Friday, 16^th March, 2018

 

The House met at 0900 hours

 

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

NATIONAL ANTHEM

 

PRAYER

_________

 

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR SPEAKER

 

POSTPONEMENT OF THE MEETING ORGANISED BY THE INTEGREATED ACTION FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, the House will recall that yesterday, I announced that there would be a meeting for all hon. Members of Parliament organised by the Integrated Action for Rural Development (I-A4RD) on Monday, 19^thMarch, 2018, in the Auditorium. I regret to inform the House that the organisers of the meeting have requested that it be rescheduled to a date to be advised due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

Hon. Members are, therefore, advised that the meeting will not take place on Monday as earlier announced.

 

Thank you.

 

Mr Ngulube: Hear, Hear! Ema postponement aya!

 

_________

 

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

 

The Chief Whip and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Chungu): Mr Speaker, I rise to give the House an indication of the Business it will consider next week.

 

Sir, on Tuesday, 20^th March, 2018, the Business of the House will begin with Questions for Oral Answer, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. After that, the House will consider the Committee Stage of the following Bills:

 

1. The National Health Insurance Bill, 2017;

 

1. The Rent Amendment Bill, 2018;

 

1. The Subordinate Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2018; and

 

1. The Judiciary Administration (Amendment Bill), 2018.

 

The House will then consider the Report Stage of the Public Finance Management Bill, 2017. Thereafter, the House will commence debate on the Motion of Thanks to His Excellency the President’s Address on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles.

 

Mr Speaker, on Wednesday, 21^st March, 2018, the Business of the House will start with Questions for Oral Answer, if there will be any. This will be followed by consideration of Private Members’ Motions, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will deal with the presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. After that, the House will debate the Motion to adopt the Report of the Parliamentary Select Committee Appointed to Scrutinise the Presidential Appointment of Mrs Annette Chirumba Nhekairo to serve as Vice-Chairperson and Mr Ali Derrick Simwinga to serve as Commissioner of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and the appointment of Mrs Juliana Kunda Mwila, Ms Mulenga Mpundu Kapwepwe, Mr Nonde Matthews Kaniki and Mr Nalumino Bruce Chyapeni to serve as Directors of the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Board. The House will then continue with the debate on the Motion of Thanks to His Excellency the President’s Address.

 

Sir, on Thursday, 22^nd March, 2018, the Business of the House will commence with Questions for Oral Answer, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will continue with the debate on the Motion of Thanks to His Excellency the President’s Address.

 

Mr Speaker, on Friday, 23^rd March, 2018, the Business of the House will start with the Vice-President’s Question Time. This will be followed by Questions for Oral Answer, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will deal with the presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Then, the House will continue with the debate on the Motion of Thanks to His Excellency the President’s Address.

 

I thank you, Sir.

__________

 

Mr Speaker: May the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House indicate when His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, arrives to address the House.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Kapata: Ba mwine!

 

Mrs Mwanakatwe: Ba mwine balaisa!

 

Mr Chungu: Sir, I wish to inform the House that His Excellency the President will be arriving at 0945 hours to address the House.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Business was suspended from 0908 hours until 1005 hours.

 

His Excellency the President entered the Assembly Chamber escorted by Mr Speaker.

 

(Assembly Resumed)

 

THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

 

The President (Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu): Mr Speaker, I am delighted to join you and the hon. Members of Parliament in this august House today. Let me also congratulate my friends on the left on the belated Valentine (referring to the hon. UPND Members dressed in red).

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Interruptions

 

The President: We associate this kind of dressing with Valentine’s Day. All the same, I am delighted to be here. I also wore a red necktie, but I realised today is not Valentine’s Day. So, I gave up.

 

Laughter

 

The President: Mr Speaker, our Constitution, under Article 9(2) demands that once each year, the President of the Republic of Zambia presents to this august House a report on the progress made in the application of our national values and principles. By extension, this constitutional provision entails that this House and the whole nation take time to reflect on our national values and principles.

 

Mr Speaker, this is the second address that I am making in this august House on the application of national values and principles. The first address, which I delivered on 17^th March, 2017, essentially introduced in detail our national values and principles. The focus of this address, therefore, is to report, through this august House, on the progress made so far and the measures taken to build a strong foundation for the application of national values and principles.

