Tuesday, 18th September, 2018

Tuesday, 18^th September, 2018

The House met at 1430 hours

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

_______

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR SPEAKER

NEW UPND WHIP

Mr Speaker: I have received communication from the Secretary-General of the United Party for National Development (UPND) to the effect that Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, Member of Parliament for Liuwa Parliamentary Constituency, has been appointed UPND Whip in the House, replacing Mr Gary, G. Nkombo, Member of Parliament for Mazabuka Central Parliamentary Constituency.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

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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 that, let me welcome all hon. Members to the First Meeting of the Third Session of the Twelfth National Assembly. I am confident that the House will, as usual, transact its business smoothly.

Sir, as indicated on the Order Paper for today, Tuesday, 18^th September, 2018, the Business of the House will commence with Questions for Oral Answer. This will be followed by the debate on the Motion of Thanks to His Excellency the President’s Address, which he delivered last Friday.

Mr Speaker, tomorrow, Wednesday, 19^th September, 2018, the Business of the House will start with Questions for Oral Answer, if there will be any. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will deal with Private Members Motions, if there will be any. The House will then resume debate on the Motion of Thanks to His Excellency the President’s Address.

Sir, on Thursday, 20^th September, 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. The House will then continue with the debate on the Motion of Thanks to His Excellency the President’s Address.

Mr Speaker, on Friday, 21^st September, 2018, the Business of the House will begin with the Vice-President’s Question Time. This will be followed by Questions to hon. Ministers. After that, the House will deal with presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will continue with the debate on the Motion of Thanks to His Excellency the President’s Address.

I thank you, Sir.

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QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

INSURANCE OF THE 42 FIRE TENDERS

Mr Chabi (Chipili) asked the Minister of Local Government:

whether the 42 fire tenders procured by the Government are comprehensively insured;

if so, what the insured amount for each fire tender is;

how many fire tenders were involved in road traffic accidents as of July, 2018;

how many were completely damaged and were replaced through insurance claims; and

what the causes of the accidents were.

The Minister of Local Government (Mr Mwale): Mr Speaker, the 42 fire trucks are comprehensively insured for the period 9^th October, 2017, to 30^th September, 2020. Each truck has been insured for an amount of K10 million.

Sir, three fire trucks that were allocated to Chililabombwe, Solwezi and Chibombo were involved in accidents. Of the three, only one truck for Solwezi was completely damaged. The Zambia State Insurance Company (ZSIC), which is the insurance firm, is working on replacing the fire truck. The causes of the accidents were as follows:

in Chililabombwe, whilst attending to a fire incident, the rescue team received a call for another fire incident at Kasumbalesa Border Post. During the rush to Kasumbalesa, the driver of the truck failed to negotiate a curve and the truck fell on one side near the railway line;

in Solwezi, as the fire truck was rushing out for a drowning case, other motorists failed to give way even though the siren and the beacon were on. The driver of the fire truck struggled to manoeuvre the vehicle through the dual carriageway and hit into a car by the roadside and lost control. He hit into the kerbstone causing the fire truck to flip; and

in Chibombo, the fire truck was enroute to Lusaka for service when an on-coming vehicle lost control and hit the side mirror of the fire truck.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, I would like the hon. Minister of Local Government to be very clear on the issue of the insurance of the fire tenders. If I heard him correctly, he said that these fire tenders were insured for K10 million, which translates to US$1 million. These vehicles were bought at a cost of US$40 million. May the hon. Minister tell us why these fire tenders were not insured at their value?

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, the forty-two fire tenders were procured at US$42 million translating into US$1 million dollars each, which amounts to K10 million. That is what we have insured them for.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, how long does it take for an insurance company, in this case, the Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC), to replace the fire tender that has been completely damaged? It appears to be taking longer than necessary.

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, I am not sure how much time it should take, but processes are being undertaken to ensure that the trucks are replaced. I think that is what is delaying the whole process.

I thank you.

Mr Ngulube (Kabwe Central): Mr Speaker, I was in this House when there was a question about why the Government had insured the fire tenders for US$250,000 when they were bought for US$1 million each, but today we are being told that these fire tenders are now insured for K10 million. I want clarification on that issue.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, these trucks were insured for K10 million each and this is the position of the Government. However, obviously, you do not pay the purchase price to have something insured. We paid a lower premium to insure the trucks for K10 million and that is how it works.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Livune: Bring evidence!

Mr Jere (Livingstone): Mr Speaker, indeed, the story has changed. We were informed in this august House that the fire tenders were insured for US$250,000. However, today, we are being told that the fire tenders were insured for K10 million which is US$1 million. How soon will the insurance company replace these fire tenders and where will it source them at US$1 million?

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, I am not sure we should dictate to the insurance company where it will source the fire tenders. What we want is the fire tender replaced by the insurance company. On the issue of the amount insured and how much the premium was, I am not sure that we gave the position that is being portrayed in this House. However, I want to give the House the position that each truck was insured for K10 million and I have not said how much we paid as a premium for each one whilst I was giving this answer.

Dr Chibanda (Mufulira): Mr Speaker, ...

Mr Ngulube: Hammer, neighbour!

Dr Chibanda: ... is the hon. Minister in a position to tell this House and the nation whether the professionals manning the fire tenders, including the drivers, had undergone any professional training prior to the acquisition of these fire tenders?

