Debates- Tuesday, 19th February, 2013

DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE SECOND SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 19th February, 2013

The House met at 1430 hours

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR SPEAKER

DELEGATES FROM THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I have an announcement to make. I wish to inform the House that we have, in the Speaker’s Gallery, the presence of the following hon. Members of the Budget Committee from the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda:

   Hon. T.M Luangwa, MP, Chairperson;
   Hon. A. Ruhunda, MP;
   Hon. J. J. Bigirwa, MP;
   Hon. J. Mujungu, MP;
   Hon. B. Ssali, MP;
   Hon. J. F. Akello, MP; and
   Ms A. N Mukyasi, Secretary of the delegation.

Thank you.

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BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

The Vice-President (Dr Scott): Mr Speaker, I rise to acquaint the House with the Business it will consider this week. As hon. Members can see from the Order Paper, today, Tuesday, 19th February, 2013, the Business of the House will deal mainly with Questions, although there are two Government Bills due to be presented.

Sir, on Wednesday, 20th February, 2013, the Business of the House will begin with Questions, if there will be any. Of course, they will be many. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider a Motion to adopt the Report of the Select Committee appointed to scrutinise the Presidential appointment of Dr Roland Msiska to serve as Secretary to the Cabinet of the Republic of Zambia.

Mr Speaker, on Thursday, 21st February, 2013, the Business of the House will commence with Questions, if there will be any. This will be followed by the presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any.

Sir, on Friday, 22nd February, 2013, the Business of the House will begin with His Honour the Vice-President’s Question Time, if he will dare to be there …

Laughter

Dr Scott: … and if there will be any Questions. This will be followed by Questions, if there will be any. After that, the House will deal with the presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Then, the House will deal with any business that may be outstanding.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

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QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

HEALTH FACILITY CONSTRUCTION IN MULOBEZI DISTRICT

295. Mr Sililo (Mulobezi) asked the Minister of Health when health facilities would be constructed at the following places in Mulobezi District:

(a)   Kamenyani;
(b)   Kamanga;
(c)   Bridge;
(d)   Mulanga;
(e)   Namena;
(f)   Loze;
(g)   Lusibi;
(h)   Nanga;
(i)   Machile;
(j)   Mung’ambwa; and
(k)   Kasompa.

The Deputy Minister of Health (Mr Mulenga): Mr Speaker, the House may wish to note that the priority focus of the funds that the Government has allocated towards infrastructure development in the health sector has been made to ensure completion of unfinished structures as well as to improve on the access to health services through the provision of district hospitals and health posts. The Government has no immediate plans to construct health facilities at the following locations in Mulobezi District:

(a)   Kamenyani;
(b)   Bridge;
(c)   Mulanga;
(d)   Namena;
(e)   Loze;
(f)   Lusibi;
(g)   Nanga;
(h)   Machile; and
(i)   Mung’ambwa.

However, in 2013, the Government has planned to construct four health posts at the following places in Mulobezi District:

(a)   Kamanga;
(b)   Kasompa;
(c)   Namakombwe; and
(d)   Kasimu.

The four health posts to be constructed in Mulobezi District will be part of the 650 health posts to be built countrywide by the Government through the line of credit of US$ 50 million from the Government of India.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Sililo: Mr Speaker, …

Mr Mwiimbu: On a point of order, Sir.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, before I raise my point of order, I would like to congratulate the Patriotic Front (PF) Government for consistently abrogating its promises to the people of Zambia, particularly concerning the issue of a lean Government, which it promised but instead, is now enlarging.

Interruptions

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, His Honour the Vice-President informed this House and the nation about the category of former leaders who should be accorded the privilege of a State Funeral, national mourning and official funeral. Amongst these, His Honour the Vice-President indicated that a former Deputy Minister would be accorded a State Funeral and other facilities that go with it.

Mr Speaker, as hon. Members of the Opposition, we have noted, with concern, that despite the assurances that the Government makes on the Floor of this House, it is in the habit of discriminating against former leaders.

Mr Speaker, the late Hon. Crispin Sibeta, who passed on last week, served this country and this House diligently for fifteen years, part of which he was Minister of State, under the Government of the former Republican President, Dr Kaunda.

Mr Speaker, the Government was informed of the demise of the late Crispin Sibeta.

Hon. Government Members: What is your point of order?

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, with impunity, …

Hon. Government Members: Aah!

Mr Mwiimbu: … the Government did not provide anything to the bereaved family …

Hon. Opposition Members: Shame!

Mr Mwiimbu: … and did not accord him the privilege of a State funeral.

Hon. Opposition Members: Shame!

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, is this Government in order to mislead this House and the nation that former Deputy Ministers and Ministers of State shall be accorded the privilege of State Funeral and that there will be no discrimination? Is the Government in order to discriminate against the family of the late Crispin Sibeta when it assured the nation that it would not do so, through you, on the Floor of this House? I need your serious ruling.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Order!

Hon. Members, I would like to draw your attention to the ruling I issued on Wednesday, 7th March, 2012. I said:

“Points of order ought to primarily relate to the interpretation or enforcement of the rules of procedure and conduct of the Business in the House.”

I went on to rule that:

“However, in very exceptional circumstances, if a matter is grave, urgent and of utmost national importance, I may allow a point of order to be raised.”

As we begin this legislative session, I would like to send this reminder that we need to resort to points of order with utmost circumspection. I, therefore, urge hon. Members to resort to the other channels which are equally as expeditious as the facility in points of order, and these include urgent questions. On Friday, hon. Members have an opportunity to raise questions with His Honour the Vice-President; and for the sake of conducting business dispatch, I must stress and warn in advance that I will be extremely reluctant in allowing points of order that do not raise anything that may qualify as being grave, urgent and of utmost national importance. This is my ruling.

The hon. Member for Mulobezi may proceed.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Sililo: Mr Speaker, I would like to know when exactly the health facility at Kasompa will be constructed.

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to inform the hon. Member that Kasompa Health Post is among the 650 health posts that the Ministry of Health is constructing. The project is currently under procurement and requests for proposals have been issued to fifteen shortlisted bidders.