 

Mr Speaker, before I proceed with my address, allow me to take this opportunity to welcome to this august House the newly nominated Member of Parliament from the Patriotic Front (PF), Hon. Mumbi Phiri.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Let me also congratulate Mrs Cecilia Nsenduluka Mbewe on her appointment as Clerk of the National Assembly.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: These appointments demonstrate the Government’s continued commitment to gender equality at all levels of decision-making. I am confident that the two ladies will serve the people of Zambia diligently in their respective capacities.

 

Mrs Phiri: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Mr Speaker, let me also state that I followed the proceedings of the International Women’s Day Celebrations, and I heard all the views that were aired on that day. We are going to work flat out to ensure that we reach the 50:50 Gender Parity by 2030.

 

Mr Speaker, it has been a year since I sat before this august House to articulate the national values and principles upon which our identity and practices should be anchored. The national values and principles are outlined in Article 8 of the Constitution as follows:

 

1. morality and ethics;

 

1. patriotism and national unity;

 

1. democracy and constitutionalism;

 

1. human dignity, equity, social justice, equality and non-discrimination;

 

1. good governance and integrity; and

 

1. sustainable development.

 

Mr Speaker, the application of national values and principles is firmly anchored in our conviction, belief and acknowledgement of the supremacy of God in the affairs of our nation. As contained in the preamble of our Constitution, the people of Zambia have declared our Republic a Christian nation, while upholding a person’s right to the freedom of conscience, belief or religion. The operationalisation of this declaration is reflected in the manner in which we interpret and apply our national values and principles.

 

It is important to note that the application of the national values and principles is not a matter for the Government alone. It is a responsibility of every citizen, family, community, institution, whether private or public, and the Zambian society at large.

 

Mr Speaker, I will now proceed to outline the measures the Government has taken and report the progress made in applying each of the values and principles.

 

Morality and Ethics

 

Mr Speaker, inculcating morally upright and ethical behaviour in citizens and getting them to live a positive value-centred life remains a priority of the Government. Consequently, it is committed to ensuring that our country and its people are morally and ethically upright as a requirement for national development. However, we have observed, with great concern, that our morals have deteriorated over time. This is evidenced by the high prevalence of teen pregnancies and early marriages. We have also witnessed the growing trend in the misapplication of public funds and abuse of social media. Of equal concern is alcohol and substance abuse as well as poor work culture, among many others. We need to act; we need to act now and we need to act together. If we do not act to redress this trend, we risk losing our moral values and ethics completely. 

 

Mr Speaker, I am pleased to inform this august House that we have started laying the ground for promoting good morals and ethics among citizens. In the public sector, the Government has developed codes of ethics to regulate the conduct and behaviour of Public Service officers. For example, the Code of Ethics for Teachers is now in place and is regulating the conduct and behaviour of those in the teaching profession. Morally upright teachers, who are role models to the learners, will, no doubt, produce disciplined pupils with high moral standards and ethical values.

 

In addition, the Government has developed the Public Officers Ethics Bill and State Officers Bill. Once enacted, the Bills will strengthen the legal framework for guiding the scope, implementation and enforcement of morals and ethics among public and State officers. This will also ensure that public and State officers are held accountable and are above board in the conduct of the affairs of the State.

 

Mr Speaker, to further enhance good morals and ethics, the Government has developed a single vision for the Public Service which is “A Smart and Value-centred Public Service”. The vision will serve to motivate and galvanise Public Service officers in their observance of our national values and principles in service delivery. I also wish to acknowledge and take congnisance of all other stakeholders outside Government that have developed codes of conduct in their respective institutions to promote ethical behaviour.

 

Mr Speaker, alcohol and substance abuse is an area of great concern, affecting the moral standards …

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: … of our people. We are aware …

 

Mr Nkombo: And shots!

 

Laughter

 

The President: … that when the youth are not involved in any productive activity, they tend to resort to alcohol abuse and other vices. The Government is, therefore, making progress in strengthening the enforcement of the relevant laws and regulations to curb this vice. Obviously, two shots at the Member’s Club are different from the ones that I am talking about.

 

Laughter

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Mr Speaker, in order to address the issue of inactivity among the youths, the Government has intensified the implementation of youth empowerment programmes aimed at equipping them with skills, equipment and start-up capital for income-generating activities. Notable achievements under this programme in 2017 included the support of 2,667 youth street vendors with loans, the empowerment of 1,000 youths with motorised cargo tricycles and the provision of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment for the establishment of business centres to 600 youths across the country.

