Tuesday, 12th June, 2018

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Tuesday, 12th June, 2018

 

The House met at 1430 hours

 

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

NATIONAL ANTHEM

 

PRAYER

 

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OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

 

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

 

Maria Peggy Langa

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ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR SPEAKER

 

DEATH OF MS VICTORIA KALIMA, MINISTER OF GENDER AND MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR KASENENGWA

 

Mr Speaker: I wish to announce to the House and the public at large, a fact, which is already sadly known and is in the public domain that Hon. Victoria Kalima, Minister of Gender and Member of Parliament for Kasenengwa Parliamentary Constituency, has passed on. The late Hon. Kalima died last night, 11th June, 2018, at Maina Soko Military Hospital, here in Lusaka.

 

I further wish to inform the House that Her Honour the Vice-President will at an appropriate juncture, move a Motion to enable the House to place on record its condolences on the death of Hon. Victoria Kalima, Minister of Gender and Member of Parliament for Kasenengwa. The condolences of the House will also be conveyed to the bereaved family, accordingly.

 

May I now request all hon. Members to stand in their places and observe a minute of silence in honour of the memory of the late Minister of Gender and hon. Member of Parliament.

 

Hon. Members of Parliament stood in silence for one minute.

 

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REPRIMAND BY MR SPEAKER

 

REPRIMAND BEFORE THE BAR OF THE HOUSE OF DR CHISHIMBA KAMWBILI, MP

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members will recall that on Tuesday, 21st March, 2018, I rendered a ruling in which I reprimanded Dr C. Kambwili, Member of Parliament for Roan Parliamentary Constituency, in absentia, for breach of parliamentary privileges for making unsubstantiated allegations on the Floor of the House against Hon. S. Kampyongo, Minister of Home Affairs.

 

Hon. Members will further recall that I informed the House that since an hon. Member who is reprimanded for breach of parliamentary privileges is required to apologise to the House, Dr C. Kambwili, MP, would render his apology on the day he returned to the House. In this regard, since Dr Kambwili, MP, is in the House, he will now proceed to render his apology.

 

I now order you, Dr C. Kambwili, Member of Parliament for Roan Parliamentary Constituency, to stand behind the Bar of the House. I also instruct the Sergeant-At-Arms to take the Speaker’s Mace and stand behind Dr C. Kambwili, MP.

 

Dr Chishimba Kambwili, MP, was escorted to the Bar by the Sergeant-At-Arms.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: I now order you to read your apology immediately.

 

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PERSONAL STATEMENT

 

APOLOGY BY THE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR ROAN, HON. DR C. KAMBWILI

 

Dr Kambwili (Roan): Mr Speaker, I render this apology with a heavy heart and a pinch of salt.

 

Mr Speaker, I, Chishimba Kambwili –

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Dr Kambwili, let me guide you.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

As a matter of fact, I have a copy of your apology in front of me and I would urge you to read it as it is. You may proceed.

 

Dr Kambwili: Yes, with a pinch of salt.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Dr Kambwili, do not qualify your apology. Read it as it is.

 

Dr Kambwili: Mr Speaker, I, Chishimba Kambwili in my personal capacity as Member of Parliament for Roan Parliamentary Constituency, …

 

Hon. UPND Members: PF!

 

Dr Kambwili: … do unreservedly apologise to you and this august House for the remarks I made on the Floor of the House against Hon. Kampyongo.

 

Sir, having reflected, I wish –

 

Mr Speaker: There is some word you have missed.  proposition

 

Laughter

 

Dr Kambwili: Kwena nacinshupa buti.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Let us have some order, please.

 

Dr Kambwili: Nacinshupa buti.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Just pause, Hon. Dr Kambwili, I want to secure some silence. Just hold on. Proceed from the second paragraph.

 

Dr Kambwili: Sir, but nacinshupa.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: Try.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order! Let us have some order!

 

Hon. Dr Kambwili, we have a lot of business to dispatch. Read the second paragraph.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Dr Kambwili: Sir, having reflected on my conduct, which amounts to a breach of parliamentary privileges and contempt of the House, I wish to assure you, and the august House that, from now on, I shall endeavour to ensure that the information I give on the Floor of the House is in compliance with the rules and regulations of this House.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Speaker: You may resume your seat.

 

Interruptions

 

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RULING BY MR SPEAKER

 

POINT OF ORDER RAISED BY MRS MUMBI PHIRI, MP, ON 14TH MARCH, 2018, AGAINST HON G. LUBINDA, MP, MINISTER OF JUSTICE, REGARDING THE STATUS OF THE CASE IN WHICH MR HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, LEADER OF THE UNITED PARTY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, MADE DISPARAGING REMARKS AGAINST THE SPEAKER, WHICH WAS REFERRED TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS FOR PROSECUTION

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members will recall that on Wednesday, 14th March, 2018, when the hon. Member of Parliament for Solwezi East Parliamentary Constituency, Mr L. Kintu, MP, was asking a question on a point of clarification on the ministerial statement delivered by the hon. Minister of Health, Dr C. Chilufya, MP, Mrs M. Phiri, MP, raised a point of order in which she stated, inter alia, as follows:

 

“Madam Speaker, I apologise to the hon. Member who was about to ask his question.

 

Madam, I rise on a very serious point of order. As you may know, this is the first point of order I have raised since coming back to this House.

 

Madam Speaker, sometime last year, a point of order was raised in this House concerning the disparaging remarks that had been directed at the Hon. Mr Speaker. The case was taken to the Committee on Privileges, Absences and Support Services and, thereafter, referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). I must say that this is not the only case in which the Hon. Mr Speaker has ruled against the outsiders who like speaking without following the procedure of the House. For instance, Mr Antonio Mwanza has been reprimanded twice.

 

Madam, the Hon. Mr Speaker referred the case of one opposition leader to the DPP for prosecution. Is the hon. Minister of Justice, under whom the DPP falls, in order to keep quiet in this House when the people of Zambia are waiting to hear what will happen to the opposition leader, Mr Hakainde Hichilema?

 

Madam Speaker, I need your serious ruling.”

 

  Hon. Members, I wish to begin my ruling by giving a background to the matter. As you may recall, on Thursday, 23rd March, 2017, The Mast newspaper published an article entitled “Matibini is a cadre − Hichilema”. In that article, derogatory remarks against the Speaker were attributed to Mr Hichilema. In that regard, Mr R. Mwewa, Member of Parliament for Mwansabombwe Constituency, and later Mr N. Chilangwa, Member of Parliament for Kawambwa Constituency, rose on points of order asking whether Mr Hichilema was in order to make disparaging remarks against the Speaker.

 

  In a ruling I rendered on the matter on Tuesday, 13th June, 2017, I informed the House that the two points of order raised a prima facie case of contempt of the Office of the Speaker which was punishable under Section 19 of the National Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act, Cap 12 of the Laws of Zambia. I accordingly referred the matter to the Inspector-General of the Zambia Police Service for investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with Section 27 of the National Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act.

Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that on 21st March, 2018, the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia wrote to the Office of the Inspector-General of the Zambia Police Service enquiring on the status of the complaint. In response, the Inspector-General of the Zambia Police Service, by a letter dated 8th May, 2018, informed the Office of the Clerk that the police had submitted the docket on the matter to the DPP. That is, therefore, the current status of the matter.

 

At this juncture, hon. Members, I wish to remind the House that the Office of the DPP is an independent constitutional office …

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Aah! Question!

 

Mr Speaker: … established pursuant to Article 180(1) of the Constitution of Zambia. To this end, Article 180(7) provides as follows:

 

180(7) The Director of Public Prosecutions shall not be subject to the direction or control of a person or an authority in the performance of the functions of that office, except that the Director of Public Prosecutions shall have regard to the public interest, administration of justice, the integrity of the judicial system and the need to prevent and avoid abuse of the legal process.”

 

From the foregoing, it is crystal clear that the DPP does not receive instructions from anyone, including the Hon. Minister of Justice.

 

In this regard, the Hon. Minister of Justice was certainly not out of order.

 

Hon. Members, in conclusion, I wish to inform the House that once the matter has been dealt with by the relevant authorities, the House and the public at large will be informed accordingly.

 

I thank you.

 

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BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

 

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

 

However, before I do so, let me welcome all the hon. Members to the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the Twelfth National Assembly. I also wish to welcome and congratulate the new hon. Member for Chilanga Parliamentary Constituency, …

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear! One-zero!

 

The Vice-President: … Hon. Maria Langa, …

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Vice-President: … on emerging victorious …

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

 

The Vice-President: … in the just-ended by-election. Congratulations!

 

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

 

The Vice-President: Sir, as indicated on the Order Paper for today, Tuesday, 12th June, 2018, the Business of the House will be deal with Questions for Oral Answer.

 

Mr Speaker, tomorrow, Wednesday, 13th June, 2018, the Business of the House will start with Questions for Oral Answer, if there will be any. After that, the House will consider Private Members’ Motions, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of the following Government Bills:

 

  1. The Credit Reporting Bill, 2018; and

 

  1. The Public-Private Partnership (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

 

Sir, the House will, thereafter, consider the Seconding Reading Stage of the Information and Communication Technology Association Bill, 2018. The House will, then, debate the Motion to adopt the Report of the Committee on Local Government, Housing and Chiefs’ Affairs.

 

Sir, on Thursday, 14th June, 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 consider the Second Reading Stage of the Anti-Terrorism and Proliferation Bill, 2018. Then, the House will debate Motions to adopt the following reports:

 

  1. Committee on Transport, Works and Supply; and

 

  1. Committee on Media, Information and Communication Technologies.

 

Mr Speaker, on Friday, 15th June, 2018, the Business of the House will begin 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 presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. After that, the House will debate the Motion to adopt the Report of the Committee on Cabinet Affairs.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

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MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

 

THE DEATH OF MR LEMMY MAPEKE

 

The Minister of Justice (Mr Lubinda): Mr Speaker, let me be amongst the first to congratulate you, Sir, on your having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology degree.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Lubinda: Your achievement just after a few weeks after you successfully published the book “Zambian Civil Procedure Commentary and Cases”, is a demonstration of your scholarly prowess.

 

Mr Ngulube: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Lubinda: Sir, let me also join Her Honour the Vice-President in congratulating Hon. Maria Langa, MP for Chilanga Parliamentary Constituency

 

 Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Lubinda: …. for emerging victorious.

 

 Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

 Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I would now like to thank you most sincerely for allowing me to present this ministerial statement.

 

Sir, it is with a sense of deep grief, sorrow and remorse that I would like to render this ministerial statement.

 

Mr Speaker, the House may remember that on the 22nd March, 2018, during the last meeting of Parliament when I was Acting Hon. Minister of Home Affairs, Mr F. M. Belemu, hon. Member of Parliament for Mbabala Parliamentary Constituency raised an urgent Question for Oral Answer. Through his question, the hon. Member wished to know the following:

 

  1. whether the Government was aware that a Mr Lemmy Mapeke died in police custody at Macha Police Post on Friday, 16th March, 2018;

 

  1. if so,  what circumstances led to his death; and

 

  1. what measures were being taken to avert the recurrence of such deaths.

 

Mr Speaker, my response to the above questions was that the Government was aware of the death of Mr Mapeke, who died on 16th March, 2018. I informed the House that the deceased died whilst in police custody at Macha Mission Hospital. I further informed the House that the deceased was an ex-convict, who was released on 16th November, 2017 after having served a five-year sentence. I went on to say that after his release, the deceased allegedly committed ten crimes of burglary, house breaking and theft, which led to his arrest by a mob that handed him over to Macha Police Post on 10th March, 2018. I further indicated that during his detention, the deceased led the police to various places where he had sold the stolen items. The House was also informed that on the 16th March, 2018, Mr Mapeke fell ill and was taken to Macha Mission Hospital where he died.

 

Sir, a postmortem, which was conducted reviewed that he died of internal bleeding as a result of a ruptured spleen caused by physical injury. I further informed the House that the police shall continue to sensitise our society not to apply instant mob justice on suspected criminals.

 

Mr Speaker, in reaction to my response, Hon. Belemu provided more information on the death of Mr Mapeke upon which I promised that in keeping in line with the mandate of my office, I would call for an investigation into the matter. I now wish to report to this August House the findings of the investigations, which were conducted through the Police Public Complaints Commission (PPC).