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, I do not understand the question.

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

Dr Chibanda: Mr Speaker, did the staff managing the fire tenders, including the drivers, undergo any professional training or combat driving training before the fire tenders were acquired?

Mr Mwale: Yes, Mr Speaker. The suppliers carried out some training for the operators and drivers of the fire tenders as part of the whole package.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Nanjuwa (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out about the premium payment. Who made the payment? Was it centrally done or was it done by individual local authorities?

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, some councils that are really poor were helped by the Central Government, while those that could afford paid for their own insurance cover.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kambita (Zambezi East): Mr Speaker, I would like the hon. Minister of Local Government to categorically clarify to the nation and this House how much of the premium due has been paid to date and how much is outstanding. We want to know if the entire K10 million has actually been given to the insurance company as premiums.

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, if you insure a car for K10 million, you will not pay the insurance company K10 million. The cover is worth K10 million, but they will probably charge you US$100,000. You do not give them 100 per cent of what the car is worth. That is not how it works. The premium and the cover are different amounts. In this case, we are paying an annual premium of K154,000 per truck and the whole cover period is for three years like I said earlier on. Therefore, we are not expected to pay K30 million, which is K10 million per year, to cover a truck worth K10 million. We are only paying K154,000 to cover the K10 million premium because that is how insurance works.

I thank you, Sir

Mr C. Zulu (Luangeni): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister promoting the use of fire proof materials so that we prevent fires from occurring before we even talk about using fire tenders? Is the Government promoting the use of fire proof materials, especially in the case of the markets which were brought down due to fires?

Mr Speaker: Could you repeat your question.

Mr C. Zulu: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister promoting the use of fire proof materials when constructing new buildings? I believe it is better to prevent fires before we have to use the fire tenders.

Mr Speaker: If you look at part (a) of the Question it has to do with insurance of the vehicles and not the kind of materials that are used in building construction in general. It is a different question all together.

Mr Chabi: Mr Speaker, it is in the public domain that the hon. Minister of Local Government, the Government Spokesperson and other Government Ministers last year told the whole nation that these fire tenders were insured at US$250,000. However, today, the hon. Minister has changed his statement with impunity, but I am not surprised because that is typical of the Patriotic Front (PF) Government ...

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chabi: ... and that is why they are going to pay politically for this inconsistency.

Sir, the fire tender that was sent to Mansa in Luapula Province last year failed to quench a fire that gutted Mansa Shoprite. The chain store was burnt to ashes.

Mr Speaker, just a month ago, Rock Front Hotel, which is 10 metres away from the main Samfya Road was burnt to ashes because the fire tender failed to quench the fire. What can you tell the people of Luapula Province and Mansa in particular? Should they continue to appreciate the presence of the fire tender in their midst when it cannot quench any fire?

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, ...

Laughter

Mr Speaker: ... supplementary questions should be related to the Question at hand, by definition. Maybe, this is a reminder that I should move on.

Laughter

Hon. Members: No, no!

Mr Speaker: Let me try again. Hon. Member for Liuwa.

Dr Musokotwane (Liuwa): Mr Speaker, I come back to the statement that was made in the House that the fire tenders had been insured for US$250,000. Today, you are saying that they have been insured for US$1 million. Obviously, this contradiction between the two positions puts your reputation at risk. It questions your reputation. Assuming that you were misled by your officials, could you now explain what measures you are going to take against the officers who made you issue two contradictory statements on the same question? What disciplinary measures are you going to take?

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, I will have to check the records to see if I truly issued a statement that contradicts this one. If that happens to be the case, I will take responsibility and come and make amends.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: The hon. Minister has done a very commendable thing. That is the way it is supposed to be. He wants to check the records so that it is put straight, if need be. He wants to check the record.

I will now take the last questions from the hon. Member for Chienge, hon. Member for Katuba, hon. Member for Nalikwanda, hon. Member for Dundumwezi, hon. Member for Mwandi, hon. Member for Shang’ombo and hon. Member for Mkushi South. A reminder to those that I have just announced, please, confine your supplementary questions within the main Question. Otherwise, I will not ask the hon. Minister of Local Government to respond. I will just by-pass you if you present an irrelevant question.

Ms Katuta (Chienge): Mr Speaker, I would like clarification from the hon. Minister. He said that each truck was purchased for US$1 million and was insured for K10 million, the equivalent of US$1 million. I stand to be corrected, but those who have done accounts will agree that a movable asset like a vehicle begins to depreciate immediately it leaves the garage. Therefore, I am wondering how the cost of a fire tender is the same amount paid in insurance.

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, if a US$1 million worth truck is to be replaced, it will be replaced by US$1 million. That is the formula that was used.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Ms Mwashingwele (Katuba): Mr Speaker, I appreciate that the hon. Minister is going to check his records. However, to allay the allegations that there was insurance of US$250,000 which is now said to be K10 million, is it alright if he can actually lay the documents on the Table of the House so that we have proof?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, we could provide information and documentation that was used to try to prove that the trucks were insured for that amount. I know that there have been so many discussions around the insurance cover of US$250,000, but I am not sure and this is why I will go and check the records. If ,indeed, the position is as suggested, we will acknowledge it.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Prof. Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, in his own words, the hon. Minister said that the Central Government paid insurance on behalf of the councils which are poor. Is he in a position to give us the details of those councils?