 

Mr Speaker, issues of morality are also being addressed in the sporting fraternity. I am glad to inform this august House that the Government is implementing the Anti-Doping Programme aimed at sensitising athletes, sports administrators, coaches, physical education teachers and the youth against taking performance-enhancing substances and the dangers of doping in sport. Through this programme, training in anti-doping has been conducted in five provinces where 5,400 individuals were trained.

 

Mr Speaker, to end child marriage in Zambia, the Government is implementing a five-year national strategy on ending child marriage, targeting to achieve a 40 per cent reduction in child marriage by 2021. The strategy takes into consideration the causes and consequences of harmful traditional practices which encourage early marriages. To expedite the rollout and acceptance of this intervention, the Government is working with traditional leaders who are the custodians of customs and traditions with a view to making them key agents of change in their respective chiefdoms. To this effect, eighty chiefs and eighty-four headmen were oriented to the harmful effects of early marriage and teenage pregnancy in 2017. Going forward, it is the duty of everyone to play their part in imparting high moral standards and conducting themselves in an ethical manner, both in their private and public lives.

 

Patriotism and National Unity

 

Mr Speaker, patriotism and national unity are a cornerstone of socio-economic development. They are the greatest heritage our founding fathers and mothers bequeathed to us. Throughout the struggle for independence, the patriots demonstrated abiding love and commitment towards each other and the nation. This is the spirit with which they started the task of nation building.

 

It is significant to note that the same spirit of patriotism and national unity is being demonstrated by many citizens. Recently, from a cross section of society, citizens, irrespective of status, came forward to help combat cholera. This positive gesture helped the Government to stem the spread of the disease. I, therefore, wish to commend all those who took time to participate in the cleaning up of our towns and cities or made financial and material donations at individual or corporate level towards this cause.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Please, let us continue with this spirit.

 

Mr Speaker, to promote patriotism and national unity, the Government is undertaking sensitisation programmes. Amongst them are programmes aimed at ensuring that citizens appreciate and respect our national symbols and emblems, namely the national flag, the national anthem, the coat of arms, the public seal and the national motto. For instance, it is mandatory to sing the national anthem in full at all official gatherings and in learning institutions. Therefore, we all need to learn the words of the national anthem and appreciate its meaning, as it is a primary symbol of our patriotism.

 

Mr Speaker, allow me at this point to thank hon. Members of Parliament for leading by example in this respect. Nowadays, when I tune in to Parliament Radio to follow the proceedings of the House, I hear them sing the national anthem word for word, loudly and proudly. Keep this up.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: To promote Zambia’s identity, I urge all institutions to display indigenous artifacts both at home and abroad. I, therefore, request the Ministries of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs, Tourism and Art, and Foreign Affairs to take note of the need to display indigenous Zambian artifacts and decorations in their offices. I do not know why we should be having all sorts of decorations from all over the world, but not a single one with a Zambian background.

 

Mr Speaker, further, the Government, through the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), has introduced a television programme on national values and principles to ensure that the citizens begin to understand, appreciate and apply patriotism and the rest of our national values and principles in their day-to-day lives. I urge all citizens to take time to watch the educative programmes on our national broadcaster.

 

Mr Speaker, another way of demonstrating patriotism is through buying Zambian products. This encourages the growth of our local industries, thereby creating the much-needed jobs for our people and, ultimately, fosters socio-economic development. To achieve this goal, our local industries need to improve on the quality and branding of products to meet international standards. Let us strengthen the campaign on buying Zambian products; let us aim to buy Zambian products; and let us be proud to buy Zambian products. Why not?

 

Mr Speaker, in addition, patriotism demands that we pay particular attention to how we use our natural resources for both the current and future generations.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: The resources include land, minerals, water bodies and wildlife. We have a duty to protect and harness the resources in a sustainable manner.

