the low mortality and reduced number of new cases. From an average of 170 cases per day, we now have an average of fifteen per day.

 

Mr Speaker, resources are being utilised prudently as evidenced by the statistics that we are seeing. I wish to assure the House that we have opened a register of resources that are donated. All the resources that have come in have been entered in the register and a multi-sector of controlling officers sit to decide which budget lines of cost centres are funded from whichever monies that come. The funds are being dispensed to the various cholera response teams.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Kundoti (Luena): Mr Speaker, I would like the hon. Minister to tell this House why it took so long for the ministry to react to the outbreak of cholera which, I am reliably informed, broke out in October. The hon. Minister let the epidemic grow out of proportion before moving in to fight it. My question really is for you …

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member, you have already asked the question.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: Your question is: Why did it take so long to react to the outbreak?

 

Mr Kundoti: Yes, Mr Speaker.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: That is your question.

 

Mr Kundoti: Thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Interruptions

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, if we took long to react, we would be talking of deaths beyond acceptable numbers. We reacted immediately.

 

Mr Speaker, we have a very alert surveillance system that led to the quick detection of cases. When the cholera outbreak began in Mazyopa near Chipata Compound, we reacted by putting the whole of Lusaka on alert. We actually overcame the epidemic in the circumscribed area where it first began. If you looked at the epidemic curve of the disease, you would realise that there were no cases at some point. So, the outbreak in December was a totally new one. If there was a difference in visibility it was because the outbreak in October was confined to a small area called Mazyopa. We reacted aggressively by addressing all the root determinants and the outbreak was contained. Then, there was no mortality. The outbreak in December was in other areas and we reacted immediately. There was not even a second’s delay in our reaction. What I would expect from the hon. Member are words of appreciation to his Excellency the President for providing bold leadership in the response against the outbreak.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, as the hon. Minister is telling the nation how many people have actually died, can he also explain why the Government has not paid the people who have been taking care of those who are infected with cholera. We saw people protesting on television due to non-payment of allowances and this does not reflect well on the nation because the Government has so much money at its disposal.

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, there is no one who is participating in this response who is owed money. All the misunderstandings amongst community volunteers have been cleared and they have all been paid. Let me put it correctly. There is not much money that has been released for the fight against the epidemic. As a matter of fact, we need more money to fight the epidemic and put in place sustainable measures to ensure that it does not recur.

I thank you, Sir.

 

Dr Kambwili (Roan): Mr Speaker, what is the rationale of closing the School of Medicine at both the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and Ndola Central Hospital (NCH) as a result of the cholera outbreak, leaving out the School of Microbiology and the School of Nursing? The School of Nursing at UTH is also open. Is the hon. Minister telling me that cholera will only affect the School of Medicine students? Why is this Government still keeping the schools closed and, at the same time, communicating to us that the cholera outbreak has drastically reduced?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, firstly, I must confirm that the cholera outbreak is abating. We are on the verge of containing it. Secondly, any facility that does not meet the terms in the Public Health Act and the Food and Drugs Act would be shut down to protect lives. In response to the outbreak, we have escalated inspections of all public facilities, whether they are trading places or educational facilities. We have put up notices of what should be addressed in order to meet the minimum standards to protect the lives of the public, students or pupils. I must report that from the Ministries of General Education and Higher Education, there has been compliance beyond 80 per cent and that is why most institution of learning are open.

 

Mr Speaker, there are many issues that needed to be addressed in terms of water and sanitation in our public universities. I must report that a lot of them have been addressed and we have already advised the Ministry of Higher Education to issue a policy statement on the exact date when they will reopen. What was done to address the water and sanitation infrastructure in the institutions of learning was important for us to protect the lives of students and employees.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa): Mr Speaker, during this year’s cholera outbreak, one of the interventions that took place was the vaccination of Lusaka residents, especially those who live in areas that are most affected. Is this exercise going to be scaled-up, especially to areas that have reported outbreaks historically? I have got in mind some fishing camps in Luapula and where we share the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and also Makulu in Kabwe.

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, like I said earlier on in my statement, the fishing ban will be extended and I will leave the relevant ministry to issue a statement on this. After inspection by a combined team of health inspectors and fisheries officers, we have realised that most of the fishing camps do not have adequate sanitary facilities. Fishing camps will need to have minimum facilities in terms of water and sanitation for them to reopen.

 

Mr Speaker, traditionally, we have had cholera outbreaks in the fishing camps which have spread to other parts of the country. Now we are wiser and will ensure that we only allow fishing camps to operate if we put in place minimum conditions. With the prevailing situation, we will not allow fishing camps to open. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock is working closely with us to address this matter.

 

Mr Speaker, Shibuyunji recorded thirty cholera cases and all of them are from illegal fishing camps. To control the outbreak in Shibuyunji, we had to close some fishing camps and move people to some areas. In certain places, we vaccinated the people before they left. We are moving cautiously. In the true spirit of multi-sectoral response, we are working closely with our colleagues in the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. The hon. Minister of Fisheries and Livestock will issue a statement at an appropriate time.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Mr Speaker, among the interventions that His Excellency the President had put in place in order to curb cholera was the clearance of drainages by the Zambia Army personnel. What measures has the ministry put in place to ensure that traders do not block the drainages again?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, one of the bold decisions that His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, took to ensure that the outbreak is quickly brought to its knees was the deployment of military personnel in the Central Business District of Lusaka (CBD) to enhance solid waste management. There is nothing unusual about supporting the Lusaka City Council which was overwhelmed. I must emphasise that the community, which includes marketeers, the Street Vendors Association (SVA) and all the people who work in various jurisdictions in town and at the Intercity Market have co-operated and worked well with our colleagues from the security and defence wings. This has been a multi-sectoral response as can be seen from the complexion of the people who have been working in the CBD.

 

Mr Speaker, the sustainability of this exercise lies in escalated health promotion, improved human resource in environmental mitigation departments and improved engagement of communities to ensure that the environments where they trade in are kept clean. This engagement will continue, and that is why I said that the call to action of members of this august House is for them to support the entrenchment of good hygiene practices in our various constituencies so that people can understand the importance of drainages, good waste disposal and be able to distinguish sewerage from water for consumption.

 

Mr Speaker, we are not only putting in place short-term measures but also sustainable ones.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Chali (Nchanga): Mr Speaker, a few days ago, it was reported on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) news that a Chinese developer was discharging sewer into the Chalimbana Stream. What is the ratio of known cases of this nature in high cost areas to those in lower cost areas?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament is asking me to distinguish between cases from up-market residential areas and those in lower-cost residential areas. Most cases came mainly from the unplanned settlements, and the epicentres are Kanyama, Chawama, Chipata and George. The up-market areas have also recorded sporadic cases because, like I said earlier on, contamination of food was the major contributing factor. The consumption of food sold from the streets and in some up-market places was also a contributing factor. Therefore, there were sporadic cases from the up-market areas. I am unable to give specific figures outrightly. However, let me inform the hon. Member of Parliament and the House that up-market places like Ibex Hill and Avondale recorded one case each. The other cases were from the epicentre, but we did not see an upward spiral of cases from the up-market places.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Ms Chisangano (Gwembe): Mr Speaker, the Patriotic Front (PF) Government allowed street vending for a long time until the outbreak of cholera. May I find out whether it has done away with street vending as one of the permanent measures to prevent future outbreaks?

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, street vending is not bad. What is not acceptable is vending from places where there are no sanitary facilities and there is no water to drink or wash hands. That is what we are against. There is street vending in many parts of the world, but there are sanitary facilities in place. Therefore, I wish to make it clear that in our continuous engagement with the Ministry of Local Government, we have agreed that vending should be done from designated places, whether in the streets or market, as long as there are sanitary facilities in place to ensure that the lives of venders and customer are protected. That is our position on this matter.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned co-operating partners and that K64 million was spent on the response towards the outbreak. From this amount, could he update us how much came from our co-operating partners and the Treasury?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, let me correct the hon. Questioner. I said that the Treasury released K64 million towards the response and many of our co-operating partners supported us in kind by donating, for instance, oral cholera vaccines, protective equipment and water tanks. I must emphasise that most donations were in kind. There could be a dummy cheque of K1.5 million, but it would be meant for the procurement of water tanks and the donor would actually buy them directly from the supplier and give them to us. We have also received a lot of support from the corporate world. A lot of it is in the form of materials such as chlorine, protective gear or other materials that are relevant for the response. I must place on record our appreciation of the support from the corporate world.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Speaker: Are you able to quantify the donations from sources other than the Treasury?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the K64 million is from the Treasury. I am unable to quantify the donations from the donor community because we are still compiling them.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Ms Katuta (Chienge): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister of Health how the ministry will sustain the measures it put in place regarding the prevention and spread of cholera. When the measures were introduced, many people and business entities were excited. However, we no longer see people standing at the entrance of shopping areas with hand sanitisers. Seeing as we do not have many health inspectors, what will the ministry do to sustain the measures?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the voice projection was so low that I did not get the first part of the question.

 

Ms Katuta: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out the sustainability of the measures that the ministry has put in place to prevent cholera. When they were introduced, people would wash their hands and use sanitisers at shopping malls, but this is no longer happening. Therefore, how will the ministry sustain the measures it has put in place?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the measures we put in place in terms of improving hygiene practices, hand washing, decontaminating toilets on a regular basis and placing sanitisers in strategic places where the public is interacting should not be taken as short-term measures because of the cholera outbreak. These are measures that we are encouraging all stakeholders to sustain. We have noted that in many public places and shopping malls, the sanitisers or hand washing facilities are still there and we have encouraged all workers to continue utilising the facilities. This is a way of sustaining the sensitisation programme in which everybody should participate. In your jurisdiction as an employer or leader, let there be hand washing facilities, good sanitary facilities, regular inspection and cleaning up or decontamination of the sanitary facilities.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Jamba (Mwembezhi): Mr Speaker, I hope as the hon. Minister responds to my question, he will also confirm that he visited my constituency. This morning, I was told that a death was recorded at Chiyasa Fishing Camp in Mwembezhi. The fishing camp cannot be accessed by road. What sustainable measures is the ministry putting in place to contain the cholera outbreak in Mwembezhi? Otherwise, the people will perish.

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, there are sixteen fishing camps in Shibuyunji. Of the sixteen, seven have been closed down where there were about 200 inhabitants per fishing camp. These are places where we recorded deaths at the beginning of the outbreak. We burnt down the temporary structures and the people were made to move back to the mainland. As for the fishing camps were the population is more than 3,000, the Ministry of Health is working on an evacuation plan with the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, and the Office of the Vice-President. In the meantime, we have vaccinated the inhabitants of the fishing camps, distributed chlorine and conducted health education.

 

We have also set up camps for health workers who are interacting with the people. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the Office of the Vice-President and the Ministry of Health are working together to come up with a sustainable relocation plan.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Nanjuwa (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has mentioned that he has received material and financial support from the corporate world and many other sources …

 

Mr Muchima: On a point of order, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Hold on, hon. Member for Mumbwa. I would like to advise the hon. Member of Parliament for Ikeleng’i that until I finish this segment of the Order Paper, there shall be no points of order.

 

May the hon. Member of Parliament for Mumbwa continue, please.

 

Mr Nanjuwa: Thank you, Sir.

 

From the support that the hon. Minister has received so far, I would like to find out if at all the local authorities in the areas that he has mentioned that have also been affected by the cholera outbreak are receiving any logistical assistance.

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, an outbreak of this nature requires a multi-sectoral response. The local authorities are part of the response team, hence the reason we set up a command centre which includes people from the local authorities.

 

Usually, what happens is that when we receive funding from the Treasury, our controlling officers meet to look at the interventions to be staged. For instance, if the interventions are by Lusaka City Council, then, Lusaka City Council will receive that money directly or through the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health is only a holding ministry since it is the co-ordinator of the response. The money will be transferred into the Ministry of Health account and released to Lusaka City Council, for instance, for interventions in solid waste management. Sometimes, the money is released to Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company to improve access to water.