Mr Speaker: Is this now or in due course? I also would like to be clear.

Prof. Lungwangwa: Mr Speaker, in due course.

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, I am in a position to provide the information requested.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Mr Speaker, this is a follow-up question on the one that was asked by the hon. Member of Parliament for Katuba. She asked whether the hon. Minister is in a position to bring the documents to Parliament and not just information. Is he able to bring the documents for the insurance cover to Parliament?

Mr Speaker: He said that if need be, he would. Hon. Minister, do you want to speak for yourself?

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, that is the correct position. I said that we will provide all the information including documents.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mubika (Shang’ombo): Mr Speaker, early this year, we had a parliamentary tour of the Eastern Province. We toured Katete Council, Nyimba Council, and Luangwa Council and found that insurance was paid from the Local Government Equalisation Fund ...

Mr Speaker: I did not get the first part of your statement.

Mr Mubika: Mr Speaker, we were on a parliamentary tour of the Eastern Province.

Mr Speaker: Oh, I see.

Mr Mubika: For Luangwa Council, Katete Council and Nyimba Council, insurance was paid by the Ministry of Local Government and the money was deducted from the Local Government Equalisation Fund. We were told that they paid K250,000 per fire truck. The hon. Minister, however, is today saying he paid K158,000. Is he telling us the truth and the councils are misleading us?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, the hon. Minister has been very clear on this. He wants to check the records, including the records you looked at.

Mr Mutaba (Mwandi): Mr Speaker, my question has been overtaken by that of the hon. Member for Shang’ombo.

Mr Chisopa (Mkushi South): Mr Speaker, before I pose my question, allow me to relay my condolences on the loss of the hon. Member of Parliament for Mangango Constituency and congratulate the new hon. Member of Parliament for Kasenengwa Constituency.

Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister indicated that some councils are being assisted in terms of insurance payments and other councils are paying on their own. What criteria was used to arrive at which councils to assist? Is the hon. Minister able to provide us with the schedule of councils that are paying on their own and those that are being assisted by the Central Government?

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, we have the schedule and I would provide it.

Sir, as a ministry, we are aware of councils that are doing well. We know those that are financially sound and those that struggle to find money even to pay salaries and meet other obligations. This is the criterion that we used. We just checked around and saw which ones could pay for themselves. I could provide the schedule as requested by the hon. Member of Parliament.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

CONSTRUCTION OF SCHOOLS AND CLINICS IN GWEMBE CONSTITUENCY UNDER THE GWEMBE TONGA DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

2. Ms Chisangano (Gwembe) asked the Minister of Energy:

(a) how many schools and clinics were earmarked for construction in Gwembe Parliamentary Constituency under the Gwembe Tonga Development Project;

(b) of the schools and clinics above, how many have been completed and were operational as of June, 2018;

(c) how many schools and clinics benefited in form of the following, as of June, 2018:

(i) water supply;

(ii) power supply; and

(iii) road network; and

(d) how much money, in total, has been spent under the project in:

(i) Gwembe District; and

(ii) the entire Gwembe Valley region.

The Minister of Energy (Mr Nkhuwa): Mr Speaker, one secondary school and five clinics were constructed. The school is Nkandanzovu School in Kalomo District. The clinics are Siameja and Sulwegonde in Sinazongwe, Sinafala and Chaboboma in Gwembe and Nkandanzovu in Kalomo.

Sir, construction of Nkandanzovu School was completed in 2005. The construction of four clinics that is, Siameja, Sulwegonde, Sinafala and Nkandanzovu was completed in 2006 and the rehabilitation of one rural health centre at Chaboboma was completed in 2005.

Mr Speaker, the project was closed in 2006 and all the clinics were equipped with Solar PV Systems and a borehole.

Sir, Gwembe District was provided with a 33 kV power system connected to Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO).

Mr Speaker, among the four clinics, only Chiboboma benefitted from water supply, power supply and road rehabilitation.

Mr Speaker, the whole project scope comprised various programmes and cost about US$12.6 million. The various programmes included:

(i) rehabilitation of about 365 km of gravel roads;

(ii) rehabilitation of one and construction of four health centres;

(iii) support to agriculture development;

(iv) support recession (Lake drawn down) agricultural development;

(v) construction of six dams and four weirs;

(vi) land conservation;

(vii) construction of an educational facility;

(viii) establishment of flood control/water harvesting pilot scheme;

(ix) rehabilitation of water supply and distribution system;

(x) provision of thirty boreholes;

(xi) provision of electricity;

(xii) HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaigns; and

(xiii) community participation, mobilisation and capacity building.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Ngulube: Hear, hear!

Ms Chisangano: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the answer. However, people from Chief Chipepo where water is being used to generate electricity have not benefitted from the power supply. Is the hon. Minister assuring the people of Chief Chipepo’s area that one day, they will have electrical power in their homes, clinics and schools even in other institutions because most of the solar panels that the hon. Minister talked about are not working.

Mr Speaker, those solar panels were not installed in a sustainable manner. The people want electricity which is being generated from their own water.

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, I understand that some of the solar panels are not working effectively. I think it is just a question of replacing the solar panels.