 

Sir, the findings are as follows:

 

  1. Mr Lemmy Mapeke was not the victim of an instant mob justice;

 

  1. he was arrested by the police with the help of his father, who had led the police to the village house where he had been hiding;

 

  1. he was apprehended and detained alongside his girlfriend on 10th March, 2018 by the police; and

 

  1. he died in police custody at Macha Police Post on 16th March, 2018.

 

Mr Speaker, further findings from the witnesses indicate that Mr Mapeke was, in fact, beaten and tortured while in police custody by known police officers in conjunction with a known member of the neighbourhood watch association. The postmortem report cites bruises and abrasions on the back side of the torso of the victim and a ruptured spleen which was identified as the direct cause of the death.

 

Sir, the above-mentioned findings were brought to the attention of the Inspector-General of the Zambia Police Service through the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Home Affairs. At this point, I wish to tender my sincere apology to you, Mr Speaker, and the House, at large, for the misrepresentation of facts in the statement I delivered to the House on the 22nd of March, …

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Lubinda: … 2018. This was by no means intentional or deliberate on my part.

 

Mr Speaker, I wish to further inform this august House that the perpetrators of this serious crime have been indentified, arrested and charged with murder. They will all be accordingly prosecuted. I have since received information that the trio will appear in court tomorrow.

 

Sir, the Patriotic Front (PF) Government under His Excellency the President Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu is against the violation of human rights.

 

 Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

 

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, the Government respects the rule of law in the criminal justice process. The Government does not condone the torture and abuse of power by its officers. I wish to take this opportunity to warn that the Government will not protect police officers or any other law enforcement agents, who abuse their authority with impunity while performing their duties. I also wish to state that the Government will hasten the presentation of the Anti-Torture Bill to Parliament in order to facilitate stiffer penalties for the gross violation of human rights through torture. It is my hope that all hon. Members of Parliament will take a keen interest in debating this Bill when it is presented before the House.

 

Mr Speaker, in order to demonstrate the seriousness that the Government attaches to providing true and correct information to the House, I wish to inform the House that the officers responsible for presenting misleading information on this matter, through me, to Parliament are facing disciplinary action and have since been suspended.

 

 Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Lubinda: Sir, since this is an extrajudicial killing or a death occasioned by indentified police officers, the family of the deceased will be duly compensated although, no amount of money can atone for the loss of their beloved one.

 

 I thank you, Sir. 

 

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

 

Mr Belemu (Mbabala): Mr Speaker, my heart has been lightened by the prospect of the Government trying to redress this matter.

 

Mr Speaker, what is the Government’s position regarding some detention facilities like the one in Macha? The detention facility there is just a container that is isolated. At some point, there is no one around other than the detainees. In my view, that opens up opportunities for those who want to break the law to abuse those who are in detention.

 

Mr Lubinda: Sir, the hon. Minister of Home Affairs has been touring a number of detention facilities. On a few occasions, the hon. Minister of Justice and hon. Minister of Religious Affairs and National Guidance have accompanied him to visit these facilities. Indeed, some of them are in a very bad state. Thus, the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and other hon. Government Ministers, including the hon. Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development, have spoken to the fact that we are working towards improving all the facilities across the country, including the facility in Mbabala.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Mbangweta (Nkeyema): Mr Speaker, what measures is the Government going to take against the Inspector-General of the Zambia Police Service, who is the chief executive of this institution which misled the hon. Minister to bring wrong information here?

 

Mr Lubinda: Sir, the Inspector-General of the Zambia Police Service, just like the Permanent Secretaries in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Justice, got information from their officers who prepared it. Therefore, the culprits in this case would neither be the Permanent Secretaries nor the Inspector-General of the Zambia Police Service.

 

Sir, I did indicate that because of the Government’s seriousness with protecting the sanctity of this House, it has suspended the officers who misled the Executive to further mislead the House. So, there is no complicity that we proved against the Inspector-General of the Zambia Police Service.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Lihefu (Manyinga): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister able to tell this august House the names of the officers who have been suspended?

 

Mr Lubinda: Sir, at this point in time, I am not able to disclose the names of the suspended police officers. If the hon. Member follows the news tomorrow or the next day, he may hear that there are officers who are facing the charges, which I alluded to in my statement. After the matter has been concluded, if need be, the hon. Minister of Home Affairs or myself will come to this House to make that information known to Parliament.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Ms Chonya (Kafue): Mr Speaker, I just want to hear from the hon. Minister of Justice how sincere and committed the Government is in addressing issues of violence wherever they occur. This is because the matter we are addressing today reminds me of the sad incident whereby a Zambia Air Force (ZAF) officer was killed in police custody in similar circumstances. Further, we have not forgotten the recent violence that we saw in the just-ended by-election in Chilanga.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, as a sincere leader of a political party, His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, only a few days ago acknowledged the fact that political violence has to be curbed. He also acknowledged the fact that the political violence seems to be stemming from two political parties, that is, his own political party and the party to which the hon. Member of Parliament who has asked the question belongs.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear! UPND!

 

Mr Lubinda: Yes, Mr Speaker, the United Party for National Development (UPND). There were incidences of violence and threats in Chilanga recently. I am one of those who were threatened with death …

 

Mr Livune: By whom?

 

Mr Lubinda: … by a member of the party to which the questioner belongs.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Lubinda: Sir, to date, no one in the UPND has stood up to condemn the violence. It is, therefore, a mark of serious insincerity for an hon. Member of the UPND to stand up and question the sincerity of this Government when we are the ones in the forefront condemning violence while our colleagues on the other side have chosen to remain mute or to actually encourage violence.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order, on the left!

 

Continue, hon. Minister.

 

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, for any hon. Member of Parliament worth their name, matters such as the one that was referred to would be of interest. They would follow them up and not come to use Parliament to ask such questions. All of us in here who are discerning of matters that are happening in our country know that this is a matter which is before the courts of law as we speak. The people who are in court were taken there by this Government because of the seriousness it attaches to the sanctity of life.

 

Mr Speaker, the reason I came to present this statement is that we uphold the sanctity of life. Thus, we would not want to cover up the death of a citizen at the hands of any person, irrespective of his/her position. Even if it was to be a member of the Ruling Party or an officer of the Government, we would still expose them because we are sincere in our fight against violence. Therefore, I hope that the UPND can for once join His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Lungu, in being sincere in calling for removal of violence in politics.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Lubinda: Those who seek justice must come with clean hands.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Mwene (Mangango): Mr Speaker, in his ministerial statement, the hon. Minister has just indicated that the officers who gave him the misleading information have been suspended. Is he in a position to tell us the number of officers who have been suspended?

 

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I am afraid not.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Mweetwa (Choma Central): Mr Speaker, I note the magnanimity of the hon. Minister of Justice in admitting that he had misinformed this House. The PF Government, through the hon. Minister of Home Affairs, is on record as having told this House and the nation that the Zambia Police Service officers are professional. He also said that they respect human rights and that they are not brutal. Is the hon. Minister of Justice in a position to state whether he agrees with the hon. Minister of Home Affairs on the argument he gave?

 

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, in answering that question, I will make an analogy using Parliament. Parliament comprises honourable men and women who debate in a very sober manner. If an hon. Member of Parliament said that he or she was debating in a particular way because he or she had drunk two shots of Black Label, that would not necessarily mean that all hon. Members of Parliament are drunks.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Lubinda: Sir, it could mean that one or two hon. Members are drunks. We have heard before, some hon. Members brag that they have debated after having taken a shot of whisky.

 

Mr Speaker, the fact that there are a few police officers such as the ones who caused the death of that citizen does not necessarily mean that all of them are not professional. The majority of them are professional. I issued a warning on behalf of the Government that no police officers shall be protected by the State if they engaged themselves in the abuse of human rights.

 

Mr Speaker, I would like to take advantage of this question to inform the august House and the nation, at large, that the police command has been instructed by the hon. Minister of Home Affairs to engage the Human Rights Commission (HRC) to undertake refresher training courses for all police officers on human rights issues. So, hon. Member for Choma Central, there could be a few rotten eggs in any institution, including Parliament and the police command.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Ms Lubezhi (Namwala): Mr Speaker, I recall that when this question was brought to the House by the hon. Member of Parliament for Mbabala, the hon. Minister vehemently defended the statements given by the police about this case, which were misleading, when he was acting as the hon. Minister of Home Affairs.

 

Mr Speaker, what steps is the Government putting in place to ensure that any information they are given is verified to avoid bringing misleading information to this House? It is actually embarrassing for hon. Ministers to give misleading statements on the Floor of the House.

 

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, an hon. Minister in the Government will always be extremely firm when defending the Government’s position using information from the technocrats. There is no way that an hon. Minister could come to this House and start joking with such important information.

 

Mr Speaker, on 22nd March, 2018, when I came here to defend the Government’s position, which Hon. Lubezhi is talking about, all of us in the Government, including Her Honour the Vice-President, who vets our answers, were convinced that the information that was provided to us was accurate. That is the reason.

 

Ms Lubezhi: What measures!

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member for Namwala, you posed a question, and the hon. Minister was responding to it. Before the hon. Minister could complete his response, you stepped into my shoes.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: You may continue, hon. Minister.

 

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, now that it has become clear that the information that was given to me, which I presented to Parliament, was erroneous, I have no qualms whatsoever about apologising to the House. That is how magnanimous we are, as the Government. When it became clear to us that we had misinformed the public, we decided to put forward the correct position. 

 

Sir, with regard to the measures that we are putting in place to ensure that information is verified, I stated that the people who caused the Executive to misinform Parliament have since been suspended and are facing disciplinary action. So, all the people in the Government now know that it is a very serious offence to mislead Parliament by giving wrong information to hon. Ministers. I hope that the hon. Member of Parliament for Namwala will learn from us the lesson that when you are wrong, you should admit guilt, and not continue to vehemently stick to your wrong position.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

_______

 

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS

 

CONSTRUCTION OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN KALOMO CENTRAL PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY

 

255. Mr Kamboni (Kalomo Central) asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:

 

  1. when the construction of primary schools in the following areas in Kalomo Central Parliamentary Constituency, will commence;

 

  1. who the contractor for each school is;

 

  1. what the total cost of constructing each school is; and

 

  1. what the time frame for the completion of each school is.

 

The Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development (Mr Chitotela): Mr Speaker, before I answer the question, allow me to congratulate the hon. Member of Parliament for Chilanga and the Patriotic Front (PF) on winning the by-election.

 

Sir, let me also pass my condolences to the people of Kasanengwa Parliamentary Constituency for the loss of their hon. Member of Parliament, and who was also Minister of Gender. I worked with her very well.

 

Mr Speaker, the construction of primary schools in Magrimondi, Siambala, Chalaluka and Munakanyemba will be considered in future plans. This is because the Government is currently concentrating on upgrading primary schools into secondary schools to address the need for secondary education countrywide.

 

Sir, the Government has not awarded a contract to any contractor to construct the primary schools in question.

 

Mr Speaker, the total cost of constructing each school will be known only when the plan to construct the schools is in place.

 

Sir, the time frame for the completion of each school will be known when the plan to construct the schools is in place.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Kamboni: Mr Speaker, every time I ask a question, I am always told that something will be done in the future. I have difficulties accepting such answers. Even if something will be done in future, there should be a specific time frame given. I want the hon. Minister to give a specific time for when the project will start. For example, he can say that it will start this year or within three years. Saying that it will start in the near future does not answer my question. I would like the hon. Minister to give me the specific time when this project is likely to start.

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, I understand the hon. Member’s anxiety and his desire to know the time frame for this project. However, I wish to state that the Government’s operations are based on what is in the Budget. As the Government, we prepare and make projections of future undertakings based on the Budget. We are currently upgrading 115 secondary schools. The Government has come up with a policy of ensuring that it completes all existing infrastructure projects before embarking on new projects. This is because we cannot continue spreading resources as doing so amounts to being wasteful. Similarly, it would be wasteful on our part, to embark on a number of projects that will take ten to twenty years to complete. Therefore, we are focusing our energy on completing the existing infrastructure so that our people can start benefitting from them. Later on, we will come up with a programme on how new construction projects will be rolled out. This programme will be distributed to the hon. Members of Parliament, and that will be in the next two years. At the moment, the Government is focusing on completing the existing infrastructure projects.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has said that he is unable to indicate the time frame within which the particular places in Kalomo Central Parliamentary Constituency will be given secondary schools. This is because the Government is concentrating on making sure that the 115 schools, which are currently being upgraded, are completed. I would like to know when the Government intends to complete the upgraded schools. I ask this because in Dundumwezi, we have four secondary schools which do not have infrastructure.