The closing date for the submission of bids is 15th March, 2013. Thereafter, they shall be evaluated and suitable companies shall be selected to equip the health posts. Considering that the pre-fabricated materials will come from India, we expect to commence construction in June or July, this year.

Mr Speaker, the apparent delay was due to procurement procedure. In accordance with the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) Act, an allowance was made for review of appeals for bidders to be shortlisted. This has now been concluded and resolved.

I thank you, Sir. {mospagebreak}

Mr Muntanga (Kalomo Central): Mr Speaker, there are eleven areas proposed and places such as Machile have a lot of people. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister why putting up health posts in all these areas cannot be considered.

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, in response, I stated that we do not have immediate plans. This does not mean that we do not have any plans at all. We have plans to construct health posts in the above mentioned areas, but they are not immediate. We are aware that our people require health services in these areas. This is why we are considering using other means such as community mode health posts.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Mr Speaker, Mulobezi is now a district. The reason it was upgraded to district status is that of its vast nature. Health services are much needed by the people of Mulobezi. Aside from resources, what other criterion did the Government use to come up with only four areas in such a vast district?

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, I am happy that our colleagues are beginning to appreciate the creation of districts.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, there was no criterion used. We are trying to rollout this programme throughout the country. The 650 health posts have been divided equitably. Like I stated earlier, we are aware that our people need services and, therefore, apart from the 650 health posts, we intend to put up the health posts in other parts of the country.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has indicated that the Government has no immediate plans to construct health centres in the eleven places mentioned. Would he, therefore, consider sending a mobile hospital to Mulobezi to alleviate the problems that the people there are currently facing?

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, I appreciate the question from my colleague, but he must be aware that the provincial medical office is responsible for the mobile hospitals. If the mobile hospitals have not reached Mulobezi, I can assure him that I will remind the office to send them.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Sianga (Sesheke): Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister confirm the availability of means for transporting medicines to the far-flung areas of Mulobezi.

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, although the follow-up question is not related to the principal question, I can still answer my colleague. Indeed, as a ministry, we are aware of the problem of inadequate transport facilities countrywide. For this reason, the Government has procured some utility vehicles. I think that, by the mid of this year, we will receive the vehicles and distribute them accordingly.

I thank you, Sir.

JIMOLI FARM BLOCK ELECTRIFICATION

296. Mr Mtolo (Chipata Central) asked the Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development when the Government would provide electricity under the Rural Electrification Programme to Jimoli Farming Block in Msanga Ward in Chipata District.

The Deputy Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development (Mr Zulu): Mr Speaker, the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) is responsible for constructing the main transmission lines from which various users can be supplied. The Government, through the authority, also facilitates the connection of public infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals, clinics and associated staff houses. For Jimoli Farming Block, there is already an existing 11kv power line passing within a few metres of the area. Therefore, the area is already electrified.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mtolo: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) has said that it is not able to provide the area with power unless we go through the system that I have mentioned?

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, we are not aware that ZESCO has told the hon. Member that. We will follow the issue up with ZESCO after which, we will get back to him.

Thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear! Boma!

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, there are some projects that were started by REA in some constituencies, mine in particular, where some construction had started but, when PF came into power, these projects were neglected.

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Mbewe: Why is it so, Sir?

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, we are now debating Jimoli Farming Block, not Chadiza Constituency. So, if there is a problem in Chadiza, we will follow it up and, then, get back to you.

Hon. Government Member: File a question!

Mr Zulu: Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mucheleka (Lubansenshi): Mr Speaker, access to electricity is very important in efforts to improve rural livelihoods. Why, at this stage, can ZESCO and REA not work together to increase access to electricity, especially in the rural areas?

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, ZESCO and REA are already working together. REA takes power to a certain point, then, from that point, it is ZESCO’s responsibility. So, they already work together.

I thank you, Sir.

PERMANENT ZAMTEL STAFF IN KAWAMBWA

297. Mr Mpundu (Nchelenge) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication when the Zambia Telecommunications Corporation (ZAMTEL) would have some of its staff permanently stationed at Kawambwa ZAMTEL Offices, instead of relying on officers who commute twice a month from Mansa.

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Colonel Kaunda): Mr Speaker, the current subscriber number does not support the business cause to station staff permanently at the station. The station can only be managed remotely. Kawambwa has got only seventy-nine customers connected to the fixed network. In this regard, ZAMTEL has devised a schedule for staff to visit the town fortnightly. Technical staff go round to attend to all lodged and unreported complaints from the customers in the area.

Sir, in case of emergencies, the team in Mansa is always on standby to attend to problems in good time. With this strategy in place, ZAMTEL is able to effectively and diligently serve its customers and, at the same time, optimally utilise staff to support the business. However, the company intends to deploy permanent staff at the Kawambwa offices when the subscriber base is in the range of 660.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

MARKET RELOCATION ON THE GREAT NORTH ROAD

298. Mr Matafwali (Bangweulu) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a) whether the Government had any plans to relocate the market which was situated very close to the Great North Road, approximately 20km, on the stretch between Kapiri Mposhi and Mkushi towns; and

(b) if so, what the plans were.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Tembo): Mr Speaker, the ministry has plans to construct modern markets throughout the country in order to ensure that trading is done in an acceptable environment. The management and planning of markets is the responsibility of local authorities, as contained in the Markets and Bus Stations Act, No. 7 of 2007. The market in question falls under Kapiri Mposhi District, which needs to pass a council resolution on the relocation of the market and request my ministry’s support, if necessary.

Mr Speaker, since this market is very close to the road, which puts the community trading at the market at risk, the ministry will immediately engage the district council and the traders to agree on relocating it.

I thank you, Sir.

ZESCO EMPLOYEES

299. Mr Mushanga (Bwacha) asked the Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development:

(a) what percentage of ZESCO employees in the management category were women, as of September, 2012; and

(b) how many unionised employees of ZESCO Limited were based at the Kabwe Office, as of September, 2012.

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, the percentage of women in the management category, as of September, 2012, was twenty-nine.

Sir, the number of unionised workers at the Kabwe Office was fifty-three.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

MPELEMBE AND MUCHINKA LOCAL COURT BUILDINGS

300. Mr M. Malama (Chitambo) asked the Minister of Justice when Mpelembe and Muchinka Local Court Buildings in Chitambo Parliamentary Constituency would be rehabilitated.