 

Mr Speaker, we, the political leaders, must take the lead in fostering patriotism and national unity. In fact, we must play a pivotal role. We must continue working together to build our nation by championing polities that unite us all and leave a worthwhile legacy for future generations.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Mr Speaker, I recall, with a sense of inspiration, that in November, 2006, Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, the First President and founding father of this nation, was invited to the United States of America (USA) to take part in a programme called “Conversations with History” at the University of California Institute of International Studies in Berkley. During the discussion, Dr Kaunda shared his reflections on politics and said:

 

“If we approach politics as a dirty game, we are very much on the wrong course, because politics is supposed to be an instrument of justice, fair play and good behaviour towards fellow human beings.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President:

 

“We must understand that our world is one; different tribes; different faiths, but all God’s children.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: In his usual fashion, Dr Kaunda went on to say:

 

“Who are we to say He made you white and, therefore, He was wrong; He made you black, therefore, He was wrong;  and He made you red, brown, He was wrong. There must be a determination to do what is right and it starts with genuinely-loving people.”

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Genuinely-loving people.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Yes, genuinely!

 

The President: As we reflect on the importance of national unity, Dr Kaunda’s words are as true today as they were then. They will continue to be relevant as we go forward on our journey to build a truly united country under the banner of “One Zambia, One Nation”.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: We are one people.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Let us all build upon our motto of “One Zambia, One Nation” to foster national unity. The fact that one was born in the East does not make them less Zambian than those born in the West, neither are those born in the North nor in the South any less Zambian. We are all equal citizens of this country.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Democracy and Constitutionalism

 

The President: Mr Speaker, let me say a few things about democracy and constitutionalism. Zambia’s multi-party democratic system of Government is enshrined in her Constitution, which stipulates a range of political mechanisms, including regular elections and competition among political parties and candidates.

 

Mr Speaker, to enhance our country’s democratic principles, the Government developed a Political Parties Bill in 2017 in response to Article 60 of the Constitution. Once enacted, the Bill will provide for the legislation and regulation of political parties and require them to uphold the tenets of democracy, …

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

 The President: … including the conduct of regular elections.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: The Bill is currently undergoing stakeholder consultation after which it will be brought before the House for enactment.

 

Mr Speaker, dialogue among political players is one of the key elements in promoting democracy. It fosters co-existence, promotes the accommodation of divergent views and helps to resolve differences through non-violent means.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: It is the conviction of the Government that there cannot be unity without dialogue.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: In this regard, it remains committed to dialogue so as to enhance intra and interparty democracy in our country.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Human Dignity, Equity, Social Justice, Equality and Non-Discrimination

 

The President: Mr Speaker, the upholding of human dignity remains an ethical, legal, social and political obligation of this Government. Every citizen of our country deserves to be respected and treated fairly, regardless of race, gender, ethnic background, religious beliefs or social status.

 

Mr Speaker, access to shelter is one of the fundamental hallmarks of human dignity. The Government is, therefore, working tirelessly towards providing decent housing, especially for the poor in society. Upgrading of shanty compounds through the provision of access roads, electricity, water and other social amenities is progressing well. The facelift can be seen in Garden, Kalingalinga, Kanyama and George compounds in Lusaka, among others. The programme is being rolled-out to other towns and districts across the country.

 

Mr Speaker, in furtherance of human dignity, the Government stands firm and unwavering in its quest to end gender-based violence (GBV). The Government has taken steps to raise awareness amongst people about GBV and its adverse effects. In 2017, the reported cases of GBV stood at 21,504 against 18,540 cases reported in 2016.

 

Sir, from these figures, we can draw comfort that more and more people are coming out to report cases that went unreported in the past. The more we report the cases, the more we hope awareness will act as a deterrent to GBV.

 

Mr Speaker, the Government has, therefore, been implementing a multi-sectoral programme on GBV, in collaboration with the United Nations (UN). This programme involves enhancing access to health, legal and social protection services for victims of GBV.

 

Mr Speaker, the Government is also aware of the difficult situations children in homes affected by GBV are faced with. Where necessary, the children are being assisted through various child protection programmes.

 

Mr Speaker, people in various correctional facilities also deserve to be treated with dignity. In this regard, the Government is reviewing the policy and legal framework on correctional services with a renewed focus on correction and rehabilitation. The former Zambia Prisons Service has since rebranded and is now the Zambia Correctional Services not only by word but also by deed.  

 

Sir, in addition, training courses on human rights and the Public Order Act for law enforcement personnel have been incorporated in both pre-service and in-service training programmes for the Zambia Police Service. This will help to uphold human rights.