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, the Government has, under the direction of His Excellency President Lungu, created a Taskforce of Ministers on Infrastructure Development which I have been privileged to chair. That taskforce is looking at how to utilise the first instalment of K4.3 billion which will be released by the Treasury so that we can target projects which are above 80 per cent completion. Later on, we shall move to other projects. Therefore, all things being equal and the Treasury releasing funds according to our plans, we should be able to deal with the backlog in terms of existing infrastructure. When that is done, we will begin looking at new projects.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Miyanda (Mapatizya): Mr Speaker, the hon. Member for Kalomo Central Parliamentary Constituency is more concerned with the upgrading of primary schools. I am also concerned about Magrimondi, which is a township area with a population of 12,000 people. This area has not had any school since Independence. Would the Government not consider constructing a primary school in Magrimondi in the near future.

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, I have stated that the Government is committed to constructing schools. However, it is, at the moment, concentrating on completing the existing infrastructure projects. There are many areas in need in different parts of the country. When people from those areas speak, we sympathise with them to the point of almost shedding tears. Much as that may be the case, we need to cut our coat according to the cloth. We cannot just go flat out and put up new infrastructure before completing the existing projects. If we did that, we would have a situation where all the projects will be at 20 per cent in terms of completion and the people in the areas of need may not see the benefits any time soon. I want to appeal to the hon. Member of Parliament for Kalomo Central Parliamentary Constituency to ensure that he utilises the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to put up a primary school so that our children there can have access to primary education.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Ms Chonya (Kafue): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister is restating the Government’s position on projects that have not been completed in the past, which position I agree with because it makes sense. However, I also recall that the former hon. Minister of General Education told us about some funding that had been made available from the World Bank. This funding was meant for the construction of new schools. The funders made it clear that the money was not to be used to complete the already existing, but incomplete infrastructure. The money was meant for the construction of new secondary schools. Is the hon. Minister able to reconcile these two positions and tell us what is happening to that funding if it is available? The new funding will give us a window in which to consider constructing the schools that my colleague from Kalomo Central Parliamentary Constituency is talking about as well as some in my constituency where we badly need new secondary schools.

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament for Kafue Parliamentary Constituency has clearly stated that the secondary schools which are being considered by the World Bank are outside the Government funding. That is the current position. Indeed, the World Bank is offering the Government a loan to enable it to construct eighty-nine new secondary schools. Sometime last year, hon. Ministers were invited for a retreat at Twangale Park here in Lusaka, where they came up with the Twangale Accord which identified the areas that the World Bank is interested in putting up infrastructure. This programme came about after realising that the support which the World Bank has been giving to Zambia has been unco-ordinated and as a result, not benefitting the Zambian people accordingly. That is how we came up with the Twangale Accord. The World Bank-funded projects were well selected. After the project to construct schools is completed, the bank will move to other projects, which it can monitor. I do not want to ask the previous hon. Minister to confirm whether the Kalomo Central Parliamentary Constituency will benefit from the work which will be covered under the Twangale Accord. All I can say is that we are dealing with secondary schools under the World Bank-funded project. The question that the hon. Minister for Kalomo Central Parliamentary Constituency has raised has to do with primary schools funded by the Government. That is why I said the interest of the Government is to finish the existing projects. However, if the donor community comes and says that it wants to start a new project, we will not stop it because we know that it will benefit our people.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Kamboni: Mr Speaker, we were told that these schools were to be funded by the World Bank. Why then, were we not informed when there was a U-turn? I ask because the land for this project has already been secured.

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, my ministry is responsible for co-ordinating the World Bank’s infrastructure projects, which we are talking about. The eighty-nine schools which are being funded by the World Bank are not primary schools, but secondary schools. The question raised by the hon. Member of Parliament for Kalomo Central has to do with primary education in the mentioned areas. That is why I said I am not able to state whether or not Kalomo is one of the areas identified in the Twangale Accord, which will benefit from the World Bank Project. What I know is that under this project, it is secondary schools that will be constructed and not primary schools. I must make that point very clear.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

STREET LIGHTING PROJECT IN KASEMPA

 

256. Ms Tambatamba (Kasempa) asked the Minister of Local Government:

 

  1. when the street lighting project in Kasempa will be completed;

 

  1. what the total distance to be covered by the project is;

 

  1. what the total cost of the project is; and

 

  1. how much money for the project had been disbursed as of September, 2017.

 

The Minister of Local Government (Mr Mwale): Mr Speaker, the street lighting project in Kasempa, whose scope was to cover a distance of 2.7 km, has been completed. However, the council has plans to extend the distance once the urban road project is completed. The total distance covered was 2.7 km. The total cost of the project was K448,748.28. The entire project amount was disbursed as of September, 2017.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Ms Tambatamba: Mr Speaker, within the last month, there has been an escalation of violence and street muggings in Kasempa. One of the attacks led to a fatality. The people in Kasempa attribute these attacks to the darkness in the streets of the district. How urgently will the hon. Minister ensure the completion of the 9 km township roads which the street lighting project depends on?

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, as highlighted by the hon. Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development when responding to the previous question, the hon. Minister of Finance is seeking K4.8 billion which should go towards completing all old projects, including the township roads in Kasempa. All projects that started, but were not completed due to the lack of funding will be dealt with by the funds that will be provided by the Ministry of Finance. It is our hope that we will be able to complete the township roads and deal with the street lighting, thereafter.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: The consultations on the right are rather loud.

 

Mr Lihefu (Manyinga): Mr Speaker, since the street lighting project in Kasempa has been completed, is there any plan to put streetlights in all newly created districts countrywide?

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, as I said in my response to another question, councils need to deal with such problems at their level. This is the reason we are supporting them with the Local Government Equalisation Fund (LGEF) which grew from K887 million to about K1.2 billion this year. The purpose of this fund is to enable them to invest in capital projects such as street lighting that do not require too much money. I encourage hon. Members of Parliament from new districts to engage their council secretaries on spending some of the Local Government Equalisation Fund on street lighting as opposed to waiting for the ministry to do it.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

ELECTRIFICATION OF SCHOOLS IN MUMBWA PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY

 

257.  Mr Nanjuwa (Mumbwa) asked the Minister of Energy:

 

  1. when the following schools in Mumbwa Parliamentary Constituency would be electrified under the Rural Electrification Programme:

 

  1. Shimbizhi Primary;

 

  1. Chibila Primary;

 

  1. Kandezha Primary; and

 

  1. Nalusanga Secondary;

 

  1. what has caused the delay in commencing the project;

 

  1. what the time frame for the completion of the project is; and

 

  1. what the cost of the project is.

 

The Minister of Energy (Mr Nkhuwa): Mr Speaker, based on the Rural Electrification Master Plan (REMP), the areas in Mumbwa Constituency which include Shimbizhi Primary, Chibila Primary, Kandezha Primary and Nalusanga Secondary were earmarked for electrification in 2016. However, the electrification did not take place due to a lack of funds. The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) will undertake feasibility studies in September, 2018, to ascertain the scope and actual costs of electrifying the above-mentioned schools. The electrification of the schools will be subject to the availability of funds.

 

Sir, the electrification of the schools in Mumbwa did not commence due to the lack of funds. The time frame for the completion of the project will only be determined once the feasibility study has been completed. Further, the cost of the project will be determined after the feasibility study has been conducted.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Nanjuwa: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that the electrification projects at Shimbizhi, Kandezha and Shibila were paid for by Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) about three or four years ago? A line has since been installed and all that is required is for electricity to be connected to the schools and housing infrastructure.

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, I am not aware of what Hon. Nanjuwa  has said. The information that I have is the information I have given. At the moment, we do not have the funds.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr C. Zulu (Luangeni): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister planning to revisit the master plan now that we have new districts?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, there is a similar question ahead of us and the answer is in the affirmative.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Nanjuwa: Mr Speaker, now that I have informed the hon. Minister that the line has actually been installed and the services paid for by JICA, what would he advise the people of Mumbwa concerning the schools in question?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, I will go back and find out the position of the money that has been paid. I will get back to the hon. Member.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister indicated that the project will be carried out subject to feasibility studies and the availability of funds from the Ministry of Finance. Has the hon. Minister engaged the Ministry of Finance to find out how soon the funds can be made available so that the project is implemented?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, engagement with the Ministry of Finance is an ongoing process. We work as one Government and consult the ministry often. The Ministry of Finance releases funds when they are available.

 

Ms Chonya: Mr Speaker, I just wanted to ask the hon. Minister for an update on the status of the 7,000 km project meant to provide rural electricity. I am sure the hon. Minister knows what I am talking about.

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, for the 7,000 km project, we are putting the necessary documentation together. We will be undergoing the tendering process in a few months time.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Sing’ombe: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister in a position to tell me how much constructing a kilometre of an electricity line costs?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, it is not a one size fits all approach. The cost differs from one area to another. So, I would not be in a position to give a blanket figure.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: What could be the average cost?

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Yes!

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, I do not have that figure.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Sir, I can come back to the House with the figure at a later date.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

E-VOUCHER SYSTEM IN MUCHINGA PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY

 

258. Mr Kunda (Muchinga) asked the Minister of Agriculture:

 

(a)        how many farmers were on the e-Voucher System in Muchinga Parliamentary Constituency as of November, 2017;

 

(b)        how many e-Voucher cards were not activated as of December, 2017;

 

(c)        what has caused the delay in activating the cards; and

 

(d)        what measures have been taken to ensure that the e-Voucher cards are activated in time for the 2018/2019 farming season.

 

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr Katambo): Mr Speaker, allow me to pass my sincere condolences to the Kalima family on the passing on of Hon. Kalima and also to congratulate Hon. Langa on winning the Chilanga Constituency seat.

 

Mr Speaker, as of November, 2017, 8,904 farmers were on the Electronic Voucher System (e-voucher) in Muchinga Parliamentary Constituency.

 

Sir, as of December, 2017, 139 e-voucher cards were not activated in Muchinga Parliamentary Constituency.

 

Mr Speaker, the delay in activating the cards was caused by farmers either losing their cards or misplacing their personal identification numbers (PIN) codes.

 

Sir, the Ministry of Agriculture has engaged the Ministry of Finance to ensure that funds are available on time. The ministry has also developed a roadmap for the implementation of the programme.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Ms Siliya: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kunda: I would like to find out from the hon. Minister, when the farmers who did not access farming inputs last farming season will access them.

 

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, we are engaging the Ministry of Finance on all outstanding obligations. Our priority is those farmers who contributed their K400 commitment fee, but did not receive their inputs. So, as soon as the Ministry of Finance releases funds, all the farmers will get what is due to them.

 

I thank you. Mr Speaker.

 

Mrs Katuta (Chienge): Mr Speaker, before, I ask my question, I just want to welcome my sister, Mary Langa ...  

 

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

 

Mrs Katuta: ... whom I have known for some time. I hope she maintains her Christianity in here.

 

Laughter

 

Mrs Katuta: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister of Agriculture why his ministry cannot pause the implementation of the e-Voucher System until it is proven to be successful in one or two areas. As it is, the problems in Muchinga are present in other areas as well.

 

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, the e-Voucher is a good system which has been put in place by the Government for the benefit of the farmers. The Cabinet decided that the e-Voucher System should target one million beneficiaries. Some farmers are expected to graduate from the system after every three farming seasons.

 

Sir, the system has eliminated a lot of ghost farmers and duplications in the distribution of farming inputs. This has led to the Government saving a lot of money.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Nanjuwa: Mr Speaker, it has been reported that the Ministry of Agriculture has issued a statement that it will revert to the conventional way of distributing inputs from the e-Voucher System. I want to find out how many districts will revert to the old system?

 

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, I shall issue a statement when the ministry has finalised the modalities that will guide the implementation of the biometric or so called Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Ms Tambatamba: Mr Speaker, given the backlog that we all experienced in various constituencies and Kasempa in particular, I would like to find out when the planned date for rolling out the distribution of the inputs for the 2018/2019 Farming Season will be.

 

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, the payment of the contribution of K400 for those one million targeted beneficiaries started on 1st June, 2018. It will go on until 30th August, 2018. The farmers have been given a ninety day period within which to make the K400 commitment fee.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Ngulube (Kabwe Central): Mr Speaker, I want to find out on behalf of the farmers from Kabwe Central Parliamentary Constituency whether the Government will give inputs to those who did not benefit from the previous farming season or just focus on the new 2018/2019 Farming Season.

