- Home
- About Parliament
- Members
- Committees
- Publications
Wednesday, 28th March, 2018
Wednesday, 28th March, 2018
The House met at 1430 hours
[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]
NATIONAL ANTHEM
PRAYER
__________
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT
DEVELOPMENT ON SLAG DUMP NO.48
The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr Musukwa): Madam Speaker, before I proceed, I want to place on record my profound gratitude on behalf of the ministry and the Government for the support that we got from the Committee on National Economy, Trade and Labour Matters and for the recommendations it made on the approval of the Ratification of the African Mineral Development Centre. The report presented was well cased by Hon. Musokotwane and seconded by Hon. Kopulande. We are most grateful for the support.
Madam Speaker, I want to thank you for according me the opportunity to inform this august House and the nation on the status of the Nkana Slag Dump commonly known as “Black Mountain”.
Madam Speaker, I wish to start by giving a brief history of the Nkana Slag Dump. Before privatisation, Nkana Slag Dump belonged to Nkana Mine of the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mine (ZCCM) Limited. It was a licensed dump where slag from the Nkana smelter was being dumped until it reached its maximum design limit in the 1990s. At privatisation in 1998, Nkana Slag Dump area was hived off from the Nkana Mine rights and awarded to Chambeshi Metals Plc who had a plant in Chambeshi that could treat the slag materials and recover some of the copper and cobalt contained in it. In the same year, Chambeshi Metals was granted a large scale mining license over the same area. The company worked the dump from early 2000 to 2010, when operations were suspended due to the slump in commodity prices and the global economic crisis that not only Zambia, but the entire world faced.
Madam Speaker, on 27th December, 2012, Chambeshi Metals Plc applied to the ministry to transfer the licence over the Nkana Slag Dump to a newly formed company called Nkana Alloy and Smelting Company Limited. Nkana Alloy and Smelting Company Limited acquired the license over the dump through a transfer from Chambeshi Metals PLC on 23rd April, 2013, at a total cost of K19,320,000. At the time of the transfer, the shares in Nkana Alloy and Smelting Company Limited were Eurasia Natural Resources Corporation (ENRC) (British Virginia Island (BVI) Limited at 90 per cent and ZCCM-IH at 10 per cent. ENRC (BVI) is the majority shareholder in Chambeshi Metals Plc with 90 per cent, while ZCCM-IH holds 10 per cent of the shares.
Madam Speaker, immediately after the transfer, before Nkana Alloy and Smelting Company Limited could move on site, Chambeshi Metals withdrew the security personnel who were guarding the dump. This created room for illegal miners in the form of youth groups who immediately invaded the dump and started mining illegally. The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development later engaged the Zambia Police Services who drove away the illegal miners and provided security at the dump round the clock.
Madam Speaker, a few weeks later, a company called Lunga Mineral Resources and Exploration Limited acquired a mineral processing license over an area within Kitwe District whose coordinates overlapped on the ground with the license held by Nkana Alloy and Smelting Company Limited. Lunga Mineral Resources and Exploration Limited quickly sought a court order to protect their rights over the Black Mountain. The court order was granted to Lunga Mineral Resources and Exploration Limited and an injunction was served on Nkana Alloy and Smelting Company Limited which kept Nkana Alloy and Smelting Company Limited from operating the dump until 2013.
Madam Speaker, Lunga Mineral Resources and Exploration Limited then moved on site and started mining and security by Zambia Police was removed because there was a court order to that effect. The matter was in court from 2013, until early 2016, when the interim injunction was discharged and the court ruled in favour of Nkana Alloy and Smelting Company Limited as the rightful owner of the slag dump. Following this ruling, the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to again provide security at the dump and allow the legitimate owners of the dump, Nkana Alloy and Smelting Company Limited, to resume their mining and processing operations. The mineral processing license for Lunga Mineral Resources and Exploration Limited was then terminated by the Mining License Committee in public interest in accordance with Section 72 of the Mines and Minerals Act No. 11 of 2015.
Madam Speaker, the Government through the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development decided to review the status of the Nkana Slag Dump No. 48 which has not been operational since acquisition of the asset by Nkana Alloy and Smelting Company Limited due to invasion by illegal miners and court cases initiated by different groups in an effort to secure the slag dump and prevent access to others.
Security of tenure, Madam Speaker, in terms of mining operations in the Republic of Zambia and beyond is a key pillar for investors. Particularly, this is very important in the mining sector where long term investment has long pay-back periods. As such the Government will always want to ensure that legitimate licence holders interests’ are protected.
Madam Speaker, Nkana Alloy and Smelting Company Ltd is the rightful holder of a Mining Licence No.7071-HQ-LML granted by the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development which encompasses Slag Dump No.48 popularly known as “Black Mountain.”
Madam Speaker, the various groups that have emerged to claim the ownership of the dump and even undertaken some mining activities have always been illegal.
Madam Speaker, exploitation of the dump by these groups had resulted in environmental impacts which could not be assessed and mitigated because the Government institutions, in this regard, the Mine Safety Department, cannot regulate illegal mining operations. Consequently, the Government has been losing out in terms of revenue in form of mineral loyalties, taxes, local revenues and because of this, the Government has taken a position to ensure that this matter is adequately managed and dealt with once and for all.
Madam Speaker, mineral resources in the Republic of Zambia are vested in the President. In order to address the foregoing, the Government recently engaged the stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the problem. The Government engaged ZCCM-HI, Nkana Alloy and Smelting Company Ltd, local leaders and small scale miners. The stakeholders resolved as follows:
(i) the various parties and interest groups mostly youths with an interest in the slag dump must all unite into one legal entity to be used as a common purpose vehicle with a representative structure to hold a mining right in order to exploit this resource;
(ii) the common purpose vehicle acquires 10 per cent shares held by ZCCM-HI on commercial basis;
(iii) the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development demarcates 10 per cent of the Slag Dump No.48 asset area in favour of the common purpose vehicle and create a safety pillar at the boundary with Nkana Alloy and Smelting Company Ltd consistent with the provisions of the mining regulations; and
(iv) the common purpose vehicle obtains an appropriate mining right from the ministry and complies with all relevant regulations including environmental statutes in the land of the Republic of Zambia.
Madam Speaker, with the above resolutions, small scale miners in Kitwe, the Copperbelt and Zambia at large, are expected to transform themselves into law abiding citizens who will contribute to the social economic development of the country.
Madam Speaker, Nkana Alloy and Smelting Company Ltd who are actually the majority shareholder should continue to enjoy security of tenure and be allowed to develop the asset in line with the condition of grant of the licence without hindrance from any quarter.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions of points of clarification on the Ministerial Statement issued by the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development.
Mr Mbulakulima (Milenge): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the well articulated statement that he has given. I want to find out hon. Minister …
Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): On a point of order, Madam Speaker.
Interruptions
Madam First Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Speaker, I rise on a very serious point of order arising from the Constitution of Zambia, the Standing Orders and the National Assembly Privileges Act pertaining to the hon. Members of Parliament.
Madam Speaker, you may recall that on Thursday last week, Hon. Garry Nkombo raised a Motion under Standing Order 37 and a Motion was duly seconded by Hon. Kambwili …
Mrs Mumbi Phiri: From the cells?
Mr Mwiimbu: …a member of the PF.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Speaker, we are all aware that an hon. Member of this House decides to raise a Motion under the Standing Orders I just referred to, he is required to give three days notice. That three days notice was complied with.
Madam Speaker, the Notice of Motion was anchored on Article 108 of the Constitution of Zambia relating to the impeachment of the President.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Hon. PF Members: Question!
Mr Mwiimbu: I recall, that I swore before you, to defend the Constitution of Zambia and my colleague Hon. Garry Nkombo, seconded by Hon. Kambwili …
Mrs Mumbi Phiri: Form the hospital?
Mr Mwiimbu: …relied on the provisions of the Constitution of Zambia which we passed on the Floor of this august House in 2015 and assented to in 2016.
Madam Speaker, to date, we have not been told by your office when this Motion is going to be debated on the Floor of this august House as per the Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Hon. PF Members: Question!
Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Speaker, as if that is not enough, we are aware that members of the Executive have been issuing statements in the media to say that this Motion will not be accepted by your Office.
Hon. PF Members: Question!
Mr Mwiimbu: They have debated the Motion …
Mr Muchima: Shame!
Mr Mwiimbu: …in the various public media and television stations ...
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Nkombo: Shame!
Mr Mwiimbu: …a Motion which is before you.
Hon. Opposition Members: Shame!
Mr Mwiimbu: … before you even respond to us.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: As if that is not enough, Madam Speaker, today, we have hood of …
Mrs Mumbi Phiri: Those are lies, iwe!
Interruptions
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, on my right.
Interruptions
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, on my left as well.
Continue with your point of order, hon. Member for Monze Central.
Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Speaker, as if that is not enough, the hon. Members of Parliament, in particular, my brother here, Hon. Garry Nkombo, is being threatened; his life is in danger …
Hon. PF Members: Ah!
Interruptions
Mr Mwiimbu: …by the thugs who are outside there.
Interruptions
Mr Muchima: Kampyongo!
Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Speaker, we are in this august House to exercise our rights as per the Constitution.
Hon. Opposition Members: Yes!
Mr Mwiimbu: There is nothing irregular we have done through this Motion.
Hon. Opposition Members: Yes!
Mr Mwiimbu: Any civilised society demands that you follow what the Constitution says…
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Hon. PF Members: Question!
Mr Mwiimbu: … and that is what we have done.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Speaker, we want you to tell us whether we are out of order by raising a procedural Motion as per the Constitution that provides guidance to this august House on impeachment and the Standing Orders pertaining to this issue. What wrong have we done? What wrong has he done (pointing at the hon. Member for Mazabuka Central) for him to be threatened?
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Hon. PF Members: Question!
Mr Mwiimbu: What has he done in his exercise of the rights of hon. Members of Parliament pursuant to the law we passed? Right now, the atmosphere here in this august House is not conducive…
Hon PF Members: Question!
Mr Mwiimbu: …because of what is happening outside.
Interruptions
Mr Mwiimbu: If it was UPND, Madam Speaker, there would have been bloodshed outside there.
Interruptions
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order! Hon. Member for Monze Central, I am waiting for you to conclude your point of order.
Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Speaker, I would like your guidance on this matter, whether we are wrong to have raised this matter and having complied with the provisions of the law, whether this august House should not present and table the Motion on the Floor of the House.
Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!
Madam First Deputy Speaker: The point of order is raising three very important issues. The first one is whether or not, indeed, the Motion to impeach the President is provided for in the Constitution. The second point is whether or not the process so far has complied with our own rules, the Standing Orders. The third point is the issue of threats. The hon. Member for Monze Central has raised an issue of threats, that there are people out there who are threatening the hon. Member for Mazabuka Central.
Interruptions
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, in my response to that point of order, I wish to state that if indeed, there are any people out there and they are within the precincts of Parliament, threatening anyone of the hon. Members here, they must be removed immediately.
Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members of this august House must not be threatened by anyone within the precincts of this Parliament. As I have indicated, if they are there, they must be removed.
Hon. Members, the second point that I wish to respond to is whether or not an Impeachment Motion is provided for. Yes, indeed, under Article 108 of our own Constitution, it is provided for as follows:
“(1) A Member of Parliament supported by at least one-third of the Members of Parliament, may move a motion for impeachment of the President alleging that the President has committed the following:
- a violation of a provision of this Constitution or other law;
- a crime under international law; or
- Gross misconduct.”
I have only read Article 108 sub article 1 and I have read a, b, and c.
Hon. Members, in terms of whether or not the process or the Motion that is being proposed has complied with the constitutional provisions, it is within these provisions.
Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Therefore, it is in compliance with the provisions of our own Constitution.
Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!
Madam First Deputy Speaker: In as far as that is concerned, as a provision, that has been complied with. However, this Constitution does not give a time frame within which an Impeachment Motion must be tabled.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear! Mwaona manje.
Madam First Deputy Speaker: It does not give a time frame within which a Motion such as this one should be tabled on the Floor of this august House. Standing Order No. 37 states:
“(1) A member may introduce a Private Member’s Motion at any time.
(2) A member who wishes to introduce a Motion under paragraph (1) shall deliver to the Clerk’s office a fairly type written notice, signed by the member and a seconder of the motion. The motion must also clearly indicate in the notice, the date proposed for introducing the motion in the House.
(3) The day proposed for introducing a motion shall not be less than three days ahead, and where notice is given on Friday, not less than four days ahead provided that the Speaker, may, by leave of the House, exempt a motion from this provision.
(4) A private member’s motion shall be governed by the rules of admissibility.”
Hon. Members, the point of order is to the effect that the hon. Member for Mazabuka Central has complied with all the provisions. Yes, it is true that the constitutional provisions, indeed, have been complied with, but the Constitution does not give a time frame.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Madam First Deputy Speaker: The Standing Orders as provided, does not compel the Speaker …
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Madam First Deputy Speaker: …to table the Motion within three days. Therefore, in response to this point of order, I wish to state that there is nothing irregular or illegal that has happened, or that the Speaker’s Office has done to undermine the Motion. The point of order, therefore, is inadmissible ...
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Madam First Deputy Speaker: ... Hon. Member for Monze Central. I hope hon. Members of this House, this clarifies the issue of the Impeachment Motion which indeed, as the hon. Member for Monze Central has indicated, has created some tension in the House. Hon. Members, we have business to conduct. Let us conduct the business of the day. The hon. Member for Milenge was on the Floor. May you continue.
Mr Mbulakulima: Madam Speaker, I was saying that the importance of the hon. Minister’s statement, for anyone who understands the Copperbelt very well, is that it brings stability among the youths, including the Jerabos. How supportive is Nkana Alloy Smelting Company Limited with regards to the youths so that harmony can be promoted on the Copperbelt especially, in the mining sector?