 

Therefore, city councils, municipalities or councils that have been affected by the cholera outbreak have received support as part of the multi-sectoral team and it is being utilised as the need arises.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr A. C. Mumba (Kantanshi): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister of Health for his ministerial statement as well as the hon. Cabinet Ministers who are also involved in this exercise. However, listening to the ministerial statement, I could tell that the hon. Minister is determined to eradicate cholera permanently. Has he taken time to look at historical data in order to see the correlation between the areas where there is cholera and those that were affected in the past for him to efficiently use the multi-sectoral approach he is talking about so as to eradicate cholera permanently?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, we have made an analysis of what happened in the past and have recorded an outbreak of a similar nature in 1991 when there were more than 13,000 cases of cholera and more than 500 deaths. Equally, in the 1999 and 2000 outbreaks, more than 13,500 cases were recorded, with a mortality of over 400. However, we have had smaller outbreaks in the past, with very low mortality rates. However, the current outbreak is comparable to the two I have just spoken about. We have drawn lessons from the previous outbreaks and are doing things differently this time around. Based on the lessons learnt from the past, bold decisions were taken at the level of the President in order to avert deaths.

 

Sir, in the past, there were cholera outbreaks in fishing camps, but now they have spread to the mainland. That is why we should extend the fishing ban this time around, and put in place measures to stop further outbreaks.

 

Since the cholera outbreak began from densely populated slums, we have acted differently. We have not only put in place measures to treat infections and prevent the spread of cholera, but have also put in place measures to prevent further occurrences.

 

Cholera occurs when sewer mixes with drinking water. This is the reason we have invested in water reticulation in slums and embraced technology to put up modern sanitary facilities at markets in certain slums. We have also learnt that we do not put measures in place just to abate an outbreak, but to avoid a recurrence. Therefore, we are investing in fresh water reticulation systems in slums, improving trading places, building markets and ensuring that people trade only in designated places where there are sanitary facilities, and continuing with self health promotion messages. We have also recruited health workers who will continue with disease intelligence and surveillance to avoid further outbreaks.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of the hon. Minister of Health that hon. Members of Parliament on your left hand side have been ‘consistently consistent’ …

 

Laughter

 

Mr Mwiimbu: … in bringing to the attention of the Government of the day, which is the Patriotic Front (PF), the squalor that is obtaining in the country. However, the hon. Minister of Health has been less than candid in …

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: … addressing the issues that are causing cholera in this country.

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

Mr Mutale: Question!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: We have been reminding him that cholera outbreaks in this country are like a traditional ceremony because they occur every year and have called upon him and his Government to put in place measures to address the squalor, but they have not done that. Could the hon. Minister be candid enough to tell us the long-term measures he has put in place to avoid a recurrence of cholera outbreaks in this country. Notwithstanding the measures that have been put in place as a result of the outbreak, how does he intend to address the issue of cholera without providing adequate resources to local authorities for them to procure refuse trucks, provide adequate safe drinking water, …

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member of Parliament for Monze Central, are you answering the question now?

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: I think your question has already been put forward.

 

Mr Mwiimbu: If the hon.  Minister has heard, Mr Speaker, yes.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: He has.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, we have not been recording cholera cases every year …

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Ah!

 

Hon. Government Members: Yes!

 

Dr Chilufya: Yes.

 

Mr Speaker, we have not been recording cholera cases every year and we are ready to make a presentation to show hon. Members when we have not recorded any cholera cases. In the last six years, there were about two years in which this country did not record any cholera cases. We are ready to produce that evidence. As we conduct a workshop on the National Health Strategic Plan, there will be a slide on that.

 

Mr Speaker cholera is not a traditional ceremony. It only occurs as a result of consuming contaminated food and water at certain times.

 

Sir, what measures are we putting in place? In the Seventh National Development Plan, we have identified human development and health as a key investment. We have also said that our approach to improving the health of people will include strengthening health systems in a multi-sectoral manner. We will ensure that we address the root determinants of health, and that includes water and sanitation. This is all in our Strategic Plan, Seventh National Development Plan and Sector Development Plans.

 

Mr Speaker, it is important to note that the Government has been bold enough to address the issue of slums. We have also been brave enough to address the issue of trading spaces in order to protect lives. It is for this reason that I would like to urge my colleagues on the left not to politicise the cholera outbreak.  Actually, when we advised people who were vending from areas where there was no water and sanitary facilities, our colleagues on the left went on air and said that they would bring the venders back when they come to power.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Chilufya:  Sir, those statements were extremely irresponsible.

 

Mr Speaker, again, it is difficult to reconcile with what our colleagues in the Opposition stand for. It is important to note that cholera is bipartisan. In fact, health is bipartisan. Instead, our colleagues politicise the responses to the cholera outbreak. Although we have taken measures to protect lives, our colleagues have gone public to counter those measures. They have taken a populist stand. So, it is good that they have now realised that it is important for us to sustainably address the root determinants of health, namely water, sanitation and hygiene. We would like to assure the nation that the Government of His Excellency, the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, …

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Chilufya: … will address all the root determinants of health and get rid of waterborne diseases.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

 

________

 

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

 

FINISHED PETROLEUM PRODUCTS IMPORT DUTY

 

105. Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central) asked the Minister of Energy:

 

1. whether the Government was aware that the 25 per cent import duty charged on finished petroleum products was a contributing factor to the high cost of fuel in the country;

 

1. if so, whether there were any plans to scrap off the import duty in order to reduce the cost of fuel; and

 

1. if there were no such plans, what measures were being taken to reduce the cost of fuel.

 

The Minister of Energy (Mr Nkhuwa): Mr Speaker, I would like to inform the House that finished petroleum products imported by suppliers on behalf of the Government do not attract 25 per cent import duty. The 25 per cent import duty is only levied when an oil marketing company (OMC) imports petroleum products for its consumption. Therefore, the 25 per cent import duty does not affect the fuel price in the country.

 

Currently, OMCs do not import finished petroleum products for consumption. Only low sulphur diesel is imported for the mines by selected OMCs such as Puma, Total and Oryx Energies. This attracts 25 per cent of import duty. There has been a ban on the importation of petrol and diesel from January, 2017 to March, 2018. Therefore, the 25 per cent import duty does not apply in the pricing of petrol and diesel. So, import duty is not a component of the fuel price build up for petrol and diesel.

 

Mr Speaker, the taxes on petrol, diesel and kerosene only account for 16.8 per cent on average of the fuel pump price. The most significant portion of the fuel pump price is the cost of feedstock and finished products which amount to 45.97 per cent of the fuel pump price.

 

Sir, I would like to inform the House that based on the response given in part (a) of the Question, part (b) of the Question is not applicable.

 

Mr Speaker, the Ministries of Energy and Transport and Communication have embarked on reforms of the fuel supply chain in order to reduce fuel pump prices and ensure that most bulk cargo petroleum is transported cheaply via railway. The Tanzania Zambia (TAZAMA) Pipe Line and Indeni Petroleum Refinery Ltd are also being upgraded. For example, there are proposals to upgrade the TAZAMA Pipe Line from eight to twelve inches to increase fuel output. The procurement of a private equity partner in Indeni Petroleum Refinery Ltd is also under consideration.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, I had asked a similar question to the hon. Minister’s predecessor, Hon. Mabumba, who is sitting right next to him. However, I would like to sympathise with the current hon. Minister because I suspect he has been ill advised.

 

Sir, it has generally been known that the 25 per cent levy on finished products was imposed on the consumer in order to cushion the production cost of separating commingled feedstock at Petroleum Refinery Ltd so that it does not go out of business. We have argued that this action is ‘hurting’ the common Zambian for the following reasons: When the Patriotic Front (PF) came into power in 2011, the price of petrol was K5 per litre.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Yes!

 

Mr Nkombo: The price is now at K14 per litre. Electricity tariffs have also gone up by 75 per cent. I would like the hon. Minister to tell me how Zambia competes with all our neighbouring countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region in terms of the price of this commodity which, we think, is extremely high in Zambia. Please, think through my question, hon. Minister, because people are suffering.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, the position is as I put it. Exercise Duty is 7.18 per cent and the Value Added Tax (VAT) is about 9.20 per cent. So, the total tax comes to 16.38 per cent. Therefore, the 25 per cent the hon. Member is referring to does not exist. I have the pricing list with me and I will lay the paper on the Table for all hon. Members to see, and they can confirm with the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) if they wish to do so.

 

Sir, I know that the price of fuel is higher in the Republic of Zambia. We will soon be carrying out some research to find out where we are going wrong.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Yes, you can only learn if there is something wrong, hence the reason we are comparing with other countries. I know that Parliamentarians have also been going to other countries to learn best practices in certain areas. So, we, too, will go and learn. I do not think there is anything wrong with that.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkhuwa: I have said that we are going to put measures in place to improve the situation. For instance, I said that we shall start transporting fuel by railway. This means that the cost of the transportation of fuel will definitely go down.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear! 

 

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, it is very gratifying to see that we still have men of integrity like the hon. Minister of Energy who can admit that something is not right. I would like the hon. Minister to tell us how prices – and this was the tail end of my last question – of kerosene, low sulphur diesel, diesel, petrol and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in this country compare with fuel prices in Zaire, which is now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), …

 

Laughter

 

Nkombo: … Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. This will prove that we are truly going the wrong way. I would like the hon. Minister to lay this information on the Table as promised regarding the removal of the 25 per cent import duty on finished petroleum products which, I think, is still there. This will show how expensive fuel is in this country and how it is ‘hurting’ the common Zambian.

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, one of the contributing factors to the high prices of fuel in Zambia is definitely the exchange rate. I do not have the facts at the moment on how much fuel is being sold in South Africa, but I can bring those facts at a later stage and lay them on the Table for the hon. Members to see.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Mukumbuta (Senanga): Mr Speaker, I am most grateful for this maiden opportunity to debate in this Meeting of the House.

 

Mr Ngulube: On a point of order, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Mr Ngulube: Mr Speaker, thank you for allowing me to raise the first point of order in 2018.

 

Mr Speaker: I hope that is not the motivation.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Ngulube: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister of Higher Education in order to remain quiet when all the public institutions of higher learning like the University of Zambia (UNZA), Copperbelt University (CBU) and Nkrumah University are closed? Is she in order not to inform the nation why all the universities, which are being sponsored by taxpayers, are closed? Further, all the lecturers at Nkrumah University in Kabwe Central Constituency were fired. What was the reason for that?

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Speaker: My ruling is very simple and, I suppose, predictable. File in a question and you will break the silence on that matter.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mukumbuta: Mr Speaker, I am most grateful for this maiden opportunity to debate in this Meeting of the House. First and foremost, I would like to congratulate the hon. Minister on his appointment. The good people of Senanga want to find out how many times the Government has increased the price of fuel in the last one year from January, 2017 to date. Further, when are poor the Zambians likely to see a major reduction in fuel prices other than the usual reduction which is done a few months before the general elections?

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I would like to remind you that you are only entitled to ask one question at any given point. So, the hon. Minister can answer the first question.

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, hon. Members may wish to know that oil prices on the international market have gone up and this has pushed the prices of fuel in Zambia upwards.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, the question was: How many times in the last year, which is 2017, wee the prices of fuel increased?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, fuel prices in Zambia are reviewed every sixty days.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: How many times in one year?

 

Ms Mulenga: Calculate!

 

Mr Nkhuwa: I think it is simple.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Sixty days is equal to two months, and two into twelve is six.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Mr Michelo (Bweengwa): Mr Speaker, thank you so much …

 

Mr Nkombo: On a point of order, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, let me apologise to the hon. Member of Parliament for Bweengwa for interrupting his line of thought. I thank you for allowing me to raise this very important point of order, which is on the Member of Parliament for Bwana Mkubwa, Hon. Dr Jonas Chanda, whom I cannot see in the House. My point of order is pursuant to our rules in the Members’ Handbook. I would like to refer you to page 51, part (o) of the handbook, which states:

 

“All Committee reports are confidential until the report is tabled.”

 

Mr Speaker, I have before me a short letter from the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), which is a stakeholder in the National Health Insurance Bill, No. 22 of 2017, which was referred to your Committee on 8^th December, 2017. Allow me to read it aloud and lay it on the Table. As a matter of fact, this letter is addressed to all the 156 hon. Members of Parliament and is dated 20^th February, 2018. It reads:

 

“To all Members of Parliament

National Assembly

Parliament Building

P. O Box 31299

Lusaka

 

“RE: THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE BILL, N.A.B NO 22 OF 2017

 

“We refer to the subject matter.