The Deputy Minister of Justice (Dr Simbyakula): Mr Speaker, the local court at Muchinka in Chitambo Constituency is dilapidated and has been scheduled for rehabilitation this year while Mpelembe Local Court could not be traced anywhere in our records. It could be known to us by a different name. We, therefore, request the hon. Member to find out if that local court is known by another name and revert to us for an appropriate answer.

I thank you, Sir.

KABWE GENERAL HOSPITAL

301. Mr Kapyanga (Kabwe Central) asked the Minister of Health:

(a) what measures the Government had taken to decongest Kabwe General Hospital;

(b) what the nurse-patient ratio at the hospital was, as of September, 2012; and

The Deputy Minister of Health (Dr Chikusu): Mr Speaker, the following measures have been taken to decongest Kabwe General Hospital:

(a) mobile hospital services are provided to rural outreach areas within the Central Province. This ensures that rural areas in the province receive quality specialised health services;

(b) clinics and health centres in the district provide first-level health services and continue to contribute to the reduced number of cases referred to Kabwe General Hospital for specialist care;

(c) in June, 2012, training was conducted for nurses and clinical officers in administering anaesthesia so that cases like Caesarean Section can be done at district level; and

(d) the hospital has set up an observation ward at Out-Patient Department (OPD) where some patients are attended to and discharged without even being admitted in wards.

Sir, on average, the nurse-patient ratio, as of September, 2012, was one to nineteen. The Government, through the Ministry of Health, had sent fifteen nurses to the hospital by October, 2012, which included, two Registered Midwives, eight Registered Nurses, seven Enrolled Nurses and one Mental Health Nurse. Two Enrolled Nurses were also put on contract. These measures were taken to reduce the shortage of nurses at the hospital.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kapyanga: Mr Speaker, Kabwe does not have a district hospital. What does the Government intend to do about the situation?

Dr Chikusu: Mr Speaker, Kabwe General Hospital will be upgraded to the status of central hospital, which will provide all the necessary medical services.

Thank you, Sir.

LUNSEMFWA RIVER BRIDGE

302. Mr Chipungu (Rufunsa) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication what caused the delay in the construction of the bridge on Lunsemfwa River to connect Rufunsa to Mkushi District.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Mr M. H. Malama): Mr Speaker, the delay in the construction of the bridge on Lunsemfwa River to connect Rufunsa District to Mkushi District was due to the establishment of a new procurement unit in the Road Development Agency (RDA). Currently, the RDA is in the process of procuring consultancy services for the design and construction of the two bridges.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chipungu: Mr Speaker, first of all, may I congratulate the young man on his appointment.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chipungu: He, indeed, deserves it.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear! Ema Ministers aya!

Mr Chipungu: However, hon. Minister, your answer to my question is open-ended. When will the works begin?

The Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication (Mr Yaluma): Mr Speaker, the design for the bridge in question is scheduled to be completed before June, 2013. From June, it will take eight more months for the bridge to be completed.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

BIRTH CERTIFICATES

303. Mr Bwalya (Lupososhi) asked the Minister of Home Affairs what measures the Government had taken to sensitise the public on the need to obtain birth registration certificates for their children.

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Kampyongo): Mr Speaker, admittedly, the Government has not done much, in the past, to sensitise the public on the need to obtain birth certificates upon the birth of their children. However, the Government has realised that civil registration, which includes birth registration, is important for protecting human rights, socio-economic planning, monitoring of progress towards the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and public administration. As such, the Government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, is in the process of reforming the entire civil registration framework, which includes the registration of births, deaths, marriages as well as adoptions and legitimations. To this end, the ministry has developed an action plan which will also facilitate the collection of vital statistics in Zambia.

The national action plan shall address the following, among other things:

(a) communication, awareness creation and public education on the registration of vital events using print and electronic media and other methods;

(b) decentralisation of the registration and advocacy to health facilities across the country;

(c) involvement of traditional rulers in advocating for vital registration among their subjects, besides establishing community outreach points;

(d) policy and legislative reforms; and

(e) application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in vital registration.

The national action plan, which was expected to be launched in December, 2012, will be launched soon so as to improve civil registration and vital statistics.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Bwalya: Mr Speaker, …

Mr Pande: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Pande: Mr Speaker, I rise on a very serious and grave point of order regarding the violation of human rights. I have information that, last week, three condemned inmates at Mukobeko Maximum Prison escaped from the holding cells. It is alleged that after this incident, the Zambia Commissioner of Prisons Service in Kabwe ordered 600 trainee prison warders to move into the holding cells to brutally beat the remaining condemned prisoners who were accused of conspiracy because they did not shout to alert the guards when their colleagues were escaping. As a result of these brutal beatings, sixteen inmates are reported to have died and that the latest one died this morning.

Interruptions

Mr Pande: Mr Speaker, it is feared that if nothing happens to stop such occurrences, more lives will be lost. The remaining inmates are now only allowed to get fresh air outside the cells for fifteen minutes every day. All the foodstuffs and personal belongings of the remaining inmates are reported to have been destroyed.

Mr Speaker, is the Government in order to remain quiet and not clear the air on this serious situation bordering on the violation of human rights? I seek your serious ruling.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: My ruling is that the hon. Minister of Home Affairs should respond to that point of order by Thursday, 21st February, 2013.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!{mospagebreak}

Mr Bwalya: Mr Speaker, I am glad that the hon. Deputy Minister of Home Affairs referred to the decentralisation of the civil registration process in his answer. The people of Lupososhi and Luwingu districts are about 200 km away from Kasama, which is the provincial headquarters. Does the decentralisation procress entail that the Government will take the civil registration process to Luwingu District?

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, indeed, when I spoke of the decentralisation of the civil registration process, I stated that we are going to ensure that this Public Service is taken as close to the people as possible. In this exercise, we are collaborating with the Ministry of Health as well as the chiefs and traditional leaders, as I said earlier, to see how we can improve the birth registration of our children who are born in villages.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, it is a known fact that the failure to issue birth certificates to children is due to the inability of the Ministry of Home Affairs to effectively carry out this exercise and has nothing to do with the headmen and chiefs not having been sensitised about this issue. When will the ministry ensure that civil registration is carried out at district level, as was the case in the past before that way of doing things was discontinued?