Sir, the budget that was allocated for the Gwembe Tonga Development Project was exhausted. Therefore, it is up to individual ministries and, indeed, the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) that falls under my ministry to endeavour to attend to those issues as an on-going project.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Sing’ombe: Mr Speaker, allow me to ask the hon. Minister a question concerning Dundumwezi because when he was answering questions on Gwembe, he indicated that a school and a clinic were built in Nkandanzovu. When will the Government give the people of Nkandanzovu a dam which was one of the conditions given when moving the people from Gwembe to Chief Chinkanta’s area in Dundumwezi Constituency?

Mr Speaker: You know the difficulty I have is that you are introducing a new subject.

Mr Sing’ombe: Nkandanzovu is in the hon. Minister’s answer.

Interruptions

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, as you have guided, this is a new subject altogether. I think he can file in a new question.

Hon. Opposition Members: Ah!

Mr Nkhuwa: Yes!

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr A. Mumba (Kantanshi): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister, considering that he was given a directive by His Excellency the President on Friday that since only 31 per cent of the people are benefitting from electricity generation and in his response, the hon. Minister said that the budget has been exhausted. It sounded to me as business as usual. Is there any assurance we can get from the hon. Minister considering that he was given a directive.

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, the budget that has been exhausted is the budget allocated to the Gwembe Tonga Development Project. For those who would like to know, this project is as a result of people that were displaced in the Gwembe Valley. We had to look after them by building schools and clinics and among. There was a particular budget for those projects and that is the budget that was exhausted.

Sir, the directive that was given by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, on Friday is a new directive that we are going to work on by following the directive. We are obedient Ministers.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

REHABILITATION OF MAMBULWE DAM

3. Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma) asked the Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection:

(a) when the rehabilitation of the Mambulwe Dam in Nangoma Parliamentary Constituency will commence;

(b) what has caused the delay in rehabilitating the Dam; and

(c) what the total cost of the project is.

The Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection (Dr Wanchinga): Mr Speaker, the rehabilitation of the Mambulwe Dam will commence when funds are made available from the National Treasury. I should mention that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has already been signed between the ministry and the Zambia National Service (ZNS) to undertake the rehabilitation works and those funds are being awaited.

Sir, the non-availability of funds is the principal cause for the delay in rehabilitating the dam and starting the works.

Mr Speaker, the total cost of the project is estimated at K2,473,738.07.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, if the local people cannot draw water from Mambulwe Dam, I would like to know where they are now getting water from.

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, may the hon. Member for Nangoma repeat the question.

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, the local people cannot draw water from the Mambulwe Dam. I would like to know where they are now getting water from.

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, if I got the hon. Member for Nangoma correctly, he wishes to know where the general public is getting water from since the dam has not been rehabilitated. Rehabilitation is not the same as construction. It means repairing the part of the dam that is damaged. However, the dam is functioning minimally and some water is being retained at the embankment.

Sir, this is, indeed, an old dam which was constructed in 1975 and there is a need to strengthen its embankment and to repair the spillway and the outlet pipes. However, there are some boreholes in the community and if they are not there in certain areas, the ministry is actually prepared to assist the local community. However, the dam is not completely dry and if the hon. Member for Nangoma wishes to engage the ministry on how we can work together, the door is open and we can look at this issue once again.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Jamba (Mwembezhi): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the answers. However, I would like to find out if the technocrats know the dam being talked about, since I heard the hon. Minister saying that there is water in the dam? There is no water in the dam after it collapsed. Could the hon. Minister tell this House whether he knows the dam being talked about.

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, I share the concern of the hon. Member for Mwembezhi. Like I said, I am willing to visit the area so that I can see the dam myself. However, what I know is that the dam did not collapse 100 per cent and I said that there is some residual retention of some water. It has not dried completely and it is not a desert. However, I appreciate the fact that not much water is being retained to meet the needs of the local community. That is why I said that I am willing to get a personal update and to see what the situation is. However, as a secondary remedial measure, we need to put in place contingency measures in terms of extra boreholes to service the area.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, the hon. Member for Mwembezhi wants to find out whether you or alternately your technocrats have personal knowledge of the state of the dam.

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, I have not personally visited the area. That is why I am making a commitment to visit the area because I am relying on the recommendations and information from my technocrats.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Miyanda (Mapatizya): Mr Speaker, in his response, the hon. Minister indicated that the people who live near the Mambulwe Dam which cannot retain water anymore can use boreholes. I, therefore, would like to find out from the hon. Minister who has never been to the area how many boreholes are found around the dry dam.

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member for Mapatizya’s question underscores the importance of my visit to the area so that I will be able to ascertain the number of boreholes in the area.

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: I think the Question has been answered.

Laughter

COLLECTION OF TOURISM LEVY, FROM INCEPTION TO JULY, 2018

4. Mr Kasandwe (Bangweulu) asked the Minister of Tourism and Arts:

how much money, in form of tourism levy, has been collected from inception to July, 2018;

whether the money has been deposited into the Tourism Development Fund;

how many tourism projects have been financed from the Fund;

whether the Fund is achieving the intended purpose.