 

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Agriculture is negotiating with the Ministry of Finance over the provision of funds for it to refund those who made their K400 commitment contribution last season.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa): Mr Speaker, allow the people of Kaputa to put on record the congratulations to Hon. Maria Langa on coming to the House to represent the people of Chilanga.

 

Mr Speaker, how many farmers will receive insurance payouts based on what happened during the last farming season?

 

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, 2,097,492 farmers will receive payouts from Mayfair Insurance Company. A total of K60.1 million will be paid out to the affected farmers. Payouts to farmers are expected to start before the end of July, 2018.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr A. Mumba (Kantanshi): Mr Speaker, considering the importance of the agriculture sector, when is the hon. Minister going to engage hon. Members since they are important persons in their constituencies? As things are, when challenges come up, we are sometimes overwhelmed due to a lack of information. When is the hon. Minister considering meeting us?

 

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, the provincial agricultural co-ordinating officers (PACOs) and district agricultural co-ordinating officers (DACOs) have been given instructions to engage all the stakeholders at their level. In Mufulira District, where the hon. Member of Parliament comes from, the same thing has happened. In fact, all DACOs countrywide have been given instructions to engage all stakeholders such as the Members of Parliament, councillors and civic leaders on explaining how farmers can benefit from the system which we have put in place. The different leaders should help to ensure that the farmers make their scheduled contributions so that they can receive their inputs on time.

 

Mr Speaker, let me also add that here at Parliament, I will give the hon. Members information on what is required by the farmers in their respective constituencies for them to benefit from the e-Voucher System.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, when the e-Voucher System was being rolled out 100 per cent, there were a lot of reservations, especially on the left side of the House. We felt that it was premature to roll out that system fully. Recently, the hon. Minister announced that they will revert about 40 per cent of the farmers on the e-Voucher System to the traditional Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP). I am surprised that just now, on the Floor of this House, the hon. Minister is saying that the e-Voucher System is very good and that it has eliminated ghost farmers from the system. If it is so good, why is the Government reverting 40 per cent of the farmers on the e-Voucher System to the traditional FISP system?

 

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, let me indicate here that the word “conventional” is being misapplied. In the districts where we faced many challenges such as a network of service providers not being available, we are saying that we shall use the biometric system (thumb print). Smart Zambia has captured the details of all the one million farmers who should receive inputs through the e-Voucher System. This is in order for us to use the biometric system, which is cordless for us to service the beneficiaries who have been facing challenges in accessing the inputs. What we shall be implementing will still be the e-Voucher System.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, in the past season, this Government engaged some banks without branches in some areas. For example, farmers had the problem of looking for the United Bank for Africa (UBA) branches in some remote areas where they do not exist. This bank is only here in Lusaka. Was this Government being fair to those farmers? I am asking this question because to date, those farmers are still complaining.

 

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, I am sorry, I did not catch the hon. Member’s question. I request that he repeats it.

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member for Katombola, repeat the question.

 

Mr Livune: Mr Speaker, I was saying that in the immediate past farming season when implementing the e-Voucher System, this Government engaged the UBA which does not have a presence in some parts of the country. Farmers, to date, are still lamenting that they could not access this bank. Was this Government being fair when dealing with those poor farmers?

 

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, of course, some banks were not available in certain parts of our country. We are going to engage the service providers such as Paycode (Pty) Ltd working together with the Zambia Integrated Agricultural Management Information System (ZIAMIS) and Smart Zambia officers to ensure that all the targeted beneficiaries are captured through the biometric system for the upcoming farming season. Of course, we realised that some banks did not perform well to point that some farmers could not swipe their cards in order to collect their inputs. That has been taken into account.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Miyanda: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned that there are about 2,097,492 farmers who are supposed to be paid K60.1 million by an insurance company. Is that payment intended for farmers across the country or it is just for those in Muchinga Province?

 

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, the payment is for farmers across the country, especially in those areas where we experienced adverse effects of weather, be it dry spells or excess rainfall. These are the areas where we captured that figure from.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

CONSTRUCTION OF HEALTH POSTS IN MUSHINDANO DISTRICT      

 

259. Mr Kintu (Solwezi East) asked the Minister of Health:

 

  1. how many health posts are earmarked for construction in Mushindano District;

 

  1. where the health posts will be situated;

 

  1. when construction works will commence; and

 

  1. what the estimated time frame for the completion of each health post is.

 

The Minister of Health (Dr Chilufya): Mr Speaker, the construction of the three health posts at Mushindamo District was planned for under the 650 health post construction programme under the Indian line of credit at Chishela, Luamfula and Chikola.

 

Sir, the works at Chishela and Chikola are now complete. The construction works at Luamfula shall commence this year, 2018.

 

Mr Speaker, the time frame for the completion of each health post cannot be determined at this stage as the health posts shall be constructed under a lot. The estimated time for the completion of health posts under this lot, which covers four provinces, namely North-Western Province, Luapula Province, Northern Province and Muchinga Province is eighteen months.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Kintu: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that there is a place called Mapande, where since independence, people have never had any health facility? These people seek medical attention in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Why is the hon. Minister not considering this place since the people are in dire need of this facility?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, we will take note of the observation by the hon. Member of Parliament. It shall be considered as we craft our infrastructure development operational plan.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, the construction of the 650 health posts is a burning issue because most of the districts have not yet been served. As we drive around the countryside, we see many health posts that are 90 to 95 per cent complete, but not opened. These are low hanging fruits through which our Government can quickly make an impact. Why is it taking so long to open those health posts which are already completed?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, it is a requirement that the contractor finishes building the infrastructure and also equips it before we deploy human resource to operationalise the facilities. As we speak, there are a number of facilities that may be at 95 per cent complete in terms of infrastructure, but not yet equipped. So, we are waiting for the contractors to finish equipping these facilities and then we will deploy staff. It is gratifying, however, to note that the contractor that had demobilised earlier in Central, Copperbelt and Lusaka provinces has remobilised and has handed over seven health posts just in the last four weeks. The contractor will be mobilising by end of June in the other four provinces since the procurement process is complete.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Kamondo (Mufumbwe): Mr Speaker, when the hon. Minister came to this House, he promised the people of Zambia that works for the 650 health posts would commence in the first quarter. The people of Mufumbwe as well as those in the other provinces that the hon. Minister has just mentioned have been waiting for the contractors to go on site. When will he present a statement in this House to inform us when the contractors will go to the provinces that he mentioned?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the contractors are back in the country and have remobilised in the provinces where they were initially working from. The procurement process for them to mobilise in the Northern, North-Western, Luapula and Muchinga provinces has been completed. We are just awaiting the completion of administrative processes before they can mobilise in those four provinces.

 

Sir, the contractor had to start with places where work was already being done before embarking on a new contract. My assurance is that when the administrative procedures are finished, we should be able to mobilise the contractors on site within the next few weeks. However, I will only be ready to come to the Floor of the House with a statement with the permission of the Hon. Mr Speaker once all the nitty-gritties have been resolved.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Ms Kasune (Keembe): Mr Speaker, my question is a piggyback onto the one which was asked by the hon. Member for Kaputa. What measures are being put in place by the Ministry of Health to ensure that the scenario of projects remaining at the 80 to 90 per cent completion stage for a long time does not repeat itself not only in Mushindano, but in places such as Keembe and other areas?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, like I said earlier on, there was a disruption in the contract for the contractors who were working in the Central Province because of the delay in releasing the counterpart funding. Therefore, they had no option, but also to leave the site. Now that the funding has been availed, the contractors have no reason not to complete the works beyond the 90 per cent point. My assurance is that all the projects in the Central Province, including Keembe, shall be completed because the issue of funding has been resolved.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, there are a number of rural health posts that have been constructed using funds from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and other donors, but have not been opened to date. We seek the hon. Minister’s direction on what should be done for such facilities to become operational. There are a number of such facilities in Kazungula just like in any other place in this country. Such facilities only need staff in order to become operational.

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the health posts the hon. Member for Katombola is referring to could be categorised as those whose infrastructure is complete, but not yet equipped. Therefore, we need to mobilise equipment for such facilities. For those that are already equipped, we are working in conjunction with the district directors of health and the provincial health directors to to operationalise them. It does not matter whether they were built using the CDF or any other resources. If they are ready, we will equip and deploy human resources so that we operationalise them. We shall continue to engage the staff at either provincial or national level to ensure that we translate the investments in the health sector into service delivery.

 

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Chisopa (Mkushi South): Mr Speaker, before I also ask a question, allow me to congratulate my neighbor, Hon. Maria Langa …

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chisopa: … for scoping the Chilanga Parliamentary Constituency seat and also to pass my sincere condolences to the people of Kasenengwa on the loss of our dear sister the former hon. Minister of Gender.

Allow me now to ask Question 260.

 

CONNECTION OF LUANO TO THE NATIONAL GRID

 

260. Mr Chisopa asked the Minister of Energy:

 

  1. when Luano District will be connected to the national electricity grid;

 

  1. what the total cost of the project is; and

 

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

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the new hon. Member of Parliament, Madam Maria Langa. Well done. It is a well deserved victory.

 

Ms Mulenga: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Sir, let me also pass my sincere condolences to the family of the late Hon. Victoria Kalima, the hon. Member of Parliament for Kasenengwa Constituency, the people of Kasenengwa and the Patriotic Front (PF) Party on the loss of a very vigilant lady. She was a pillar.

 

Mr Speaker, as a way of accelerating rural and urban development, the Government upgraded over twenty-five areas, among them, Luano, into a district status.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order on the left!

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Sir, this was expected to spur socio-economic development in the new district and narrow the huge disparities that exist between the rural and urban areas. In order to support sustainable development in the new district, it was imperative that energy in the form of grid electricity be made readily available. In light of this, Luano District Council in December, 2016, requested the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) to carry out a feasibility study for the electrification of Luano District. ZESCO undertook the said feasibility study and communicated the same to the Luano District Council in April, 2017. The feasibility study provided for bulk supply of power from Mkushi to Luano District.

 

Mr Speaker, the total cost of the project is K35,198,507. The following is the scope of works for the project:

 

  1. construction of a 33Kv line from the existing 132–66/33Kv Mkushi Copper Mine Substation to Luano District; and

 

  1. construction of a 2 X 2.5 MVA 33/11 kV substation in Luano District.

 

Sir, the individual premises/residences will then apply for their respective requirements and pay for the corresponding resulting capital contribution.

 

Sir, the time frame for the completion of the project will be dependent on when the settlement of the capital contribution for the financing of the project will be made by Luano District Council. Currently, ZESCO is waiting for funding in order to start implementing the project. We hope that once all the conditions have been met, the project will take about twenty months.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Chisopa: Mr Speaker, how much is the capital contribution that is supposed to be paid by Luano District Council?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, I did not get the figure. I will communicate it in due course.

 

Thank you, Sir.

 

PAYMENT OF TERMINAL BENEFITS

 

261. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Finance:

 

  1. how much money, in terminal benefits, is owed to Public Service workers country wide; who retired from 2011 to 2016, year by year; and

 

  1. what measures have been taken to expedite the payment of the benefits.

 

The Minister of Finance (Mrs Mwanakatwe): Mr Speaker, terminal benefits payable to Public Service workers upon separation from the Government include leave pay, long service bonus and repatriation allowances. These terminal benefits are planned and budgeted by ministries, provinces and spending agencies.

 

Sir, on a quarterly basis, my ministry through the Office of the Controller of Internal Audit, conducts the verification of domestic arrears which cover outstanding personal emoluments for both serving and separated Public Service workers.

 

As at 31st December, 2016, the total verified outstanding terminal benefits on an accumulative basis for the period 2011 to 2016 is as follows:

 

         Year                             Amount (ZMK)

         2011                            334,362,187.41

         2012                            417,568,229.38

         2013                            480,909,086.66

         2014                            631,006,513.34

         2015                            726,173,212.60

         2016                            787,024,823.68

 

Mr Speaker, the Government, as indicated in the 2017 Budget, has prioritised the dismantling of arrears and this includes the ones owed to employees in the form of terminal benefits. While the bill is noted to be quite substantial, the Government is committed to progressively liquidating these arrears.