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I stated in my earlier response that, we are going to launch the new reforms on civil registration before the end of next month. These reforms will take care of the concerns that the hon. Member has raised. We are going to change the entire system of civil registration. This is why I said we are going to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and traditional rulers so that we can register all the births that we have not been able to capture in the past.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Ms Kalima (Kasenengwa): Mr Speaker, one of the reasons for new born children not having birth certificates is the bureaucracy that is at the registration offices. I would also like to mention that it is not just in villages where this problem is, but also in urban areas. Does the ministry have plans in the reforms to ensure that children are given certificates at birth, just like people receive death certificates upon dying?

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, like I have said, we have a technical team, at the moment, from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health, working to ensure that we enhance the registration process of our children. The hon. Member may wish to know that we also intend to digitalise the registration process. So, very soon, it will be much easier to issue birth certificates to our children immediately they are born unlike in the past.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Ntundu (Gwembe): Mr Speaker, in an instance where a child is born two years before the parents register the birth and instead have a birth certificate, how easy is it to go through that process?

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I did not get the question clearly.

Mr Speaker: Repeat the question, hon. Member for Gwembe.

Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, if a child was born two years or even ten years ago and the mother has kept a birth record, is the ministry going to waive the penalty fee that councils ask for when the parents want to obtain a birth certificate?

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I think the question is clearer now because earlier on he said the child already has a birth certificate. Nonetheless, those are matters that we are taking into consideration because what we are trying to avoid is what experts have referred to as a ‘scandal of invisibility’. This phrase talks about children who die without being accounted for because they were not registered anywhere. We are going to ensure that every birth, including those which occurred in the past like the ones the hon. Member is referring to and those that will be occurring after we change the system, are captured and registered as required.

Thank you so much, Mr Speaker.

LOCAL COURTS IN NAKONDE DISTRICT

304. Mr Sichula (Nakonde) asked the Minister of justice:

(a) when the Government would construct a local court building at Ntolondo in Nakonde District; and

(b) when Nakonde Local Court building and toilets would be rehabilitated.

Dr Simbyakula: Mr Speaker, in accordance with the strategic plan for the Judiciary, the local court at Ntolondo in Nakonde District is earmarked for construction this year, 2013.

Mr Speaker, the Nakonde Local Court is an established court earmarked for rehabilitation in 2013. The ablution block for the court will also be rehabilitated.

I thank you, Sir.

CHADIZA DAY SECONDARY SCHOOL

305. Mr Mbewe asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a) when the construction of Chadiza Day Secondary School would commence;

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

The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, Chadiza Day Secondary School was opened in 2001, after annexing some classrooms from the existing basic school. As of June, 2012, there were 729 pupils enrolled with thirty-four members of the teaching staff at the school. There are a total of twelve permanent classrooms and six staff houses at the school. In that regard, the Government has no immediate plans to construct the school because it already exists. However, because we do recognise the fact that the school is using the infrastructure which is at basic school level, we feel that there is a need to construct additional infrastructure, for example, laboratories and other specialised rooms.

Mr Speaker, consequent to the above, I cannot indicate how much it will cost to construct the school and the timeframe within which it can be constructed because the school already exists. The only thing that the ministry is going to do, in future, when funds become available, is to construct additional infrastructure.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, I stand here a very disappointed man. The school in question was upgraded to a day secondary school. This is despite there being land to build a new day secondary school. Why is the Government somersaulting by not building new classroom blocks at a new site as opposed to it letting this school continue using facilities for a primary school?

The Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (Dr Phiri): Mr Speaker, in order to help the hon. Member for Chadiza, I would like to appeal to him to look at some of the requests he makes in a national context. Chadiza already has a boarding secondary school and in an attempt to increase enrollment at district level, an option to create Chadiza Day Secondary School was found suitable, in 2001, by annexing some classrooms, as the hon. Deputy Minister said, from an existing primary school. It has an existing enrollment and teachers. What the ministry would like to advise is that Chadiza District should keep the land which it has set aside for the construction of a school until we have adequate funds because there are, currently, more deserving areas which do not have a single secondary school of any sort at all.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Phiri: It is in that context that we would like to beg the hon. Member to bear with us by keeping the land until such a time when we can revisit the situation in Chadiza. There is no somersaulting at all on our part. I would like the hon. Member instead, to stop somersaulting and become more serious.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

HEALTH CENTRE AT KATIKULULA RESETTLEMENT SCHEME

306. Mr M. Malama asked the Minister of Health:

(a) when construction of a rural health centre at Katikulula Resettlement Scheme Phase II and Phase II in Chitambo Parliamentary Constituency would commence;

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

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, the Katikulula Resettlement Scheme already has a health post that is under construction. The health post building is completed. For it to commence operations, it requires a staff house. The staff house and ventilated improved pit latrines (VIP) are planned for construction this year.

The construction of the staff house and four VIP latrines are expected to cost about K100 million or KR100,000. The timeframe for their construction is six months and this depends on the availability of funds.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr M. Malama: Mr Speaker, the clinic that has been mentioned by the hon. Deputy Minister, which is under construction, is in Phase I. When is the clinic going to get to phases II and III?

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, this is exactly what I have just explained. The super structure of the clinic is complete. What is remaining is Phase II, which involves the construction of a staff house because the clinic cannot operate without it. Phase III will involve the construction of VIP latrines as well as the provision of staff and equipment to the clinic.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chisanga (Mkushi South): Mr Speaker, in an event that there are no funds, is the hon. Deputy Minister saying that this clinic will not be opened?

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, I did not state that there will be no funds. What I said was that the clinic will be opened, depending on the availability of funds. The funds will be there. However, what is not known is the time when the funds will be available. Works to complete the project will only commence when funds are made available to the ministry.

Thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: I think the question was that, assuming the funds are not available, will the clinic be opened or not?

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, until the facility has been completed, it will not open.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ntundu: Mr Speaker, the answers that are coming from the Executive are very disappointing. Can I hear more from the hon. Minister, as this is a very important question which involves the lives of the people of Chitambo.

Ms Kalima: Yes!