 

Further, the Zambia Police Service has re-defined its policing and investigative strategies to ensure respect for human dignity. The service is now employing scientific methods of gathering evidence such as the use of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) as opposed to the old methods of forced confessions and witness testimonies that did not have regard for human dignity. The scientific methods will go a long way in ensuring the observance and protection of human rights.

 

Mr Speaker, in pursuit of the principle of equality, the Government is committed to reducing development inequalities by implementing programmes in a manner that recognises the needs of all citizens. By extension, the efforts are also contributing to non-discrimination and the promotion of social justice.

Sir, equal treatment of citizens is fundamental. Like I said earlier, we are one people and we all should enjoy equal access to the resources of this country regardless of geographical location, creed, tribe, age or gender.

 

Mr Speaker, in this regard, the Government is taking development to all parts of the country as evidenced by the infrastructure development projects ...

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

 

The President: … being undertaken in all the ten provinces of our country. These include:

 

1. the construction of roads in rural areas to provide a support base for increased economic opportunities in rural areas where poverty is more prevalent. I was in Dundumwezi recently to launch a road project. So, the issue of question does not arise.

 

1. the construction of education facilities to cater for primary, secondary and tertiary levels of education;

 

1. the construction of health centres and specialised hospitals;

 

1. the construction of communication towers; and

 

1. the construction of aviation infrastructure.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Mr Speaker, I am glad that levels of honesty amongst our people have increased. The communication towers, which we promised the people of Dundumwezi, were put up and the hon. Member for that constituency was good enough to acknowledge that.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: For me, that is testimony that there is good faith on the part of the Government and the hon. Member of Parliament. Let us keep up this spirit.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

 

The President: Mr Speaker, there is no question about it. We are working and signs are there for people to see. They can shout, “Question!” but we will keep working.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

 The President: Mr Speaker, to promote equity, the Government is undertaking programmes that take into account the peculiar needs and capacities of our people and regions in order to accelerate development. We have continued to mainstream environmental endowments, youth, disability and gender issues in our social and economic development programmes.

 

Sir, to address the gender imbalances between boys and girls with regard to access to secondary school education, bursaries are being provided to girls under the Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods Projects. So far, 8,669 girls, who dropped out of school for various reasons such as lack of financial support, GBV and teenage pregnancy, are back in school. We are supporting this number of girls with school fees in sixteen districts.

 

Mr Speaker, the Government has also been implementing the Home-grown School Feeding Programme. The programme provides meals to learners from poor and vulnerable households in an effort to encourage enrolment, attendance and concentration in class. In 2017, the programme supported 1,052,760 learners, 2,700 community and Government schools in thirty-eight districts countrywide.

 

Sir, to further promote equity, the Government is implementing the 20 per cent Sub-Constructing Policy on Infrastructure Projects. So far, an estimated 300 local contractors have benefited from this policy. The onus is on local contractors to do their best and prove that they can equally perform when given an opportunity.

 

Mr Speaker, the principle of social justice entails that people have equal access to opportunities and public resources. Therefore, to promote social justice, the Government has continued to support improvement and access to safe and clean drinking water in rural areas. In this regard, the Government has constructed 1,836 and rehabilitated 420 boreholes countrywide and this is ongoing.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Hon. UPND Members: Where? Question!

 

The President: Mr Speaker, those who are questioning will not know where we are working. Those who appreciate what we are doing will show them.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Mr Speaker, the Government has also continued with the programme of connecting different parts of the country to the national electricity grid. I am glad to report the successful connection of the North-Western Province and Lukulu District in the Western Province to the national electricity grid.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Mr Speaker, this is a major milestone in our country’s history, particularly for the people of Mwinilunga, Mufumbwe, Kabompo, Manyinga, Zambezi, Chavuma and Lukulu who were not connected to the national electricity grid since Independence in 1964.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Sir, with the connectivity to the national electricity grid, people are now able to engage in more productive economic activities to improve their livelihoods. This development has enabled more people to have access to electricity and is in line with the principles of social justice.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Mr Speaker, we are making strides in ensuring that there is no discrimination in the conduct of our affairs and service delivery.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Sir, we are building a Zambia where everyone will have equal access to opportunities and services.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

 

The President: Mr Speaker, we are not leaving anyone behind. The Government is, therefore, implementing multi-faceted programmes to develop and empower youths, persons with disabilities, women, children, orphans and the aged.