 

Sir, in the 2017 Budget, the Government allocated K271,286,960.00 to clear the backlog of outstanding personal related arrears. A total of K131,450,881.79 was released in 2017. In the 2018 Budget, the Government increased the allocation to K484,629,968.00 to clear the backlog of outstanding personal related arrears.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, currently, I am aware that retirees have stopped getting salaries and are in a vulnerable position. The worst affected are those located in rural areas because they have no opportunities of engaging in any formal contractual jobs for them to get some kind of earnings. These retirees are living in deplorable conditions. I am certain that the Government is aware of the situation of these retirees. Therefore, can the hon. Minister give a guarantee that will make the hearts of the retirees settle down by assuring them that the little that the Government owes them will not just be released on paper, but also in actual form so that it reaches them? How sure is the hon. Minister that the money which has been allocated in the 2018 Budget will, indeed, be released in actual form so that it reaches the retirees who are suffering in the rural areas?

 

Mrs Mwanakatwe: Mr Speaker, it is Government’s endeavour to pay as much of the retirees’ arrears as it can. Resources allowing, our wish is to clear all the arrears on a year by year basis. We do not like the current situation. That is why we endeavour to clear the arrears. That is our commitment.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Bwalya (Lupososhi): Mr Speaker, first of all, I wish to say that the people of Lupososhi Constituency are passing their sincere condolences to the family of the late hon. Minister of Gender, Ms Kalima, and the people of Kasenengwa. They would also wish to congratulate the area hon. Member of Parliament for Chilanga on winning the just-ended by-elections.

 

Sir, the hon. Minister of Finance is aware that there is a provision in the Constitution that provides that, if a worker who has been retired has not been paid his/her terminal benefits, he/she will continue being on the payroll. Given the figures that she has alluded to in answering the question from the hon. Member of Parliament for Kalabo, could she kindly shed light on how the National Treasury is coping with adhering to that particular provision as it ventures into dismantling these particular arrears.

 

Mrs Mwanakatwe: Mr Speaker, yes, the hon. Member of Parliament for Lupososhi is correct that in the current Constitution, anyone who has been retired after that Constitution came into effect needs to continue to be on payroll when his or her terminal benefits have not been paid. That is exactly what we are doing as the Government. The people who have not been paid their terminal benefits have continued to receive their salaries. Therefore, what Hon. Bwalya said is correct. This is why the burden has increased to the extent that it has.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Livune: Mr Speaker, under the Employment Act, I am aware of the fact that a worker who intends to retire, gives ample notice of six months in writing, which should help the hon. Minister to plan. I want to understand where the problem is that we fail to manage the processes and start creating backlogs in terms of accumulating retirement packages. Where is the problem? Six months notice is provided, and this should make the employers, the Government included, to start preparing for the retirement of the employee. The money must be prepared within that six months period. Where is the problem, hon. Minister?

 

Mrs Mwanakatwe: Mr Speaker, as I said earlier in my statement, the spending agencies and different ministries plan for the retirement of the people in their respective ministries. Therefore, we expect the controlling officers to come back to the Ministry of Finance with numbers reflecting the people who are going to retire in each ministry for a particular period. There is no failure to plan. Where we have not paid, it is because the resources have not been there. We know exactly the number of people that are retiring at any given time in any given month in each ministry.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, if we were in the shoes of the retirees, I am sure, we would have wanted something to have been done urgently. These people are really in dire straits. In all honesty, they need to be assisted. Whereas it is true to say that after 2015, any retired public officer is entitled to a salary, what is happening to those who retired before 2015? I would like to find out from the hon. Minister how she has projected to dismantle all the arrears so that these poor souls who had retired before 2015 are given their money before they die or say hello to the Almighty God. What are her projections? When is she going to finish to pay all of them?

 

Mrs Mwanakatwe: Mr Speaker, we know the figure that we are projecting for 2017 and we also know what we have allocated. I said the accumulative figure for arears which are owed to retirees as at 2016, is K787,024 million. Therefore, we know exactly how much is due on an accumulative basis. So, we are going to release about K484 million of the total amount which is owed to retirees. Therefore, more than half of the amount which is owed to the retirees is going to be paid this year. I would like to believe that we will endeavor to pay the rest of the arears in the following year.

 

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

ELECTRIFICATION OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS IN CHASEFU

 

261. Mr Zimba (Chasefu) asked the Minister of Energy:

 

  1. when the following institutions in Chasefu Parliamentary Constituency will be electrified by the REA;

 

  1. Kanyama Zonal Health Centre’

 

  1. Emusa Sub-Centre;

 

  1. Emusa Day Secondary School; and

 

  1. what has caused the delay in electrifying the institutions.

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Kanyanga Zonal Health Centre was commissioned on 8th June, 2018 with twenty housing units powered, including the church.

 

Sir, the Emusa Sub-Centre consists of Emusa Day Secondary, a market and a Food Reserve Agency (FRA) Shed. Emusa Day Secondary School was connected on the 8th June, 2018. The market and FRA Shed are not yet ready to receive the supply of electricity because the internal wiring has not yet been put in place.

 

Sir, the delay is about three months. The project faced logistical challenges during the importation of the required materials for the execution of the works.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Zimba: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister and ZESCO for having connected the above areas. Nevertheless, I would like to know why ZESCO is charging K1,700 for the connection of electricity. Considering the area, the money, which ZESCO is charging is not easily affordable to the local people. Is the ministry considering waiving the charge to enable the people for access electricity?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, every connection that is made costs money. Therefore, the only promise I can offer the hon. Member is that the ministry can try to revisit the areas and make fresh assessments to see how the ministry could reduce the connection cost. In the end, the cost will definitely be there.

 

 Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Kambita (Zambezi East): Mr Speaker, the former hon. Minister of Energy was asked a question concerning a clear plan on how REA was going to implement the electrification programme of all the institutions in the country. I understand why the hon. Member has posed the question. It is because we do not have the information concerning this issue. It is also very clear that almost every hon. Member would like to know when the institutions in their constituencies will be electrified. Is the ministry ready to provide the House with a clear plan, constituency by constituency, when this programme will be carried out?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, I will come to the House during the course of this session with a plan for the comprehensive electrification of all areas for all hon. Members of Parliament.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Mr Speaker, Emusa Day Secondary School is not far away from Chasato Basic School. Chama South Boarding School and Kamilaba Secondary School are equally not far from many other institutions, which border Chasefu Parliamentary Constituency. Does the ministry have plans to electrify these schools, which are not far away from Emusa Day Secondary School?

 

 Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, the ministry has plans to electrify all the institutions around the country. Therefore, it is just a question of when the ministry is going to accomplish that mission. I would, therefore, like to encourage the hon. Member to file a new question so that the ministry can give an estimated time when the ministry will connect the areas in question to electricity.

 

 I thank you, Sir.

 

PROVISION OF COMPUTERS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN CHIFUBU PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY

 

263. Mr Chisopa (on behalf of Mr Ng’ambi (Chifubu)) asked the Minister of General Education when computers will be provided to the following secondary schools in Chifubu Parliamentary Constituency:

 

  1. Temwani;

 

  1. Kamba; and

 

  1. Malasha.

 

Mr Mwale (on behalf of the Minister of General Education (Dr Wanchinga)): Mr Speaker, I would like to inform the House that the ministry is aware of the importance of teaching information and communication technology (ICT) studies. Thus, it has plans to procure and distribute computers at Temwani, Kamba and Malasha secondary schools in Chifubu Parliamentary Constituency. However, this can only be done once funds are made available by the Treasury.

 

 I thank you, Sir. 

 

Ms Chisangano (Gwembe): Mr Speaker, I would like to know whether there is a nationwide plan to procure computers for all secondary schools in the country.

 

 Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, yes, there is a plan. However, as I said in my response earlier, this will depend on the availability of funds. We are encouraging secondary schools and other schools that need computers to try to find means of acquiring them before the Government can make them available. This is because the Government does not know when it will have the money to purchase computers for all the schools throughout the country. I also wish to inform the hon. Member that some schools have used their own means to acquire computers and these schools are doing well.

 

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Chisopa: Mr Speaker, I would like to know the modalities the ministry is putting in place to ensure that the children who are at the secondary schools in question are able to write the ICT examinations this year without any excuse from the Government.

 

 Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, I need to give a very comprehensive response to the question from the hon. Member. I am aware that this issue has been a subject of a lengthy discussion in the House. Therefore, the ministry needs to come up with a comprehensive answer whether the affected pupils will be able to write the ICT examinations in the schools in question. At the moment, the ministry will restrict its response to the means of acquiring computers. I would, therefore, like to encourage the hon. Member to file a new question to enable the ministry to carry out its research before it can come back to the House to give an appropriate answer.

 

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

Mr Mwale (on behalf of Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, before business was suspended, I was just about to say that ICTs are, indeed, not limited to desktop and laptop computers. They go beyond that and embrace things such as iPads. When His Excellency the President addressed Parliament at one time, he talked about how the Government was going to embrace the use of Zedu Pads in most schools to make sure that we educate children better using ICTs. So, we are, indeed, interested in doing that, except that there we are limited by funds. We are now confining ourselves to desktops and laptops because they can be used by many students, as opposed to having iPads which could actually be more personalised. I emphasise that we are using laptops and desktops because of funding problems.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Chitoke (Luampa): Mr Speaker, I want to find out why the Government is able to find money to create unnecessary by-elections instead of funding things which can add value to our future generations.

 

Mr Speaker: We will move to the next question.

 

Laughter

 

DEPLOYMENT OF DOCTORS AT CHIKANKATA MISSION AND NAMALUNDA HOSPITALS

 

264. Mr Mwiinga (Chikankata) asked the Minister of Health:

 

  1. whether the Government has any plans to deploy additional medical doctors to Chikankata Mission and Namalundu hospitals in Chikankata Parliamentary Constituency;

 

  1. if so, when the additional doctors will be deployed;

 

  1. how many doctors will be deployed; and

 

  1. if there are no such plans, why.

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the Government has taken note of the need for more doctors at Chikankata Mission and Kafue Gorge hospitals in Namalundu Township in Chikankata Parliamentary Constituency. The House may wish to know that Chikankata Mission Hospital currently has three medical doctors. There are two doctors at the hospital in Namalundu Township.

 

Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to deploy an additional doctor to Chikankata Mission Hospital and another one to Kafue Gorge Hospital in Namalundu Township, following the successful completion of the internship programme by the newly qualified doctors. The doctors are expected to be in Chikankata within the next two months. The Government has plans to continuously deploy medical staff across the country as per the available numbers and finances.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mwiinga: Mr Speaker, how many doctors are supposed to be at a district hospital?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, by the current accreditation programme, a district hospital is supposed to have a medical officer in charge and two general medical practitioners. These are backed by a District Director of Health.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

FISH FARMING IN MUCHINGA

 

265. Mr Kunda asked the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock:

 

  1. whether the Government has any plans to introduce fish farming in Muchinga Parliamentary Constituency; and

 

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

 

The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock (Ms Mulenga): Mr Speaker, before I go into responding to the question, I would like to pass my sincere condolences to the Kalima family on the passing away of our dear sister and colleague. I would like to also welcome the new hon. Member of Parliament for Chilanga.

 

Mr Speaker, the Government is currently implementing the following aquaculture activities under the Agricultural Productivity and Market Enhancement Project (APMEP) in Muchinga Parliamentary Constituency:

 

  1. eighty fish pens are placed in Lake Lusiwashi in Lusiwisi Ward;

 

  1. two fish farmers are being supported in Chibale;

 

  1. two fish farmers are being supported in Kashitu;

 

  1. one fish farmer is supported at Teta;

 

  1. the ministry has also stocked Kalwa Dam;

 

  1. through the military, the Government has established a fish farm at Mpepetwa; and

 

  1. the Government has also trained 277 fish farmers in pen fish farming and aquaculture development.

 

Mr Speaker, further, the Government has plans to implement more aquaculture activities through the Zambia Aquaculture Enterprise Development Project (ZAEDP) in the constituency with a special focus on the youth and women. Through this project, the Government will provide training in aquaculture to enhance skills in fish farming. Additionally, graduates from this training will be provided with financial support to set up and manage pond and cage enterprises. Eligible beneficiaries from Muchinga Parliamentary Constituency are encouraged to apply for financial support. These plans are ongoing.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

CONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGES IN ZAMBEZI WEST

 

266. Princess Kucheka (Zambezi West) asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:

 

  1. whether the Government has any plans to construct bridges across the following rivers in Zambezi West Parliamentary Constituency:

 

  1. Kashiji, connecting Kanyeva to Chief Kucheka’s Palace and Liyovu Primary School;

 

  1. Kashiji connecting Muyembe to Chief Ndungu’s Palace; and

 

  1. Litapi, connecting Kalengwa to Chief Chinyama’s Palace;

 

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

 

  1. if there are no such plans, why.