Mr Musukwa: Madam Speaker, I want to confirm to the hon. Member that Nkana Alloy Smelting Company Limited, which is actually the majority shareholder was engaged and it is extremely supportive in this regard, to ensure that our youths are incorporated and that they work together. Their support is premised on the strength of the Government to ensure that the security of tenure for license holders is upheld.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa): Madam Speaker, the Slag Dump, commonly known as the “Black Mountain”, has been an outstanding and thorny issue for quite some time. Let me thank His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, …
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Ng’onga: … for resolving this issue. However, could the hon. Minister assure the people of Zambia especially those who live near the mine on the Copperbelt that the issue regarding the sharing of the revenue generated from the “Black Mountain” will not resurface and divide them?
Mr Musukwa: Madam Speaker, indeed, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, needs to be commended because a lasting solution has now been generated concerning the Black Mountain which raised a lot of challenges in the past.
Madam Speaker, I want to assure the hon. Member for Kaputa that the Government has been facilitating a discussion with all the stakeholders involved and it hopes that the mineral resources will be exploited without challenges. The sharing mechanisms are already in place in terms of percentages of the mine's operations.
Madam Speaker, I indicated that Nkana Alloy and Smelting Company Limited has 90 per cent shares and our colleagues, through the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH) Limited, have 10 per cent shares and are creating a purpose vehicle in order to exploit the mineral resources. Therefore, in terms of the mine’s operations, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia and father of our nation, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, …
Mrs Phiri: Hear, hear!
Mr Musukwa: … counselled the Jerabos or former illegal miners, who are now small scale miners, and encouraged them to unite and work as a team in order to exploit the resources. In the past, they were associated with violence and abuse in the community. Therefore, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, further guided them not to engage in such acts in the community.
Mr Livune: Question!
Mr Musukwa: You will die with question.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Chali (Nchanga): Madam Speaker, what is the estimated tonnage for Slag Dump No. 48 or the “Black Mountain” and what is the estimated life span and at what rate will the small scale miners be working?
Mr Musukwa: Madam Speaker, before any operation in earnest is undertaken at the “Black Mountain,” we have asked the Mines and Minerals Department to work out the expected tonnage in order to ascertain the correct value. This is because in the past, mineral resources were illegally exploited. Therefore, we want to quantify what is currently at stake. However, the initial report states that the resources can be exploited for ten years, but the Mines and Minerals Department will give us the correct tonnage.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr A. C. Mumba (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, I would like to draw the hon. Minister’s attention to the share holding and business relationship between the small scale miners and Nkana Alloy and Smelting Company Limited. Obviously, mining is a very expensive business. What support has the Government given the small scale miners other than just providing them the 10 per cent share? If it does not put anything tangible, I expect the sharing ratio in the profits not to be the same as 90 per cent and 10 per cent depending on what it has put on the table.
Mr Musukwa: Madam Speaker, indeed, the exploitation of mineral resources is a very expensive undertaking. In this regard, input from all the stakeholders is very critical. After the “Black Mountain” is demarcated as per agreement in terms of the 10 per cent, the Government will provide technical and expert information about the area. In this regard, it has also talked to the Jerabos or former illegal miners and transformed them into responsible citizens and will ensure that as they exploit the mineral resources, they follow the laid down regulations in terms of mine safety and environment. They will exploit the mineral resources in the 10 per cent area, while majority shareholders in the 90 per cent area capacity.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Mwila (Chimwemwe): Madam Speaker, the 10 per cent that has been allocated to the Jerabos in Kitwe when physically demarcated will be exploited in less than twelve months. What measures has the Government put in place to ensure that the Jerabos in Kitwe continue to have more money in their pockets after the 10 per cent share allocated to them is exploited?
Mr Musukwa: Madam Speaker, I want to correct the impression given by the hon. Member for Chimwemwe. I do not know where he got the twelve months in terms of the exploitation of the mineral resources. We have tentatively done an average status of their exploitation at ten years. In fact, our initial resource definition in this area stands at 14 million tonnes and this will be worked out in view of what has already been exploited. Therefore, we have a long life in terms of the exploitation of the mineral resources to the tune of ten years and as the small scale miners or Jerabos develop them, we intend to identify other resources which they can engage in at a large scale.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Ms Mwape (Mkushi North): Madam Speaker, I am concerned about environmental damage. What plans has the Government put in place to ensure that the environment closer to the “Black Mountain” is safeguarded? The Jerabos are small scale miners and might not have the capacity to protect the environment.
Mr Musukwa: Madam Speaker, yes indeed, this question is extremely important. Environmental damage is a critical issue that the Government critically looked at when considering this model of helping and empowering the youths unlike in the past when they were exploiting the mineral resources without following the rules. Government entities such as the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and Mines Safety Department (MSD) do not regulate illegal entities.
In this regard, the Jerabos, who are the small-scale miners, are required to provide the ministry and Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) with all relevant documentation including the mine plan and how to manage the environment in order for them to get approvals. I am sure hon. Members heard me at the end of my statement, when I stated that both parties, that is, the majority and small shareholders will have to adhere to the mining regulations in order to exploit this resource.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!
Mr Kasonso (Solwezi West): Madam Speaker, what is the value of the ten per cent shares that were held by Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) that has been given to the Jerabos?
Mr Musukwa: Thank you hon. Member of Parliament for our great people Solwezi East … Solwezi West. I am very grateful for that question. The total value of the ten per cent share stands at K1.9 million.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Mecha (Chifunabuli): Thank you, Madam Speaker …
Dr Chanda: On a point of order, Madam.
Madam First Deputy Speaker: There are two of you hon. Members standing.
Dr Chanda: On a point of order.
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Chifunabuli take you seat. A point of order is raised.
Mr A. B. Malama: Hear, hear!
Dr Chanda: Thank you, Madam Speaker for according me this chance to raise this point of order, and I wish to apologise to my hon. Colleague from Chifunabuli for interrupting his line of thought.
Madam Speaker, Zambia, since independence, for the past fifty-four years, has been known to be a very peaceful country and it is the admiration of the globe at large. However, we have seen a trend in Zambia since the 2016 Elections, that United Party for National Development (UPND), basically, have refused to recognise …
Mr Mwiinga: Question!
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Dr Chanda: … the election of His Excellency the President, and have gone ahead to propagate a lot of hate and slander hence raising tension in the country. My point of order is that is the hon. Minister of Home Affairs in order to remain quiet and not consider deregistering UPND for the sake of public interest? I need your ruling, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Interruptions
Mr Mwiinga: What kind of a doctor are you?
Interruptions
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order in the House!
Interruptions
Mr Kamboni: And yet you are a doctor!
Interruptions
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order in the House.
Interruptions
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order hon. Members! Order! Order!
Hon. Member of Parliament for Bwana Mkubwa, that point of order …
Ms Tambatamba: Is out of order!
Madam First Deputy Speaker: … cannot be sustained because it has nothing to do with the rules of this august House and it is certainly outside the mandate of the Presiding Officer in this august House.
Hon. Opposition Members: Wooo!
Interruptions
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order! Members on my left!
Interruptions
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!
The point of order cannot be sustained, may the hon. Member of Parliament for Chifunabuli who was on the Floor continue please.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear! Order on my left! Order! Order!
Laughter
Mr Mecha: Madam Speaker, I was trying to find out from the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development if he is able to ascertain the extent to which the Government has lost revenue during the period the Slug Dump has been in contention.
Interruptions
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Did the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development get that question?
Mr Musukwa: No, Madam Speaker.
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, we need to have order in the House. Where is the Chief Whip?
Mr Chungu (Chief Whip) entered the Assembly Chamber.
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Chief Whip, please take charge of your side.
The hon. Member of Parliament for Chifunabuli will repeat his question.
Mr Mecha: Thank you, Madam Speaker, I was saying that I would like to find out from the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development if he is able to ascertain the extent to which Government has lost revenue during the period the Slug Dump has been in contention.
Mr Musukwa: Madam Speaker, I would like to inform this august House that the revenue which we have from the “Black Mountain” is captured through the processing plant that is operated by the legal entity called Nkana Alloy. That revenue is there and we have it. However, the revenue losses are the ones that are coming from the illegal exploitation of this resource by the Jerabos. This is the loss which we have not quantified because they have been operating illegally. Therefore, the ministry is working to ensure that the mineral royalty, local revenues and other taxes could be harnessed through an organised system and that is what we are looking forward to.
Therefore, we are only able to quantify and account for the revenue that is generated through the licensed holder Nkana Alloy.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Mulusa (Solwezi Central): Madam Speaker, I am aware that the ten per cent shareholding that has been given to the youth on the Copperbelt is partisan. I am saying so because, not all the youth are benefiting from that ten per cent, which is still little. In the same vein, I also want to appeal to the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development to consider giving the youth in North-Western Province the Kalengwa Dump Site so that they can also benefit like others are benefiting on the Copperbelt.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Madam First Deputy Speaker: What is the question?
Mr Mulusa: I am asking if the hon. Minister can consider giving the dump sites in Kalengwa to the youths in North-Western Province.
Mr Musukwa: Madam Speaker, I would like to confirm that as Government, we would we like empower as many youths as possible across the Republic of Zambia to benefit from exploitation of mining resources. In this regard, issues to do with dump sites such as this have ownership premised on several entities and we are in discussion to ensure that these resources are given to the youth.
However, I would like to put it on record and assure the hon. Member of Parliament for Solwezi Central that the “Black Mountain” resource that was given to the youth in Kitwe, was not given on a partisan stance as he has insinuated. The “Black Mountain” in Kitwe has been given to the people because of the good gesture of His Excellency the President, in order to resolve the crisis that has been going on for a long time.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Musukwa: This is intended to ensure that we create sustainable employment for our people and contribute to the community in which these resources are hosted.
Therefore, I would like to assure the hon. Member of Parliament for Solwezi Central that we can discuss the issues surrounding the Kalengwa Dump Site, but I would like to state upfront that Kalengwa Dump Site is licensed under a legal entity and we cannot, as Government, abuse the legal entities.
Interruptions
Mr Musukwa: Madam Speaker, I would further state, like I have already stated in my opening remarks of my statement that, Government will continue to provide security of tenure to license holders that we have given out and this is the stance of Government.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Ng’ambi (Chifubu): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the will articulated statement. Slag dump sites are found in all mining towns on the Copperbelt. There are similar slag dump sites in Mufulira, Chingola and Luanshya. The youth of the Copperbelt are also interested in benefiting from the slag dump sites. This is the only way we can create employment for our people. What is the Government position on the other slag dump sites, which are in the other Copperbelt towns?
Mr Musukwa: Madam Speaker, indeed, I want to thank the hon. Member for the compliment. However, like we have done with Nkana Alloy, the Government’s position is to engage the legal entity with the majority shareholders so that we can create a platform of discussion on the slag dump sites, which are allocated around several mining houses.
Madam Speaker, the Government of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, is a Government of laws.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Musukwa: Since, it is a Government laws, it engages stakeholders such as mining houses. Therefore, we will continue with the process of engaging mining houses, who host some of the slag dump sites so that we can get a win/win situation with the job creation in terms of the youth on all those towns the hon. Member has mentioned. Please, come though so that we can discuss and see the benefits for the people of Chifubu and Ndola in particular.
I thank you, Madam.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Kambita (Zambezi East): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development is aware that when such a decision is made, it is supposed to benefit the targeted people. In his submission, the hon. Minister has mentioned that the youths have been targeted. What measures has the Government has put in place order to deter such activities, where the cadres, mayors councilors and the people from the Government the only ones who are going to be part of the 10 per cent shareholding?
Mr Musukwa: Madam Speaker, as I have stated and I want to repeat for avoidance of doubt, the exploitation of mineral resources in the Republic of Zambia is vested in His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, who was elected to govern this country for everybody.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Musukwa: Since he is the President for everybody, he has asked that all Zambians irrespective of their political persuasions are going to benefit. Therefore, the question of having mayors, hon. Members, or councilors involved is neither here or there. In fact, the people, who are involved, are the people who have been illegally exploiting these resources. Therefore, the Government wants to ensure that it creates beneficiations to our communities.
Madam Speaker, in a place like Kitwe for instance, the beneficiations has to be dealt with the current leadership such as the mayor for Kitwe, councilors for Kitwe and all the leaders. Therefore, we create signages with these leaders in our operations.
Mrs Mumbi Phiri: Hear, hear!
Mr Musukwa: Madam Speaker, unfortunately or fortunately, the mayor for Kitwe was elected by the people of Kitwe on the PF platform. That is how he is actively involved because he is presenting the interest of the people including the councilors. It has nothing to do with partisan politics. In fact, on a mining platform, the Government operates for the beneficiations for the people of Zambian including the hon. Member of Parliament for Chifubu.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr C. M. Zulu (Luangeni): Madam Speaker, it is good that finally the Government has sorted out this problem and it is also good that the youths will be involved. One day, the slag dump sites will be completely wiped out. What measures is the Government putting in place in order to ensure that the youth are sensitised on the usage of the resource so that whatever they get out of the sites is put to good use even at a time when dump site is completely gone.
Mr Musukwa: Madam Speaker, I would like to agree with the hon. Member for Luangeni Parliamentary Constituency popularly known as amadoda in Eastern Province. Indeed, the resource is not just about the “Black Mountain.” The exploitation of our resources has a timeframe in terms of when they will finish. Therefore, this question is important because it is not just about Luangeni, but also about other mining areas as what will become of our people when the resources are depleted. It is for this reason the Government has an estimated resource of 14 million tonnes, which will approximately take ten years. Therefore, our quest is to ensure that while this resource is being exploited, the youth and our people must be transformed into another platform in terms of diversification from the Mining Industry to agriculture or tourism. Much more importantly, the Government takes centre stage in things like fish farming, which have a long pay benefits in terms of resource. It, therefore, is the question of diversification in terms of these resources going forward.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Madam Speaker, I am sure with the latest data, Zambia constitutes …
Mr Zimba (Chasefu): On a point of order, Madam Speaker.
Madam First Deputy Speaker: I am extremely reluctant to allow points of order and this should be the last one. A point of order is raised.
Mr Zimba: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank you for allowing me to raise this point of order. I would like to sincerely apologise to the hon. Member on the Floor for disturbing his line of thought.