The Minister of Tourism and Arts (Mr C. Banda): Sir, the Government greatly appreciates the positive response received from the tourism industry and general public on the implementation of the tourism levy which, as you know, is a stream of income for financing the Tourism Development Fund. The Tourism Development Fund, which was operationalised in 2017 with a Yellow Book provision of K11 million, is a Government initiative aimed at increasing financial support to the tourism sector specifically for tourism product development, tourism research, tourism marketing, tourism training and tourism infrastructure.

Mr Speaker, …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, the consultations on the right are rather loud.

Continue, hon. Minister.

Mr C. Banda: … the House may wish to know that since the inception of the implementation of the tourism levy on 1^st March, 2017, to July, 2018 K19,142,000 has been collected. Of this amount, K10,856,698.89 was collected from March to December, 2017, against a target of K11 million, which means that we managed to achieve 99 per cent of the target for the year. The 2018 projection for collection in the Yellow Book has remained static at K11 million and so far, the tourism levy collected from January to July, 2018, is K8,285,302.

Mr Speaker, Section 64(6) of the Tourism and Hospitality Act No. 13 of 2015, states that, the tourism levy collected for tourism related services shall be paid into a special bank account opened for the fund. Reference is also made to Section 64(1) that the fund shall consist of, amongst others; such other moneys as may vest in, or accrue to the fund.

The interpretation of these provisions led the ministry to request the Ministry of Finance for a specific bank account to be opened for the purposes of the Tourism Development Fund. Prior to the implementation of the tourism levy, special Sub-control 99 Account at the Bank of Zambia (BOZ) was opened and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) was informed to channel resources to the Sub-control Account. A Tourism Development Fund (Tourism levy) Mirror Account at the Zambia National Commercial Bank (Zanaco) was also opened to facilitate expenditure. However, these accounts were later closed and currently, tourism levy funds are channelled directly to Control 99. Nevertheless, efforts are being made to revert to the earlier provision.

Mr Speaker, allow me to inform the House that a Tourism Development Fund Committee comprising both public and private sector members was appointed to administer the Fund in June, 2017. Additionally, an internal institutional arrangement which assigns specific roles and feeds into the Tourism Development Fund Committee was created to manage the reporting relationships with the ministry and implementing agencies. Sir, the House may also wish to know that the Tourism Development Fund is implemented through the ministry’s departments, statutory bodies and participating local authorities.

In this regard, in 2017, the Tourism Development Fund Committee sat and approved nine projects and administrative charges amounting to K17,702,369.05. A summary of the disbursements is provided below.

UNIT AMOUNT (ZMW)

Zambia Tourism Agency 2,548,083.00

Department of Tourism 1,798,317.00

National Arts Council 529,586.67

National Museums Board 255,000.00

National Heritage and Conservation Commission 2,399,000.00

Zambia Institute for Tourism and Hospitality Studies 3,209,477.00

Department of National Parks and Wildlife 1,229,613.84

National Heritage and Conservation Commission

(Zambezi Source Biodiversity and Livelihood Support) 2,649,400.00

Zambian Tourism Agency (Lusaka Bus Tours) 1,983,200.00

Secretariat (Headquarters) 1,100,691.54

Mr Speaker, the fund is in its first year of implementation and, therefore, it may be too soon to evaluate and state with surity whether it is achieving its intended purpose at this time. What is evident is that, through this Fund, the tourism sector is now receiving an additional stream of income that is available to use for tourism development purposes.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kasandwe: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the elaborate answer. He is aware that the tourism sector is extremely important to the economy as well as job creation in this country. I just want an honest answer from him. Is he happy at the pace at which this fund is being released to this sector?

Mr C. Banda: Mr Speaker, I am being honest and open. At the moment, we are satisfied with the amount of money we have received, even though more can be done. There is a lot of work to be done, but we need quite a lot of money to do that. If possible, I would ask for more money than I have already been given. However, looking at the circumstances prevailing, we are happy at the moment.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa): Mr Speaker, I would like to seek clarification from the hon. Minister. He indicated that he has a department within the ministry that works in collaboration with local governments. What sort of information is available in our local governments, especially for a rural place like Kaputa, that can enable us to take advantage of this fund and utilise it for tourism development in our areas?

Mr C. Banda: Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Tourism and Arts does not operate from the centre, but it operates throughout the country where there are tourism sites. In such areas, we are working with the local authorities for us to achieve the intended goal of product development.

For example, in Mbala, we gave money to the National Museums Board …

Mr Simfukwe: Hear, hear!

Mr C. Banda: … because we have Moto Moto Museum there. This museum does not exist in a vacuum but exists where there is a local authority. Therefore, we are working together with them since the development of Moto Moto Museum involves the local authority. For instance, there is a road leading to this museum that needs to be worked on. The Ministry of Tourism and Arts is not working on the roads, but the local authorities are. Therefore, whatever we are doing in the ministry, our friends should know so that together, we are able to develop product development.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mbulakulima (Milenge): Mr Speaker, what really prompted the change from the special specific account to Control 99, yet the general feeling among many people is that when money gets to that extent, it gets diverted. What prompted this change and how comfortable is he, as the Minister responsible for this fund?