Mr Ntundu: Therefore, hon. Minister, in the event that the funds are not there, what are you going to do? What will happen to the people of Chitambo who will fall sick? What is this Government going to do? That is the question.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

Mr Speaker: In fairness to the hon. Minister, he has answered the question.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: First, he has said that he has not stated that funds will not be available, but that if funds are not available, the facility will not open. That was the response.

Hon Member Interjected

Mr Speaker: That is an independent question that you may want to raise as such, but the question has been answered.

KAPISHA HOT SPRING GEOTHERMAL ELECTRICITY GENERATION PLANT
307. Mr Chansa (Chimbamilonga) asked the Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development whether the Government had any plans to construct a geothermal electricity generation plant at Kapisha Hot Spring in Nsama District in the Northern Province.

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to construct a geothermal electricity plant at Kapisha Hot Spring in Nsama District, in the Northern Province.

Mr Speaker, this project to construct a geothermal plant will be implemented through ZESCO Limited. In addition, Kalahari Geo-Energy Limited, a local company, has also shown interest in partnering with ZESCO to develop the project. Currently, ZESCO Limited is reviewing technical and financial proposals for the project.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Bwalya: Mr Speaker, Nsama is a new district and, therefore, it is only fair that we accelerate its development for the sake of the people of that area. Can the hon. Minister indicate when the geothermal project will be done.

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, in my response, I mentioned that ZESCO is currently reviewing technical and financial proposals. Therefore, we have already started working on this project. As soon as ZESCO is through with the assessment, the project will take off.

I thank you, Sir.

LONDON HIGH COURT JUDGEMENT ENFORCEMENT

308. Mr Lufuma (Kabompo West) asked the Minister of Justice whether the Government had any plans to enforce the London High Court Judgement involving the late Second President of Zambia, Dr Frederick T. J. Chiluba and others.

Dr Simbyakula: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that, following the change of the Government in September, 2011, and the death of Dr Frederick T. J. Chiluba, the Government has deemed it necessary to review the matter of registration of the London High Court Judgement. We will, at an appropriate time, inform this hon. House of the decision of the Government after completion of the review of the matter.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, this Government is on record as having said that it is extremely − and I repeat, extremely − allergic to corruption. I would have thought that this matter would have been top on its agenda. By now, the review would have taken place and answers given to the public.

In view of what the hon. Minister has said, could we have a definitive timeframe within which this review will be undertaken and results given to the people of Zambia?

The Minister of Justice (Mr Kabimba): Mr Speaker, the issue of the London Judgement, involving the late President, Dr Frederick T. J Chiluba, is a matter of urgency. I want to emphasise that we are, indeed, still allergic to corruption, …

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah!

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kabimba: … except that we have had other intervening events relating to this issue which include the demise of the defendant, who is President Chiluba.

Mr Speaker, we are using the word ‘review’ because this issue is a process. We now have to find out who the Executors of the Estate are and whether there is an estate to talk about against which …

Hon. Opposition Member: Aah!

Mr Kabimba: Yes, against which a judgment would be enforceable. So, it is in that respect that we do agree with the apprehension of the questioner and hon. Members of Parliament on this matter which we are pursuing very actively.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Is the hon. Minister able to give a time scale?

Mr Kabimba: Mr Speaker, with due respect, I would not like to mislead this House. Like I have said, this is a process which certainly will not be completed within ninety days.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter{mospagebreak}

ZAMBIA’S STAPLE FOOD

309. Mr Simbao (Senga Hill) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock:

(a) whether Zambia had a staple food and, if so, what the staple food was;

(b) whether the Government had any plans to preserve the staple food and, if so, why; and

(c) whether the Government had carried out any research to establish the nutritional advantages of maize meal over other forms of cereal and starch.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (Mr Mwewa): Mr Speaker, Zambia has a staple food, which is nshima, that is made predominantly from maize meal. However, there is also nshima made from cassava, sorghum and millet or a combination, depending on regional preferences.

Mr Speaker, the Government will continue to explore plans and methodologies in consultation with relevant authorities on how to best preserve the staple food. However, it should be made clear, here, that the Government’s role is to ensure that there is food security in accordance with people’s preference. In view of the climate change phenomenon, there is a need to diversify into other food crops such as cassava and sorghum to ensure food security.

Mr Speaker, the Government has carried out research to establish the nutritional status of maize. Research has been carried out to compare the nutritional status of white, yellow and orange maize varieties. Equally, the Government has carried out research on rice, wheat, sorghum millet, sweet and Irish potatoes and cassava.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, I am glad that maize meal is the staple food in this country. It is the main meal for people in the Northern Province, at least, in Senga Hill Constituency. I would like to know whether the Government knows that there is no maize, at the moment, in Senga Hill Constituency and that people are now compelled to eat what they call tunakapwasa …

Interruptions

Mr Simbao: … in order to survive.

Mr Speaker: Order!

Can you, please, translate the name of that food you have mentioned.

Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, I also have the problem of not knowing the English name of this food. However, I can describe it as small green pumpkins with white stripes. That is what the people are living on. Does the Government know that the people of Senga Hill have been deprived of the staple food?

Mr Mwewa: Mr Speaker, that is a different question. We are looking at the nutritional levels in maize and not the availability of maize in different places in Zambia.

I thank you, Sir.

KARIBA MINERALS COMPANY FORMER EMPLOYEES

310. Mr Miyanda (Mapatiyza) asked the Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development:

(a) how many employees had been declared redundant by the Kariba Minerals Company in Mapatizya Parliamentary Constituency from January, 2008, to September, 2012;

(b) of the employees at (a), how many had not been paid their terminal
benefits as of 30th September, 2012;

(d) when all the former employees would be paid their terminal benefits.

The Deputy Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development (Mr Musukwa): Mr Speaker, no employee was declared redundant by Kariba Minerals Company from January, 2008, to September, 2012. However, 270 employees left the company either through resignation or retirement.

Mr Speaker, out of the 270 people who left the company through resignation or retirement, 140 were owed in unremitted pension contributions.

Mr Speaker, K67,124,393 was owed to the 140 employees in unremitted pension contributions.