Madam Speaker, I rise on a very serious point of order. In the recent past especially last year, ZAWA officers have been brutalising my people in Chasefu Constituency in the quest to arrest the poachers. We have complained to Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) offices in Lundazi on several occasions. As of yesterday, the officers came to constituency and in Kupe Village in particular, in the quest to arrest one of the people who had escaped from custody. They fired shots in the air making residents scamper in all directions. They broke and entered one house where found a fifty year old women and an eleven year old child. They shot at the woman and killed the 11 year old child instantly…
Hon. Members: Aah!
Mr Zimba: … and wounding the mother. Is the Acting hon. Minister of Tourism and Arts in order to sit quietly while officers are running amok? Is the hon. Minister of Home Affairs in order to sit quietly and let the ZAWA officers take the law in their hands. I seek your serious ruling.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Madam First Deputy Speaker: The ruling is that the hon. Member will immediately go to Journals Department and file a question for urgent answer.
The First Deputy Speaker (looking at the Deputy Clerk, Procedure): The question should be on the order paper tomorrow. That is the response. The hon. Member should file a question for urgent answer and it will be on the Order Paper tomorrow.
Mr Zimba left the Assembly Chamber.
Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, it is known that the population of Zambia constitutes more than 64 per cent of the youth and the poverty levels are high. Thirdly, the large population of the youth is unemployed. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister what criteria was used to come with the 10 per cent, which I feel is not enough to create the flow of value of the slag dump site to the Zambians?
Mr Musukwa: Madam Speaker, I want to congratulate Hon. Miyutu, the hon. Member of Parliament for the people in Kalabo for rising to the occasion to speak on the aspect of the youth population, which is in excess of 64 per cent in terms of poverty according to his statistics. I commend the hon. Member and I want to state that these are the issues that we need to be discussing on both sides of the House in order to bridge the poverty gap among our people.
Madam Speaker, there are many who voted for us and I want to agree with the hon. Member that they are actually having huge challenges, while we the leaders are busy perpetuating agendas which do not even come from our people, but for our self preservation and egos.
Madam Speaker, the 10 per cent that we have given out is premised on the 10 per cent held in the general equation of this company by the Government. In short, what the Government has done through the Ministry of Finance is to acquire commercially the 10 per cent in order to ensure that we support the youth in the undertaking of mineral exploitation. Therefore, it is the 10 per cent shares which the Government held. The other 90 per cent is held by the other majority shareholders. What the Government is looking for is to continue to get these opportunities that increase the employment portfolio for the people at such a small scale, so that we can be addressing the huge scale of unemployment in the country.
Madam Speaker, I want to promise the hon. Member for Kalabo that we are coming to Kalabo to do exploitation of mineral resources so that the issue of water in Kalabo is addressed.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
ANNUAL RETURNS OF SOCIETIES
The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Kampyongo): Madam Speaker, I want to sincerely thank you for according me this opportunity to issue a ministerial statement on the obligation by all registered societies to file annual returns in accordance with the law. The Societies Act, Chapter 119 of the Laws of Zambia provides for the registration and deregistration of societies.
Madam Speaker, currently, there are over 25,000 registered societies which are expected to file annual returns with the Registrar of Societies. These registered societies include women clubs, youth clubs, farmers’ clubs, cultural groups, associations, community service societies, political parties and religious bodies, among others.
Madam Speaker, it is of great concern that the majority of these registered societies are not complying with the requirement of filling in returns. In this regard, the ministry issued a press statement in which amnesty was given to all defaulting societies to reactivate their registration by remitting the sum of K100 for each year defaulted without any penalties. This amnesty is aimed at ensuring that all registered societies are captured on the societies registration system for better management and coordination. Further, the amnesty will help clean the register by ensuring that non-complying societies are deregistered. The period of the amnesty is with effect from 13th February, 2018, to 30th April, 2018.
Madam Speaker, since the amnesty was issued, it is encouraging to note that some defaulting societies are coming forward to inquire the status of their registration. However, I am concerned that the number of defaulting societies that have so far normalised their registration status is less than 1 per cent. This is undesirable and considering that the amnesty period is now over a month since it took effect, we expect a little bit more.
Madam Speaker, I, therefore, wish to appeal through this august House, to the nation and indeed, to my fellow parliamentarians, whom I believe are custodians of these societies in their various constituencies, to disseminate this information to the general public and encourage them to visit the registration offices in their respective districts to file in annual returns and settle their dues.
Madam Speaker, to all registered societies and their branches, I would like to urge them to take advantage of the amnesty and normalise their registration by 30th April, 2018. All defaulting societies that will fail to meet the deadline will be regarded as inactive and risk being deregistered. After 30th April, 2018, defaulting societies will only have an option to pay a penalty fee of K6,000 in order to reactivate their registration status.
Interruptions
Mr Kampyongo: We shall deregister you (pointing at hon. UPND Members).
Laughter
Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, in the same vein, I wish to warn all those societies, including the one that hon. Members opposite me belong to, operating illegally that the long arm of the law will catch up with them. Let me urge such type of societies that are operating illegally to register with the Registrar of Societies in accordance with Section 6 of the Societies Act, Chapter 119 of the Laws of Zambia.
Finally, let me appeal to hon. Members of Parliament to remind all registered societies, including those they belong to, in our respective constituencies that it is the responsibility of each and every society to always ensure they file in annual returns in time as required by law. This will not only accord all registered societies to be up to date with annual returns, but will also enhance effective management and coordination of societies by my ministry.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the ministerial statement given by the hon. Minister of Home Affairs.
Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that churches and women’s clubs in villages did not hear what he has said because they do not have radios or televisions? Has a mechanism been put in place to sensitise the people in villages about the need to file the annual returns? Why has filing annual returns become important now? Is this not an indirect tax that the Government wants to impose on the poor people?
Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, I am extremely shocked that an hon. Member who is part of this legislative arm of the Government, which passes laws, has asked that question. The law I have cited, Societies Act, CAP No. 119, was passed in this institution. It is important for hon. Members to understand the laws so that they can explain them to their people. This requirement to file annual returns is not new. It is made known to societies when they are registering their societies. Therefore, for the hon. Member to come here and express ignorance about this ...
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister, you have answered the question.
Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, it is the responsibility of the hon. Member to explain this to his people.
I thank you, Madam.
Mrs Phiri (Nominated): Madam Speaker, is the Ministry of Home Affairs considering deregistering political parties which are not practicing intra-party democracy?
Hon. Opposition Members: Question!
Mrs Phiri: Secondly, is the Ministry considering deregistering parties which are preaching hate?
Interruptions
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order on my left!
There is only one hon. Minister to answer questions.
Order hon. Members!
The hon. Minister of Home Affairs may answer the question.
Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, democracy must be practiced. The question that the hon. Member has raised has become a Constitutional matter. Zambians want political parties which are committed to democracy. Article 60 of the Constitution provides for political parties. Article 60 (2) (a) and (d) states:
“(2) A political party shall –
- promote the values and principles specified in this Constitution;
(d) promote and practice democracy through regular, free and fair elections within the party.”
Therefore, any party which is not upholding these provisions in the Constitution is breaching the supreme document of the land. There are people who read only the provisions in the Constitution which suit them. If one moved a Motion premised on these provisions, indeed, a certain political party could be deregistered.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Kampyongo: ... the reason why we ask for annual returns from political parties and other societies is to see their yearly activities. Annual returns also show us the changes of office bearers in organisations. Not changing office bearers in organisations is a breach of the Constitution. That is what we should be talking about, not baseless citations of breach of the Constitution. Hon. Mumbi Phiri is free, if she wishes, to move a Motion to deregister some parties which she knows are undemocratic.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Mwewa (Mwansabombwe): Madam Speaker, the Right hon. Minister of Home Affairs, I am trying to make head and tail of what you are saying. I would like you to categorically state to the people of Mwansabombwe why it is so important so paramount, so cardinal for registered societies to submit annual returns.
Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, the importance of filing annual returns by registered societies is to comply with the law. If they do not comply with the law, they will be found wanting. When that happens, they can be deregistered. When a society does not file annual returns, we will assume that it no longer exists. However, when annual returns are filed, we know that that society is in existence. It is important to file annual returns because that is what the law requires. As you know, breaking the law has its own consequences.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Miyanda (Mapatizya): Madam Speaker, in Zimba, women’s clubs are being asked to pay K5,100 when submitting their annual returns, despite the amnesty that the Ministry of Home Affairs has given. Should they find this amount for them to file their annual returns?
Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, I stated that this amnesty, which is ending on 30th April, 2018, means that all those organisations which have defaulted on filing annual returns should pay only K100 for each year they have defaulted. Some of them have defaulted for more than four years. Beyond 30th April, 2018, these societies will be required to pay K6,000 within the period that the Registrar of Societies will determine. After that period, any society which will not have paid this will be deregistered.
I thank you, Madam.
Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to ask the hon. Minister of Home Affairs a question. Let me also thank him for the statement, which I think, brought out important information.
The hon. Minister has made reference to the registration and de-registration of societies. Similarly, the hon. Member of Parliament for Bwana Mkubwa Parliamentary Constituency and Hon. Mumbi Phiri also referred to the de-registration of societies. There are rumours indicating that the Ministry of Home Affairs is failing to register certain political parties because of the people who are sponsoring those parties. Why is your ministry segregating in registering political parties?
Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, I appreciate the hon. Member for Lunte Parliamentary Constituency for that very important question. Indeed, in as much as we do not react to rumours, it is important to clear the air regarding insinuations that have been made that certain people’s parties have been denied the right to be registered.
Madam Speaker, as I am speaking right now, we have more than fifty political parties in our registers. I am sure you have seen how political parties have mushroomed. At no point does the Registrar of Societies look at the individuals and faces before registering their party. However, before a party is registered, all office bearers of that party must be made known to the Registrar of Societies. In addition, all details of the office bearers must be made clear to the Registrar of Societies. These are all subjected to a screening process, including security checks to ascertain whether the applicants are desirable people or not. The screening is also meant to establish whether the applicants are, indeed, Zambians and of upright standing. This is because a political party is formed with the view of forming Government.
Madam Speaker, the registration of political parties cannot, therefore, be taken lightly. The process must be scrutinised. The Registrar of Societies must be clear and sure that the people behind the party being registered are credible. However, if people want to hide behind proxies, which do not even meet the required standard, the Registrar of Societies, using Cap 119 of the Societies Act, has power to deny registration of a political party or any society. Therefore, the Registrar of Societies does not look at individuals when registering societies or political parties. Any Zambian citizen of upright standing has the right to have their party registered, if they so wish. However, like I said, parties are formed with a view of forming Government and so, the office bearers must be of sound standing in society.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr W. Banda (Milanzi): Madam Speaker, what is the Government doing to regulate the many mushrooming churches in the country?
Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, I want to commend the hon. Member for that very important question. Indeed, we are a Christian country, as proclaimed in our Constitution. However, being a Christian nation does not mean that every person can just wake up and register an organisation as a church. We are privileged to have a Ministry of Religious Affairs and National Guidance. As Government, we are formulating frameworks, which will be used to regulate these church organisations. This is because we have had instances of people duping unsuspecting citizens on the pretext of being men and women of God, yet their doings are contrary to the norms of Christianity.
Madam Speaker, I am sure that you have heard how the ministry has reached the extent of deporting some individuals who come into the country masquerading as men and women of God. The Government is very firm and it knows that there are also apostles of doom who are inculcating wrong things in our people,...
Hon. Government Member: Masonists!
Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, I am hearing of some cults which I may not understand. I do not know if they are churches or religious beliefs such as free masons. I do not even know what that means. Maybe my mother, the hon. Minister of Religious Affairs and National Guidance can deal with issues of free masons adequately. Otherwise, I want to assure my dear hon. colleague that as a ministry, we are very firm. The ministry does not attach emotions to the work. We have arrested people who have been engaged in criminal activities, but hiding behind the pulpit. We have picked them from their hiding places. Therefore, we are very alert and we shall continue doing that so that we preserve our citizens from being hypnotised and being misled by apostles of fake religions.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Jere (Livingstone): Madam Speaker, in his statement, the hon. Minister sounded a warning that all societies that will not have paid annual returns by 30th April, 2018, will be deregistered. The Patriotic Front (PF) Government is on record as having abused the Registrar of Societies by wanting to deregister the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD), the party that is now helping it to rule this country. Is the hon. Minister in a position to bring, to this august House, a list of societies that will not have paid their annual returns by 30th April, 2018?
Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, I appreciate the hon. Member’s question. As Members of Parliament, and I want my ...
Mr Jere confers with Mr Chaatila.
Mr Kampyongo: (while looking at Mr Jere) Jere, you listen.
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!
Hon. Minister, you cannot engage the hon. Member that way. Engage him through the Chair.
Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member has asked a question, to which I am responding, but he is doing something else there.
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister, answer the question.
Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, I want to tell Hon. Jere to acquaint himself with the laws that are passed in this august House. As a legislature, that is the first thing he must do. What I am talking about here is provided for in the law, which he, as hon. Member of Parliament is part of. Therefore, the MMD was not threatening the Registrar of Societies. What it was doing was in accordance with the law, just like I am doing right now. The political parties or societies that will be caught will be dealt with the same way the MMD could have dealt with the Registrar of Societies at that particular juncture because that is what the law stipulates. It is not about emotions and how I think about Mr Jere who was MMD councillor and got caught up in this.
Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!
Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, I am citing the law.
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister, will you bring a list to the House?
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, I am not supposed to bring a list. I want to make it categorically clear. We have given an amnesty as a gesture. I do not have to start running and printing the entire list of societies that are non-compliant. It does not work like that and there is no law that compels me to do so.
Mr Livune: That is arrogance now!
Mr Kampyongo: It the responsibility of the hon. Member of Parliament to take this information to his constituency so that those societies in his constituency can regularise their status or else they will be deregistered.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Livune: That is arrogance now. Bring the list!