Mr C. Banda: Mr Speaker, I think everybody else knows that by law, all Government revenues should go to Account Control 99 at the Bank of Zambia. Actually, it was a request from us that we should have a sub-control account which would be easier for us to access in case of need, when the money has been deposited. I am sure there are certain things that were not done to ensure that the usage of Sub-control 99 was foolproof and this information has been given to us by the Ministry of Finance. At the moment, they are through with the modalities and trying to make it foolproof and also reliable enough to avoid abuse, then we will revert to it. We have been discussing with the Ministry of Finance.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Nanjuwa: Mr Speaker, bearing in mind that national parks are domiciled in certain districts, for instance, Mumbwa, where have the Kafue National Park is, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister if there will be a prescribed percentage of this fund to directly benefit the local authority in order to enhance their revenue base in future.

Mr C. Banda: Mr Speaker, I am grateful for the good question because it will help me to explain the correct position of the fund.

Sir, some people could have misunderstood this money to be like the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) that it could be applied for development purposes in certain areas. The money is used by the Ministry of Tourism and Arts, through statutory bodies and departments, in order to ensure that we run the operations of the ministry effectively. Giving money to the local authorities is not part of the mandate of the ministry on the usage of the Tourism Development Fund. The areas where this money is used are the National Museums Board because we want to improve this institution. Other institutions are the Department of National Parks and Wildlife from which the parks the hon. Member is referring to will directly or indirectly benefit. We are also considering the National Heritage Commission for Conservation. All these are statutory bodies are domiciled in the Ministry of Tourism and Arts to which the fund is directed for product development and tourism development and conservation.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Ms Tambatamba (Kasempa): Mr Speaker, I would like to know the proportion of the tourism levy, which has been set aside for restocking activities in some of the parks, which are highly depleted such as the Kafue National Park.

Mr C. Banda: Mr Speaker, there is no money, which has been set aside for restocking. Like I have already stated, the money which the ministry has, is purely for trading, product development and also tourism development in the country.

Sir, the issue of restocking is under the Department of National Parks, which has the capacity to move the animals from where they are in abundance to depleted areas. Therefore, there is no money, which has been set aside through the Tourism Development Fund.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker: I will take the last three questions from the hon. Member for Liuwa, hon. Member for Ikeleng’i and lastly, the hon. Member for Bangweulu.

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, I get the hon. Minsiter when he says the proceeds of the tourism levy goes to support institutions in his ministry. However, we are worried about places like Liuwa, which has tourism assets because the money which goes to the institutions and the ministry may not necessarily end up benefiting the areas, where tourism takes place such as Liuwa. Could he explain whether there is any policy which is being developed to ensure that part of the money goes directly to places like Liuwa, Luangwa or Kafue, so that they can either develop independently or with the ministry’s support programmes which support the development of the tourism industry. Is there such an intention?

Mr C. Banda: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for the good question.

Sir, I suppose the hon. Member is now talking about budgetary issues which cannot be contained in the Tourism Development Fund. The resources in this fund are too minimal to be spread out for purposes of developing areas as indicated. However, there is no harm in thinking aloud and putting ideas together to expand areas of usage. I would rather we work together to ensure that we have enough budgetary allocation to enable us to attend to matters such as the one the hon. Member has suggested.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Mr Speaker, …

Mr Mweetwa: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank you for according me this opportunity to raise what I consider to be a very serious point of order and one of an urgent nature.

Sir, last year, starting about this same time, this House approved a National Budget wherein various forms of revenue were expected to be collected. Budgets were made in line with the expected funding and part of such funding was to come from the donors.

Mr Speaker, we are now being told through the Diggers Newspaper that the United Kingdom (UK) has confirmed freezing of aid to Zambia due to rampant embezzlement, corruption and abuse of such funds in Government ministries.

Sir, I have also been aware that in line with the step taken, certain donors had suspended funding to this Government as early as January and February, 2018. A particular sector of interest which has been a rallying point of singing praises about themselves by our colleagues in the Patriotic Front (PF) has been the Social Cash Transfer transforming the lives of people. This was supported by His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, when he came to this House on Friday and said that the fund was transforming the lives of people. Since February, 2018, many parts of this country have not received such funding because the donors have withheld such funding due to abuse.

Sir, at 1300 hours local time, there was an official notification by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) News that the United Kingdom (UK) Government has withdrawn funding due to corruption by the PF in Government ministries.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwamba: Question!

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, now that various Government deliverables of services will be affected because the budgets which were set will not be met, is the Patriot Front Government in order to keep quiet and not address the nation on the measures the Government putting in order to cushion the withdrawal of the donor aid. I need your serious ruling, Mr Speaker.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: My ruling is that if the hon. Member would like to seek confirmation of the press reports he has referred to and other sources which he has gathered, he can lodge a question through the mechanisms in my office and I will forward it to his colleagues and they will respond to his queries.

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has said that he works in collaboration with institutions such as the National Heritage for Product Development in the usage of the fund. I have also heard him correctly that the amount is quite little. Nevertheless, I have not picked from him whether he has priortised how the little money can be applied in places like the source of the Zambezi River. In case he does not know where it is, it is in Ikeleng’i. The source dries up because of the crowded trees. Therefore, it requires the heritage to protect it. On the other side, there is Democratic Republic Congo (CRC), where they can do whatever they do. May I know whether the National Heritage and Conservation Commission has priority for such an important river, which supplies water for electricity? I would like to find out whether he has priortised places like the source of the Zambezi with the National Heritage and Conservation Commission for product development.