Mr Speaker, the unremitted pension contributions will be paid once the company improves on its cash flow and makes headway in its operations.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyanda: Mr Speaker, this is a company that is mining one of the world’s finest amethyst, and it is reaping millions. Therefore, I want to find out from the hon. Minister why he is telling this House and the people in Mapatizya that the former employees can only be paid their dues when the company will have more money when it is already making millions out of Mapatizya.

Mr Musukwa: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for that very good question. I want to put it on record that this company is jointly held by Gemfields Limited and the Government at 50 per cent share capital. Principally, this is a company that is owned by the people of Zambia and Gemfields Limited. As regards its viability, this company has had some liquidity problems and that is why it has had some difficulty in paying money to people who either retired or left the company. I want to assure the hon. Member of Parliament and the people of Mapatizya that the Government is committed to ensuring that finances are sourced by this company so that our people can be paid in record time.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Hamudulu (Siavonga): Mr Speaker, while I sympathise with the situation that the company is faced with, may I know if there are any measures the two owners of the company have put in place to mitigate the suffering of the people whom they owe money.

Mr Musukwa: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for that wonderful question. The caring PF Government has …

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Musukwa: … instituted measures to mitigate the suffering of its people by directing the company to immediately source the money from the shareholders so that people can be paid.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kakoma (Zambezi West): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that failing to remit pension contributions is an offence under the Laws of Zambia? If he is aware, what is he doing, as a shareholder in the company, to ensure that the pension contributions are remitted?

Mr Musukwa: Mr Speaker, I thank our veteran and serious hon. Member of Parliament from the United Party for National Development (UPND) for that question. The Government …

Laughter

Mr Musukwa: ... is aware of that and has instituted measures, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, to ensure that this issue is addressed. You should also note that, …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mr Musukwa: Mr Speaker, thank you. I almost thought that they wanted to implement the Mapatizya Formula.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Musukwa: Mr Speaker, apart from the Government pursuing the company, we have asked our colleagues in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to ensure that all companies are compliant with this provision.

I thank you Sir.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, since the hon. Minister is so interested in the Mapatizya Formula …

Laughter

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, the employees are not even applying this formula when they have not been paid their money. When there were such issues on the Copperbelt, the hon. Minister showed so much seriousness that money was looked for and the issue was resolved. When will he ensure that money is given to these former employees before the Mapatizya Formula visits him?

Laughter

Mr Musukwa: Mr Speaker, I am very sure that our veteran hon. Member of Parliament for Kalomo Central is using his usual style of putting his points across and I take that very seriously.

Mr Speaker, the Government will ensure that funds are facilitated to pay our people in record time. They do not have to resort to any formula, especially illegal formulae.

I thank you, Sir.

Laughter

IMMIGRATION POSTS COUNTRYWIDE

311. Mr Mumba (Mambilima) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

(a) whether the Government had conducted a countrywide inventory of areas that required immigration posts;

(b) if so, what the results of the inventory were; and

(c) whether the Government had any plans to establish an immigration post in the Katuta Kampemba Chiefdom in Mambilima Parliamentary Constituency along the Zambia/Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Border.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, the Department of Immigration is conducting a countrywide inventory of areas that require immigration posts. So far, the Southern, Eastern and Copperbelt provinces have already been covered. The exercise is scheduled to cover the remaining areas in Muchinga, the North-Western, Western and Luapula provinces.

Sir, the exercise identified the following areas where border posts should be established:

Area District Province

Mambova Kazungula Southern

Lufuwa Ndola Copperbelt

Chikalawa Petauke Eastern

Kondwelani Katete Eastern

Mwanjabantu Petauke Eastern

Muchindazi Nyimba Eastern

Mr Speaker, the Immigration Department will only determine the suitability of establishing a border post in Katuta-Kampemba Chiefdom after the inventory exercise in Luapula Province is concluded and consultations with our counterparts from the DRC, through the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), are made.

I thank you, Sir.

SIKONGO SUB-BOMA ELECTRIFICATION

312. Mr Ndalamei (Sikongo) asked the hon. Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development:

(a) why the implementation of the second phase of the electrification of Sikongo Sub-Boma had delayed; and

(b) when the Government would connect Sikongo Sub-Boma to the national electricity grid.

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, there has been no delay in the construction of Phase II of the project. The project is on schedule. However, due to the project’s high cost, it had to be implemented in phases.

Mr Speaker, REA has already completed Phase I of the project, which involved the construction of a 65 km-long 66kv power line from Kalabo Boma to Sikongo Sub-Boma. Phase II will involve the construction of a 66kv Sub-Station at Kalabo Boma, which will be the power source for the 66kv power line. REA has, in accordance with the procurement procedures, selected the contractor to construct the sub-station at Kalabo Boma.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ndalamei: Mr Speaker, Sikongo …

Mr Muntanga: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, recently, the Government announced, through the Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations at State House, that it had made changes in the Executive. We, hon. Members, try to match hon. Deputy Ministers with their portfolios. Are these hon. Deputy Ministers in order to keep shifting from one position to another such that we are not able to know whether, for example, Mr Masumba, is the hon. Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport or Agriculture and Livestock, without notifying their neighbours? This makes it difficult for us to know where they are in the House. They are confusing hon. Members on their positions in this House.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: It is, obviously, our responsibility, as Parliament, to accommodate these changes. Of course, we have not communicated in that sense but, on a serious note, it is, of course, the President’s prerogative to appoint people to various portfolios as he deems fit. However, I am sure that you will note, from our arrangements, that we have also constantly made adjustments and are still in the process of doing so.

May the hon. Member for Sikongo continue, please.

Mr Ndalamei: Mr Speaker, Sikongo is a new district that has a high school that is about to be completed. Does the hon. Minister know that the delay by REA to implement the second phase will affect the opening of the high school and the development in the new district?

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, I stated, in my response, that the project was on course. So, there will be no delays.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, I appreciate the response of the hon. Minister. However, my question arises from the word ‘current.’ This word, which has been mentioned several times, is affecting the people of Kalabo. Since last year, in September, the word ‘current’ has been used. So, I do not know when this ‘current’ will really be current.

Laughter

Mr Miyutu: Sir, this is because, since 1972, Kalabo has been on 11kv, but the national grid map shows that Kalabo has 66kv. So, ZESCO has always put Kalabo under stress as regards power.