 

“The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions wishes to express its disappointment over the manner in which the National Health Insurance Bill N. A. B. No 22 of 2017 is being handled. It has come to our attention that the Ministry of Health has gone ahead to have the Bill enacted without engaging us, the major stakeholders. We are also disturbed that the Patriotic Front Members of Parliament, during their interactive forum, were also calling for the enactment of the Bill without finding out whether the Bill had gone through a consultative process.

 

“This is a national matter, and it is our appeal, as Zambia Congress of Trade Unions, that the Bill be withdrawn and allowed to go through a consultative process with all stakeholders.

 

“Attached hereto is our letter written to the Clerk of the National Assembly.”

 

Mr Speaker, when I saw this letter, I consulted the Zambia Daily Mail to find out what the ZCTU was talking about. Indeed, I found that on page 5 of today’s edition of the newspaper, the hon. Member of Parliament for Bwana ‘Mukuba’ …

 

Hon. Members: It is Bwana Mkubwa!

 

Mr Nkombo: I am sorry about that.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Nkombo: Sir, allow me to get an excerpt from what the hon. Member of Parliament for Bwana Mkubwa was quoted as having said in paragraph 2 of page 5 of today’s Zambia Daily Mail, which reads:

 

“Patriotic Front (PF) Bwana Mkubwa Member of Parliament, Jonas Chanda, says politicising the scheme may draw the country backwards and hinder development in the health sector. He was speaking during the PF Interactive Forum yesterday. ‘Members of Parliament must prioritise passing the NHIS Bill which has already passed First Reading, when Parliament resumes sitting,’ he said. Dr Chanda said the scheme, once made into law, will provide for sound financing for the national health system and also ensure universal access to quality insured health care services for all Zambians.”

 

Sir, Hon. Dr Chanda also said that this is not a National Democratic Congress (NDC), Patriotic Front (PF) or United Party for National Development (UPND) matter, but a national matter.

 

Mr Speaker, I quoted from the Members’ Handbook earlier. It says that all Committee proceedings are confidential until they are tabled in the House. Going by the fact that Hon. Dr Chanda is a member of your Committee on Health, Community Development and Social Services, I would like to find out whether he was in order to have participated in the interactive forum for the Patriotic Front (PF) and gone to all the other radio stations to campaign for this particular piece of legislation when he knows very well that the legislative process of your Committee is supposed to be confidential. Would it auger well if all the other ten members of your Committee also aired their views on this matter? I know that doing so would undermine the integrity of the process of legislation.

 

Mr Speaker, I seek your ruling, and I lay all the documents on the Table.

 

Laid the papers on the table.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkombo: Sir, for avoidance of doubt, I also have a video clip on a flash disk, which I will also lay on the Table, meant for you to entertain yourself in your free time …

 

Laughter

 

… as you see what the hon. Member of Parliament has done.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: Is this a matter of entertainment?

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: I can make a ruling if it is a matter of entertainment. Are you still maintaining that it is a matter of entertainment?

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: No, I want the hon. Member to be clear. Does he want me to be entertained or …

 

Mr Nkombo: Sir, that was said in jest.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: Obviously, I need to study the material that has been deposited in order for me to make an informed ruling. So, my ruling is reserved. 

 

Mr Michelo: Mr Speaker, let me help the hon. Minister. He said that he does not have figures or facts on the fuel price in neighbouring countries. Let me give an example of Botswana where the price of fuel is US65 cents per litre. Here, it costs US$1.36 per litre. Why is fuel more expensive in Zambia than in any other country in the region?

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, let us use our time efficiently. The hon. Minister said that the Government wants to undertake research on the matter. He was very clear about that.  So, why should we be going over the same issue?

 

Mr Kasonso (Solwezi West): Mr Speaker, the former hon. Minister of Energy stated on the Floor of this House that when the fuel, which was donated to Zambia by Saudi Arabia, arrived in this country, the price of fuel would come down. Has that fuel been received? If so, what is the impact of that fuel in terms of price?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, the fuel is not yet in the country. When it comes, we will let you know.

 

I thank you, Sir. 

 

DOCTOR-PATIENT/NURSE-PATIENT RATIO AT KANYAMA FIRST LEVEL HOSPITAL

 

106. Ms Phiri (Kanyama) asked the Minister of Health:

 

1. what the doctor to patient ratio at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Kanyama Parliamentary Constituency was;

 

1. what the nurse to patient ratio at the hospital was; and

 

1. when additional doctors and nurses would be deployed in the Hospital.

 

The Minister of Health (Dr Chilufya): Mr Speaker, from the outset, I would like to state that the indicators that have been cited in the Question may be inconsistent with the indicators we use under the World Health Organisation (WHO) to define healthcare workforce densities. We recommend the use of healthcare workforce ratio to population density, preferably per 10,000 for a sub-national entity like Kanyama Constituency. The catchment population for Kanyama First Level Hospital currently stands at 129,354. Thus, the following indicators apply:

 

1. the doctor to population ratio at Kanyama First Level Hospital is 1:11,759; and

 

1. the nurse to population ratio is 1:1,294. 

 

You may wish to know that the WHO minimal level of doctors, nurses and midwives stands at 23 per 10,000 population density. As such, Kanyama First Level Hospital has less than the required healthcare workforce.

 

Mr Speaker, if we go by the accreditation of Kanyama First Level Hospital, and compare it to the number of workforce, which is supposed to be there by establishment, Kanyama First Level Hospital has more doctors than it requires. However, because of the population, the Government is in the process of upgrading Kanyama First Level Hospital to a second level hospital so that we can match the human resource to the population that is there. The hospital currently has eleven medical doctors, three of whom are specialists. One is in child health, one is in maternal and newborn and one is in surgery. There are 100 nurses. As we upgrade the hospital and recruit more staff in line with Treasury authority, we shall also give it more human resource. We will continue to negotiate with the Ministry of Finance. This is important, as we aim to decongest the University Teaching Hospitals (UTH) by placing more human resource in first level hospitals such as Kanyama.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Ms Phiri: Mr Speaker, how soon will a permanent solution be found for the good people of Kanyama?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the solution for the people of Kanyama lies in a number of interventions. The first one is infrastructure upgrade. The infrastructure at Kanyama First Level Hospital will be upgraded this year with support from the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), just like the infrastructure at Chilenje and Matero first level hospitals has been upgraded. The contractor has already concluded the procurement of materials and will move to the site before the end of the year.

 

Sir, secondly, like I said earlier on, as we recruit health personnel, we will post more staff to Kanyama First Level Hospital. Finally, as part of a comprehensive solution beyond Kanyama Parliamentary Constituency, there is a second level hospital that is earmarked for construction within the jurisdiction. Therefore, the infrastructure upgrade, creation of a new facility and the human resource recruitment all form part of a sustainable solution for Kanyama Parliamentary Constituency.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Prof. Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, I thank you, ...

 

Mr Muchima: On a point of order, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to raise a point of order on the Ministry of General Education. When school examination results are announced, we take it that all matters such as errors in marks and omissions have been verified before the results are made public.

 

Sir, in January, this year, the hon. Minister of General Education announced the Grade 12 Results. The results had serious omissions. For instance, the Biology results for the North-Western Province were missing. Is the Ministry of General Education in order to come to this House and sit quietly without informing the nation and stating why the Grade 12 Biology results are missing? The Ministry’s silence on this issue has left everyone in a quandary. Is the hon. Minister in order to remain quiet?

 

Sir, I need your serious ruling.

 

Mr Speaker: I am sure that most of you who will raise such points of order will be disappointed because I will be asking you to file in questions. That is all. If something is compelling, like the country being on fire, then, I will make a ruling.

 

Mr Ngulube: Hear, hear!

 

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, last year, the hon. Minister of Health informed the nation that Zambia has a shortfall of 3,000 medical doctors, and that the medical doctor to patient ratio is 1:12,000. We were also informed that our training institutions are churning out 200 medical doctors per year. Going by the number of people graduating from our medical training institutions, the shortfall of 3,000 medical doctors can only be met after fifteen years.

 

Could the hon. Minister tell the nation what strategic measures the ministry is putting in place to address the challenge of doctor to patient ratio in order for us to meet the international standard of 1:5,000 patients as indicated by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, like I said earlier on, for the Patriotic Front (PF) Government, health is an economic investment. Strengthening health systems in order to achieve universal health coverage requires that we address one key system component, which is human resource for health. Therefore, we have embarked on a robust Human Capital Development Programme. This is well articulated in our National Health Strategic Plan (NHSP) and Human Resource Development Plan (HRDP), which will be availed to hon. Members.

 

Sir, for us to meet the required numbers, we have embarked on two key interventions. The first is the recruitment drive, which involves mopping all the graduates in health who are on the streets. For the first time, the Government recruited close to 10,000 health workers in 2017. Secondly, the Government has changed the way it conducts training. It has introduced a new medical university called Levy Mwanawasa which will open its doors to the public this year. The university has a capacity of 3,000 students. Therefore, the enrollment figures will improve threefold because we will have more than 200 undergraduate students in medical school. Secondly, we have also introduced a Specialist Training Programme (STP) at the Zambia College of Medicines and Surgery (ZCMS). This is also training beyond the basic degree.

 

Mr Speaker, these measures are re-engineering the way we develop human capital in the Ministry of Health. Opening a new college of medicines and surgery will change the outlook. We, therefore, project that we will be able to train significant numbers to meet the required numbers to mitigate the human capital deficit that we have as a country in the next six years. I wish to reassure the House that our point of intent is clearly outlined in the National Strategic Plan and the Human Resource for Health Strategic Document.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

2016/2017 FARMING SEASON IN MPONGWE

 

107. Mr Bulaya (Mpongwe) asked the Minister of Agriculture:

 

1. how many hectares of maize were planted in the 2016/2017 farming season in Mpongwe Parliamentary Constituency;

 

1. how many hectares were affected by the fall army worms; and

 

1. what the yield in the constituency was.

 

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr Katambo): Mr Speaker, in the 2016/2017 agriculture season, the area planted with maize in Mpongwe District was estimated at 29,310 hectares. 1,575.46 hectares of maize were affected by the fall army worms. The estimated total production of maize in the district is 106,592 metric tonnes.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Bulaya: Mr Speaker, I welcome the hon. Minister to Shipikisha Club.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: What do you mean? What are you talking about?

 

Laughter

 

Mr Bulaya: Mr Speaker, I wish to congratulate Hon. Katambo on his appointment as Minister of Agriculture. I welcome him to this very important ministry.

 

Sir, we are talking about maize, which is a staple food of this country. It is in public domain that the outbreak of army worms, just like the failure of the Electronic Voucher (e-Voucher) Scheme, is a disaster. Is there a way that this notorious pest can be completely eradicated?

 

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, research institutions under the ministry and our co-operating partners have put in place stringent measures to see to it that we eradicate fall armyworms. However, for now, we are using recommended chemicals to eradicate the fall armyworms in affected areas of the country.

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, let me also take advantage of this opportunity to congratulate the hon. Minister on his appointment to this difficult ministry.

 

Sir, generally, Mpongwe has very high yields of maize. We are aware that there have been a lot of challenges with regard to the implementation of the e-Voucher System, coupled with the weather conditions. Does the hon. Minister have any projections of how that region is going to perform in terms of yields in the coming season? What lessons, if any, has the hon. Minister learnt about the challenges associated with the e-Voucher System?

 

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, I acknowledge that agricultural production is time sensitive and that we have had several challenges with the implementation of the e-Voucher System. This is a new system, but I will work with a team in the ministry and see how we can perfect it in the next farming season.

 

Sir, the ministry expects increased production this season and will make the figures known once it completes the Crop Forecast Survey.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Bulaya: Mr Speaker, during the period under review, I am aware that transporters were engaged to transport maize from satellite depots to the main Food Reserve Agency (FRA) sheds. How many transporters were engaged in Mpongwe and have they been paid?