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, the Government has a plan to construct bridges on Kashiji River, connecting Kanyeva to Chief Kucheka’s Palace and Liyovu Primary School, and connecting Muyembe to Chief Ndungu’s Palace. A bridge will also be constructed on Litapi River, connecting Kalengwa to Chief Chinyama’s Palace using Acrow Corporation of America.

 

Sir, the designs for the bridges have been completed, and the contract has been signed. The Government is awaiting the delivery of the bridge components before the construction of the bridges can commence by the fourth quarter of 2018.

 

Sir, part (c) of the Question does not apply since we have a plan to mount the bridges across these rivers.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Princess Kucheka: Mr Speaker, I did not understand the last part of the answer given by the hon. Minister. I would like him to repeat that part.

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, part (c) of the Question does not apply since we have a plan to construct bridges on the rivers mentioned above.

 

 I thank you, Sir.

 

Princess Kucheka: Can the hon. Minister tell the people of Zambezi West when the construction of the bridges will take place.

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, I have already stated that the designing of the bridges to be constructed has been completed. We are awaiting the delivery of the prefabricated modular steel panel bridges from a company called Acrow Corporation of America. We have procured 144 bridges at a total cost of US$7,377,849. Prefabricated modular steel panel bridges will be installed across the country.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Jere (Livingstone): Mr Speaker, let me join all the other hon. Members of Parliament in passing my heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Hon. Victoria Kalima.

 

Sir, year in, year out, we have heard from the hon. Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development that the Government has plans to build bridges in this country. Is the hon. Minister going to come to this august House to tell us how many bridges need to be completely overhauled? Some bridges that were built a long time ago in Zambezi West and Livingstone have collapsed.

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, this question was about bridges in Zambezi West Parliamentary Constituency. I stated that the Government has spent over US$7.3 million to procure 144 prefabricated modular steel panel bridges to put on various crossing points that have been identified across the country by the Road Development Agency (RDA). I can assure the people of Zambezi West that some of the 144 bridges procured will be put on the rivers which have already been mentioned. There are various types of bridges. The bridges that require very complicated designs will not be worked on now. They will be worked on when the designers of the bridges inform the Government on the cost of the works. 

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Kambita: Mr Speaker, can the hon. Minister give us a schedule showing which constituencies will benefit from the 144 bridges that have been procured. Will the hon. Minister come back to this House with that information.

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, I will definitely do that. I can assure the people of Zambezi West that bridges will be put on the rivers mentioned in the question. The installation of the prefabricated modular steel panels will begin in the fourth quarter of 2018. I will avail the list of the other areas which will benefit from these 144 bridges after the Government has finished compiling the list.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, the Government has been mentioning the bridges to be constructed under the Acrow Corporation of America for quite some time. I think this project started around 2012.  The Government has been talking about these bridges for seven years. Why has it taken this long for the Government to procure these bridges? Soon, this Government will be saying bye. When will these bridges be constructed?

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, the PF Government is here to stay.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chitotela: Sir, I have toured Zambia. The people in the outskirts of Zambia are saying that considering the robust infrastructure development happening, the party which will come and unseat the PF has not yet been formed in Zambia.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chitotela: Sir, that is the message from the people across the country. I have gone round Zambia. I have been to the Western, North-Western, Southern, Eastern and Muchinga provinces. The people are very happy with the leadership of President Lungu. That is why many councillors in the North-Western Province have joined us. I hope that the hon. Members of Parliament from North-Western Province will join us soon.

 

Mr Speaker, the commencement of the project has delayed because Acrow Corporation of America requested an advance payment to facilitate the shipment of the bridge components. However, the RDA could not pay the advance payment because Acrow Corporation of America had not provided the guarantee requested by the agency because it is not a requirement under the contract. However, the RDA argued that a guarantee is a requirement under the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) regulations. Then, the RDA requested a meeting with Acrow Corporation of America after which the matter was resolved. The documentation has already been presented to the Treasury. We are now awaiting the shipment of the components of the bridges. We do things by the book. That is why the PF Government will stay in power for, maybe, a hundred years. The hon. Member should just join the winning team.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Members, let me provide guidance. Let us restrict ourselves to what we are scheduled to do, which is dealing with Questions for Oral Answer. Do not lace either the questions or responses with politicking. This is not the platform for that.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Speaker: You are at liberty to do that elsewhere. You can say whatever you like.

 

Ms Tambatamba: Mr Speaker, there is a manually operated pontoon on the Lungwevungu River, just like the one on the Lwenge/Kafue River on the Kasempa/Mumbwa Road. When does the Government intend to replace those manually operated pontoons on the Lungwevungu River and the Kafue River on the Kasempa/Mumbwa Road with bridges?

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, the question was on the construction of bridges across the rivers in Zambezi West Parliamentary Constituency. The hon. Member is now asking a question on a river across the Kafue River on the Kasempa/Mumbwa Road.

 

I remember that the last time the hon. Member asked a question, I informed this House that the procurement process regarding the construction of a road from Mumbwa to Kasempa had commenced. I also said that a company had been identified and awarded a contract to carry out the works. I do not know how far the RDA has gone with the procurement process under engineering, procurement and construction (EPC). However, I remember stating that the bridges on these two rivers are part of the contract that RDA is awarding. Therefore, if the hon. Member of Parliament wishes to know how far that project has advanced, I would request that she files a question so that a substantive answer can be given.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Mutelo (Mitete): Mr Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I render my condolences regarding the demise of Hon. Victoria Kalima. As you may be aware, Hon. Kalima and I came to this House at the same time.

 

Sir, the construction of these bridges will make Mitete accessible. Could the hon. Minister assure me that these bridges will be constructed. Previously, this House was assured that a bridge connecting Zambezi East and Zambezi West Parliamentary Constituencies would be constructed and that a bridge would connect Kashishi to Kucheka Palace. The hon. Minister’s assurance is yet to be fulfilled, and so, I would like to know whether or not this time around, the assurance that the hon. Minister is making will be fulfilled.

 

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, I will try to explain the assurances as requested by the hon. Member of Parliament for Mitete Parliamentary Constituency, who must be very happy that the President has directed that we quicken the process of procurement so that we can begin implementing the Washishi/Watopa Road Project.

 

Hon. Government Member: Washishi/Watopa Road?

 

Mr Chitotela: Sir, the road that he has been crying for.

 

Sir, the three bridges are considered under the 144 prefabricated modular steel panel bridges that have been procured. All things being equal, we intend to start laying these bridges in the fourth quarter of 2018. As regards the bridges for Zambezi East and Zambezi West parliamentary constituencies, I want to say that this Government is serious and accounts for each word that it says. I know that we had expired designs and so, we were forced to start reviewing the cost estimates so that the people of Zambezi East and Zambezi West parliamentary constituencies can have bridges. As soon as all the documentation and designs are done, we will get back to establishing how much it will cost to construct the bridges on that river. However, the three rivers will benefit from the 144 bridges.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

SINKING OF BOREHOLE AT CHANGWE LUNGO HEALTHY CENTRE

 

267. Mr Mbulakulima (Milenge) asked the Minister of Health when the Government will sink a borehole at Changwe Lungo Health Centre in Milenge Parliamentary Constituency which is currently facing a critical shortage of water.

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the Government, through the Ministry of Health, has been making efforts to ensure that all health facilities countrywide have access to safe and clean water. In trying to address the critical shortage of water at Changwe Lungo Health Centre in Milenge Parliamentary Constituency, we engaged a contractor to sink a borehole at the facility. However, the contractor hit a dry spot and because of that, he could not manage to successfully sink the borehole at the facility or within the premises of the facility. After several attempts, the contractor drilled a borehole at the nearest possible site within the zone.

 

Sir, we have not given up and so, another contractor with better capacity will be sourced.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, I agree with what the hon. Minister has said regarding the Government’s efforts in putting up a borehole at the health facility. Equally, the council has tried to do the same on two occasions. Clearly, this is a difficult area in as far as finding underground water is concerned. Does the Government have plans of sinking a borehole nearby and not necessarily at the health centre because that has failed? Currently, the health workers cover a long distance to fetch water, which they actually pay for. When does that Government intend to relocate and sink this important borehole for the people of Changwe Lungo?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the concern by the hon. Member is appreciated. It is because of the challenges that I have mentioned that the borehole was sunk at Allan Village which is situated 2 km from the health facility, but within the same zone. That was the nearest place where a borehole could be sunk. However, there are efforts to contract people with better technology and capacity to sink the borehole. These people will need to go deeper so that we can have the borehole sunk within the premises. For now, the nearest we have gone is Allan Village, but we have not forgotten about the problem at Changwe Lungo Health Centre.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

PLASTIC WASTE

 

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

 

  1. what the average amount of plastic products imported per month is;

 

  1. how many tonnes of plastic waste are generated per month in:

 

  1. Lusaka District;

 

  1. Copperbelt Province;

 

  1. countrywide; and

 

  1. of the amount generated in Lusaka, how much is recycled per month.

 

The Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Mr Yaluma): Mr Speaker, before I respond to the question, I would like to congratulate Hon. Langa on winning the Chilanga By-election. She is welcome to this honourable House.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Yaluma: Sir, I also wish to pass my sincere condolences to the family of the late hon. Minister of Gender, Ms Victoria Kalima. May her soul rest in peace.

 

Sir, as at the end of 2017, the average amount of plastic products imported per month was about 11,114,990 kg. The tonnage of plastic waste generated per month in Lusaka District, Copperbelt Province and countrywide is currently not quantified as there are no modalities in place that separate waste by type such as plastic waste, paper, glass, bio waste and others. Further, there are no installed means of measuring the tonnage located at dump sites for waste to ascertain the amount disposed.

 

Sir, currently, institutions governing the management of dump sites do not record the amount of plastic waste being recycled due to the absence of modalities for assessment.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, plastic waste is a huge problem. We see plastic waste everywhere. When does the hon. Minister intend to put a system that will separate the waste that we have in Lusaka, bearing in mind that plastic waste takes between 10 to 1000 years to decompose. This is a very serious problem that we are facing as a country.

 

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, indeed, we have been negatively impacted by plastic waste in the streets. Be that as it may, we have, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, managed to start providing containers for refuse which are designated for bottles, cardboards, newspapers and plastic waste so that they can be taken to the rightful recycling places. Although this measure is in place, people do not yet know the real consequences of disposing plastic waste anyhow. We are sensitising the people through the Ministry of Local Government to ensure that they start separating waste by category.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, is it possible for the country to do away with plastics prodcucts? A country like Rwanda has got systems in place to ensure that plastic waste is not as common as it is in this country.

 

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, we can do away with plastic products. If we fail to sensitise the public on the effects plastic waste has on the environment, then we can do away with them and use paper bags for carrying our items such as groceries.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr A. Mumba (Kantanshi): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister will agree that plastic waste have become a global issue. Plastic waste is a big issue which is being talked about globally. We are part of the global village. Issues around recycling and plastic waste were discussed during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in London in April, 2018. Further, big companies like Coca-Cola have partnered with Governments to get plastic waste out of the oceans. Does the ministry have any plans to go beyond working with the Ministry of Local Government by getting help to form some department that can start looking into the issue of plastic waste in order to use it for producing energy?

 

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, memoranda of understanding have been signed between the Ministry of Local Government and some foreign institutions which would like to setup plants to generate power from waste. When we talk of banning plastics, we should remember that there are different categories of the product. There are plastic bags which you use for groceries in supermarkets, those which we use to package fertiliser and huge ones which are used in mining for hauling concentrates. We must be specific about which ones we could ban. I would say we could probably ban domestic plastic products as a start because we do not handle those with caution. However, the other users of plastic material for huge commercial purposes may be allowed to continue because they take serious consideration of the environment. We may go that way for plastic products used for domestic purposes if we fail to sensitise the public.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Ms Mwashingwele (Katuba): Mr Speaker, before I ask my question, I would like to pass my sincere condolences to the Kalima family. May the soul of my sister rest in peace.