__________
QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER
ACCUMULATION OF GARBAGE IN KANYAMA PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY
251. Ms E. Phiri (Kanyama) asked the Minister of Local Government:
- whether the Government was aware that garbage had started to accumulate again in Kanyama Parliamentary Constituency, thereby, frustrating the fight against the cholera epidemic; and
- if so, whether there were any measures being taken to ensure that the Lusaka City Council collects garbage on a regular basis.
The Minister of Local Government (Mr Mwale): Madam Speaker, the Government is aware of the continued accumulation of garbage in Kanyama Constituency and has since put measures in place to correct the situation. These are:
- Short Term:
- provision of extra tipper trucks and earth moving equipment which are still being used to remove garbage on a daily basis in the city, including Kanyama Constituency; and
- Lusaka City Council has contracted private companies in the big markets in Kanyama Constituency where there is a high garbage generation rate to ensure that waste is collected and transported on a daily basis. The council has stepped up inspection of garbage collection by these private companies;
- Long Term:
- the Government through the Local Authorities is in the process of establishing an autonomous solid waste management company to ensure that we do not experience continuous accumulation of garbage, not only in Kanyama Constituency, but the entire city of Lusaka.
Madam Speaker, the response to the second part of the question, is as outlined above.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Ms E. Phiri: Madam Speaker, is it possible for the Government to consider working with the area Member of Parliament to make sure that those companies are providing the services that they have been contracted to do? Further, could the Government consider the earlier decision it had brought to this august House about the constituency municipality? Could the Government consider using the offices of the area Member of Parliament as temporal operation offices until the civic centre’ are done for easy supervision of garbage collection and any other social services?
Dr Malama: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwale: Madam Speaker, maybe we just need to improve communication between the Local Authority and the office of the area Member of Parliament. I believe it is very important for us to ensure that there is proper service delivery by the local authorities, especially in the city of Lusaka. We could consider bringing the hon. Member’s office with the council so that they can liaise on a daily basis and exchange information on which areas require urgent attention.
Madam Speaker, we are on course with the construction of mini civic centres. As I understand, the council has just passed the procurement stage and has already picked the contractor who is going to construct them. We should expect construction to start in the next few weeks. This process has taken so much time, but we should begin to see construction in due course. Funds are readily available and we will soon see municipal services being provided from those offices.
Madam Speaker, the hon. Member’s suggestion that the office of the Member of Parliament can sit in before these offices are created may be a challenge because the office of the Member of Parliament falls under the Legislature. Allowing the council to begin work with hon. Members may dilute their oversight functions. I believe, we need to have separate offices which will still leave hon. Members with powers to provide oversight.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Madam Speaker, Kanyama has been a source of worry in terms of cholera. Is it not possible to make something positive out of this negative situation? The council has outlived its usefulness. They put buckets everywhere, but they do not pick them up on time. They have a laissez-faire attitude.
Madam Speaker, would it not be a good idea to transfer that responsibility into private hands like has been done with scrap metal? Today, if you search the City of Lusaka you will not find scrap metal because everyone is looking for scrap metal to sell to dealers. There are so many youths with canter trucks. Why does the Government not come up with a different model so that all those with canter trucks can be used to collect garbage? They can be paid according to the weight of the garbage they collect. Would that not be a better idea than depending on the council which is very ineffective?
Mr Mwale: Madam Speaker, that approach is being implemented already. The council is not doing garbage collection by itself. It is working with the community based enterprises (CBEs) which the hon. Member is referring to.
Madam Speaker, for Kanyama, there is a company called City Mop which has the franchise for garbage collection. They have all the equipment necessary for garbage collection. However, perhaps there is a fundamental question that we have to deal with.
Madam Speaker, first of all, how many people pay for garbage collection, which would enable the council to contract and pay many companies so that they can collect all the garbage that needs to be collected? That is why as the Government, in the long term, will set up a utility company that will have the powers and mandate to collect levies from all those who are generating garbage. In turn, this utility company will work with these same companies and engage the youth who have canter trucks so that we can be more effective.
Madam Speaker, at the moment we are not able to collect all the garbage because the fees we collect from the people is not enough to sustain the companies that the hon. Member is talking about. There are short term and long term solutions that include what the hon. Member is talking about.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr C. Zulu (Luangeni): Madam Speaker, I believe the hon. Minister Local Government was present when the hon. Minister of Energy recently informed the House that there are about ten companies that will be producing electricity from waste. Why not engage the Ministry of Energy in solid waste management because I am sure jobs can be created.
Transporters of refuse will have something to do. Then at the plant where you will be producing energy, people will be employed and at the end of it all, we will have electricity in the country. The hon. Minister of energy indicated that there are about ten companies that are interested in producing energy from waste.
Mr Mwale: Madam Speaker, I will repeat what I have said to this august House before, that we had started a process of engaging on a PPP arrangement with a company that was going to turn waste to energy solution using the land fill that belong to the council. We advertised and twenty-five companies applied. Assessments were done and narrowed down to four companies, but the process stopped because the council had not done a pre-feasibility study. For a PPP arrangement to be done, the council, who are a contracting firm, must first do a feasibility study. Therefore, the whole process had stopped to allow the council do a pre-feasibility study which has been done. This has been overtaken by events. We are now creating a company that must handle this whole matter in a much better and comprehensive way to ensure that those that are interested in waste to energy solutions, recycling and all sorts of things like making fertiliser out of waste must all be done. We now have to wait for this company to be formed and this company will carry forward all these solutions that are requitred.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Chali (Nchanga): Madam Speaker, it is worrisome that garbage in Kanyma should be building up. The new skip trucks which were supposed to come to towns like Chingola, were detained in Lusaka to assist with garbage clearance. We now hear that garbage is building up. What hope do we have that the skip trucks will be released to the destined towns?
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister, that question is for another day. Today’s question is about Kanyama.
Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa): Madam Speaker, let me thank the hon. Minister for the answers he is providing to this important House.
Madam Speaker, I know the reason garbage started accumulating in many townships in our country is the fact that there is generation of garbage and we only have one place dispose of this garbage. Maybe there could be many, but one dumping site within Lusaka which is a big city is not enough. I want to find out from the hon. Minister what is in place to ensure that we have several other sites for dumping garbage to make it easier for the people in Kanyama, Chelstone or Munali who take their waste to Chingwere which is very far and very expensive.
Mr Mwale: Madam Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Member for Kaputa for that very important question. Indeed, we are worried with the state of affairs at the dump site or land fill that we have in Chingwere. In fact, I am due to visit the site because I am told that there is so much garbage that we was collected during the cleaning exercise that there is little space remaining and that more machinery is required. This calls for a new landfill. However, to put a land fill is not cheap; it requires millions of United States Dollars because has to be it engineered. You do not want a dump site, but a land fill. There is a difference between a dump site and a land fill. A land fill is engineered in such a way that when it rains, the water that sips through the garbage should not be allowed to go underground for it will contaminate the water underground, it has to be collected processed and turned into water that can be used commercially for agricultural purposes. To do all that requires a lot of money and that is why we want a commercial utility company to be put in place that can handle all these problems. We have co-operating partners pledging some support. The United States Government is pledging US$3 million towards this project once the utility company is formed. Many countries are saying once this company is operational they will help us do a new landfill and this company will not be profitable for the next three or four years until it establishes itself. Those people will be able to help. Indeed there is need for one landfill, but it is expensive and requires support from all sectors.
I thank you.
Mrs Mumbi Phiri (Independent): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for his elaborate answer.
Madam Speaker, I would also like to thank the elected representatives especially in Lusaka Province because from time to time they come to talk to us as their voters.
Madam Speaker, my question to the hon. Minister is, today, on Millennium Radio, there was a councillor from Mandevu Constituency on the sensitisation programme who said that people throw garbage indiscriminately, they should be apprehended and taken to the police. I want to find out from the hon. Minister, if is this a by-law just for Lusaka province or was there any statutory Instrument which was issued that people who throw garbage anyhow should be arrested and made to pay K250.
Mr Mwale: Madam Speaker that is another very important question which speaks to issues to do with people disposing of waste anyhow on any open space they come across. Indeed, we have issued, as the Ministry of Local Government Statutory Instrument No.12 of 2018, which prohibits citizens of disposing or allowing waste to accumulate in their premises. Once found wanting, they are supposed to be charged. There are liable to pay something not less K400, in fact, not K250. Therefore, the councillor who is going round educating people is doing a good job. All of us as citizens have to educate members of society that it is not allowed to accumulate garbage within certain premises or even to litter anyhow. Those that are found wanting can actually be prosecuted. To ensure that the council can monitor this garbage situation, it has employed 140 council police officers to add to the 200 they had so that we can help to monitor and work together as good councillors and good hon. Members of Parliament within Lusaka.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Ms Lubezhi (Namwala): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister in answering part (b) of the question, on measures taken to ensure that the Lusaka City Council collects garbage on regular basis, outlined two measures, short and long term. In the short term, he said they collect garbage daily. I do not think the hon. Minister is being truthful because he stated that he is aware that garbage is accumulating in Kanyama. Therefore, if they are collecting garbage daily, how possible is that this garbage is accumulating?
Mr Mwale: Madam Speaker, waste is being generated on a daily basis. I think that as the population increases, industrial activities happen, commercial activities taking place, and garbage keeps accumulating because the generation rate also keeps going up. Therefore, it could be that the rate of collection does not tally with the rate of generation. That is why we are now moving into long term measures which can take care of even the new garbage that is being generated that is not captured by the means that we have provided. It is very possible that there is new waste that is coming up and we cannot match with that because we do not have enough resources, the long term measure will take care of that.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
DINGLES KAFUE RIVER LODGE
252. Mrs Chonya (Kafue) asked the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources:
(a) whether the Government was aware that Dingles Kafue River Lodge in Kafue District was issued with a Certificate of Title for a piece of land within Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II’s Chiefdom;
(b) if so, whether consent to convert the land was sought from the traditional leader; and if not, why.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources (Ms Kapata): Madam Speaker, the land in question is not within the jurisdiction of Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II as it is state land. The Certificate of Title for the land in question was issued to Dingles Kafue River Lodge Limited for a period of ninety-nine years with a commencement date of 1st May, 1994, for an area size of 335.5470 hectares.
Madam Speaker, consent was not required as the land in question is state land and, therefore, did not need to be converted from customary to state leasehold.
Madam Speaker, as stated above, the land in question is state land and not customary land.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mrs Chonya: Madam Speaker, what activities were going on this piece of land from the time Dingles Kafue River Lodge was issued with a Certificate of Title in 1994? I am asking this question because from the findings on the ground, this area has been inhabited for a very long time by the subjects of Her Royal Highness, Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II. They were not even aware that they were sitting on the land eventually that was put on title. If there was no activity which allowed people to inhabit this particular piece of land, how come this current owner did not forfeit this land by not initiating any development in that area within a specified period as required by law?
Ms Kapata: Madam Speaker, although the question is not clear as to what the hon. Member wants me to say, I wish to state that initially, the land was supposed to be a farm land. Somebody must have been doing some agriculture activities there. It came to the limelight after the owner of the land applied to change the land use. That is when this issue even came out in the public domain.
Madam Speaker, first of all, I must say that it is not the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to make sure that every land in Zambia is being utilised. When we realised that land is not being utilised, we repossess it.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Madam Speaker, I would like to preface my question, with your permission, by reminding the hon. Minister that a minister, a politician or a chief are in those positions because of people and land. There are people who lived in Kapongo Village for many years where Dingles Kafue River Lodge got title to. I want to know if a social survey was done then in 1994, when Dingles Kafue River Lodge collected the document of title. If the minister is kind, can she state here that she has scrutinised that document and it is authentic and not forged?
Ms Kapata: Madam Speaker, the document for the land in question is not forged. This land belongs to Dingles Kafue River Lodge. For the hon. Members’ information, Dingles Kafue River Lodge is not the first one to posses this land. This land has history. From 1994, Dingles Kafue River Lodge is the fourth to own this particular land. I will be lying if I say that a source of survey was done. May be a social survey could have been done during the time when that piece of land was given to Dingles Kafue River Lodge.
Madam Speaker, in this country, there is a tendency of people encroaching on any land which they find. They start by encroaching bit by bit until they get the entire land.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Mbangweta (Nkeyema): Madam Speaker, is it the minister’s position to tell if the people who own that land have actually encroached on it?
Ms Kapata: Madam Speaker, the people who own this land have not encroached on Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II’s land. A stretch of 26 km and 2 km on both sides of where this land is, is state land. Therefore, nobody has encroached on anyone’s land. That is state land.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mrs Phiri (Nominated): Madam Speaker, the information which was appearing on a billboard which most people saw on social media was misleading. That is not the hectarage which the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources gave to the property owner. I know that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources sometimes gives permission to the local authorities to give out land. Is there any action which is going to be taken against the officers who misled the people?
Ms Kapata: Madam Speaker, the Provincial Plan Authority falls under the Ministry of Local Government. I am sure that my colleagues in the Ministry of Local Government will pick it up and punish them because the billboard was indeed misleading. They should have counter-checked and put the correct amount of hectarage than putting 3 million hectares when that area has no such huge piece of land.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mrs Chonya: Madam Speaker, yesterday in my debate, I talked about issues of social justice and I had this matter in mind. However, is the hon. Minister of Lands and Natural Resources willing to go to the palace of Her Royal Highness so that they can resolve this matter? I know that in a different matter, but very similar to this one, it has been difficult for them to resolve issues in the interest of the subjects.
Ms Kapata: Madam Speaker, I have an office at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. I cannot take it outside and discuss an issue that is supposed to be sorted out in my ministry. There are maps. Her Royal Highness can send her representatives to the ministry and we will give them more information on this particular land.
Madam, I also want to mention that when customary land is being converted to state land, permission is sought from the chief. If this is not done, it is not given out. Therefore, in this case, all the questions that the hon. Member for Kafue has asked do not arise because the land in question belongs to the Government.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mrs Mwashingwele (Katuba): Madam Speaker, I will refer to two Acts that might help us resolve this issue. The Land Act of 1958 and 1970, which the hon. Minister quoted, establishes that the land in question is state land. However, the Land Act of 1995 recognises traditional and state land. Therefore, according to traditional law, if people have occupied land for more than sixteen years, in this case from 1958 to1995, it means that they have the right to that land. How is the hon. Minister going to save the people who occupy the land in question? According to her law, eighteen months is the length of time somebody can hold a title deed and if they do not develop that land, they do not have the right to change its use. Could she guide us properly?