 

Mr Speaker, currently, twenty-two youth resource centres are operational across the country, where 50 per cent gender equality has been achieved in the enrolment of students. The centres are also gender and disability friendly. At the centres, youths are empowered with vocational and life skills. Further, from the eleven community skills training centres located in eight provinces, 184 youths were trained in competence-based skills in 2017.

 

Good Governance and Integrity

 

Mr Speaker, the Government remains committed to upholding the principle of good governance and integrity in line with the Constitution. It is through active adherence to the principle of good governance and integrity that the Government will bring about real, lasting and positive change in the lives of people.

 

Mr Speaker, one of the major challenges to having good governance and integrity is the issue of corruption.

Interruptions

 

Hon. Government embers: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Mr Speaker, corruption is a cancer which requires concerted and continuous effort to eliminate. We all have a moral obligation to fight corruption in order to achieve accelerated and all-inclusive development.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Mr Speaker, in this respect, I implore hon. Members of Parliament and all those who have got issues with our fight against corruption to come forth and show us ways and means of improving this fight.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Mr Speaker, the Government has continued to build necessary capacities in our governance institutions and other stakeholders for improved outcomes in the fight against corruption. For instance, the establishment of integrity committees in ministries, provinces and other spending agencies is in line with the provisions of the new Anti-Corruption Act. So far, sixty-one committees have been created and are operational. Work is in progress to improve the functioning of the committees. Gentlemen and women, we are in this together and we have to fight corruption. If we keep shouting without coming up with ways and means of fighting corruption, the fight will become mere rhetoric.

 

Sir, equally under implementation is the sensitisation of various stakeholders in public and private institutions as well as the community aimed at promoting integrity and ethical conduct. Let me point out that corruption does not only happen in public institutions, but also the private sector and in our communities.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Mr Speaker, prudent management of public resources is at the core of good governance. It guarantees successful implementation of Government policies and programmes as well as the realisation of the much needed development. In this regard, the Public Finance- Management Bill has been submitted to this august House for consideration. Once enacted, the legislation will strengthen the financial regulatory framework and stiffen penalties for perpetrators of financial mismanagement, among other things. I call upon all hon. Members of this august House to support the passing of this important and progressive Bill.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Mr Speaker, the Electronic Government, commonly known as e-Government, fosters and enhances good governance. It does not only improve decision-making, but also facilitates service delivery and communication between and among various stakeholders. It equally empowers citizens with information necessary for participation in the affairs of the nation and for holding the Government accountable.

 

Sir, in this regard, the Government has made commendable progress in embracing information and communication technologies in the delivery of public goods and services. Information and communication technologies are being utilised in the management of the Public Service payroll, administration of tax as well as provision of various social services. The Electronic Cabinet System (e-Cabinet System) has also been developed and is fully operational, thus cutting down on the cost and time required to conduct Cabinet business.

 

Mr Speaker, the pace at which the private sector is adopting and developing information and communication technologies is commendable. Increasingly, we have seen a number of social and economic transactions being conducted through various information and communication technology platforms such as mobile money, mobile banking and marketing platforms on social media. This is a progressive and welcome development. However, I wish to urge the citizens to exercise high levels of integrity and morality when using the social media and other information and communication technology platforms.

 

Sustainable Development

 

Mr Speaker, sustainable development is about managing our socio-economic environment for both present and future generations. Accordingly, the Government has prioritised sustainable development in an effort to achieve socio-economic development.

 

Sir, the Government is aware that climate variability and change has become a major threat to sustainable development in our country. This country is already experiencing climate-induced hazards which include drought and dry spells, seasonal and flash floods and, sometimes, extreme temperatures.

 

Mr Speaker, some of the hazards, especially droughts and floods, have increased in frequency and intensity over the past few decades. These have adversely impacted food, water security, energy and the livelihoods of people, especially in rural communities.

 

Sir, it is important to address the effects of climate change and ensure sustainable development through interventions such as afforestation and reforestation, the promotion of conservation farming and green energy. To this effect, more than 2,500 hectares of forest were planted in Luapula and Muchinga provinces in 2017.

 

Mr Speaker, in addition to the efforts we are making to promote sustainable development, there is a need for us to address the issue of waste management in the various sectors of our economy. To this effect, we are implementing the first ever National Policy on Waste Management.