Mr Speaker, the Government has been using the word ‘current’ everyday. So, I do not know when this ‘current’ is going to be a real current.

Laughter

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, the ‘current’ we are talking about is now.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mufalali (Senanga): Mr Speaker, what is the answer to part (b) of the question, which is on when Sikongo Sub-Boma will be connected to the national grid?

Mr Zulu: Mr Speaker, Sikongo Sub-Boma will be connected to the national grid by December, 2013.

I thank you, Sir.

SETTLEMENT UPGRADING IN KWACHA CONSTITUENCY

313. Mr B. Mutale (Kwacha) asked the hon. Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a) whether the Government had any plans to upgrade the following settlements in Kwacha Parliamentary Constituency by providing facilities like roads and water and sanitation:

(i) Ipusukilo;

(ii) Chipata;

(iii) Mwaiseni;

(iv) Bulangililo Extension; and

(v) KC, which is an extension of Kwacha Township;

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

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr N. Banda): Mr Speaker, the ministry, through Kitwe City Council and Nkana Water and Sewerage Company, has plans to improve the road network and water supply and sanitation in the settlements of Kwacha Constituency. The following are the plans that we have already started implementing:

(a) currently, 500 household toilets are being constructed with the support from the African Development Bank (ADB) in Ipusukilo;

(b) ten water kiosks were constructed and commissioned, last year, to cater for about 5,000 people in Chipata; and

(c) although there are, currently, no road projects being undertaken in Kwacha Constituency, the council has planned to start these works in 2014.

Sir, the ministry will, this year, rehabilitate about 60 km of roads in Kitwe in the first phase while Nkana Water and Sewerage Company has plans to supply water to Bulangililo and KC compounds in 2014.

Mr Speaker, the ministry has not estimated the cost of upgrading the settlements because the plans on roads are yet to be finalised by the Kitwe City Council. For water supply, it is estimated that KR2 million and KR2.6 million are needed for Bulangililo and KC compounds, respectively.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr. B. Mutale: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out whether some of these plans can be implemented as a matter of urgency, especially in areas like Ipusukilo and Chipata compounds, where people, especially mothers with babies on their backs, fail to access roads because of the lack of bridges.

Mr Tembo: Mr Speaker, the answer given indicated that, if only the project could be included in the 2014 Budget, then, we would do the works according to the people’s demands.

I thank you, Sir.

KANKOYO CENTRAL POLICE

314. Mr Chabala (Kankoyo) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

(a) when additional police officers would be posted to Kankoyo Central Police Post in Mufulira; and

(b) when the police post would be provided with a motor vehicle to enhance security operations in the area.

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Mrs Mwamba): Mr Speaker, the ministry is aware of the inadequate staffing situation at Kankoyo Police Post. The problem is being addressed within the broader capacity building programme for the Zambia Police Force. The PF Government has embarked on a training programme to ensure that there is adequate staff. Currently, about 1,500 officers are being trained at the three police training colleges, namely Lilayi, Kamfinsa and Sondela. When and trained, they will graduate by April, 2013. Preparations for training more officers, in 2013, will commence immediately.

Mr Speaker, the Government will deploy more police officers in all stations that are understaffed. It is the desire of the Government to ensure that all police stations and posts have, at least, one motor vehicle. When the Government procures more vehicles for the Zambia Police Force, Kankoyo Police Post will be provided with a motor vehicle for operations to enhance security in the area.

I thank you, Mr. Speaker.{mospagebreak}

MASAITI DISTRICT HOSPITAL

315. Mr Katambo (Masaiti) asked the Minister of Health when the construction of Masaiti District Hospital would be completed and the hospital opened to the public.

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, the construction of Masaiti District Hospital is being done in three phases. Phase I has already been completed while Phase II has been awarded to Datong Construction Limited at KR8,766,192.84, with a completion period of sixty weeks. The site was handed over to the contractor in December, 2012, and works commenced in January, 2013.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, as much as I appreciate the fact that this exercise is being done in phases, and that the first phase has already been completed, when are the second and third phases going to be completed, as it has been four years since the project began?

Mr Mulenga: Mr Speaker, Phase III of the hospital is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2014. Therefore, the hospital is expected to be opened to the public in the second quarter of 2014, after equipment has been installed and staff posted to the hospital.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

KASAMA/MPOROKOSO/KAPUTA AND NSAMA/KAPUTA ROADS

316. Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa) asked the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication:

(a) what programmes had been put in place for the maintenance of the Kasama/Mporokoso/Kaputa Road for 2012 and 2013, besides the road being tarred; and

(b) whether the damaged culverts at Mwawe and Katwatwa rivers on the Nsama/Kaputa Road would be replaced before the road became impassable.

Mr M. H. Malama: Mr Speaker, the RDA has given full possession of site to a contractor on the Kasama/Mporokoso Road to upgrade the road to bituminous standard over three years, from 2011 to 2014. There are, currently, no other plans to maintain the road outside the said contract due to the many requirements on the road network relative to the funding. The section from Mporokoso/Kaputa is not on any maintenance programme in 2012 due to budgetary constraints. The RDA intends to carry out spot improvements of the road by force account in 2013.

Mr Speaker, the works on culverts on the Mwawe and Katwatwa rivers are on a programme by the Disaster Mitigation Management Unit (DMMU), using the services of the Zambia National Service (ZNS). The RDA prepared cost estimates on behalf of the DMMU to the value of K731 million. The DMMU released K300 million to the Provincial Administration. The initial K300 million was used to address the problems affecting the bigger culverts. The concluding works will address the rest of the crossings, including those at Mwawe and Katwatwa. The completion of the works is subject to the releasing of the remaining K431 million by the DMMU.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, may I join others in congratulating the hon. Deputy Minister for his appointment and also for a well-answered question.

Sir, the people of Kaputa would like to know when the Mwawe and Katwatwa crossing points will actually be dealt with because, currently, the vehicles are only able to cross the two points because we have put bags of sand to act as culverts. When is the remaining money going to be released?

Mr M. H. Malama: Mr Speaker, as soon as the remaining balance of K431 million is released, we will ensure that we work on the culverts in question.

I thank you, Sir.