Mr Michelo: Quality!
Ms Kapata: Madam Speaker, the law is straight forward. She is talking about sixteen years and we are talking about twenty-four years. The first owners of the land in question got it in 1994. It is twenty-four years down the line and it is on title. We do not expect villagers to occupy an empty piece of land and even the Act does not allow that. Unfortunately, the encroachers occupied the land after the title deed was given.
Hon. Government Members: Yes!
Ms Kapata: I thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr Mutelo (Mitete): Madam Speaker, what will the hon. Minister tell the people occupying the land in question, whom she is referring to as encroachers, so that the matter is resolved amicably since they are Zambians like you and me?
Ms Kapata: Madam Speaker, in fact, the owner of the land is a Zambian. The Patriotic Front (PF) Government under the leadership of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, will not allow illegality.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Ms Kapata: It is an illegal move and there are no two ways about it. There is no negotiation and the encroachers just have to move out.
I thank you, Madam Speaker.
_________
MOTION
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT, WORKS AND SUPPLY ON THE REPORT OF THE AUDITOR-GENERAL ON THE MANAGEMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT 2010 – 2015
Mr Syakalima (Chirundu): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House do adopt the Report of the Committee on Transport, Works and Supply on the Report of the Auditor-General on the Management of Infrastructure Development 2010 to 2015, laid on the Table of the House on Tuesday, 27th March, 2018.
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?
Ms Kasanda (Chisamba): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.
Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, your Committee, in performing its duties was guided by its terms of reference as set out in Standing Order No. 157 (2).
Madam Speaker, your Committee was informed that infrastructure development was one of the Government’s priority areas, and this position was upheld in the Vision 2030. The aim of infrastructure development was to achieve accessible, reliable and affordable public infrastructure services for sustainable economic development. The focus of infrastructure development was on investing and increasing employment opportunities in rural areas and providing key infrastructure in the education and health sectors.
Madam Speaker, your Committee was informed that Zambia has been facing a very critical shortage of schools and health facilities since independence, particularly in the rapidly growing towns and districts. Due to the above observation, the Government has invested heavily in the development of infrastructure in the health and education sectors. In light of the above, the Office of the Auditor-General was motivated to carry out an audit to access the effectiveness of the measures that the Ministries of Education, Health and Works and Supply had put in place to manage infrastructure development.
Madam Speaker, through the review of documents, interviews and physical site inspection, the audit reviewed various irregularities which are highlighted and discussed in your Committee’s report. Allow me to point out one of these as I present your Committee’s report.
Madam Speaker, while contract documents for projects were drawn up with specified periods of execution which varied depending on the complexity of the project, out of 185 projects, with a total contract sum of K2,925,186,294, sixty-six projects with a contract sum of K817,726,740 were delayed for periods ranging from sixteen weeks to 358 weeks. In addition, it was observed that projects which commenced …
Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!
Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.
[MR SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]
Mr Syakalima: Mr Speaker, when business was suspended, I was saying that in addition, it was observed that projects which commenced in 2010, had not been completed within the stipulated time, an indication of inefficiencies in project management and development.
A physical verification at twenty-eight sites revealed that contractors were not on site at thirteen projects, with a contract sum of K111,800,860 and actual expenditure of K45,480,304 as of March, 2016.
Mr Speaker, in response to the findings above, the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development informed your Committee that the Government was aware of the stalled projects and had put in place a strategy that would ensure that no more new projects were initiated until all the old projects were completed.
In light of the above, Sir, your Committee is seriously concerned at the high number of uncompleted projects, which is unacceptable. Your Committee is further concerned that a large amount of public funds has been locked in the stalled projects without a corresponding benefit to the public as the uncompleted infrastructure is not being utilised. Your Committee, therefore, strongly recommends that Government should strictly adhere to the policy of not commencing new projects until the old ones are completed. Your Committee is of the view that this will ensure that the country draws tangible benefits from the colossal sums of money invested in these projects.
Mr Speaker, your Committee is further concerned to note that the same contractors who had underperformed in previous projects were contracted again to undertake more works on other projects. Your Committee recommends that stiffer sanctions be instituted against such non-performing contractors.
In conclusion, Sir, let me take this opportunity to thank all the stakeholders for their cooperation during your Committee’s deliberations.
Your Committee further thanks the office of the Clerk of the National Assembly for the advice rendered to it during its work.
Finally, your Committee wishes to express its gratitude to you, Mr Speaker, for the guidance given to it during the session.
With these remarks, Sir, I beg to move.
Mr Mwiimbu: Hear, hear!
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?
Ms Kasanda (Chisamba): Now, Mr Speaker.
Sir, in seconding the Motion, I would like to firstly congratulate the mover, for the able manner in which he has presented this Motion. Sir, as the mover of the Motion has already pointed out that, this country has spent colossal sums of money on infrastructure development. It is, therefore, disheartening for your Committee to learn through the report of the Auditor-General that a total of ten facilities under the Ministry of Agriculture were completed five years ago, but were not in use. This had resulted into these facilities being vandalised.
Mr Speaker, your Committee also learnt that the non utilisation of the completed facilities was due to lack of equipment, staff and other support services.
Sir, your Committee observes that non-utilisation of completed facilities was a drain on Government resources. The Government had to spend more money in order to repair the vandalised structure. Members of the community were further denied the much needed services.
Mr Speaker, your Committee strongly recommends that henceforth, the Government should plan and budget adequately, in order to ensure that all the requirements such as staff and equipment were catered for in order to operationalise such facilities upon completion.
Sir, the Government through the newly established Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development should strive to improve project planning, design, contracting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation through a coordinated approach.
Mr Speaker, I would be failing in my duties if I did not take this opportunity to thank my fellow Members of the Committee for their unfailing commitment and hard work. I also thank the witnesses that appeared before your Committee.
With these few words, Mr Speaker, I would like to thank you, and second the Motion.
Mr Mwiimbu: Hear, hear!
Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank you for giving the people of Kaputa an opportunity to support the Report of the Committee on Transport, Works and Supply on the Report of the Auditor-General on the Management of Infrastructure Development 2010 to 2015.
Mr Speaker, the mover and the seconder have indicated that the objective that prompted the Auditor-General to carry out the audit was the fact that there was need to indicate that infrastructure important, was especially in the education and health sector. There was need for the Auditor-General to critically look at these areas and bring to light what happens when there are such delays in the completion and the budgeting for these projects.
Sir, I will concentrate and briefly comment on the projects, which are not budgeted for completion. I will also briefly talk on the delayed completion of the projects. Finally, I will address some issues that are dear to my heart, such as the completed projects in the agricultural sector, which have not been put to good use.
Mr Speaker, I know for sure that the projects that have been highlighted in the report are not completed although the report has indicated that the budgeting process and the allocation of funds were adequate. If the projects are not completed, the amount of money used does not remain constant because as the project is delayed, the cost structure of that particular project changes or increases. This is a typical example of what we have witnessed for many years now. For instance, there are seven school infrastructures called Porto Frame Schools in Kaputa, which were constructed in 2004. They were left with big windows at roof level. The structures are still there although they are a sorry sight because they are incomplete. As time goes by, the department or ministry, which budgeted for them might forget about the infrastructure. I want to state that, the Porto Framed Schools are still uncompleted and it is about fourteen years.
Sir, if the structure in not completed in fourteen years, I do not know whether there could be anybody who can go back to budget for such an infrastructure. As a result, these projects have now become an eyesore and very difficult infrastructure to deal with within the education sector because even the amount of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which people get, does not seem to be adequate in order to deal with this challenge. I would, therefore, like to appeal to the hon. Minister that as his ministry budgets, they should ensure to that the money is sufficient enough to complete the projects as we embark on these projects.
Mr Speaker, on the delayed completion of the projects, I would like to refer to page 10 of the report and just cite two examples, which are in the report. The first one is Chikowa Primary School in Petauke and the other one is Umi Primary School in Lundazi. I know that there could be many other schools which fall in the uncompleted projects, which were probably not covered in your report.
Sir, one of the anomalies we discover is the question of awarding the same contractors to undertake these projects. If we go back during the days of the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), the same names gave the MMD serious challenges because they were never on site, never completed the projects and yet, they get so much money from one project year in, year out. Even now, the same contractors are still appearing and yet, they have a bad record. I do not know why the Government has continued to give them contracts.
Sir, my hon. Colleagues will agree with me that these bad eggs are present in almost all our constituencies. If we were to mention their names, some of them would be embarrassed. Nevertheless, there is a name called Caveman’s Contractors, which has been singled out in your report. I am sure this name is not only in Eastern Province because he may even have other pseudo names. This is just one name, which he uses in Eastern Province. He is probably using different names in Northern and Southern provinces.
Sir, I would like to appeal to my Hon. Colleagues, especially those of us, who have been entrusted with this mandate to check out these people. The Government cannot continue spending money year in, year out on unfinished projects. If the contractor does not complete the project today, there is a variation and the same contractor gains. In the meantime, the people whose projects are supposed to be completed actually lose out. We know them and we can deal with them once and for all if we decided to do that.
Mr Speaker, let me briefly look at competed projects, which are not in use. The seconder indicated some of the elements, which come with completed projects, but are not in use. The obvious one is vandalism. If a project is completed, but not in use, it will definitely be vandalized. The other one is that the Government resources would have gone to waste because the resources, which were spent, will not be recovered.
Sir, there are examples, which have been cited in your report such as the livestock market centres. These are good concepts and programmes. When those who were designing these programmes were putting them in place, the intended purposes were good. Let us get the marketing centres established in areas, where people keep livestock so that they can bring them at the marketing centre and actually carry out the vaccination, marketing and many other activities for these particular farmers in Chipata, Katete, Nyimba and Petauke.
Sir, your report also indicates that these particular projects were completed. However, as at March, 2016, the building was not in used and had been abandoned. This is not the only one. There is also a mention on the Lusaka Quarantine Centre along Mumbwa Road and the Chipata /Mwami Boarder Quarantine.
Mr Speaker, the concept and the principle is very good. If we have to bring in any animals from outside or take any animals into the other country for export, they can be taken the intended into the quarantine centres and they can receive good support. The Government puts money toward these projects and infrastructure gets completed, but again, we do not budget for equipment and thereafter, we do not even know what will happen next.
Sir, I know for sure that in areas like in Chadiza, the wooden structures, which were designed to be a quarantine area, have been eaten by termites. Therefore, if they have to start that programme, they have to start all over again. These are the challenges that we are talking about.
Mr Speaker, if we have budgeted for projects and programmes, let’s complete them so that the people who intend to make use of these particular facilities are able to do that because that is the only way the Government will move from one step to another. However, if we tend to abandon projects halfway, the same Government will be using the meager resources, which are supposed to be used for other programmes, but directed back to the same programmes and projects, which we would have actually been dealt with at one point.
Mr Speaker, as I conclude, allow me to quote the observation, which came from your Committee:
“Your Committee expresses great concern at the failure by the Government to put measures in place to ensure that the structures in question were put to use upon completion. Your Committee is concerned that this is a drain on the Government’s resource as it denies people the right to utilise the facilities. ”
Mr Speaker, this emphasises exactly what I have been talking about. If we have to move this country forward according to the vision of the Patriotic Front (PF) Government, we definitely need to look at these issues.
Mr Speaker, before I sit down, let me commend both the President and his Cabinet for the decision to first complete the projects that are outstanding before embarking on new ones. I think this must be supported because the money that we have spent on these particular projects must give us a return. People need to see that the projects that are we are going to embark on are new projects after completing what has been outstanding. If this is done, then all the areas where these projects are outstanding will benefit from the programmes that the Government has been putting in place.
With these very few words, Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: I was looking at the screen and I did not see the next person indicating …
I indicated.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Yes on that one … but I mean the next person to debate. I will allow in this case Hon. Chitotela a few minutes and then the Chairperson to wind up the debate.
Hon. Members: Hear, Hear!
The Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development (Mr Chitotela): Mr Speaker, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to comment on the concerns raised by your Committee on the findings of the Auditor-General’s report on the management of infrastructure development from 2010 to 2015. The concerns of your Committee have been taken into consideration by this Government.
Mr Speaker, this is why His Excellency the President of Zambia, created the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development to consolidate all infrastructure programmes under one ministry. This was necessitated by the continuous raising of concerns by the office of the Auditor-General regarding uncompleted projects. When capital projects are being implemented in various ministries, their priorities may differ. They may receive money for projects, but, for instance, the Ministry of Health may be pressed with issues of medication. In this regard, it would decide to seek Treasury authority to divert the funds towards procurement of medicines, which is also a very important component in the development agenda of our country. The same case may apply with the Ministry of General Education.
Mr Speaker, with one ministry now being in charge and coordinating all developmental projects, all the monies that will be allocated to the ministry in future will be specifically for the implementation and completion of projects.
Mr Speaker, I want to inform you and your Committee that after the Government heard your Committee’s concern, His Excellency the President, constituted a ministerial task force committee to look at completion of infrastructure development. If money is spent and then the people are not utilising these facilities because they remain incomplete for a long period of time, it amounts to wasteful expenditure. This committee of hon. Ministers has been mandated to make sure that all the projects that have been embarked upon by the Government are completed.
Sir, all the projects have been sequenced in different categories. We have started with projects that are above 80 per cent complete to ensure that they are completed. We have tasked ourselves that by the month-end of June, 2018, we must be able to update the nation on how far we will go with the completion of all the projects. Then we shall go down to projects that are above the 50 per cent completion threshold.
Mr Speaker, as we go forward, the Government has resolved that unless for special projects and with special emphasis, we will not procure new works until the old works are completed so that the people have a return on the investment that their Government is putting in place. We get concerned with the issues raised concerning education because we need to make sure that our children begin using the education facilities being constructed. The same goes with health facilities and other infrastructure that were previously implemented by other ministries. Therefore, we have committed ourselves to making sure that we complete all the projects that are dotted across Zambia.