 

Further, Sir, we have mainstreamed climate change into our development agenda. Consequently, a number of projects and programmes for mitigation and adaptation are being implemented in the forestry, agriculture and energy sectors. Equally, the Government is promoting agriculture research to mitigate the impact of climate change on small-scale farmers through the development, adoption and adaption of appropriate technologies.

 

Mr Speaker, in conclusion, …

 

Interruptions

 

The President: I will protect myself.

 

Laughter

 

The President: I would have asked Mr Speaker to protect me, but I am protecting myself. 

 

Laughter

 

The President: Mr Speaker, in conclusion, the issues, which I have outlined today, are only the beginning, and not ‘beniging’ …

 

Laughter

 

The President: … of the many steps and measures we, the Government and nation, have to take so as to entrench a culture of upholding our national values and principles. As the Government, we will continue to make deliberate efforts to provide exemplary leadership in upholding our national values and principles.

 

Mr Speaker, I also call upon the Church and other religious organisations, traditional leaders, civil society, the media, political parties, the creative industry, professional bodies and the private sector to equally take a lead in championing the application of our national values and principles.

 

Mr Speaker, we must forge a better tomorrow; a tomorrow where every Zambian will be treated with respect, honour and dignity; a tomorrow where all will put the country before self; and a tomorrow where every citizen will be a sworn enemy of corruption, dishonesty and unprincipled living where you say one thing today and, tomorrow, you say a different thing.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Mr Speaker, a nation without morals is like a ship without a compass. We must, therefore, collectively resolve to strengthen the application of our national values and principles in everything that we, as a country, do.

 

Mr Speaker, for the hon. Members of this House, it is as much your duty as it is mine to live up to the values and principles. Our country expects no less from us. Our people demand no less and our future generations deserve no less.

 

Let us be morally upright. Let us remain patriotic and united. Let us celebrate our country.

Mr Speaker, …

 

Ms Lubezhi: I thank you!

 

The President: She is saying, “I thank you.” I should have said I love you.

 

Laughter

 

The President: Mr Speaker, I thank you …

 

Laughter

 

The President: … and may God bless this Great Republic.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear   

 

The President left the Assembly Chamber.

 

Mr Speaker took the Chair.

 

________

 

MOTIONS

 

ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE

 

The Chief Whip and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Chungu): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that at its rising today, the House do adjourn until Tuesday, 20^th March, 2018.

 

Sir, may I begin by expressing, on behalf of this House and, indeed, on my own behalf, my sincere thanks to the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, for the stimulating and insightful speech he has just delivered.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chungu: Mr Speaker, I am sure all the hon. Members will join me in congratulating the President on informing the nation about the progress that has been made this far in the application of national values and principles. The President has indicated that the Government has made substantial and steady progress over the past year in so far as the implementation of values and principles is concerned.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chungu: Sir, obviously, more remains to be done in order to realise the national aspirations. These issues deserve serious introspection and analysis by the House. In this regard, I am of the view that the House should rise now so that hon. Members are allowed ample time to read the speech and reflect on the important issues that His Excellency the President has raised. Rising now will enable hon. Members to make informed contributions during the debate on the Motion of Thanks, starting on Tuesday, 20^th March, 2018.

 

Mr Speaker, this is a straightforward Motion and I request all hon. Members of this august House to support it.

 

Sir, I beg to move.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Sampa (Kasama Central): Mr Speaker, allow me to put on record my sincere gratitude for the rare opportunity accorded to me to speak first on this important Motion moved by the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House on the occasion of the Special Address to Parliament by His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles.

 

Sir, I am in agreement with the Acting Leader of Government Business is that hon. Members need time to read the speech which has just been delivered by His Excellency the President. The adjournment is, indeed, necessary because hon. Members need ample time to critically analyse the speech and come back to the House next week fully prepared to debate the various issues contained in the President’s Speech.

 

Mr Speaker, in this regard, I fully support the Motion and urge all the hon. Members to do the same.

 

Sir, I thank you.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chungu: Mr Speaker, I am very grateful to the House for its unanimous support of this Motion.

 

With these remarks, I thank you.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

________

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Acting Leader of Government Business and Chief Whip (Mr Chungu): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

_______

 

The House adjourned at 1059 hours until 1430 hours on Tuesday, 20^th March, 2018.