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member for Mpongwe, that is a totally new subject. I am sure you are assuming a lot of tolerance.

 

Laughter

 

POLICE STATION IN KATETE

 

108.  Mr P. Phiri (Mkaika) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

 

1. when the construction of a new police station in Katete District would resume;

 

1. why the Government terminated the contract for the contractor who was on site;

 

1. what the cost of the project was; and

 

1.  what the time frame for completion of the project was.

 

The Minister of Defence (Mr Chama) (on behalf of The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Kampyongo)): Mr Speaker, the construction of the new police station in Katete will resume when the tender process is completed. The bill of quantity (BoQ) has been revised and the project will be tendered as soon as possible.

 

Sir, the Government terminated the contract because of the challenges faced by the contractor. However, the payment for the works done was made. The total cost of the project is K4,988,169.36. The time frame for the completion of the project is twelve months.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr P. Phiri: Mr Speaker, when exactly will the construction start? Will it start this year or next year?

 

Mr Chama: Mr Speaker, the project will begin immediately the tender process commences. I cannot state when the project will commence until the tender process begins.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Lihefu (Manyinga): Mr Speaker, the Government has also failed to complete the construction of police stations in Mkaika in most of the newly-created districts across the country. Is the hon. Minister aware that the construction of Manyinga Modern Police Station has stalled for three years?

 

Mr Speaker: You have asked a specific question.

 

Mr Lihefu rose.

 

Mr Speaker: Just a moment, hon. Member, I am still speaking.

 

Mr Lihefu resumed his seat.

 

Mr Speaker: Obviously, it would not be fair to request the hon. Minister to respond to your question because questions are researched. So, we cannot just shoot from the hip, so to speak. If it was a general question, as you appear to have started, I would have allowed it but, then, you went on to restrict the hon. Minister to Manyinga. For that reason, I will disallow it.

 

Mr W. Banda (Milanzi): Mr Speaker, I am aware that the construction site for the police station in Katete was identified, but it is close to a certain company called Dunavant. Will the project be moved to another site in order to avoid pollution?

 

Mr Chama: Mr Speaker, some works have already been done. So, the site will not be moved.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister indicated that the amount required is over K4 million. Does the plan for the police post include holding cells for youths?

 

Mr Chama: Mr Speaker, the modern police station that we are putting up will have a facility for youths. If you visit one of the new police stations in Chelston, you will see that it has cells for females and juveniles. This is new and modern infrastructure that we are putting up.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

BALLOT PAPERS FOR THE 2021 GENERAL ELECTIONS

 

109.  Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma) asked the Vice-President:

1. whether the Government had any plans to print ballot papers for the 2021 General Elections locally; and

 

1. if there were no such plans, why.

 

Her Honour the Vice-President (Mrs Wina): Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to print ballot papers locally for the 2021 general elections using the Government Printing Department provided the department meets the technical and security requirements for undertaking the assignment and adheres to the regulations of the Zambia Public Procurement Agency. However, by their nature, ballot papers are highly sensitive security documents. Therefore, conformity to stringent technical specifications and strict security requirements is imperative.

 

Sir, to this effect, the Government has constituted a technical committee to oversee the capitalisation of the Government Printing Department to ensure that it meets the strict technical specifications and security requirements to undertake the assignment. The committee will continually monitor the progress being made by the Government Printing Department in terms of capacity and readiness to undertake the printing of ballot papers for the 2021 General Elections.

 

Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to print ballot papers for the 2021 General Elections locally.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

CATTLE AT NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH

 

110. Mr Hamusonde asked the Minister of Higher Education:

 

1. whether there were any cattle at the National Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR) on Airport Road in Lusaka as of 31^st May, 2017;

 

1. if so, what the total head of cattle was; and

 

1. if there was none, what happened to the head of cattle that was at the institute prior to the date at (a).

 

The Minister of Higher Education (Prof. Luo): Mr Speaker, there was cattle at NISIR located on Airport Road (Waterfalls area) of Lusaka as at 31^st May, 2017.

Sir, there was a total 100 heads of cattle at NISIR-Waterfalls (Airport Road).

 

Mr Speaker, as I stated in part (b) of the Question, there was 100 head of cattle as at 31^st May, 2017.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, may I know whether there is any cattle at NISIR?

 

Interruptions

 

Prof. Luo: Mr Speaker, as of 31^st August, 2017 the head of cattle stood at:

 

Location                                  Head of Cattle

                       

Waterfalls                                             103

 

Chalimbana                                          172

 

Chilanga                                                 27

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

POLICE POSTS IN MUFUMBWE

 

111. Mr Kamondo (Mufumbwe) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

 

(a)           whether the Government had any plans to construct police posts in the following areas in Mufumbwe District:

 

1. Mushima; and
2. Miluji;

 

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

 

1. if there were no such plans, why.

 

Mr Chama on behalf of Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that there is no allocation in the 2017 Budget for the construction of police posts at Mashima and Muliji in Mufumbwe District. This Question was supposed to be asked last year, but was carried over to 2018. The hon. Member of Parliament can, however, consider constructing the police posts using the Constituency Development Fund.

 

Sir, the police posts will be constructed when they are budgeted for in the years to come.

 

Mr Speaker, the Government’s policy is to complete on-going projects before embarking on new ones.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Kamondo: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister if he is aware that in Mufumbwe the Government has never constructed a police station. If he is aware, does he not think that it is prudent to construct one now?

 

Mr Chama: Mr Speaker, I think that is not the correct position. There was a police station in Mufumbwe which was burnt down by riotous residents instigated by a well-known political party. So, the Government has constructed a police post in Mufumbwe before.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out if the hon. Minister has been to Mufumbwe because there has been no police post built by the Government other than a house which was used as a police post.

 

Mr Chama: Mr Speaker, I have been to Mufumbwe several times even in my tour of duty as Secretary-General for the Patriotic Front. So, I am very much aware of what is happening in Mufumbwe.

 

Mr Speaker, the Government is constructing police posts in a number of places. So, once funds are made available, police posts will be constructed in the areas in question, including Mufumbwe.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo): Mr Speaker, I am a bit lost and would like to have a definition of a police post and a police station and what they comprise? As mentioned by the hon. Member for Ikeleng’i, the said burnt police post in Mufumbwe was simply a small round house. I do not know whether that constitutes a police station. Could the hon. Minister, please, elaborate?

 

Mr Chama: Mr Speaker, the building that was burnt down was a police post. It was a solid building which will be rehabilitated through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) under the Vice-President’s Office that has already donated some materials which will soon be transported to Mufumbwe for the reconstruction of the police post which was damaged.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

HOUSES DESTROYED BY FIRE IN CHIMWEMWE

 

112. Mr. Miti (Feira) (on behalf of Mr Mwila (Chimwemwe)) asked the Minister of Local Government:

 

1. how many houses were destroyed by fire in Chimwemwe Parliamentary Constituency from 2010 to 2016, year by year;

 

1. what form of assistance the Government rendered to the affected families;

 

1. whether the Government had any plans to make homeowners insurance compulsory; and

 

1. if so, how the insurance premium would be collected.

 

The Minister in the Vice-President’s Office (Mrs Chalikosa) on behalf of the Minister of Local Government (Mr Mwale)): Mr Speaker, the breakdown of houses that were destroyed by fire in Chimwemwe Constituency from 2010 to 2016 is as follows:

 

       Year                             No. of Houses

 

       2010                                        3

 

                     2011                                        Nil

 

                     2012                                        Nil

 

                     2013                                        3

 

                     2014                                        Nil

 

                     2015                                        1

 

                     2016                                        1

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

 

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

Ms Chalikosa: Mr Speaker, before business was suspended, I was saying that the Government did render assistance to the affected families by extinguishing the fires.

 

Mr Speaker, the Government has no plans to make home owners’ insurance compulsory, as it is the responsibility of individual home owners to insure their properties. Further, I wish to implore insurance companies to sensitise communities on the benefit of insuring their homes and household goods.

 

Mr Speaker, the Government has no plans to make home ownership insurance compulsory.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN NDOLA CENTRAL

 

113. Mr Mulenga (Ndola Central) asked the Minister of Local Government:

 

1. whether the Government had any plans to construct additional public libraries in Ndola Central Parliamentary Constituency;

 

1. if so, when the plans would be implemented;

 

1. whether the Government had any plans to restock the existing public libraries with modern books and other literature; and

 

1. if so, when the plans would be implemented.

 

Ms Chalikosa on behalf of Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that Ndola City Council has plans to construct one library in each of the following constituencies:

 

Ndola Central Kanini

 

Chifubu Misundu

 

Bwana Mkubwa Ndeke

 

Mr Speaker, according to the council’s strategic plan, three libraries will be constructed in three years with effect from 2018.

 

Mr Speaker, Ndola City Council has been gradually restocking the six libraries with modern books and other literature by way of outright purchase and solicitation for donations from well-wishers.

 

Sir, libraries have been restocked with modern books and other literature from time to time. Book Aid International donated close to 1,300 books to the council during the last quarter of 2017. Furthermore, the council has been accessing books from the Zambia Library Services to which it is affiliated.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

MOTOR VEHICLES FOR POLICE POSTS IN NDOLA CENTRAL

 

114. Mr Mulenga asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

 

1. whether the Government had any plans to procure motor vehicles for the following police posts in Ndola Central Parliamentary Constituency;

 

1. Nkwazi;
2. Mapalo;
3. Twapia; and
4. Dag Hammarksjoed; and

 

1. if so, when the plans would be implemented.

 

Mr Chama on behalf of Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, the Government is aware of the transport challenges faced by the four police posts in Ndola Central Constituency. However, it has no immediate plans to procure motor vehicles for them. This is due to budgetary constraints, as there is no provision for procurement of motor vehicles in the 2018 Budget. The Government is, however, making efforts to procure motor vehicles for the Zambia Police Service countrywide to alleviate the transport challenges.

 

Mr Speaker, the Government has no immediate plans to procure motor vehicles for the four police posts in Ndola Central Parliamentary Constituency.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

MULTI-FACILITY ECONOMIC ZONE NEAR NDOLA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

 

115. Mr Ng’ambi (Chifubu) asked the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry:

 

1. whether the Government had any plans to establish a Multi-facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) near the Copperbelt International Airport;

 

1. if so, how many hectares of land were required for the project; and

 

1. how many companies were earmarked to be accommodated at the zone.

 

Mr Nkhuwa) (on behalf of the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Mr Yaluma)): Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to facilitate the development of an MFEZ in Ndola. There is no prescribed land size required. However, there should be a minimum of 1,000 hectares for establishment of an MFEZ and between 100 and 999 hectares for an industrial zone. The number of companies to be accommodated in the MFEZ can only be determined once the developer prepares a master plan for the MFEZ.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Ng’ambi: Mr Speaker, an MFEZ is a strategic facility for job creation on the Copperbelt. Since this project is going to create employment opportunities for people, especially youths in Chifubu Constituency, when is it going to be implemented?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, I cannot give the exact time when the project will be implemented. Suffice it to say that the area, which was first earmarked for the MFEZ, is a forest reserve and there are trees there which will mature in about seven years’ time. We are looking for land elsewhere. We have also actively involved the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to find land where we can locate the MFEZ.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Ms Tambatamba (Kasempa): Mr Speaker, what are some of the success stories from the existing Multi-facility Economic Zones (MFEZS) so that aspiring areas can replicate the project?

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, there is another question on MFEZs where I am going to explain the benefits. The hon. Member of Parliament can, please, wait for that question. The information is all there in my response.

 

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Dr Kopulande (Chembe): Mr Speaker, thank you for allowing me to raise a question on the issue of MFEZs. The MFEZ Policy was approved in 2006. How many MFEZs are in existence at the moment and what are the administrative arrangements for their management in the country?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, Question No. 121 will address all the issues that have been raised.

 

Thank you, Sir.

 

Dr Musokotwane (Liuwa): Mr Speaker, there are plans to establish a Multi-facility Economic Zones (MFEZ) in Ndola, yet we have two here in Lusaka. There is one near the airport and another in Lusaka South. On the Copperbelt, we have the Chambeshi MFEZ and there is supposed to be one in Lumwana and several other places. Why are we thinking of having more MFEZs when the existing ones are operating at a snail’s pace?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, there is demand for people wanting to invest in MFEZs and that is why we want to put up more.