Mr Speaker, Zambia right now has about 2,600 projects being implemented in various parts of the country. This requires serious commitment and colossal sums of money. In this regard, we appeal for the support of this august House when we present our revenue and expenditure estimates for the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development. We hope will be given maximum support so that we can quickly implement and complete all the projects.
Mr Speaker, we have come up with a budget of K4.6 billion to implement and complete the projects that are above 80 per cent completion so that the people can start using them. I want to assure you and the nation at large that the leadership of the Patriotic Front (PF) is committed to making sure that all projects are fully completed.
Sir, we understand the cost and frustration that contractors go through. We also understand the effects of uncompleted projects on the economy. We are alive to the challenges our people living in rural areas where these projects are being implemented are faced with. We know that they have by walking long distances in order to access services which the Government is providing. I want to agree with your Committee’s observations and assure the House that the Government is taking necessary steps to make sure that we complete all the projects that are dotted across Zambia and have been outstanding for a long period of time.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Syakalima: Mr Speaker, let me thank the House for listening very attentively.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Question put and agreed to.
_____________
The following Bills were read the third time and passed:
The Rent (Amendment) Bill, 2018;
The Subordinate Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2018; and
The Judiciary Administration (Amendment) Bill, 2018.
____________
MOTION
MOTION OF THANKS
(Debate resumed)
Ms Kasanda (Chisamba): Mr Speaker, I want to talk about the injustice and inhuman treatment we have been seeing in the police service. We had an incidence where one young lady, named Mapenzi, was shot dead by the police. In Chisamba, a woman was stripped naked and left only with beads in front of police officers and nothing was done about that.
In South Africa, the Guptas were running the economy during the tenure of the former President of South Africa, Mr Jacob Zuma. Now, Indian nationals are coming into this country as well and are behaving like they are the indigenous Zambians. These people are respected in this country, but they are mistreating our people. I will give a good example about this. In October, last year, one indigenous Zambian gentleman from Makeni was arrested. An Indian had him arrested for an offence he did not commit. When I approached this Indian about the matter, he called the officer in charge and told him “I have the hon. Member of Parliament who is on her knees right now, can you release that person because you know we are the people in Government.”
Hon. Opposition Members: Who?
Ms Kasanda: Mr Speaker, Indians are being protected more than indigenous Zambians. These people seem to have more power than the indigenous people. The President spoke about equality. The Patriotic Front (PF) does not recognise the needs of the Zambian people, but the needs of foreigners. In Chisamba, we lost a life at Momboshi Dam because the Chinese investors have been beating people there. After this life was lost, all we have been seeing are helicopters and big Government vehicles coming to Chisamba and those people have been complaining, but nothing has been done about it because the Government is protecting these investors. Yet, these investors are disadvantaging our people.
Mr Speaker, the youth are involving themselves in illicit activities. because we have not provided any support for them. The Government now wants to strengthen the laws instead of empowering the youth. The Government is claiming that it is empowering the youth. However, the youth in Chisamba have not received anything that can empower them.
The President spoke of discrimination. We, the people of Chisamba, feel that we are being discriminated against because we have not received anything from the PF Government that can empower us. Does it mean that the women, youth and disabled people in Chisamba are not entitled to empowerment programmes? Chisamba is only 60 km away from the Central Government in Lusaka where the money to fund programmes comes from, but it does not receive much. For example, we only received half of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Hon. Members on both the right and the left know that this money is what we use to develop our constituencies.
Mr Speaker, the President said that 1,836 boreholes were constructed and 420 boreholes were rehabilitated. However, Chisamba did not benefit from this. I believe that the Central Province as a whole did not benefit from these boreholes. Zambians need equal access to opportunities and public resources. However, development is going to some places in the country and not to others. Some of us are not seeing development in our areas, yet, the President said that he does not want to leave anyone behind.
Mr Speaker, lately, I have seen that foreigners are enjoying themselves this country more than the indigenous Zambians.
Mr Speaker, I also want to talk about early marriages. People think that traditional leaders are not making any effort to stop this problem. However, my chief, Chief Liteta, and Chief Chamuka have been working extremely hard to sensitise the people on this issue. I blame the PF Government for the increase in early marriages. Look at the distances girls have to walk to get to school. They walk long distances just to get to a school or health centre. Therefore, they resort to getting married early so that they can have a better life. Had the PF Government built many schools and health centres, the girls would not be getting married early.
Mr Speaker, a bridge in Muswishi in Chisamba separated into two parts. When this happened, I spoke to one of the hon. Ministers about it. He said that the bridge could not be repaired at that time because the Government was dealing with army worms. A year later, we are still talking about army worms.
Mr Speaker, I think that this Government needs to work hard and make sure that every Zambian benefits from the country’s resources. Otherwise, we will not relax. We will not sleep or do anything else until the Impeachment Motion is brought to this august House.
Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!
Hon. Government Members: Question!
Ms Kasanda: Mr Speaker, I want to know how this Patriotic Front (PF) Government intends to reduce or reach the 40 per cent by 2021, when it is busy buying fire tenders at exorbitant prices, instead of building schools and health facilities in the districts.
Hon. UPND Members: Hammer, hammer!
Ms Kasanda: Mr Speaker, the Government should learn to listen. It should listen to the Opposition, and the President of the opposition who is Hakainde Hichilema in order to understand what needs to be done for the country.
Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!
Ms Kasanda: Mr Speaker, the PF is not a listening Government. That is why it keeps having problems. That is why we had cholera in Lusaka. If the Government had listened from the start, and heeded to calls for the Government to clean up the town, we would not have had cholera outbreaks.
Mr Speaker, climate change should not be a subject of the day because we are busy selling our forests. Chipilipili and Bunyama Forests in Chisamba have been sold to PF cadres. Yet we keep talking about the effects of climate change. The PF Government can afford to go to Muchinga and Luapula Provinces and plant 2500 hectares of forest yet it is selling forests in other places. This will also happen in Muchinga and Luapula because the Government will definitely sell those forests as well.
Mr Speaker, that has disadvantaged the people of Chisamba.
Ms Kapata: On a point of order, Sir.
Interruptions
Hon. UPND Members: Sit down!
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order!
Hon. Member on the Floor, please take your seat. Hon. Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, I will not allow that point of order simply because after Hon. Kasanda concludes her debate, I will only allow one person from my left to debate. Thereafter, I will give chance to hon. Members on my right to respond to what your hon. colleagues on my left are saying. Therefore, hon. Members on my left, as you continue debating, please bear in mind the fact that the hon. Government Members will rise to respond to your debates. You may continue hon. Member for Chisamba.
Ms Kasanda: Mr Speaker, the people on your right may not understand what a farming pattern is because some of them have never lived in rural areas. They have never even been involved in farming.
Mr Speaker, the Bembas have a saying.
Ms Kapata: Why Bemba?
Ms Kasanda: Sir, the saying is that “umwana ashenda atasha nyina ukunaya, meaning a child who does not travel or who is not exposed praises only the mother’s cooking. If you compare our country to Rwanda, you may not even think that Rwanda had a war not so long ago. However, if you look at Zambia, you would think that it is the one that had a war, and not Rwanda.
Interruptions
Ms Kasanda: Mr Speaker, in conclusion, I want to say that in Bemba, they say that umwana ushumfwa pa tunono, napafingi takomfwe meaning a child who doesn’t listen to few words, will never listen even if many words are spoken. May the PF hear us out.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, as I interrogate the speech that was presented by the President on the Floor of this august House, I would like to address myself to the provisions of the Constitution of Zambia under Article 8.
Mr Speaker, my debate will be anchored on democracy and constitutionalism, good governance and integrity. I will also talk about patriotism and national unity. I will start my debate by addressing myself to the issues of patriotism and national unity.
Sir, on the Floor of this august House, we heard comments by hon. Members on your right who alleged that hon. Members on your left and others were being unpatriotic by making comments that are not in the interest of the country inside and in other countries as well.
Mr Speaker, I want to state, without fear of any contradiction, that we are being patriotic by stating that there is high corruption in this country.
Mr Livune: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: Sir, we are being patriotic by informing the international community that there is corruption in this country. That is patriotism. In my view, what is unpatriotic and irrational is for me to start seeking praises of the leadership of this country when I know that a lot of things are amiss. In my view, that is being unpatriotic and irrational. When I am out of the country and then I am asked whether or not there is corruption in Zambia, if I respond by saying that all is rosy, then I am not being patriotic. The President himself has acknowledged that there is corruption in his Government. He has done so at several fora and in his speech to this august House. He has acknowledges that there is corruption in his Government and that he needs assistance because he is not capable of getting to the bottom of the corruption.
Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, there is no way we can be called unpatriotic simply because we are raising issues pertaining to fire tenders. All of us here are leaders. As such, we are accountable to the people we serve. We were told that one fire tender cost US $1 million. Yet the Government insured the fire tenders at US $250,000 each. That is the actual price, if not less than that. The question that begs an answer is what has happened to the US $31.5 million? Someone in Government benefitted from this illegal transaction. Should we be praise singers for a Government that is so abusive of resources? Should we be called unpatriotic because we question certain things? Our colleagues should be the first to say we are being patriotic unless one is aiding and abetting corruption. When our colleagues on your right stand to defend this issue, they must tell us that there is nothing wrong with purchasing fire tenders at US $1 million each yet they were insured at US $250,000 each. What will happen to those four fire tenders that have been destroyed beyond repair? Are we going to buy other vehicles worth US $1 million? The answer is no, and that is because we have insured them at US $250,000.
Mr Speaker, I have no doubt in my mind that someone associated to my colleagues on your right misappropriated the money.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: I want someone on your right to defend this transaction. It is not a defence to say the purchase of these fire tenders was budgeted for. You can budget for corruption and that is what is happening. They inflate the prices of goods and services because they know how they are going to have their share.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: It is not right. All of us have been complaining that there is no development in constituencies and the workers are not being paid their terminal benefits yet money is going into the pockets of other people. Why would we be said to be unpatriotic when we raise these issues?
Mr Nkombo: Mulusa was fired!
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, we raised issues pertaining to the transaction of the management of the road sector in this country. As a result of that transaction, Zambians are going to pay more and taxes are going to increase. Why should it be said that we are unpatriotic by raising those issues? We expected the President to censure and ensure that those who are involved in shady deals are dealt with, but nothing has happened.
Mr Nkombo: Instead, they fire Lucky Mulusa!
Mr Mwiimbu: Instead, some unfortunate colleagues are the ones who are falling victim.
Mr Nkombo: He was patriotic.
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, there is no way. We are not going to be the Government’s praise singers. If we see that there is something wrong, we will hold them accountable. That is our responsibility. We say this with conviction and principle. It is our role as hon. Opposition Members of Parliament to hold the Government accountable for the wrong things they do so that they correct them on behalf of the people. That is their responsibility.
Mr Speaker, I want to address the issue of national unity. I will anchor my debate on the provisions of Article 259 of the Constitution of Zambia.
Ms Mulenga: Is he standing?
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, if I respond to the one who is making comments she will not sleep for one month.
Laughter
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, ignore those who are debating while seated. They are not permitted to debate. Just concentrate on what you have prepared in reference to what was said by the Republican President.
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I was saying that, I am going to refer to the provisions of Article 259. Article 259, for ease of reference, reads:
“Where a person is empowered to make a nomination or an appointment to a public office, that person shall ensure … that fifty per cent of each gender is nominated or appointed from the total available positions … and that equitable representation of the youth and persons with disabilities, where these qualify for nomination or appointment”
Last, but not least it states:
“A person empowered to make a nomination or appointment to a public office shall, where possible, ensure that the nomination or appointment reflects the regional diversity of the people of Zambia.”
Mr Speaker, this is very important. We have noticed with dismay that certain regions in this country are not benefiting from appoints in Government arising from this current position.
Mr Mawere: Hamukale!
Mr Mwiimbu: We have noticed that even members who have been nominated to certain boards that have been brought to the Floor of this august House for ratification do not reflect the diversity of our country.
Ms Mulenga interjected.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Livune: Tribalism!
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, there is need to reflect ...
Hon. Government Members: Aah!
Mr Mwiimbu: We are leaders here.
Mr Kasonso: One Zambia one side!
Interruptions
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I am being challenged by my colleagues. The board of the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) which was brought here by the hon. Member who know what I am talking about did not reflect the representation as pertaining to ...
Ms Mulenga There is Nalumino!
Mr Mwiimbu: ... the Constitution of Zambia.
Ms Mulenga: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.
Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!
Mr Livune: No points or order!
Ms Mulenga There is Nalumino!
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, I guided the House. The best thing that the hon. Members on my right can do is take what is being said. For now let us listen.
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, fortunately I have been in this country for some time now. I am aware of what happened when Government changed in 1991. Impunity does not pay. I am aware of what happened at the end of the reign of Fredrick Chiluba, at the end of Mwanawasa’s regime and at the end of the Mr Rupiah Banda’s regime. The Government should not think they are above other people. They should not assume that they are super human beings.
Mr Speaker, hon. Members in this august House are privileged to serve the people of this country. We have a responsibility to ensure that that what we do reflects the aspirations of Zambia as a nation. We should not continue with one Zambia one side. We are promoting disunity. We have to note that there have been so many intermarriages in this country. Let us not divide people just because we have the authority to do certain things. The Government of the Republic of Zambia under the PF has been very discriminatory.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I am giving advice. They can take it or leave it. The time of reckoning will come. The comments that they are making were made by my colleagues in the MMD at the time, but the time came ...
Mr Sichone: Where were you!
Mr Mwiimbu: I have never been MMD.
Ms Kasanda: For your own information!
Laughter
Hon. Government Members: Question!
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, as a responsible leader I am advising the Government to stop this tendency of diving the nation. Whenever they make appointments they must adhere to the provisions of Article 259.
Mr Sikazwe interjected.
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, the problem with those who have never gone to school is that they make comments like that.