UPGRADING OF BASIC SCHOOLS TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS

317. Mr Mtolo asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education:

(a) whether the Government had plans to upgrade the following basic schools to secondary schools to cater for the high demand for school places in Chipata Central Parliamentary Constituency and in line with the new Government policy on the re-introduction of secondary schools:

(i) Lutembwe; and

(ii) Katopola; and

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

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I want to inform the hon. Member for Chipata Central and the people of this country that our ministry had directed all provincial education officers (PEOs) to begin the process of identifying the various basic schools that have the potential to be transformed into day secondary schools. Consequent to that directive, last week, I was in Chipata where I held meetings with the PEO and District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) with a view of trying to identify the basic schools so that we can start the process of converting them into day secondary schools. Once that is done, the hon. Member for Chipata Central will be informed accordingly. The implementation process will be carried out in a phased manner.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mtolo: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out if the hon. Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education is aware that, currently, in Chipata, we have enough places at primary school level unlike at secondary school level. What is the ministry doing about the current state of affairs because we cannot wait for the phasing out of the basic schools?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, that situation is in all the provincial towns of Zambia because of the increasing number of residents. If the hon. Member of Parliament listened to my statement carefully when I was releasing the Grade 9 results, he should have been aware that I did indicate that the number of children who are not accessing entry to Grade 10 was alarming. I also mentioned that we can no longer depend on the usual building of infrastructure using contracts. We are now seriously thinking of promoting or upgrading basic schools to the secondary school level in an effort to increase enrollment at the secondary school stage.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1615 hours until 1630 hours.

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

GOVERNMENT’S DEBT TO NKANA WATER AND SEWERAGE COMPANY

318. Mr Chishimba (Kamfinsa) asked the Minister of Local Government and Housing:

(a) how much money was owed to Nkana Water and Sewerage Company Limited by various Government ministries and departments in water bills, from January, 2011 to August, 2012; and

(b) what measures the Government had taken to settle the outstanding bills.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing (Mr Kufuna): Mr Speaker, Nkana Water and Sewerage Company is owed a total of K26,601,591.68, as at August, 2012. Some of the big Government creditors include:

Creditors Money Owed (K)
Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational
Training and Early Education 1,817,660,999.47

Ministry of Defence 18,257,614,346.28

Kitwe Teachers Training College 2,023,653,887.07

Copperbelt University 4,410,443,498.67

Sir, the measures that my Government has taken, through my ministry, include the following:

(a) written to the Ministry of Finance concerning the water bills owed by Government institutions so that it can consider deducting at source;

(b) written directly to the affected institutions to ask them to pay the current bills since institutions make budgetary provision for water bills; and

(c) as a long-term solution, directed all water companies, including the Nkana Water and Sewerage Company, to put prepaid meters at all Government institutions.
I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chishimba: Mr Speaker, the residents of Kitwe cannot continue to subsidise these Government institutions which are owing Nkana Water and Sewerage Company that huge sum of K29,601,591.68. May I know when this money will be liquidated so that the people of Kitwe are saved from carrying the burden which these institutions are giving to them.

Mr Kufuna: Mr Speaker, in my answer to the question, I said that the ministry has written to the Ministry of Finance concerning the water bills owed by the Government institutions so that it can consider deducting at source. Therefore, if an amount of money is deducted at source, it will be directly paid to the water utility company.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

TEACHERS’ MOTOR CYCLE LOANS

319. Mr Miyutu asked the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education whether there were any plans to enable teachers serving in remote rural areas, such as Kalabo, to acquire motorcycles on loan for their transport needs.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, as the situation stands, the Government has no plans to enable teachers serving in remote areas, such as Kalabo, to acquire motor bikes on loan for their transport needs.

Mr Speaker, however, I am sure the hon. Members are aware that when we were debating this year’s Budget, last year, it was stated that the Government intended to create a Public Service Credit Union Bank. Against that background, all workers, including those in Kalabo, will be expected to get loans from the bank for such staff welfare matters once it is operationalised.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kakoma: I would like to find out when the bank, which he is referring to, will be operationalised.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, unfortunately, I would not be able to answer on behalf of the Ministry of Finance. Let me urge the hon. Member to refer that question to the hon. Minister of Finance, at an appropriate time, for further guidance.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mufalali: Mr Speaker, may I find out how the Government intends to ensure that teachers in the rural areas are actually provided with transport. What is obtaining in the rural areas is a sad situation. The teachers sometimes take up to about three weeks to get their salaries, during which time they are away from schools. How does the Government intend to remedy the situation which is obtaining in rural areas?

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, the picture which has been painted by the hon. Member of Parliament about all our rural areas is true. That is why the ministry is in consultation with selected banks to try and persuade them to go as rural as they can so that they can provide their services to our teachers. It is true that most teachers spend days walking to the nearest banks and back to their schools. In the final analysis, it is the pupils that suffer. We are aware of this fact. It is under serious consideration. I hope the hon. Member of Parliament will join us in trying to find a suitable solution to the problem.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

_____________`

BILLS

FIRST READING

THE HIGHER EDUCATION BILL, 2013

The Minister of Education, Science, Vocational and Early Education (Dr Phiri): Mr Speaker, I beg to present the Higher Education Bill which has six objectives as outlined below:

(a) provide for the establishment of the Higher Education Authority and define its functions and powers;

(b) provide for quality assurance and quality promotion in higher education;

(d) provide for the registration and regulation of private higher education institutions;

(e) repeal and replace the University Act, 1999; and

(f) provide for matters connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Speaker: The Bill stands referred to the Committee on Education, Science and Technology. The Committee is required to submit its report on the Bill to the House by Wednesday, 6th March, 2013. Hon. Members who wish to make submissions on the Bill are free to do so within the programme of work of the Committee.

THE TEACHING PROFESSION BILL, 2013

Dr Phiri: Mr Speaker, I beg to present the Teaching Profession Bill. This Bill seeks to:

(a) establish the Teaching Council of Zambia and define its functions and powers;

(b) provide for the regulation of teachers, their practice and professional conduct;

(d) provide for matters connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

_____________

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

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

Question put and agreed to.

______________

The House adjourned at 1643 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 20th February, 2013.
_____________

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