 

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

VALUE OF CONFISCATED MUKULA LOGS

 

116. Mr Ng’ambi asked the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources:

 

1. what the total value of the confiscated Mukula logs was as of 31^st December, 2017,;

 

1. whether the Government was aware that the Mukula logs are losing value due to exposure to the sun and rain;

 

1. if so, what measures the Government was taking to secure the logs and avoid total loss of value;

 

1. what measures the Government was taking to control the indiscriminate cutting of the Mukula tree; and

 

1. whether the measures at (d) were yielding the desired results.

 

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources (Ms Kapata): Mr Speaker, the total value of the Mukula logs that were confiscated as of 31^st December, 2017, was US$7,535,040 and the kwacha equivalent was K75,350,400. The total number of logs of the Mukula tree species confiscated in this case was 62,792, translating into 12,558.40 tonnes. The price for Mukula logs is US$600 per tonne and this is dependent on the quality of the logs and other incidental costs associated with their export.

 

Sir, the Government is fully aware that the Mukula logs are losing value due to exposure to the sun and rain. As rightly observed, timber loses value due to extended and uncontrolled exposure to adverse weather conditions such as heat and rain. This affects the wood properties of the timber, thereby reducing its market value.

 

Mr Speaker, in order to secure the logs and avoid total loss of value, the Government has engaged the Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO) to mop up the illegally-harvested Mukula logs and export them to where there is a readily available market. This is to allow the Government to salvage some economic value from the illegally-harvested logs. Furthermore, the Government gave an amnesty to concession-licence holders who had legally harvested the Mukula tree species before the ban on 13^th June, 2017, to move the Mukula logs to safe places and warehouses so as to avoid wastage.

 

Sir, in order to control the indiscriminate cutting of the Mukula tree, the Government has put in place several measures that include the following:

 

1. engagement of the defence and security wings to work in collaboration with the Forestry Department in identified hotspots to curb illegal harvesting of the Mukula tree species;

 

1. suspension of the harvesting of the Mukula tree until further notice;

 

1. banning the export of all types of timber species in raw form except finished products;

 

1. engaging stakeholders in the timber industry to ensure sustainable management and harvesting of the Mukula tree species;

 

1. banning of the importation and transiting of logs of all species through the issuance of Statutory Instrument No. 31 of 2017;

 

1. extending the operation of the defence and security wings to the North-Western and Western provinces were there has been illegal cutting of the Mukula tree species lately;

 

1. employing 245 forest rangers over a period of five years; and

 

1. appointing honorary forest officers to beef up human resource for effective forest policing.

 

Mr Speaker, the measures outlined in (d) have, indeed, yielded results as evidenced by the marked reduction in illegal activities in all the hotspots where the Mukula tree is prominent. The ministry, in collaboration with the defence and security wings, has continued to impound truckloads of illegally-harvested Mukula logs and give penalties in line with Forest Act No. 4 of 2015 such as a fine not exceeding 100,000 penalty units or imprisonment to a term not exceeding two years or both.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mbulakulima (Milenge): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has given a good answer. Looking at the value  of the Mukula tree that she has mentioned in response to part (a) of the Question and taking into account the impact the illegal cutting of the Mukula tree has had and, indeed, its disposal, is it not a good idea that we do as we did with the proceeds from the Task Force? When Task Force was created, the proceeds from there were put into a special account and the developments from therefrom were seen by the people. Could we not create a special account so that all the proceeds from the Mukula tree can go into that special account so that the people of Zambia can see what we are doing with the money?

 

Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member of Parliament for that question. Indeed, an account has been opened through the Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation Limited (ZAFFICO) and the proceeds from the sale of illegally-harvested Mukula tree are being used to revamp Kawambwa Tea Company which fold up some time back, but has now been given to ZAFFICO to run.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Mulunda (Siavonga): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister when the ban on the trade in the Mukula tree will be lifted so that the local community can also be allowed to participate in the trade.

 

Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, I have no intention of lifting the ban on the trade in the Mukula tree. The ban stands because it has not affected the trade in local timber. At local level, people are allowed to trade in timber except for the Mukula tree.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, my understanding is that Mukula logs are a property of the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) and, by law, the proceeds from the disposal of such properties should have gone into the Treasury Account 99. May I find out why the hon. Minister decided to take the money to the Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation Limited (ZAFFICO) without approval from this House?

 

Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, it was the Government’s decision to invest this money into revamping Kawambwa Tea Company because it thinks that Kawambwa Tea Company is a viable company.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: No!

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Kapata: It is a viable company that has employed local people in Luapula Province. Therefore, the Government’s stance and policy are that the money be diverted to revamp Kawambwa Tea Company.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kufakwandi (Sesheke Central): Mr Speaker, following concerns about the uncontrolled exploitation of the Mukula tree, has the Government carried out an assessment to determine the size of Mukula forest we have? Has the hon. Minister put in place measure to sustain the management of the resources on a sustainable basis to ensure that the harvesting is also controlled and regulated?

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member, I would like to remind you that you are only entitled to ask one question. So, the hon. Minister will answer the first question.

 

Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, though I did not get the question properly, I want to believe that he was asking …

 

Mr Speaker: I will ask him to repeat the question.

 

Ms Kapata: Thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member of Parliament for Sesheke Central, may you repeat your question?

 

Mr Kufakwandi: Mr Speaker, my question is: Following the large-scale uncontrolled exploitation of the Mukula tree, has the Government conducted an assessment of the size of area of Mukula forest that we have in this country?

 

Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, the Mukula tree is only found in few provinces and these are Lusaka, Eastern, Northern, Central, Muchinga, North-Western and Western. Wherever there is a one mature Mukula, there are smaller ones growing around it. The reason we are controlling the indiscriminate cutting of the Mukula tree is that it takes a hundred years to mature, yet it only takes five minutes for someone to cut it down. That is why we are protecting the Mukula tree.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister the question was: Has any assessment been made to determine the stock of Mukula tree in the Republic of Zambia?

 

Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, that assessment has not been conducted. I think it would be best for the hon. Member to file in a question so that we can go into the forest and count the trees.

 

Laughter

 

Ms Kapata: For now, we know that the forests have Mukula trees, but we have not counted them.

 

Ms Mulenga: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Kapata: I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Tambatamba: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has just explained to this august House that the ban on trading in the Mukula tree remains in force and Government will not allow any extraction. However, in some parts of the country, there are companies that are extracting Mukula tree with written permission from Government circles. Can she confirm that this is a selective ban?

 

Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, the Government has not issued any concession to any foreigner to cut and sell the Mukula tree, especially. There are no permits given to anybody to harvest the Mukula tree. However, we have allowed local people to continue trading in timber. The Government is trying to protect the Mukula tree. We are only selling the Mukula tree that we have confiscated. Like I mentioned in my earlier response, we do not want the logs to go to waste.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Mwene (Mangango): Mr Speaker, why did the hon. Minister’s Government negotiate for a price as low as US$600 per tonne when the world market price is US$2,500 per tonne?

 

Ms Tambatamba: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, the Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation Limited (ZAFFICO) has been selling Mukula logs at US$600 per tonne. However, the buyer pays customs duty, insurance costs and transport costs so much that by the time the logs are landing wherever they are going, the cost is more than US$2,500 per tonne.

 

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Jere (Livingstone): Mr Speaker, last year, the Government mentioned that the Mukula logs would be auctioned. There could be some people who probably bought some logs during the auction. Will those people be allowed to export the logs without paying the taxes the hon. Minister has mentioned.

 

Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, I just mentioned that the Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation Limited (ZAFFICO) charges US$600 per tonne without other costs. Therefore, the person who buys the logs directly from ZAFFICO is the one who pays customs duty, insurance and the transportation costs to their destination.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, this is a follow-up question to Hon. Dr. Musokotwane’s question. By regulation, any Government revenue should be deposited into Account 99 before any decision is made to disburse it to other activities and that decision must be appropriated by Parliament.

 

Sir, according to the Government, the reasons for transferring the money to Kawambwa Tea Company is that the company is feasible. Does the Government not think that this is an abrogation of financial regulations and the law?

 

Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, I mentioned that this is the Government’s stance. the Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation Limited (ZAFFICO) is a timber company and is 100 per cent owned by the Government of the Republic of Zambia. The people who are running this company are also foresters. Therefore, if the Government saw it fit that it needed to revamp Kawambwa Tea Company, why not do that if there is some money which has not been budgeted for and which has also been confiscated from illegal activities? The Government had the right to divert the money to revamp the ailing company. Therefore, it is the Government’s stance as well as its policy to do that.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Members on the left, I am giving everybody the opportunity to ask questions. Why should you be passing running commentaries and asking questions as if I am prohibiting people from asking questions?

 

Dr Musokotwane: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: You will raise your point of order when I have finished with this question. Let me make myself clear. I want us to clear this question. If there are any follow-up questions, hon. Member for Liuwa, please, do not do use points of order. I can sense where you want to make a follow up.

 

Mr Lihefu: Mr Speaker, the local people in most of the districts where the Mukula timber is being harvested have not benefited anything. I would like to know what measures the ministry has put in place so that the local people can also benefit from the Mukula timber.

 

Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for that important question.

 

Sir, the Government put a ban o the harvest of Mukula tree because the communities that have looked after the forest for many years have not benefited from its sale. Instead, all they see are people from the urban areas cutting down trees without leaving anything for the communities. So, the ministry is encouraging most communities to grow and nature their trees so that people do not cut the anyhow.  Therefore, some money will have to be left for the community when the people with concessions go to fell the trees.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Kasonso: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister why the Government is breaking the law with impunity. The current law is very clear that such monies should first of all go into Account 99. Nobody is against the revamping of Kawambwa Tea Company. The Government should have taken the money to Kawambwa Tea Company after depositing it into Account 99. Instead, the Government is taking the money directly to Kawambwa Tea Company. The Government is breaking the law. Why is it breaking the law with impunity?

 

Mr Mutale: Bushe kukalipa?

 

Ms Kapata: Lekeni bakalipe.

 

Laughter

 

Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament for Solwezi West sounds upset.

 

Sir, the Government is not making any mistake. It is the Government‘s position. Therefore, we have to go by what it wants to achieve. I have said in very simple terms that the Government has not misused the money because it has gone into revamping a company which is bankrupt. Therefore, the Government is not breaking the law because it is the Government’s policy to do that.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

BOREHOLES AT NANSENGA SECONDARY SCHOOL IN CHIKANKATA

 

117.  Mr Mwiinga (Chikankata) asked the Minister of General Education:

 

1. whether he Government was aware that the two boreholes at Nansenga Secondary School in Chikankata Parliamentary Constituency have dried up;

 

1. if so, when the Government would sink another borehole at the school; and

 

1. what the estimated cost of the project was.

 

The Minister of General Education (Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, I would like to inform the House that the Government is aware that the two boreholes at the newly-upgraded Nansenga Secondary School in Chikankata District dried up. A total of seven boreholes were drilled without success.

 

Sir, the Government identified an area, which is located 1.8 km from the school, which has sufficient water. Two boreholes were drilled and water was found. Currently, the contractor is connecting pipes for the supply of water to the school with only 200 metres remaining. The cost of the project is K356,600.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Mwiinga: Mr Speaker, I have been pressed to ask a question.

 

Mr Speaker: Ask your question.

 

Mr Mwiinga: Sir, is the hon. Minister aware that the project started like he has put it, but it stalled along the way. I would like to know when the project will resume.

 

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, yes, I am aware. I was with the Provincial Education Officer for Southern Province today and we discussed that we need to find some money for this project because out of the 1.8 km only 200 m have not been fitted with pipes. So, I would like to assure my hon. Colleague that all things being equal, we should be able to complete the project and hand it over by March this year.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

CHIKANKATA ROAD FROM KAFUE/MAZABUKA ROAD JUNCTION

 

118. Mr Mwiinga asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:

 

1. when the tarring of the Chikankata Road from the Kafue/Mazabuka Road Junction, which stalled in 2016, would resume;

 

1. what the name of the contractor for the project was;

 

1. what the total cost of the project was; and
2. what the time frame for the completion of the project was.