Laughter
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, I think you are aware that the Constitution this time around has provided qualifications for hon. Members of Parliament and the nation believes that everyone in this august House has gone to school. Continue, hon. Member.
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, there are various schools.
Laughter
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, continue your debate.
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, the point I am making is that we have a responsibility to ensure that we uphold national unity ...
Mr Livune: One Zambia one nation.
Mr Mwiimbu: ... but we have been dividing this nation. There will come a time when there will be upheaval, which we do not want to happen. Lets us be careful and responsible.
Lastly but not the least, I would like to talk about issues of constitutionalism as articulated under Article 8 vis-à-vis the statement of the President.
Mr Speaker, I want to state that I am a very sad person. That from the time the Constitution of Zambia was enacted in 2016; the Government on your right have been abrogating the Constitution and failing to adhere to the collective wisdom of this august House. I will start with the issues affecting this House.
Mr Speaker, there is a provision under the Constitution of Zambia to have a Parliamentary Service Commission. Immediately after the Constitution was enacted, this House enacted the Parliamentary Service Commission Act. My colleagues on your right have to date, refused to ensure that this particular Act is actualised. As a result, this august House has been captured by the Executive.
Mr Kampyongo: Question!
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: This House needs its independence. This House needs to manage its own affairs.
Mr Mbangweta: Yes!
Mr Kampyongo: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.
Hon. Opposition Members: Ah!
Mr Mwiimbu: Our colleagues want to continue …
The Second Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member.
Hon. Minister of Home Affairs, I guided the House on points of order.
I am also getting worried with the route that the hon. Member on the Floor has taken. I think you better avoid that because as Speaker, I may not agree with. Please, continue with your debate.
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I am addressing myself to the Constitution.
Mr Kampyongo: Which one?
Mr Mwiimbu: There is a provision if you want me to quote. The establishment of the Parliamentary Service Commission, may I know whether the commission is there?
Mr Livune: It is not there.
Mr Mwiimbu: Can somebody from your right, Mr Speaker, stand up and tell me that the service commission has been actualised. What I am saying is in the interest of this august House. We have done a lot of consultations with other Parliaments in Africa at a great cost. All other jurisdictions have service commissions because they want Parliament to be independent. For us here, we do not want independence. We have allowed the Executive to continue manipulating us.
Mr Kampyongo: Question!
Mr Mwiimbu: That is why Mr Speaker, the point I am making is for the good of all of us.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: I know that you are not part of us, but it is for the good of all of us here that we need the Parliamentary Service Commission.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: We want to manage our affairs.
Mr Livune: That is right.
Mr Mwiimbu: We want to be independent. Once we are independent, we will be able to represent the people of Zambia adequately.
Hon. Opposition Members: Um!
Mr Mwiimbu: That is what we want.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: It would appear as if we are colluding by allowing the Executive to do things the way they want. We are destroying this institution.
Mr Kampyongo: E boma kaili!
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: We are the only arm of Government that has no service commission. Why? The Judiciary has its own service commission, the Executive has its own Civil Service Commission, why not here?
Hon. Opposition Members: Um!
Mr Mwiimbu: This is because they want us to be their babies. They want us to be their praise singers.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: We do not want, Mr Speaker. I hope that even the leadership here have heard me that we do not want to be controlled by the Executive. We want to be independent.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: Even those who I am not going to mention who are in the leadership of this institution should want to be independent.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, you are now trying to…
Mr Mwiimbu: I have withdrawn.
Laughter
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: That is why I said that if you take that route, the Chair might not agree with you. I am following you steadily, and the best you can do is to debate the speech. I am sure you know very well that you are a member of several committees of the House which are very important. I want to believe that those are the committees which make critical decisions. For you to debate in that line, I think it is not healthy for the House.
You may continue with your debate.
Mr Kampyongo: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I will be unpatriotic…
Mr Chilangwa: As usual!
Mr Mwiimbu: …not to speak for this institution. I am not talking about this institution, but speaking for it. I want those who are responsible…
Mr Kampyongo: Advise the Chair.
Mr Mwiimbu: …to ensure that this institution remains independent.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: I know that the committees I belong to cannot override what is in the Constitution.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Hon, Member…
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker…
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: …you are now making my work very difficult.
Mr Mwiimbu: I am about to finish.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Because you keep on even quoting the Chair. I think, I will not allow that. We will go to the next person, if we cannot conclude in a friendly manner. I think the best you can do hon. Member, as Leader of the Opposition, it is to help the Chair manage the House. Please conclude in a better way.
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank you and wish to say that your guidance is appreciated and I always cherish your guidance.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I also want to state that the issues of constitutionalism have been abrogated. We agreed through the Constitution that all agreements pertaining to the financing of the loans and so forth must be brought to this august House. An Act is supposed to have been brought, but they deliberately do not want us to control the issues of funding. They do not want to bring the law. It is now two years since the new Constitution was enacted. They do not want to be checked. They do not want us to make them accountable. If this august House was independent, we would have been accountable to the people of Zambia.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!
The Minister of Health (Dr Chilufya): Mr Speaker, I thank you most sincerely for granting me this opportunity to debate in support of the presentation of His Excellency the President, on national values and patriotism.
Mr Speaker, from the onset, I must state that the President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, delivered an inspiration speech…
Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!
Dr Chilufya: … efficaciously addressing broad areas of development, values and patriotism.
Mr Speaker, the President rose to the occasion guiding the nation on a number of important subjects and I will focus on a few items in the speech.
Mr Speaker, the President referred to the need for us to uphold values and the progress that the Government was making in ensuring that values are entrenched in our society.
Mr Speaker, alcohol and substance abuse was highlighted as one of the major challenges that we faced. The President was right, today, Human Immuno Virus (HIV), gender based violence and many other vices are associated with alcohol and substance abuse. The PF Government has not been idle about this. Given the directive that the President gave last year, there has been progress on this subject. The Government has crafted and completed the national alcohol policy which is pending approval before it is made public. The Alcohol Policy will be used to support the implementation of interventions that will protect our youths, adolescents and the general citizenry from abuse of alcohol.
Mr Speaker, with an effective Alcohol Policy, we will see ripple effects in the health of our people. We will see reduced juvenile delinquency. We will see reduced abuse that results in transmission of HIV.
Mr Speaker, we have to support the President in pushing for the implementation of the Alcohol Policy that the various ministries have actually concluded looking at.
Mr Speaker…
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order!
Business was suspended from 1810 hours until 1830 hours.
[MR SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]
Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, before we went on break, I had just finished talking about one critical pronouncement which the President made in our statement of intent to address the adverse effects of alcohol and substance abuse. He talked about the Government having completed the National Alcohol Policy and it is just awaiting certain levels of approval before we can make it public.
Mr Speaker, the President referred to equitable distribution of development projects in the Ministry of Health. He emphasised that this was to reduce inequalities and ensure that places that were less developed were prioritised.
Mr Speaker, this is tangible and can be validated. The Patriotic Front (PF) Government under His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, has embarked on a robust infrastructure expansion programme which is addressing one fundamental challenge we have in the provision of health services. This is to ensure that infrastructure is dotted equitably, countrywide.
Mr Speaker, in order to challenge the perception that we have not been caring about the people or that the PF Government has been biased, it is important that we put the record straight. It is also important that we mention some of the key projects that are happening in the health sector, in various parts of the country.
Mr Speaker, this Government has been implementing an infrastructure expansion programme in Southern Province, targeting all the levels of care. Southern Province is at 80 per cent completion in terms of construction of the health posts. Southern Province also, was allotted the highest number of ninety-nine health posts in the country. As we speak, they are at 80 per cent completion rate.
Mr Speaker, in terms of first level hospitals, we have state of the art first levels hospitals being built in Southern Province. The ones in Kazungula and Kalomo are at 95 per cent completion. Namwala is nearly complete.
Mr Speaker, in Gwembe, the first phase of the hospital is complete and it is providing services. Livingstone Central Hospital was the first to be upgraded into a tertiary level hospital. We will, therefore, continue investing in the modernisation of Livingstone Central Hospital. In order for us to improve health service delivery in addition to infrastructure expansion, we have recruited and deployed in excess of 800 health workers dotted all over Southern Province.
Mr Speaker, to promote a strong referral system, thirty-seven vehicles including ambulances have been procured and delivered to Southern Province. There are only two provinces so far, that have received these vehicles. Out of the seventy-one vehicles, thirty-seven vehicles were delivered to various parts of Southern Province, including Dundumwezi and Gwembe.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, in Western Province, we have key infrastructure projects that are being executed there. Out of the sixty-four health posts, sixty are completed.
Mr Sing’ombe interjected.
Dr Chilufya: Dundumwezi has a new ambulance. You must visit your constituency.
Interruptions
Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, first level hospitals in Western Province, in Nalolo and Limulunga are both at an advanced stage. In Mulobezi, the first phase is complete and the hospital is providing services. We are just about to commission it. In Senanga, the first phase of the hospital is complete. In Lukulu, the first phase is complete and services are being provided. The second phase is at over 70 per cent completion. When the President says there is equity in distribution of infrastructure or development projects, this can be validated by what I have articulated in terms of the projects in Southern and Western Provinces.
Mr Speaker, in North Western Province, Ikeleng’i for the very first time, has a first level hospital state of the art being constructed. The hospital in Chavuma is completed.
Mr Speaker, there are health posts that are being constructed in North Western Province and the commencement date has been set. We will build in excess of seventy health posts in North Western Province. Tangible projects are there to validate the President’s statement that there is equity in the distribution of development projects. I appeal to my colleagues, both on the left and right to be sincere and be grateful to the support that we are giving to all parts of the country in an equitable manner.
Mr Speaker, this has not been restricted to the three provinces I have spoken about. There are hospitals that are under construction in Eastern Province, in Vubwi, Nyimba and Chipata. In Central Province, hospitals are under construction in Mkushi and Serenje. In Muchinga, there is Chinsali General Hospital. In Northern Province, hospitals are under construction in Mpulungu and Mungwi. There is also the Michael Chilufya Sata Hospital. I want to make this observation that in terms of the numbers of the first level hospitals that have been constructed, priority was given to Southern and Western Provinces because of what the President stated that we must focus on areas where need was and also, respecting the principles of equity. Therefore, even as we go forward and see development projects being taken to the other parts of the country, let us remind ourselves of what has been done so far in other provinces.
Mr Speaker, in ensuring that the universal health coverage (UHC) agenda is attained and in line with what the President spoke about in terms of strengthening health services and ensuring that every Zambian accesses health services, the principle of promoting local production of pharmaceuticals has been followed closely. We have invested in infrastructure again for storage and distribution of medical supplies. We have decentralised medical stores and we have invested in partnership with the private sector in pharmaceutical plants to produce drugs locally and distribute to various parts of the country.
Mr Speaker, in Lusaka alone, there is King Pharmaceuticals Ltd that was opened by the President a few days ago. There is also a company called Milan, which will be producing Antiretroviral Drugs (ARVs) that will be opened in a month’s time. There is the Narayan Bandekar-led group (NRB) and other local manufacturers such as Pharmanova Zambia and International Drug Company (IDC).
Mr Speaker, in line with the guidelines, we are buying local. We are only buying from outside what we cannot produce locally. In the decentralisation of medical stores, state of the art facilities have been constructed in Mpika, Chipata and Mansa. We started these projects in Choma and Mongu. It is important to note that equity in distribution of development is evident from what we have articulated.
Mr Speaker, we have a shared responsibility, as Members of Parliament, to tell the public the truth. It is worrisome in the name of politicking to hear hon. Members on the Floor of the House say nothing has happened in their areas when the projects that we talk about are tangible projects. We have a shared responsibility to ensure that we do not mislead the public. The President mentioned on the Floor of the House about the unity of purpose that he saw as we combated cholera. The political will that we saw in the fight against cholera led by His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, deserves commendation. It is a pity to hear comments ridiculing the fact that there was in cholera in the country instead of commending the robust response led by His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
Ms Mulenga: Hear, hear!
Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, Zambia is the only country in the region that managed to record a low number of cases and mortalities. Other countries in the region recorded beyond 50,000 to 60,000 cases, while Zambia recorded about 4,000. The impeccable leadership, bold decisions and resource mobilisation led by His Excellency the President, must be commended in the cholera response.
Mr Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament for Chisamba talked about the selling of body parts in our hospitals. That was the most unfortunate and irresponsible statement that we can ever allow on the Floor of the House. In the management of cases in hospitals, transplants can be done. If we implant the fact that there could be a possibility of selling body parts in the minds of the public, we are inciting hate and the public to rise against the Government. Let me make it very clear that some of the chronic renal disease patients who rely on renal dialysis qualify for organ transplant and this year, we will commence doing renal transplants. Therefore, we do not want the public to be conscious of the fact that body parts would be sold. I urge the hon. Member of Parliament for Chisamba to desist from making inflammatory remarks that would actually put the country on fire. We want the public to support organ transplants because that is life saving for so many Zambians. The Government is modernising facilities to introduce organ transplant so that we can stop sending patients outside the country. As legislators, let us all work together to ensure that we support the modernisation of health facilities as health is non-partisan.
Mr Speaker, I conclude by emphasising that the President’s Speech was highly efficacious and he guided the nation appropriately. Those who are sincere and true will agree that, development is being spread equitably and the President focused on the importance of patriotism and values.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
The Minister for Luapula Province (Mr Chilangwa): Mr Speaker, let me start by thanking you for giving me this opportunity to contribute on the Presidential Address to this august House on Friday, 16th March, 2018, on the progress made in the application of national values and principles. On behalf of the people of Luapula Province, let me join all well-meaning Zambians to congratulate His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, for a very inspiring and well thought-out speech. The President’s Speech is building on the first speech delivered in 2017.
Mr Speaker, in future as we look at our standing order, it would be prudent for somebody who debates on an issue to sit in the House and to listen to the feedback from the Government side. I do not think it is right for one to debate and leave the House and not hear the answers.
Mr Mweetwa: We are here.
Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, the President of the Republic of Zambia is consistent in his advocacy and desire to build a greater and better Zambia where values and principles should be cornerstones of our very existence, as a people and nation. As Luapula Province, we wish to acknowledge some of the strides made in …
Mr Lubinda: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: I will not allow that point of order …
Mr Lubinda: Aah!
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: … because in the first place, Madam Speaker had ruled that there would be no more points of order. Persons in the Chair may change, but the rules of the House will never change.
Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Lubinda: He is out of procedure this one. (Referring to Hon. Chilangwa).
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: The hon. Minister for Luapula Province may continue.
Mrs Mwashingwele: Long live Chair!
Mr Chilangwa: As Luapula Province, we wish to acknowledge some of the strides made in achieving certain goals such as the continued observation of the National Day of Prayer, which is a public holiday, for it is written that the fear of God is the beginning of all wisdom, and therefore, real values and principles. The continued upholding of Zambia as a Christian Nation, as enshrined in our Constitution, brings out the issue of national values.
Mr Ngulube: In conclusion.
Mr Chilangwa: Whereas this House has acknowledged Zambia as a Christian Nation, it is shy to acknowledge the book which contains Christian values. The word ‘Christian’ is derived from the only Saviour of the world. However, we have failed to acknowledge Him publicly in this House from whom we derive the words ‘Christian Nation’ contained in the preamble of our National Constitution. The Holy Book tells us to pray through Him, but we recite one prayer day in and day out without the mention of the Begotten Son. I challenge this House to change its Standing Orders so that we can go in that direction.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order!
When the Standing Orders were being revised, every Member was given an opportunity to contribute. Therefore, if we again take that route, it will mean pointing at ourselves. Hon. Minister, could you depart from that kind of debate. You may continue.
Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, I agree with you that we were all given the opportunity, but we can still work on it.
Mr Ngulube: Question!
Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, the national values and principles are summed up in six parts namely: morality and ethics; patriotism and national unity; democracy and constitutionalism; human dignity; equity; social justice and non-discrimination; good governance; and sustainable development. In echoing His Excellency the President’s message, the people of Luapula Province have a few observations on morals and ethics. People tend to sing about corruption day in and day out. When the President takes a disciplinary step and drops somebody to pave way for investigations and for him to be taken to the courts of law, lo and behold, the same people who sing about corruption protect him and say he is innocent. This is unacceptable. What kind of people are we? What morals are we teaching the young children? Just because it suits you, you stand on the other side. That is unacceptable.
Mr Ngulube: In conclusion.
Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, with regard to equity in totality, I wish to say that when we hear of expensive roads being built in certain parts of the country, we keep quiet and are happy about it. When certain provinces received nine newly created districts, some of us kept quiet like nothing was happening in our provinces. However, when one particular province received a few feeder roads, it becomes a big issue to debate about by our colleagues on your left. It is for this reason that the Government, is promoting equity in totality. If some people in one province received nine new districts, let other provinces like Eastern Province receive a few gravel roads. What is wrong with that? If another province has received the most expensive road ever built in this country, what is wrong with taking development to other areas? This is a question of morality.
Sir, I earnestly appeal to my colleagues that let morality prevail in our hearts as leaders and as a nation. It should not always be about me, myself and I, that is unacceptable.
Hon. Government Member: And very childish!
Mr Chilangwa: Sir, allow me now to talk about patriotism and national unity. We are all aware that national unity is key to foster national development. Without national unity, how does one aspire to lead a nation when they are the first one to paint their own country black? So much that they can even come to this august House and dance all over the place saying that they are singing to the international platform about it and yet they are aspiring to lead the same country. It is unacceptable.
Mr Speaker, it is important that when one has a problem in their own house, they should try and resolve the problems in their own house within the confines of their own bedroom. They should not go to the roof top and shout to the rest of the world that they are having problems. When people hear such things, they will not appreciate their leadership or appreciate them. It is high time that people grow up and started behaving like decent adults.
Interruptions
Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, there are rumours that have reached Parliament and people are commenting on them that some people are planning to bring an impeachment motion.
Ms Kapata: Mayo!
Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, I think this beats any normal thinking person. They say charity begins at home. Instead of planning to bring such motions here, let them go and impeach those leaders in their political parties who perpetually fail to win elections.
Ms Mulenga: Hammer!
Mr Chilangwa: Those leaders in their political parties who have abrogated party constitutions by sticking to leadership.
Ms Mulenga: Hear, hear!
Mr Chilangwa: They must start with their own political parties before they deal with other parties. Mr Speaker, it is a question of taking a log out of your own eye before you look at the speck in your sister’s eye.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Chilangwa: It is unacceptable.
Ms Mulenga: Unacceptable!
Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, they must first deal with the issues in their political grouping about abrogation of their constitution in their own political groupings. Once they do that, then they can come back here and we can talk.
Mr Speaker, I am prompted to think very deeply about the same impeachment motion which is being forced on us and the nation by the United Party for National Development (UPND) leadership …
Ms Kapata: Kwena ni World War!
Mr Chilangwa: … which is also being forced on UPND Members of Parliament by its leadership …
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order!
Hon. Minister, sit down for a few seconds. I wish to guide you not to take that route of debate on issues to do with the impeachment motion which Madam Speaker adequately ruled on earlier. The reason I allowed you to talk about it was for you to pick one or two statements on that topic because somebody from my left talked about the same issue. In the interest of balancing, I was keen to allow you and follow your debate. I think what you have delivered on that statement is good enough. You can proceed to debate the Presidential speech.
You may continue hon. Minister.
Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, I thank you for your counsel.
Mr Speaker, the President spoke about human dignity, equity, social justice, equality and non discrimination. What is discrimination? What is equality, social justice and equity?
Mr Speaker, these questions begs me to talk about Monze District in Zambia which is only a few kilometres away from Mazabuka in Southern Province.
Ms Lubezhi: And the road is bad!
Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, during the 2016 General Elections, one political party got votes and very credible hon. Members of Parliament from Western and North Western provinces. We have quality leadership coming through from some of the Opposition political parties, but when the time came in terms of equity, equality and discrimination, all the great positions such as the Leader of Government Business, Deputy Chief Whip all went to one part of Southern Province. What about Western and North Western provinces? Is that not discrimination? Is that equity?
Hon. Government Members: No!
Mr Chilangwa: What kind of leadership are they propagating?
Interruptions
Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, these are the people who want to lead the country. Therefore, it is about the rest supporting the stretch between Monze and Mazabuka. It is unacceptable and discrimination. They have discriminated against their own hon. Members of Parliament.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Chilangwa: Sir, charity begins at home. It is just about time …
Mrs Mumbi Phiri: Hammer!
Mr Chilangwa: … that they started putting their house in order.
Sir, one of our good hon. Member keeps on shouting every single day in this august House ‘question, question.’ Did they even consider him when they were sharing positions? The answer is no!
Laughter
Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, at the rate our colleagues are going, they risk losing even the little support they have amongst the Zambians because the Zambians are able to see through them.
Mr Speaker, Zambians are going to make the United Party for National Development (UPND) accountable and the reason is very simple. Instead of focusing on real issues, which are going to uplift the well being of all Zambians or bring development, they are chasing the wind.
Mr Mwamba: Hear, hear!
Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, this is around good governance. What will happen is that the Zambians are now going to throw all their support to the Patriotic Front (PF).
Hon. Opposition Members: Question!
Mr Chilangwa: Who are we to say no?
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mrs Mumbi Phiri: Hammer!
Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, if Zambia becomes a one party state, the UPND will be to blame because they failed to carry out the right thing of checks and balances.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Chilangwa: Sir, in ‘f’, His Excellency the President, talks about sustainable development. I desire to thank His Excellency the President, for his great stance on sustainable development.
Mr Livune: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order!
Hon. Livune, you will not have the chance to raise a point of order because we have already ruled on that issue.
You may continue hon. Minister.
Mr Chilangwa: Sir, in Luapula Province, we are not waiting for the Central Government to decide on the issue of sustainable development. Hon. Members of Parliament from Luapula Province work as a team and we are pushing toward that direction and I will give examples to that effect.
Sir, we have been engaging the people in sustainable fishing methods and exploiting our natural resources such a forestry, wildlife in a sustainable manner. The people have since agreed to move away from the breeding areas. Sir, that is how it should be. The people are adopting and adapting.
Mr Speaker, what I am talking about is that when His Excellency the President, talks about sustainable development, it will not be done by him alone, but all of us. It is up to all of us to participate and contribute.
Sir, I recently visited Lochinvar National Park.
Interruptions
Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, this is very important information I am about to give. I recently visited a Lochinvar National Park, which is situated in Southern Province and Monze District in particular. A few years ago, there was plenty of wildlife in the park such as zebras, wildebeest and plenty of lechew, but recently, the zebras and wildebeest have diminished. The populations of lechew have dropped below 30,000.
Mr Speaker, some people have encroached on this national park. Therefore, the people in the Lochinvar area are crying loud for leadership.
Interruptions
Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, on our part, we have shown leadership in Luapula Province. Therefore, it is up to our colleagues in that particular province where this national park is found, especially in the Monze catchment area, to do the same. They should not just be throwing their weight around and chasing the wind. It is about time they went back and represented their people in oder to achieve sustainable development in their constituencies.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Chilangwa: Hon. Members should not just be walking around Cairo Road. The people in Monze require leadership, which must be taken by the hon. Members of Parliament.
Mr Speaker, I challenge hon. Members of Parliament who are not showing leadership in achieving sustainable development to go back to their areas such as Monze and Lochinvar National Park.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Chilangwa: They should not just be coming here to dance around in Parliament, standing on points of order and bringing motions which will never see the light of day. I challenge them to go and do what the people voted them for, which is providing leadership.
Mrs Phiri: Hear, hear! Hammer!
Mr Chilangwa: Mr Speaker, hon. Members of Parliament were not elected to be wearing red shirts in here. They were elected to provide proper leadership to the people. They were not elected to come here and defend Saturnia Regna Pension Trust. They were elected by the people in their constituencies to provide leadership.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
The Minister for Eastern Province (Mr M. Zulu): Mr Speaker, thank you very much. Allow me to focus my debate on morality and ethics, patriotism and national unity, democracy and constitutionalism, good governance and integrity. To start with, I will talk about morality and ethics. I looked at the online dictionary for the definition of morality. It is defined as, “principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behaviour”, whereas the definition of ethics is, “moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour or the conducting of activity”.
Mr Speaker, on page 4 of his address to this august House, the President addressed the issue of morality and ethics and he had this to say:
“Inculcating morality, upright and ethical behaviour in our citizens and getting them to live a positive value-centred life remains a priority of Government. Consequently, Government is committed to ensuring that our country and its people are morally and ethically upright as a requirement for national development.”
Mr Speaker, we have heard several debates from the other side with regard to what exactly the Government is doing or what the Government is supposedly not doing. In the line of morality, the address by the President was meant to present the progress that we have so far made as a country. None of those that spoke on your left disagreed on the progress that the President said we have made so far. Instead, they were allayed into debating other issues, which we wish to address.
Mr Speaker, perhaps the test of morality should first be applied in discussing this matter. I earlier defined, morality to mean principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behaviour. Failing to accept an election loss is bad behaviour and, therefore, immoral. Our colleagues have thus failed the test of morality. I would simply say that it is immoral for the people on your left to claim that we have not made steps in terms of morality as a country when they are in a state of immorality by failing to accept an election loss.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Kampyongo: Ema lawyer aba.
Mr M. Zulu: This immorality spread right to the gnome of the party. In 2006, the United Party for National Development (UPND) held an election at which it voted for its leadership. Since then, there has been no election whatsoever in the UPND.
Hon. Government Members: Shame!
Mr M. Zulu: Those are bad manners.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr M. Zulu: They are not just bad manners.
Laughter
Mr M. Zulu: It is immoral not to have elections.
When the President said that the levels of immorality in this country are alarming, he sure was right. We need to cut this cancer of immorality from our colleagues on the left. We need to have a firm representation of the country from our colleagues on the left. Such levels of immorality in the UPND are unacceptable. I may seem to be talking too much, but with regard to the test of morality, our colleagues on the left have failed.
Let us try the test for democracy. I looked at the dictionary and found the definition of democracy. I will not use the Abraham Lincoln definition. The definition from the dictionary I have says:
“Democracy is a system of governance by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state typically through elected representatives.”
Sir, I am aware of a party that has its membership who are only finger-pointed.
Mr Livune: Question!
Mr M. Zulu: Mr Speaker, from 2006, we have had a party that has failed to hold elections. In line with the definition of democracy, do they qualify ...
Mr Chaatila: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order on my left!
Hon. Member, take your seat.
Mr M. Zulu: He who laughs last, laughs the longest.
Mr Lubinda: And loudest.
Mr M. Zulu: And loudest indeed.
Now, let me talk about the test of democracy and constitutionalism. Constitutionalism is adherence to a constitutional system of governance. A certain political party has given themselves a constitution, but they do not follow it. They want to debate constitutionalism and undemocratic tendencies in this Assembly, yet they have failed to adhere to democracy and constitutionalism in their own party. The President had this to say with regard to that issue ...
Interruptions
Mr M. Zulu: On page 16 of the President’s Speech, the President said:
“Zambia’s multi-party democratic system of governance is enshrined in our Constitution which stipulates a range of political mechanisms including regular elections and competition among political parties and candidates. To enhance our country’s democratic principles, the Government developed a Political Parties Bill in 2017, in response to Article 60 of the Constitution. This Bill, once enacted, will provide for the registration and regulation of political parties and require them to uphold the tenets of democracy. The Bill is currently undergoing stakeholder consultation after which it will be brought before this august House for enactment.”
The Political Parties Bill came out of necessity upon observation that certain political parties lack the necessary democracy. Immoral, undemocratic and unconstitutional tendencies should come to an end.
Interruptions
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order!
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear! Tomorrow, tukapwisha mailo!
Mr Second Deputy Speaker: Order! Order in the House!
ADJOURNMENT
The Vice-President (Mrs Wina): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the the House do now adjourn.
Question put and agreed to.
The House adjourned at 1911 hours until 1430 hours on Thursday, 29th March, 2018.