Mr. C. Banda: Mr. Speaker, what usually happens with this money is that various institutions make applications to the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) Committee. Depending on the availability of the money at that time, projects are prioritised and the money is disbursed accordingly. It is not true that we can handle all the projects at once. I want the hon. Member to know that the majority of the projects around the country are on the list. Therefore, at an appropriate time, they will be attended to. However, this will be done one project at a time, depending on the availability of resources.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kasandwe: Mr Speaker, are there any immediate plans to fund some projects in Luapula Province from the same fund before the end of the year?

Mr. C. Banda: Mr. Speaker, I am not sure which projects the hon. Member has in mind, but the answer is the same. Various institutions have projects which are lined up and require funding from the TDF. I am sure that some projects have been lined up by the National Museums Board (NMB), National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC) or, indeed, Hostels Board of Management (HBoM). It is possible that some of them would be in Luapula and they will be attended to.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

TARRING OF TOWNSHIP ROADS IN KABOMPO DISTRICT

5. Mr Lufuma (Kabompo) asked the Minister of Local Government:

when the tarring of township roads in Kabompo District will commence;

what has caused the delay in commencing the project;

what the total cost of the project is; and

what the time frame for completing the project is.

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, the Government plans to upgrade selected township roads in Kabompo to bituminous standard commencing in 2019, subject to availability of funds. The delay in commencing the project is due to budgetary constraints. The total cost will only be determined once the detailed scope of works has been done.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker …

Ms Kapata: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Ms Kapata: Mr Speaker, thank you for according me an opportunity to raise a point of order on the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Jack Mwiimbu. Is he in order not to tell this House the reason Hon. Nkombo has resigned the position of the Opposition Whip? We know too well that it has taken our colleagues two years to realise that they had given the positions of the Opposition Whip and Leader of the Opposition to hon. Members from the same province, forgetting that the United Party for National Development (UPND) comprises hon. Members from the North-Western, Western and Southern Provinces. I need your serious ruling. I thank you.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: The Leader of the Opposition is not out of order. This is a matter of internal party administration.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: However, hon. Minister, if you want to gather more information, maybe, have a cup of tea with him.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, please, allow me to jab the hon. Minister’s mind a bit on this very pertinent project. We have been talking about it since the Patriotic Front (PF) came into power. I will refer to Question No. 432 on the Order Paper concerning the same issue. After that, I am going to lay the document on the Table so that we put this matter to rest.

Mr Speaker, on 28^th April, 1916, a similar question was put across to the hon. Minister responsible at that time and …

Mr Speaker: Did you say 1916?

Mr Lufuma: It is 2016, I am sorry.

Laughter

Mr Lufuma: On 28^th April, 2016, in responding to a query by the hon. Member of Parliament for Kabompo as to what plans were in place to upgrade township roads to bituminous standard, the hon. Minister of Works and Supply gave an unequivocal assurance asserting that the Government did not only have plans to upgrade the roads, but also that, in fact, it had gone ahead and awarded a contract to Datong Construction Limited in August, 2015, at a contract sum of K42,201,878.77. At the time, which is April, 2016, the said contractor was on site mobilising the works. I am referring to a response to Question No.432 on the Order Paper as authorised by the Hon. Mr Speaker, which I would like to lay on the Table.

We have had assurances from the then Vice-President, Dr Guy Scott, hon. Minister of Works and Supply and now the hon. Minister of Local Government that this project will be implemented. Therefore, given the trend and answers the Government has been giving, but not acting upon what has been said, what assurance is the hon. Minister giving the people of Kabompo that this time around, the Government will go ahead and rehabilitate or upgrade these roads to bituminous standard?

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, my response and assurance is the same. I said earlier on, the implementation of projects is subject to the availability of funds. We can definitely have plans or a wish list of everything that we want, but all that is subject to the availability of funds. I have said that in 2019, we will commence that project should we have funds in place. That is the utmost assurance I can give to Hon. Lufuma.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, I am thankful for that answer, but could I, please, know what exactly happened to this contract which was awarded to Datong Construction Limited. The hon. Minister categorically said that the same contractor was already on site at the time.

Mr Mwale: Mr. Speaker, I can try to search and provide that information. Alternatively, I can invite him for a cup of tea at the office tomorrow to look at the matter. That assurance was given by a ministry which is now abolished; the Ministry of Works and Supply. It has been realigned and not abolished. It now has a different mandate and does not undertake public works such as the rehabilitation of roads anymore. That is a mandate of either the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development or Ministry of Local Government. Therefore, we can go to the archives to check and share that information. However, I am giving the House an up-to-date assurance regardless of what happened in the past. Therefore, if the hon. Member still wants to go to the archives, we can discuss the matter so that he knows what happened.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Lufuma laid the document on the Table.

Laughter

Mr Lihefu (Manyinga): Mr Speaker, the roads the hon. Member for Kabompo is talking about are death traps. The people of Kabompo and neighbouring constituencies feel left behind. Is there any short-term measure, before 2019, that the ministry can put in place to help the people of Kabompo?