 

The Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development (Mr Chitotela): Mr Speaker, happy 2018 to you and all the hon. Members of Parliament.

 

Sir, the upgrading of the Chikankata road will resume once finding for the works is made available. The project stalled due to funding constraints. The contractor is Inyatsi Roads Zambia Limited. The total cost of the project is K135 million and the contract period was twelve months.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa): Mr Speaker, having traversed on the road in question last week, I would like to say that it requires urgent attention. When the hon. Minister rates the priority levels of projects to be undertaken soon, where does he place this road because it is in a very bad state?

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, I would place this road among the projects to be implemented very soon. This is why the Government awarded a contract and the contractor moved on site. We experienced financial challenges afterwards and that is why the works have not progressed as expected. So, we need to sit down with the Treasury and mobilise resources so that the contractor can resume the works on the road.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Mr Speaker, I equally had an opportunity to use this road just last week. I saw that Inyatsi Roads Zambia Limited is just patching up the road which, I think, is not the best way to go about it. Can the hon. Minister clarify whether this road will be redone from, starting with earthworks and laying of asphalt to the actual completion of a new road? Any attempt to patch up the road will be a waste of public resources.

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, from his questioning, I can devise that the hon. Member of Parliament for Chama South is asking about a different road. I suspect that his question relates to the road from Turn Pike to Mazabuka. The Question on the Order Paper relates to the road off Chikankata to Mission Mazabuka Road. So, Inyatsi Roads Zambia Limited is patching up potholes on the Kafue/Mazabuka Road and not from Mazabuka Road to Chikankata Mission.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

YOUTH SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE AT MULILANSOLO IN CHINSALI

 

119. Mr Mukosa (Chinsali) asked the Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development:

 

1. whether the Government had any plans to construct a youth skills development centre at Mulilansolo in Chilinda area in Chinsali Parliamentary Constituency;

 

1. if so, when the plans would be implemented; and

 

1. if there were no such plans, why.

 

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development (Mr Mawere): Mr Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament for Chinsali may wish to know that the Government’s policy is to construct, at least, one youth skills development centre in each district. The hon. Member may also wish to know that there is a functional youth skills development centre in Chinsali. Accordingly, the Government has no immediate plans to construct another youth skills development centre in Chinsali until there are youth resource centres in all the districts of this country.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Mutelo (Mitete): Mr Speaker, when will a youth skills development centre be constructed in Mitete?

 

Mr Mawere: Mr Speaker, my ministry is constructing youth resource centres in phases. So far, there are eight youth resource centres under construction. Once we finish constructing the eight, we will go to another phase, and I am sure Mitete will be considered in the near future.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Simfukwe (Mbala): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has assured us that a youth skills development centre will be constructed in every district. This House passed a Bill for the introduction of a Skills Development Levy, which is now in effect. Last year, the country generated a few hundreds of millions of kwacha from the Skills Development Levy. As the skills development centres are being constructed, including the one in Mbala, is the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development able to access the Skills Development Levy, which is under the Ministry of Higher Education?

 

Mr Mawere: Mr Speaker, my ministry is one of the beneficiaries of the Skills Development Levy, which is under the Ministry of Higher Education. We are happy about the introduction of the levy and I would like to take this opportunity to thank hon. Members of Parliament for passing that law, it is helping us to equip the youth resource centres. It will also help us to send personnel to the youth resource centres.

 

Sir, I am aware that a youth resource centre is being constructed in Mbala using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Once it is completed, it will be surrendered to our ministry so that we can equip it and deploy qualified instructors to provide the needed services.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Mukosa: Mr Speaker, I seek clarification regarding Chilinda area, which is a sub-district of Chinsali District. Will the policy of putting up one youth skills training centre per district apply in this situation?

 

Mr Mawere: Mr Speaker, I have already sated that the Government intends to construct, at least, one youth resource centre in each district. As for sub-districts, we may consider them once we have catered for all the districts in the country.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr A. C. Mumba (Kantanshi): Mr Speaker, can the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development consider engaging the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines-Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH) on the Copperbelt to rebuild some abandoned skills training centres instead of spending money on constructing new buildings? They can use it to equip the centres with resources. The people who have bought the mines are not interested in revamping the buildings.

 

Mr Mawere: Mr Speaker, we have engaged all the provincial administrations and local authorities to consider surrendering some of the dormant infrastructure in their respective areas so that we can transform them into youth resource centres because we may not have all the monies currently to construct all the facilities we need. Once the existing infrastructure is surrendered to my ministry, we shall deploy personnel and start allocating resources for the operation of the centres. The facilities should be completely surrendered to the ministry, as we have to take legal ownership of them. We had a situation where had a facility that was not completely surrendered to the ministry in terms of legal ownership. After adding value to it, the owners reclaimed it. That inconvenienced the ministry. 

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Ms Mwashingwele (Katuba): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned that the construction of youth skills development centres in eight districts is ongoing. Can he tell this House the specific districts where the youth skills development centres are being constructed .

 

Mr Mawere: Mr Speaker, the eight districts where youth resource centres are under construction are Mpongwe, Luanshya, Chililabombwe, Kafue, Rufunsa, Chama, Kalabo and  Mporokoso.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has assured this House that youth skills development centres will be constructed in district of this country. He has also said that this will be done in phases, and that eight of centres are being constructed under Phase I of the project. When does the hon. Minister expect Phase I to be completed?

 

Mr Mawere: Mr Speaker, the eight youth skills development centres should be completed before the end of this year so that next year, we can move to Phase II of the project. We hope that we will have enough resources so that we increase the number of centres to be built in Phase II and youths in all the districts can start accessing them.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

ZAMBIA/TANZANIA/KENYA POWER INTERCONNECTOR PROJECT

 

120. Mr C. M. Zulu (Luangeni) asked the Minister of Energy:

 

1. when the Zambia/Tanzania/Kenya Power Interconnector Project would be completed; and

 

1. what had caused the delay in completing the project.

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, the Zambia/Tanzania/Kenya Power Interconnector Project will be completed in 2021 if Zambia manages to secure funding of about US$360 million by in 2018. It is envisaged that the project will take thirty-six months to complete.

 

Sir, the cause of the delay is a lack of funding and the feasibility study for Kasama/Pensulo/Kabwe and Mbeya/Kasama areas that delayed to be completed. The study was only completed in October, 2017.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

MULTI-FACILITY ECONOMIC ZONES

 

121. Mr Simbao (Senga Hill) asked the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry:

 

1. how many Multi-facility Economic Zones (MFEZs) were operational as of 30^th December, 2017; and

 

1. how many companies were operating in the following MFEZs:

 

1. Lusaka South; and
2. Chambeshi

 

1. how many companies at (b) were involved in value addition to local products; and

 

1. whether the MFEZs that were operational had met the objectives for which they were created.

 

Mr Nkhuwa on behalf of Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, as of 30^th December, 2017, three MFEZs were operational, namely Chambeshi, Lusaka South and Lusaka East.

 

Sir, there are three companies operating in the Lusaka South MFEZ, namely Zambian Breweries Plc, Zambian Fertiliser Limited and NRB Pharma Zambia Limited.

 

Mr Speaker, in the Chambeshi MFEZ, there are thirty-one companies operating. These include Chambeshi Copper Smelter Limited, Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited, Zambia-China Economic and Trade Co-operation Zone (ZCCZ), Chambeshi Foundry and Rolling Steel Limited and CNMC Development Zambia Investment Company Limited.

Mr Speaker, Lusaka East MFEZ has a total of twelve companies. Out of these, eight are operational, namely Zambian Jinhai Agriculture Company Limited, Zambezi Liqour  Industrial Company Limited, Fifteen MCC Africa Construction and Trade Limited, Topstar Communications Zambia Limited, Hitachi Construction Machinery Zambia Company Limited, New Brilliant Shoes Company Limited, Chang Cheng Zambia and Sanwei Zambia.

 

Mr Speaker, of the companies located in the MFEZ, those involved in value addition to local products are Lusaka South MFEZ, Zambian Breweries Malting Plant which uses locally-grown, barley while the Zambian Fertilisers vending plant uses locally-sourced organic raw materials and lime.

 

Sir, Chambeshi MFEZ, Chambeshi Copper Smelter Limited, Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited and Bolo Mining Investment Limited are involved in the processing of locally-sourced copper while Chambeshi Foundry and Rolling Steel Limited use local iron ore and lime in the manufacture of steel.

 

Mr Speaker, Hawai Tobacco Manufacturing in the Lusaka East MFEZ uses locally-sourced tobacco, while Zambezi Liquor Industrial Company uses locally-grown sorghum to produce liquor spirits.

 

Sir, the MFEZs were created to promote manufacturing and add value to local products. The companies operating in MFEZs meet the objectives they were created for.

 

Mr Speaker, as regards the follow-up question by the Member of Parliament for Chembe Parliamentary Constituency, Hon. Dr Kopulande, who wanted to know who runs the companies, I wish to say that Chambeshi and Lusaka East MFEZs are managed by the Zambia-China Economic and Trade Co-operation Zone (ZCCZ). Lusaka South MFEZ is managed by the Government through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, I want to take advantage of the hon. Minister’s responses to bring to the attention of the House the fact that the Lusaka South Multi-facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) is supposed to be a city within a city. There are residential houses there, sites for hotels and other commercial ventures. I would like to find out what difficulties the ministry is encountering in ensuring that the Zambians are given plots in those areas so that they can build houses and other facilities on vacant plots in the MFEZ.

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, I wish to thank the hon. Member for that question. I am aware that the facility is underutilised. However, I must say that we are open to everyone to come and invest in the MFEZ. However, it is a question of people having the capacity to invest there. You can only invest in those facilities if you have the money. If you do not have money, then, you cannot invest.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, I like the honesty of the hon. Minister, who is basically upholding the doctrine of ...

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member for Mazabuka Central, just ask your question. You are now commenting on the hon. Minister.

 

Mr Nkombo: Sir, he is very honest. The hon. Minister has said that the poor or those who have are deficient in money are not catered for in the plan for the Multi-facility Economic Zones (MFEZs). In his words, the hon. Minister said that the MFEZs are for those with money. Of all the MFEZs that the hon. Minister has talked about, how many are owned by indigenous Zambians? Mark my words because I am not talking about locally-incorporated companies with the Chinese, but those owned solely by indigenous Zambians like you and I. I wish to know whether or not the MFEZs are achieving the objectives for which they were created, which include local empowerment and job creation.

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, in the first place, I did not mention the word poor. Therefore, the hon. Member is putting words in my mouth.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Sir, with regard to people who want to invest in the MFEZs, I said that those who want to do so are free to go and invest. The Government is not selective. As regards how many companies are owned by indigenous Zambians, I need to find out more about that and, then, get back to the House with the information.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mung’andu: Mr Speaker, I am aware that the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) has also rolled out a programme to build industrial parks in various parts of the country. Does the ministry have plans of introducing industrial parks in already established Multi-facility Economic Zones (MFEZs)? I ask because if our brothers who are fabricating metal in Kalingalinga, Garden and many other areas were domiciled in the Lusaka South MFEZ, for instance, they would create employment for youths.

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, we intend to set up industrial parks in the MFEZ. MFEZs have a number of benefits, such as to:

 

1. provide organised space for industrial development;

 

1. provide an attractive investment environment with basic infrastructure that supports manufacturing activities such as roads, power, water and good incentives to create jobs for both skilled and unskilled people;

 

1. stimulate and create a platform for Zambia to attract both foreign direct investment (FDI) and local investment; and

 

1. create business ventures such as transport, banking and others to provide services for manufacturing companies and the creation of MFEZs.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Dr Kopulande: Mr Speaker, I thank you, once again, for giving me the opportunity to ask a relevant question.

 

Sir, from the responses given by the hon. Minister, it is clear that there are only three Multi-facility Economic Zones (MFEZs) that are operating. The creation of MFEZs was approved by the Cabinet between May and July, 2006. I recall that very well because I presented the policy paper to a full Cabinet Meeting, and it was approved in 2006. It is now eleven and a half years since the policy was approved, yet there are only three MFEZs that are operating. Ethiopia borrowed the concept from us, and there are MFEZs running successfully in that country, which are adding value to its local raw materials.