 

Sir, I heard the hon. Minister speak about plastic waste. I would like to find out how the mismanagement of plastic waste across the country will be curbed. With Katuba in mind because there is a dumping site, why is it that the mismanagement of plastic waste is on a high scale when they can be recycled and re-used?

 

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, in answering the first question, I talked about recycling. The biggest problem is that waste is not separated. We have asked residents and households to separate their waste. There are containers which one can buy and use to dispose waste separately. When the council collects refuse, it can pick things such as plastic waste and bottles separately. We have not failed. It is the people of Zambia who are failing us. The Ministry of Local Government is trying as much as possible to sensitise the people that plastic waste can be recycled rather than trashing them. We need to start from the household level to take care of used plastic containers by putting them in the right confinements so that they can be collected for recycling. The same thing should happen with bottles. When you drink liquor, you should keep your bottles somewhere so that they can be collected for recycling.

 

Sir, we are geared to collect waste for recycling. There are a lot of companies recycling plastic waste in the country.

 

I thank you.

 

Mr Kufakwandi (Sesheke): Mr Speaker, the issue of plastic waste is becoming a global problem as can be heard from television and radio. The hon. Minister has outlined a number of activities which the country is embarking on with regard to addressing the issue. Do we have a comprehensive policy with regard to how we shall handle this issue of plastic waste? Subsequent to that, do we have legislation to support the action that we shall take?

 

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, as I stand here, there is a Cabinet Memorandum scheduled to be presented to the Cabinet, through the Ministry of Local Government, to ban the use of plastic containers  in this country.

 

I thank you.

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, the initial question is, is there a comprehensive policy on the subject.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Speaker: The second question is, is there any legislation?

 

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, before moving forward to legislate or put in place a policy on this matter, we have to go through Cabinet. So, there is a Cabinet Memorandum which is the starting point. From there, what the hon. Member asked about will start unfolding.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

JOBS CREATED IN 2016

 

269. Mr Simbao asked the Minister of Labour and Social Security:

 

(a)        how many jobs were created in 2016 in:

 

(i)         Mbala District;

 

(ii)        Senga Hill District;

 

(iii)       Mpulungu District;

 

(iv)       Northern Province; and

 

(v)        Countrywide; and

 

(b)        what plans the Government has to create more jobs.

 

The Minister of Labour and Social Security (Mrs Simukoko): Mr Speaker, before I answer the question, allow me to pass my heartfelt condolences to the family of Hon. Kalima and to heartily congratulate Hon. Maria P. Phiri on a well deserved victory.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

 

Mr Chisopa Eh!

 

Question futi.

 

Laughter

 

Mrs Simukoko: Mr Speaker, in terms of the specific number of jobs created in Mbala District; Senga Hill District; Mpulungu District; and the Northern Province as a whole, the numbers are not readily available due to the fact that the current system, through the Labour Force Survey, is unable to generate this kind of information.

 

However, Sir, according to the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) Register, the total number of jobs created countrywide in 2016 stood at 178,908. This figure largely excludes the informal sector. As per its characteristics, the jobs in the informal sector are not registered with tax and pension authorities. The informal sector constitutes about 84 per cent of the labour force in Zambia.

 

Mr Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to inform this august House that the generation of statistics on the number of jobs created is still a challenge. The Government, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, in collaboration with the Central Statistical Office (CSO) undertakes the Labour Force Survey at household levels. However, the survey does not capture estimates on the number of jobs created at district level.

 

Sir, to address this information gap, my ministry has, in this regard, begun to develop the Labour Market Information System (LMIS) to gather statistics from establishments and the Public Employment Services that are being revamped and will be set up at district level progressively. It is expected that the system will help in providing an insight into the employment and labour market trends at provincial and district levels.

 

Mr Speaker, you may wish to know that the ministry with support from the European Union (EU) has so far completed the first phase on the development of a Labour Market Data Catalogue and the Labour Sector Performance Framework which is a prerequisite to setting up of an Information Communication Technology (ICT)-enabled LMIS. The LMIS will interface with various platforms such as the ones at the CSO, Pension House, tax authorities, Registrar of Companies and the public employment exchanges at labour offices.

 

Sir, the ministry is currently working with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the Department of Foreign and International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom to develop the terms of reference for the stage which will involve the development of systems and procurement of hardware and computers to facilitate the automation of the LMIS. The next stage will also involve capacity building for members of staff to operate the system. Once the system is fully operational, it is anticipated that the reliable information on the labour market will be generated for decision-making.

 

Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to create more jobs by promoting pro-poor growth with focus on economic diversification and job creation, reducing developmental inequalities and enhancing human development. This is in line with the Seventh National Development Plan (7th NDP) whose theme is “Accelerating development efforts towards Vision 2030 without leaving anyone behind.”

 

Sir, the creation of more and better jobs in the economy will be achieved through economic diversification which is currently among the top priorities by the Government. The economic diversification agenda will be actualised through value addition and industrialisation anchored on agriculture, mining and tourism. These sectors do not only have the growth potential, but also the capacity to add value to job creation.

 

Sir, furthermore, job creation will be enhanced through the promotion of both rural and urban businesses, particularly, the micro, small and medium enterprises with specific attention to increasing productivity and promoting the formalisation of the businesses and operations.

 

Sir, the Government will also continue implementing a number of policies and strategies spread across various sectors of the economy that are aimed at creating more and better jobs such as national employment and labour market policies, among others. Notable among the programmes include the construction of a tractor assembly plant to create 700 direct jobs, establishment of a mango processing facility in the Eastern Province, …

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Let us have order both on the left and right.

 

Please, continue.

 

Mrs Simukoko: … investment in the cashew nut project in the Western Province and re-establishment of a pineapple processing plant in the North-Western Province, to just cite, but a few examples. In undertaking the above, the Government will actively involve the private sector which is recognised as a catalyst for economic development and job creation.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Ms Mulenga: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Simbao: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has stated that in 2016, 178,908 people got jobs. Why is it not possible for her to find out how many of these 178,908 people were recruited in Senga Hill since that is the main question?

 

Mrs Simukoko: Mr Speaker, I made it clear that we did not get this information at district level. The information that I gave the hon. Member of Parliament is for the whole country. That is why it is at provincial level and not at district level.

 

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Mr Speaker, before I ask my question, allow me to congratulate not only Hon. Maria Langa on winning her election but also, the chair, on having graduated …

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kafwaya: … as best student. Indeed, both your successes are an inspiration to both young and old people.

 

Mr Speaker, on behalf of the people of Lunte, allow me also to extend my condolences to the people of Kasenengwa for the loss of their area hon. Member of Parliament and Minister in charge of gender.

 

Sir, with regard to my question, I take note that the information was not available because there is no system that can segregate information at district level. This is information with regard to specific job creation in Mbala, Senga Hill and Mpulungu. Is the hon. Minister able to indicate whether her ministry is trying to put a system in place which will be able to segregate this data and offer responses to questions such as this one that will include districts such as Lunte?

 

Mrs Simukoko: Mr Speaker, I did give details of what we are doing to ensure that the systems are put in place. I did talk about the performance framework which is being supported by the European Union (EU). Work on the system is also being supported by DFID. The idea of introducing this system is already in motion. We will soon announce the effectiveness of implementing this system. That is already in the process and we are being supported by the EU.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Ms Mwashingwele: Mr Speaker, I want to ride on the question which was raised by Hon. Simbao. I want the hon. Minister to make me understand how the ministry can be able to generate a national value without having the statistics from the districts. I thought it would be easier for the hon. Minister to give us the values for Senga Hill and not the national level. To me, it shows that the hon. Minister has not done her homework. Can she explain to me why the situation is as it is.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Simukoko: Mr Speaker, the information is not generated by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. If the hon. Member of Parliament was listening, I gave a guide of where we get the information. I was very clear. We get the information from the CSO. I made it clear that the information it gives us is not at district, but provincial level. It is not able to generate information directly from the districts. I was very clear on that one. However, the distribution of the labour force by province is available. I can go through it, if the House allows me.

 

Province          Growth (Percentage)

Central                         8.7

Copperbelt                 18.1

Eastern                         9.7

Lusaka                       23.4

Muchinga                     4.3

Northern                      8.4

North-Western             4.7

Southern                       9.9

Western                       6.9

 

Mr Speaker, this is the information we got from the market survey on the labour market. It is at provincial and not district level.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr A. Mumba: Mr Speaker, I am very concerned about the current state of affairs because labour is a key driver of any growing economy. We want Zambia to grow. The labour force is also key in reducing household poverty. It is included even in the Budget Speech. In the last Budget Speech, Hon. Mutati promised to create 100,000 jobs. It is very important that information is gathered by the ministry. I am glad that for the first time, in the eighteen months I have been here in Parliament, we have got data from this ministry.

 

Sir, I know that under Cabinet Office, there is the Industrialisation and Job Creation Division which captures data. The hon. Minister has mentioned agriculture and tourism as key anchors in Government’s multi-sectoral job creation approach. Going forward, how soon can the hon. Minister gather the information which the hon. Members are seeking so that we know the number of people who have actually been employed at different levels? We want this information so that when the Government is talking about all these investments it is making, it is responsive to the people’s queries. The data we are asking for could easily be captured. We do not want just the percentages that the hon. Minister is giving us. We need the actual data.

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, before you rise, I just want to provide some guidance. The difficulty we are having with this question is in part (a) of the Question because it is specific to the districts. This is the data that the hon. Member for Senga Hill was seeking in his Question. You have of course, indicated that the data you have reflects the position at provincial level. So, if there is a gap, for the sake of progress, let us admit it and also, indicate if possible, what measures your ministry will take in order to collect data at district level. I think this is what is being repeated from the questions.

 

Mrs Simukoko: Mr Speaker, I gave the details of the system that is being developed to enable us to capture data at district and provincial levels. I stated that the EU is helping us to develop the system, but it is not yet in place. Therefore, once this system is developed, we will be able to capture data at district level as well. I was very clear. I stated that we collected the current data that we have from, for example, NAPSA. Those in the informal sector were not captured. However, when the system I am referring to is put in place, we will not only collect data of those in the formal sector, but also of those in the informal one and at district level as well. That said, we have been reliably informed that the system is being developed. Hopefully, by the end of this year, we will have made progress. Once that is done, we will ably answer the question asked by Hon. Simbao.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Chali (Nchanga): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister stated that 13 per cent of jobs were created on the Copperbelt Province. An investor came out in the open and told this nation that he would invest US$1 billion and create 7,000 jobs. Could the hon. Minister tell us how much of that 13 per cent is from the 7,000 that we were promised.

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, if you are able to respond, I will give you the liberty.

 

Mrs Simukoko: Mr Speaker, I do not know which investor the hon. Member of Parliament for Nchanga is talking about. However, I want to be clear as I respond to his question. I think there is a misunderstanding regarding the creation of jobs. We all know that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security does not create jobs. I was giving the statistics that the ministry got from the CSO. Some of the questions being asked may be ably answered by the CSO data.

 

Sir, going by the programmes outlined in the 7th NDP, it is clear that the responsibility of job creation lies with sector ministries and the private sector including the small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The role of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is to ensure that the jobs being created are decent and conform to the labour laws in terms of social protection coverage, occupational health and safety.

 

Sir, going forward, the ministry has embarked upon the development of a comprehensive information technology framework to enhance its market information system, which it uses with the support from its co-operating partner, as I said earlier. Once the system is put in place, the collection and dissemination of labour market-related information will be done more effectively and efficiently than is the case now. We expect most establishments in the country to be electronically linked to institutions such as NAPSA, the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), local authorities, Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) and the Registrar of Co-operatives Societies.

 

Mr Speaker, when the system is in place, it will be easier to monitor any changes in the number of those employed. This is because the information of those employed will be captured electronically and shared with relevant authorities including the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. In the absence of an electronically enabled system, the Labour Force Survey will continue to provide insights on developments in the labour market. Once the new system is put in place, all the required information will be provided since the Ministry of Labour and Social Security will be able to capture it electronically and make it available to whoever will require it. For now, I have indicated the difficulties being experienced by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in providing data.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Kasonso (Solwezi West): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister of Labour and Social Security stated that the Government is working very hard to create employment in this country. When will she come back to this House with full information indicating how these jobs will be created sector by sector because the youths are listening and looking for jobs?