 

Mr Speaker, at the time that the policy was approved, ...

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member for Chembe, I have been quite liberal, but I do not know where you will end with your preface. This is a time for questions. Could you ask your question.

 

Dr Kopulande: Mr Speaker, the Cabinet approved five MFEZs, excluding two of the ones that are operational today, namely Chambeshi and Lusaka East. That is because the two MFEZs are not owned by the Government, but are owned by the Chinese. Since we have only ...

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Business was suspended from 18:10 hours until 18:30 hours.

 

 

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

Dr Kopulande: Mr Speaker, when business was suspended, I was saying that from the hon. Minister’s response, only Lusaka South Multi-facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) has three companies that are operational from the time the policy was approved in 2006.

 

Mrs Mwanakatwe: Eight.

 

Dr Kopulande: Eight companies? I thought you said three.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member for Chembe ...

 

Dr Kopulande: I am sorry, Mr Speaker, I am being advised that the companies are not three. Whatever the number is, over so many years we only have one MFEZ operating because the other two MFEZs are Chinese-owned. Can the hon. Minister tell the House why there has been such a long delay in the implementation of the MFEZ Policy which is supposed to promote the creation of employment and value addition to local products?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, firstly, I would like to put it on record that the development of the MFEZs is demand-driven. This means that MFEZs will be opened if there is demand and we need private investors to develop them. The Patriotic Front (PF) Government has shown the way by putting up one while the other one in Chambeshi is privately-owned.

 

Sir, I must say that nothing was done from 2006 to 2011 when the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) Government approved the creation of MFEZs. However, from the time the Patriotic Front (PF) came into power, we have managed to open three. So, we are doing well.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, the creation of Multi-facility Economic Zones (MFEZs) is a very good idea. The turning of Bao'an County into a city called Shenzhen in China shows the importance of MFEZs. It took thirty years to transform the village city into a real big city. Is there a timeline for when the MFEZs will be in full bloom and working as expected to create the employment that is necessary for this country?

 

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, I said the MFEZs are demand-driven.

 

Sir, picking on what Hon. Nkombo said earlier on, money is not only the cash one has in the pocket or bank account, but ideas in one’s head are also money. I know of a business person who ...

 

Mr Nkombo: On a point of order, Sir!

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, ...

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member for Mazabuka Central, take a seat ...

 

Mr Nkombo: He mentioned my name, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: Yes, I am dealing with the situation.

 

Hon. Minister, please, take care to go back to what was said by whom. Otherwise, we risk running into difficulties. I have been following the proceedings. If you have an idea you wish to express, I think you are safer not to attribute it to an individual.

Mr Nkombo: Hear, hear! Wind of change!

 

Laughter

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Much obliged, Mr Speaker. Your advice has been taken.

 

Sir, I was saying that MFEZs are demand-driven. They will be filled up as the demand increases. We have advertised them and people know our intentions. People who want to invest are most welcome.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Nkombo: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Simfukwe: Mr Speaker, copper is one of the raw materials that the hon. Minister mentioned is going through value addition at one of the Multi-facility Economic Zones (MFEZs). I was happy to hear that because the biggest concern of the late President Sata, may his soul rest in peace, was that we are exporting raw copper. It is good to hear that there is processing of copper going on at one of the MFEZs.

 

Sir, could the hon. Minister mention some of the products that are being made there, apart from copper cables? We should bear in mind that electric cars, which use almost 40 per cent copper, will soon replace all diesel and petrol cars in Europe. So, we stand to benefit as a country. What products are made from the copper that the hon. Minister would care to mention?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, I can only talk about cables which are the only product I know of. However, copper is mined from the ground. It is then processed into copper concentrates and, thereafter, copper cathodes. There is a process that takes place. When we produce copper, most of the time it is 99 per cent pure. This means that we remove a lot of impurities from the copper. That, in itself is a process.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, thank you for this opportunity. Allow me to also thank the hon. Minister for the manner in which he is handling this question.

 

Sir, from the Multi-facility Economic Zones (MFEZs) that have been mentioned, you can see that Chambeshi has done better than the other two. My question is centred on the Lusaka East MFEZ where I know that one of the challenges has been poor supply of power. What is the ministry doing to improve power supply in that area so that more investors can invest in the MFEZ.

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, there are plans to mobilise money to put up a power substation in that area.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister says that the development of MFEZs is demand-driven. The demand can actually be created as we heard from Hon. Dr Kopulande when he talked about Ethiopia and Hon. Simbao when he referred to Shengzen in China. The demand is created by the Government being efficient, avoiding debt and the country being attractive to investors. This means that the demand can be created. Having said that, hon. Minister, would you like to retract your statement and say that you do not understand the issue of MFEZs well enough at the moment because you are new in that position and that you will come back to the House at a later stage and tell us how you are going to create this demand so that the creation of MFEZs can progress faster. Would you like to do that, hon. Minister?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, I am not going to retract what I said because we are putting up roads and power substations and so on and so forth. There is on-going progress there.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Kasonso: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister may be aware that the owners of Kalumbila Mine, First Quantum Minerals Limited (FQM), have marketed and lined up various companies to invest in the Kalumbila Multi-facility Economic Zone (MFEZ). When is the Kalumbila MFEZ going to be operational?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, we are setting up a special purpose vehicle to drive that process.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned that money was a huge factor in investing in Multi-facility Economic Zones (MFEZs) and that indigenous people do not have the money to invest in the MFEZs. That being the case, what affirmative measures are you, as a Government, taking to ensure that the indigenous Zambians have the necessary money to invest in the MFEZs?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, the Government is in the process of setting up incentive packages to drive this process.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

TOTAL CASH NET FLOW

 

122. Mr Simbao asked the Minister of Finance:

 

1. what the total cash net flow was as of 2016;

 

1. how much of the total cash net flow was Foreign Direct Investment (FDI);

 

1. how much the Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) was; and

 

1. what the FPI/FDI ratio was.

 

The Minister of Finance (Mrs Mwanakatwe): Mr Speaker, the total net cash flow as at 2016 was a deficit of US$181.9 million. This shows that the country spent more money on the import of goods and services and repatriation of profits and dividends than it earned. You may wish to note that the estimate of the total net cash flow is directly related to the current account.

 

Mr Speaker the FDI flow in 2016 wasUS$486.2 million. The FDI was mainly composed of private sector investment in various sectors of the economy, especially mining, manufacturing and real estate.

 

Sir, the net FPI was US$416.7 million in 2016. These were mostly investments in Government securities and equity in private companies in the country. Much of the inflows were in manufacturing, transport, storage and trade.

 

Mr Speaker the FPI to FDI ratio in 2016 was 0.86. This implies that FPI represented 86 per cent of the FDI that came into the country in 2016.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, the ratio of FPI to FDI looks very strong. How much was the actual FDI? I want to know which areas it was invested in. She should tell us that so much FPI was available for the country although we may not be sure of where it went. I say so because this is investment in stocks and things that can turn into purchases other than investment. May she tell us where this FPI was invested.

 

Mrs Mwanakatwe: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for Senga Hill for that follow-up question. The FPI is a portfolio investment of which 17 per cent is foreign and the rest is local. So, if the hon. Member of Parliament wants me to bring it down to whom and where exactly it went, I would like to ask that I am allowed to come back to the House with that information at a later date.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Dr Kopulande: Mr Speaker, let me ride on the response by the hon. Minister so that she could come back probably with a five-year trend analysis of the same parameters from 2012 to 2016.

 

Mr Speaker: Is that a question?

 

Interruptions

 

Dr Kopulande: It is a question. Is the hon. Minister in a position to give us a five-year trend analysis of the same parameters?

 

Mr Speaker: That is now a question.

 

Laughter

 

Mrs Mwanakatwe: Mr Speaker, certainly, I am able to provide a five-year trend analysis of the portfolio investments.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, the FDI was they committed, but not delivered to the country. How does it affect the book balance of the nation?

 

Mrs Mwanakatwe: Mr Speaker, the figure I have given today as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is the actual figure in terms of cash as well as equipment. Perhaps, what the hon. Member is talking about is what pledges are made by investors on an annual basis. If that is the case, I wish to state that there is a plan by each of the investors to ensure that over the years, they show us what they are going to invest and what jobs they are going to create. That is a different ball game.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, one of the attractions or incentives for FDI is tax holidays. As the hon. Minister brings the schedule that the hon. Member of Parliament for Chembe has asked for, is she able to tell us the companies that have invested here and have gone through the tax holiday period. Could she also tell us how well they are contributing to our gross domestic product (GDP)?

 

Mrs Mwanakatwe: Mr Speaker, that can be done.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, I am interested in finding out the map in terms of where the FDI is coming from. I would also like to zero-in on what portion of the total FDI is attributed to China.

 

Mr Speaker: What is your question?

 

Mrs Mwanakatwe rose.

 

Mr Lufuma: She has heard.

 

Mr Speaker: No!

 

Hon. Minister of Finance, you can take a seat. I did not hear the question myself.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, what I am saying is that I am interested in the map. I want to know what portions of FDI come from which region, globally. I also want to find out what proportion is contributed by China.

 

Is that clear, Mr Speaker?

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: I will allow the question reluctantly.

 

Mrs Mwanakatwe: Mr Speaker, I am able to give the hon. Member a global view within that trend analysis and segregate by region. I am not sure that I can single out China per se by company. I can probably give the hon. Member of Parliament a global view of China.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

CATTLE DISEASES IN KALABO

 

123. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock:

 

1. which cattle diseases were prevalent in Kalabo District; and

 

1. what measures had been taken to eradicate the diseases.

 

The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock (Ms Mulenga): Mr Speaker, the following diseases are prevalent in Kalabo District:

 

1. Contagious Bovine Pleuro-Pneumonia (CBPP);
2. Tick Borne;
3. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD);
4. Blackleg/Black Water; and
5. Anthrax.

 

Mr Speaker, the following measures have been taken to control livestock diseases in Kalabo District:

 

CDPP

 

Mr Speaker, the Government had embarked on a robust programme of awareness and sentitisation on the disease. It also embarked on an annual vaccination programme of cattle, targeting 90 per cent of the population. There was also the removal of CBPP positive head of cattle by testing and slaughtering of seropositive animals through abattoir surveillance as well as restriction of cattle movement.

 

Tick-Borne Diseases

 

Sir, there was tick control through awareness and sensitisation on the importance of spraying and treatment of affected cattle when the disease manifested.

 

FMD

 

Mr Speaker, FMD was controlled by bi-annual vaccinations and restrictions of cattle movement.

 

Blackleg/Black Water

 

Sir, this was controlled by annual vaccinations and awareness and sensitisation of farmers on the importance of having their cattle vaccinated.

 

Anthrax

 

Sir, Blackleg/Black Water was controlled by annual vaccinations and awareness and sentitisation campaigns. Farmers are advised to report any sudden deaths of cattle and not to consume the meat from such animals.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, we talk about these diseases year after year. Farmers keep losing animals due to the diseases which the hon. Minister has outlined. Is the hon. Minister aware that farmers have been affected negatively as a result of poor participation by the Government in the eradication of the diseases? If she is aware, what effort is the Government making to reduce the deaths of animals?

 

Ms Mulenga: Mr Speaker, in my response, I stated that the Government had embarked on a robust awareness, sensitisation and vaccination campaign. From 2016, the number of deaths in cattle was at 65 per cent. Currently, the number has reduced to 0.13 per cent.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, two fiscal years ago, the Government put in the Yellow Book money for the erection of a Cordon Line which this House collectively approved. The Government promised that the Cordon Line was going to be erected. I would like to know what the Government did with that money because the Cordon Line has not been part and parcel of the measures for the eradication or treatment of the FMD and CBPP that the hon. Minister has just outlined.