 

Mrs Simukoko: Mr Speaker, we are dealing with projections. For example, I gave the number of jobs that were created in the agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, energy and transport sectors. I made it clear that the information that we have does not go to the level of districts. However, I talked about the information system being put in place, which will definitely start capturing correct and effective information the minute it becomes operational. I would not say that I will come back with the information next week or next month because we are waiting for the system to be put in place. Thereafter, even hon. Members of Parliament will be able to capture the information of jobs created from the ministry. In fact, I am reliably informed by the technocrats that the information will be gathered on a monthly basis.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

ZAMBIA CORRECTIONAL SERVICES’ IRRIGATION PROJECT IN SERENJE

 

270. Mr Ng’onga (on behalf of Mr Kabanda (Serenje)) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

 

  1. when the irrigation project under the Zambia Correctional Services in Serenje District will be completed;

 

  1. what has caused the delay in completing the project; and

 

  1. what the total cost of the project is.

 

The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Kampyongo): Mr Speaker, before I respond, let me join my colleagues who have spoken before me in congratulating the newly elected hon. Member of Parliament …

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kampyongo: … for Chilanga Constituency, Hon. Maria Langa. In addition, I equally want to congratulate the eighteen councillors …

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kampyongo: … who emerged victorious out of the twenty-two by-elections that we had at local government level.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, this just shows how much confidence the people of Zambia …

 

Interruptions

 

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

 

Mr Kampyongo: … have in the PF Government.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, we had a consortium of what was called Chifentelo Alliance …

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kampyongo: … and opposition political parties coming together.

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, I think you have passed your message.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, today we were supposed to be celebrating the addition of a lady in the House, but it is unfortunate that we have been robbed of another gallant lady.

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Business was suspended from 1810 hours until 1830 hours.

 

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, when business was suspended, I was just about to finish talking about our winning the Chilanga seat in the just-ended by-election. I will now respond to the Question.

 

Sir, I wish to inform the House that the irrigation project under the Zambia Correctional Service in Serenje District will be completed in the first quarter of 2019.

 

Sir, the delay in the completion of the project has been due to unforeseen hard basement rocks and the delayed electrification of the farm. However, the hard basement rocks have since been blasted out, while the farm electrification works are currently being undertaken and almost complete. According to the schedule of works, the project is expected, as I have stated in response to part (a) of the Question, to be completed in the first quarter of 2019. The total cost of the project is K25,721,048.80. This includes land, the cost of clearing and levelling of the farm.

 

Sir, I must mention here that just a few days ago, I visited the farm and the progress there is impressive. I visited this farm in the company of the questioner, who was with me during the tour.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

 

271. Mr Miyutu asked the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry:

 

  1. how many parastatals companies were transferred to the Industrial Development Corporation as of 31st December, 2017;

 

  1. how many companies are yet to be transferred;

 

  1. when the companies will be transferred; and

 

  1. what has caused the delay in transferring the companies

 

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, the House may wish to note that twenty-nine parastatals companies were transferred to the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) as of 31st December, 2017.

 

Sir, sixteen parastatal companies are yet to be transferred. It is yet to be established when the companies will be transferred as their transfer requires policy decisions.

 

Mr Speaker, the House may wish to note that the delays of transfers of companies have been due to the companies having been registered under legislation other than the Companies Act or having been considered to be of strategic nature in terms of their services or product deliverables. Therefore, these companies will be transferred only when the pieces of legislation establishing them are repealed.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

ERECTION OF COMMUNICATION TOWERS IN MANGANGO

 

272. Mr Mwene (Mangango) asked the Minister of Transport and Communication:

 

  1.      whether the Government has any plans to erect communication towers in    

Mangango Parliamentary Constituency;

 

  1.      if so, when the project will commence;

 

  1.      how many towers will be erected; and

 

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

 

The Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Mutati) (on behalf of the Minister of Transport and Communication (Mr Mushimba)): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that the Government has plans to construct communication towers in Mangango Constituency in the following areas:

 

  1. Katoya primary School;

 

  1. Nyambi Rural Health Centre;

 

  1. Nakayembe;

 

  1. Chief Kanguya;

 

  1. Nyambi Primary School;

 

  1. Mangango Mission;

 

  1. Kaoma Town;

 

  1. Mayukwayukwa;

 

  1. Namusheshe; and

 

  1. Libonda Palace.

 

Sir, the construction of communication towers Phase II project commenced in the fourth quarter of 2017. Ten towers will be constructed as mentioned above.

 

Mr Speaker, the time frame for the completion of Phase II of the project is three years from the fourth quarter of 2017 to the fourth quarter of 2020.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mwene: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that some of the places he has mentioned do not belong to Mangango Parliamentary Constituency? They belong to Luampa and other places, like Libonda, belong to Kalabo. May I seek clarification why these places appear under Mangango.

 

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, I think the focus was more on providing information on the coverage of communication towers in Mangango Parliamentary Constituency.

 

I thank you.

 

Mr Chikote: Mr Speaker, what is delaying the construction of communication towers in Mangango considering that the answer the hon. Minister has given us shows that the information he has is not correct in terms of the places that are supposed to receive the towers as per the promise of the hon. Minister made in this House?

 

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, I would like to say that the money for the construction of the towers has been secured and work has already started. Indeed, the construction in Mangango is going to take place soon.

 

 Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

 Ms Chisangano: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has told us that the funds for the construction of towers in Mangango are available. Could he kindly tell this House the time it will take for the complete construction of a single tower.

 

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, before a tower is operational, there is planning, surveying, spotting as well as physical construction which is involved. So, it is a process.

 

 I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: What about the time scale, hon. Minister?

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

 Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, I am not be able to indicate specifically how long it takes for a single tower to be constructed.

 

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

 Mr Mutelo (Mitete): Mr Speaker, since I was asked to congratulate one hon. Member, who has dressed so nicely, allow me, to congratulate Hon. Kasune who has dressed so nicely today.

 

 Laughter

 

 Mr Mutelo: Sir, the hon. Member would like to know how many towers are earmarked to be erected in Mangango. The answer the hon. Minister has given to this House is related to Libonda and Luampa. Could he be specific so that the House can have the correct information. He should try to be accurate. If he says ten towers will be constructed in Mangango or the other places he has mentioned, he will be engaging in misinformation because Libonda is in Liuwa.

 

Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, I take that, Hon. Miyutu, …

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Mutelo

 

Mr Mutati: Sir, they sit next to each other.

 

Mr Speaker, I think that it is appropriate for us to recheck the information which we have in terms of where the towers will be spotted. Thereafter, we will revert to the House.

 

 I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Kambita: Mr Speaker, I suppose my question has been overtaken by the hon. Minister’s answer.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Dr Musokotwane (Liuwa): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for offering a tower at Libonda, which is located in Liuwa Parliamentary Constituency. Nevertheless, there is already a tower at Libonda, …

 

Laughter

 

Dr Musokotwane: … but it shows his goodwill to provide more towers to the constituency. Would he agree if I gave him an alternative site in my constituency so that he could take the tower he had planned to take to Libonda to another place in Liuwa. Would the hon. Minister agree to that alternative.

 

 Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, it would be logical for two towers not to be planted at the same position. I am sure the second tower can be erected elsewhere in Liuwa.

 

 I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: I will have the last two questions from the hon. Member for Mumbwa and hon. Member for Zambezi East.

 

 Mr Nanjuwa: Mr Speaker, some time back, we were given the allocation schedule of towers for our constituencies and districts. Later on, there was an implementation schedule for a period of one year. Can the hon. Minister consider bringing an implementation schedule covering a longer period like three years to this House so that hon. Members whose constituencies do not appear in the one for one year can know where they stand.

 

 Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, Phase II of the project covers a period of up to 2020. An implementation schedule covering the entire period will be provided to the House.

 

 Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Kambita: Mr Speaker, I am glad that the hon. Minister has answered the question concerning the microwave towers which are under construction. I am also pleased to confirm that such works are being carried out even in my constituency.

 

Mr Speaker, when something goes wrong, we would like to hold the hon. Minister accountable. Is it now the Government’s policy that when contractors are engaged to construct the microwave towers, they are specifically told to only employ the Patriotic Front (PF) supporters such that those who are identified to be supporters of the Opposition or are neutral, are laid off? This is what seems to be happening in some situations. Can the hon. Minister kindly tell the nation that it is the Government’s policy to only employ the PF cadres to be employed during the construction of the microwave towers?

 

 Mr Mutati: Mr Speaker, there is no policy which discriminates people when it comes to employment. Employment is based on the criteria of competence, qualifications and nothing else. Therefore, all Zambians are entitled to employment.

 

 I thank you.

 

 Hon Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

ALLOCATION OF LAND TO KALUMBILA TRIDENT MINE

 

273. Mr Kasonso asked the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources:

 

  1. how many hectares of land were allocated to Kalumbila Trident Mine for the following activities:

 

  1. mining operations; and

 

  1. development of Kalumbila;

 

  1. whether the allocated land legally belongs to the mine; and

 

  1. if not, why.

 

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources (Ms Kapata): Mr Speaker, before I answer the Question, may I add my voice to the many voices which have continued wishing the late Hon. Kalima’s family their condolences. May God be with them during this difficult time. I also want to congratulate Hon. Maria Langa on winning the Chilanga By-election, where I was campaign manager with my colleague Hon. Mwakalombe under very difficult conditions.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, I also wish to wish the hon. Minister of Home Affairs a happy birthday.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Kapata: Sir, I would like to inform the House that the total hectares of land that have been recommended for allocation to Kalumbila Trident Mine is 51,800 ha for mining activities and 6,878 ha for the development of the mine township.

 

Sir, legally, the land does not yet belong to the mine, but the mine is in the process of obtaining a certificate of title. Further, State consent has now been granted and other necessary documents have been provided. The certificate of title shall be issued to the mining company.  However, it must be understood that despite this process still ongoing, the mining company has the right to engage in mining activities on the basis of the mining rights issued under the Mines and Minerals Development Act, 2015.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Kasonso: Mr Speaker, the figures that I have are different from what the hon. Minister has mentioned. The mine applied for 51,800 ha and was allocated 38,490 ha. For the township development, the mine applied for 6,878 ha, but was only allocated 5,040. However, that is not my big concern. My big concern is that Kalumbila Mine started operations in 2011 and to date, it does not have a title deed for either the mining rights or township development. Consequently, this lack of title is hindering development of the mine township as well as the multi-facility economic zone (MFEZ). Can the hon. Minister give an assurance that the Government is going to ensure that title deeds are issued to the mine so that mine operations and development are hastened at Kalumbila?

 

Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, I can assure the hon. Member that the title will be given. Initially, an Invitation to Treaty (ITT) was given to the mine. The figure for this ITT was K328,300,000. I think this figure was on the high side. The mine has since appealed to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to reconsider it. At the moment, we are looking at that figure to see how we can reduce it. We will give the mine a title as soon as it pays the consideration fees.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, since Kalumbila Mine started operations in 2011 and this is 2018, we are talking of about seven years having passed. A title deed is one of the fundamental things that a mine should have as soon as possible in order to facilitate efficient operations. What challenges have been there between the ministry that issues title deeds and this mine to prevent it from acquiring the title deeds in good time? Seven to eight years is rather on the high side in terms of the time span.

 

Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, other than the high figure for the ITT, there was a problem between the mine owners and His Royal Highness Senior Chief Mufeli. After he had offered the land to the miners, the chief claimed that the signature which was on the papers was not his and that somebody had forged it. So I travelled to Kalumbila in the company of the hon. Minister of Local Government to sort out that problem. As far as we are concerned, we sorted out that problem and this is why an ITT was given to the mine owners. So, it is just the fee that now stands in the way. If the mine owners can pay the new fee, then we shall give them the title deeds.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

TEACHERS’ ESTABLISHMENT REGISTER

 

274. Mr Miti (Feira) asked the Minister of General Education:

 

  1. when the teachers’ establishment register was last updated;

 

  1. why it has taken long to undertake the updating exercise; and

 

  1. when the register will next be updated.

 

Mr Mwale (on behalf of (Mr Mabumba)): Mr Speaker, the teachers’ establishment register was last updated in 2017. The Ministry of General Education undertakes the updating exercise on an annual basis. Therefore, the current establishment for 2017 is actually up-to-date. The 2018 Teachers’ Establishment Register will be updated towards the end of this year.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

_______

 

MOTION

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

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

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

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The House adjourned at 1858 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 13th June, 2018.

 

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