 

Ms Mulenga: Mr Speaker, I want to put it on record that the Government has not taken the money anywhere. The issue of a Cordon Line is being negotiated by this Government and our colleagues from Angola. We did not put the money in the Cordon Line because we had an issue with our stakeholders in the various districts concerning the Cordon Line. Obviously, at an appropriate time, when these issues are put on the table for further consultation with our colleagues from Angola, the money will be put to use. Otherwise, the money has not been used.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Michelo (Bweengwa): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has stated that Contagious Bovine Pleuro-Pneumonia (CBPP) in Kalabo is going to be contained. What measures has the ministry put in place to ensure that the disease does not spread to other districts?

 

Ms Mulenga: Mr Speaker, I mentioned that the Government had embarked on a robust programme of sensitisation and awareness, vaccination, restriction of cattle movement through abattoir surveillance. Therefore, the Government is doing something to ensure that we contain CBPP.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, first of all, I would like to appreciate the fact that the hon. Minister is aware that the lung disease, which I do not know how to pronounce, is prevalent in Kalabo and that there is a serious outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). In the whole of Kalabo District, and that is where Liuwa is located, there are few veterinary officers. In Liuwa, for example, which is a cattle rearing area, there is only veterinary officer at the moment. Those who died cannot be replaced because of budgetary considerations. Therefore, what measures is the ministry taking to increase the number of veterinary camps and officers in Kalabo District so that diseases that have broken out such as Anthrax, FMD and the one that is difficult to pronounce can quickly be attended to?

 

Ms Mulenga: Mr Speaker, the Government intends to start a recruitment process of veterinary officers and, when this happens, special consideration will be given to areas like Kalabo where the need is greater.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, the provision for the Cordon Line was put in the Budget two budgets ago and the hon. Minister is telling us that the money has not been used. That is not the procedure in our budgeting process. Is the hon. Minister honest enough to retract that statement because it is not true? That is not how we operate our Budget. Once the year comes to an end …

 

Mr Speaker: I suppose you have put a question, Hon. Prof. Lungwangwa. You want a retraction.

 

Prof. Lungwangwa: Thank you, Sir. Is she honest enough to retract her statement?

 

Ms Mulenga: Mr Speaker, there is nothing to retract because we have not used the money, as it is there. Obviously, we will utilise it at an appropriate time. I said that we are consulting our colleagues from Angola where the disease is actually coming from. We have engaged our stakeholders from Jimbe to Shang’ombo and consultations are still underway. Therefore, at an appropriate time, we will issue a statement on when this programme will be implemented. So, we have not used the money. When money has not been used, it means it is still there.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Laughter

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister stated …

 

Mr Mwiimbu: On a point of order, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: Let the hon. Member of Kalabo Central ask first.

 

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister outlined the measures that the Government intends to take in order to reduce or eradicate …

 

Mr Nkombo: On a point of order, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member for Mazabuka Central, I know where this is leading to. I will figure it out. Take a seat.

 

Interruptions

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Speaker: Continue, hon. Member for Kalabo Central.

 

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, amongst the measures the hon. Minister has highlighted, I have not heard about the laboratories which are supposed to be put up in the provinces. About two years ago, we were told that the provincial veterinary laboratories would be completed. However, I have not heard anything to do with that as a measure to control livestock diseases because the specimens still have to be brought to Lusaka. To avoid the long distance to Lusaka, the Government decided to set up provincial laboratories. How far are they from completion?

 

Ms Mulenga: Mr Speaker, a laboratory is being constructed in Mongu and is 98 per cent complete. We will be commissioning the laboratories in due course. The Government is not only constructing a laboratory in Mongu, but also in other areas of the country. Some of them are 95 per cent complete while others are 98 per cent complete. The laboratories will be commissioned in no time. I agree that the construction of laboratories is one of the measures to control livestock diseases and the Government is on course.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, according to the hon. Minister, the money pertaining to the erection of Cordon Line is available in her ministry. May I find out from her the account …

 

Laughter

 

Mr Mwiimbu: … in which it is being kept. Taking into account the rules, which we all know, as given by the Ministry of Finance, if money is not used, it is taken back to the Treasury and reallocated in the next Budget. Is she telling us that she has been holding onto this money and it is not with the hon. Minister of Finance? If so, in which account is it being kept? 

 

Ms Mulenga: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member of Parliament for …

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mushimba: Mazabuka Central.

 

Ms Mulenga: … Mazabuka Central.

 

Mr Speaker: No, it is not.

 

Laughter

 

Ms Mulenga: Monze Central. Well, the names Mazabuka and Monze are very similar.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Let us have some order!

 

Ms Mulenga: Mr Speaker, I apologise. When I say the money is there, it means that it has not been used. Obviously, it is common knowledge that when the year ends, it is taken back to the Treasury.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Mulenga: So, we have not used the money. However, when we have completed the negotiations with the various stakeholders and our counterparts in Angola, we will have a Supplementary Budget and the Ministry of Finance will give us back the money.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

BOREHOLES IN KALABO

 

124.  Mr Miyutu asked the Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection (Dr Wanchinga):

        

1. How many boreholes were earmarked for sinking in Kalabo District;

 

1. how many boreholes were actually sunk and water pumps installed;

 

1. of the water pumps installed, how many were solar powered and, if none, why; and

 

1. when the Government would commence installing solar-powered water pumps.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, answer the Question.

 

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, just in case there is an hon. Member of Parliament in this House who is not aware, I would like to inform hon. Members that I have moved away from ‘houses’ …

 

Laughter

 

Dr Wanchinga: … to ‘water’.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: Where are you now?

 

Dr Wanchinga: Emenshi, aya! Now I am at ‘water’.

 

Laughter

 

Hon. Members: Tell us!

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, the Government had earmarked to sink forty-eight boreholes complete with hand pumps in Kalabo District in 2017.

 

Secondly, all the forty-eight boreholes which were drilled were installed with hand pumps.

 

As regards whether any of those pumps installed were solar powered, the answer is that there were no pumps which were solar powered amongst those which were installed because the boreholes that were drilled were meant to be powered by the ordinary technology of hand pumps.

 

Sir, as for when the Government will consider installing solar-powered hand pumps in future, the plan of the Government is that a feasibility study will be undertaken next year to map out areas where solar power will be used. This is a technology which cannot be used everywhere, but the studies will indicate where such technology will be utilised.

 

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has mentioned that feasibility studies will be undertaken to determine areas where solar-powered hand pumps would be installed, but we have solar mills in Kalabo that use solar power that were installed by the Chinese. My question is: Is the solar power used to drive hammer mills different from the solar power which is required to drive a borehole? Why does the Government want to carry out another feasibility study when a study has already been conducted?

 

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, that is an interesting question. However, I think the hon. Member forgot to realise that the utilisation of solar pumps on boreholes is determined by a number of factors. For instance, if a hammer mill is solar powered and, when it becomes cloudy, the solar panels are unable to generate energy sufficient to power the hammer mill, it is a question of packing the hammer mill. However, if solar power is used on a pump, water has to be available to the people all the time. Therefore, it is important to realise that in areas that are densely populated, solar-powered boreholes may not cope with the demand for water, especially when it is cloudy. This is where the issue of feasibility studies comes in.

 

So, we are not saying that solar-powered hammer mills utilise a technology that is different from that utilised by solar-powered water pumps. Basically, the technology is the same. However, the question that begs an answer is where this kind of technology can be used, taking into consideration a number of factors such as the density of population and regularity of cloud cover in those particular areas.

 

Thank you, Sir.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear! Hammer!

 

Mr Nkombo: Mr Speaker, I can see how much support the hon. Minister is generating in his new portfolio. However, one of the areas which we are all concerned about in this House is the unit cost of hand pump-powered boreholes. This is the reason we have not managed to serve our people with adequate water because of the blatant theft by people inflating the cost of a unit price of a borehole which can go for as little as K6,000, for borehole that is 50 m deep with a 20 m casing. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether his ministry has locked the price or put a cap on how much a plain borehole with a hand pump would cost in order for us to cater for a larger population that he is worried about in the case of solar-powered water pumps. By the way, I do not quite believe what he said about inadequate light. Zambia has got adequate light to produce power for solar pumps.

 

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, I think the hon. Member of Parliament for Mazabuka Central has raised a valid point. Therefore, it is important for us to determine and have a cap on the cost of boreholes.

 

However, Sir, let me hasten to add that the current technology of hand pumps is one area we are going to change. This is because in most of the areas that have a high content of iron, people are not using boreholes because of rapid ionisation. There is a lot of iron content, resulting in a lot of rusting in the water such that when people are pumping out the water, it comes out red and they literally abandon such boreholes. So, we are going to do away with iron pipes. Perhaps this may push the price a little higher. Certainly, the point is taken. There is a need to observe and ensure that there is reasonable capping on the price of this item.

 

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

 Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, I would like to inform the hon. Minister that there are two sites in Kalabo where there are solar-powered boreholes. The first one is Sikongo Clinic in Sikongo that uses solar power for its operations. There was no feasibility study conducted on the solar installation in Sikongo. There is also a home in Kalabo which is using solar power. I would like to find from the hon. Minister how long it will take the Government to complete the feasibility study so that people in the rural areas, who are not well serviced by the Government, can start receiving the right services? When will the feasibility study yield results?

 

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, I said that the study will be undertaken next year. I did not say that Kalabo cannot host a solar-powered pump in the present situation. I am saying that there will be no need for a study in places like Kalabo where people are already utilising this kind of technology. Certainly, Kalabo will benefit from the use of solar power once the Government adopts this kind of technology as a way of providing water services to our people.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Ms Mwashingwele: Mr Speaker, we are only two months into the 2018, yet the hon. Minister is talking of 2019. I would like him to understand that the western part of this country and Kalabo to be specific has some of the highest temperatures in this country. So, the feasibility study to be conducted next year is not necessary. Is the ministry able to expedite the sinking of the forty-eight boreholes in Kalabo because the people are in great need of water?

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Laughter

 

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, I mentioned that the forty-eight boreholes have already been drilled. What is remaining is the transition from the use of hand pumps to solar-powered ones. That is the debate that is there at the moment. It is not about whether we should drill the forty-eight boreholes in Kalabo because they have already been drilled and the hand pumps installed.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

_____

 

BILLS

 

FIRST READINGS

 

THE RENT (Amendment) BILL, 2018

 

The Minister of Justice (Mr Lubinda): Mr Speaker, I beg to present a Bill entitled the Rent (Amendment) Bill, 2018. The object of the Bill is to amend the Rent Act so as to revise the limits of the civil jurisdiction of Magistrates.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Speaker: The Bill stands referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs, Governance, Human Rights, Gender Matters and Child Affairs. The Committee is required to submit its report on the Bill to the House by Wednesday, 7^th March, 2018. Hon. Members who wish to make submissions on the Bill are free to do so within the programme of work of the Committee.

 

Thank you.

 

THE SUBORDINATE COURTS (Amendment) BILL, 2018

 

The Minister of Justice (Mr Lubinda): Mr Speaker, I beg to present a Bill entitled the Subordinate Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2018. The object of the Bill is to amend the Subordinates Court Act so as to revise the limits of the civil jurisdiction of Magistrates.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Speaker: The Bill stands referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs, Governance, Human Rights, Gender Matters and Child Affairs. The Committee is required to submit its report on the Bill to the House by Wednesday, 7^th March, 2018. Hon. Members who wish to make submissions on the Bill are free to do so within the programme of work of the Committee.

 

Thank you.

 

THE JUDICIARY ADMINISTRATION (Amendment) BILL, 2018

 

The Minister of Justice (Mr Lubinda): Mr Speaker, I beg to present a Bill entitled the Judiciary Administration (Amendment) Bill, 2018. The Object of the Bill are to amend the Judiciary Administration (Amendment) Act so as to:

1. revise the qualifications of a research advocate;

 

1. provide for research assistants; and

 

1. provide for matters connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Speaker: The Bill stands referred to the Committee on Legal Affairs, Governance, Human Rights, Gender Matters and Child Affairs. The Committee is required to submit its report on the Bill to the House by Wednesday, 7^th March, 2018. Hon. Members who wish to make submissions on the Bill are free to do so within the programme of work of the Committee.

 

Thank you.

 

 

_____

 

MOTION

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

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

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

_________

 

The House adjourned at 1927 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 21^st February, 2018.

 

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