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, in case the hon. Member for Manyinga has forgotten, we are discussing township roads, not roads that connect towns. I do not think that we should put short-term measures in place as we await the tarring of these roads. We would be wasting money if we did that. If it was a road between one town and another, with high traffic, where people drive very fast, I would have said that the Government will do something while we wait for tarring to be done. However, we are talking about township roads, roads in residential areas where people can drive slowly. We have to wait for 2019. Hopefully, we will manage to get some funds from the Treasury to work on these township roads.

I thank you, Sir.

SIGNING OF CONTRACTS TO TAR ROADS IN MKUSHI DISTRICT

6. Princess Mwape (Mkushi North) asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:

when the contracts to tar the following roads in Mkushi District were signed:

Masansa/Luano/Kabwe; and

Masansa/Mpula ;

what has caused the delay in commencing the works;

when works on the projects will commence; and

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

The Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development (Mr Chitotela): Mr Speaker, the contract to upgrade Masansa/Luano/Kabwe Road and Masansa/Mpula Road in Mkushi District was signed on 19^th July, 2017, with Messrs CMC Di Ravenna of Italy. The project will be implemented through the contractor-facilitated initiative. The estimated total cost of the project is K3,814,888,357. The commencement of works has delayed because the financing agreement has not yet been finalised. The works will commence fourteen days after the financing agreement has been signed. The time frame for the completion of the project will be thirty-six months from the date of commencement.

Mr Speaker, the tarring of the Masansa/Luano/Kabwe Road and Masansa/Mpula Road is part of the project for upgrading to bituminous standard, of approximately 295 km of the Kabwe/Piccadilly Circus to Mkushi (D200/D207/D214), Mpula/Masansa (D208/D209) and 20 km of urban roads in Mkushi and Kabwe in the Central Province.

I thank you, Sir.

Princess Mwape: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has indicated that this contract was signed a year ago. That is very bad. The people of Mkushi are expectant. When the contract is signed, the people expect the Government to start working on the roads. The Government is supposed to construct roads using bituminous material so that goods can be transported easily. As the hon. Minister is aware, Mkushi is a farming block and it feeds this nation. There is a need for a good road network –

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member, I have been very patient with you. Put the question.

Princess Mwape: Mr Speaker, I want the hon. Minister to tell the people of Mkushi and Luano why it has taken long for this contract to be concluded since it was signed a year ago. I need his serious statement so that I can have an answer for the people of Mkushi.

Mr Speaker: I am sure the people of Mkushi are listening. Hon Minister continue.

Laughter

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, I am trying to comprehend which contract has delayed to be finalised. The contract for these roads was signed on 19^th July, 2017. What has delayed to be concluded?

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, perhaps, the way I understood the question is that when the hon. Member said “concluded,” she may have been referring to execution. Is that correct, hon. Member for Mkushi North?

Princess Mwape: Mr Speaker, that is correct.

Mr Speaker: It is execution.

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, what has made the contractor not to commence construction are the financial negotiations between the contractor and the Ministry of Finance because this is a contractor-facilitated initiative. The commercial contract was signed. However, the Ministry of Finance also needs to look at the financial terms and understand the period the project will be fully executed and the repayment period. These could be the issues that have delayed the Ministry of Finance. The Ministry of Finance needs to agree on the financing modalities so that the contractor can begin executing the construction of this road. It is a very important project because it caters for four districts. The roads to be covered under this project begin from Kabwe, pass through Kapili, Luano and Nyenzi in Mkushi. The Government is committed to doing this project. When His Excellency the President visited Mkushi, he issued a statement to the people of Mkushi that the Government is committed to working on these roads because they are economic roads. There are mines and agriculture activities taking place there. I will engage my colleagues in the Ministry of Finance to find out how far they have gone with the negotiations with the contractor in terms of the financing agreement.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Chisopa: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has acknowledged that, indeed, this road is an economic road. I want to mention –

Mr Michelo: On a point of order, Sir.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Michelo: Mr Speaker, let me, first of all, apologise to my fellow hon. Member of Parliament for interrupting his debate.

Sir, I think the dress code in this Parliament is well-defined. Is the hon. Minister of Fisheries and Livestock in order to come to this honourable House dressed in pajamas?

Mr Speaker, I need your serious ruling.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member for Bweengwa Parliamentary Constituency, if the hon. Minister in question was in a pyjama, I would not have allowed her here.

Laughter

Ms Mulenga: Muleishiba utuntu.

Mr Chisopa: Mr Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Minister who has acknowledged that this road is an economical road and that it does not only carter for four districts, but for six constituencies too. The hon. Minister has indicated that the delay in the works is due to the financing agreement. How far has the Government gone in negotiating the time frame for this financing agreement? When will the negotiation be concluded?

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Mkushi South Parliamentary Constituency which is in Luano District, for that question. Indeed, the road in question is very important. The contractor submitted a term sheet, which is a financing proposal, to the ministry through the Road Development Agency (RDA). That proposal was approved and sent to the Ministry of Finance. A lending institution called UKF has been engaging the Ministry of Finance with a view to concluding negotiations so that the contractor can begin executing the works. That is how far we are with this particular project. We are almost at the tail end. The only thing remaining is the Ministry of Finance and UKF to conclude the financing agreement.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: I will take the last two questions from the hon. Member for Parliament for Kabwe Central and hon. Member for Chilubi Parliamentary Constituencies.

Mr Ngulube: Mr Speaker, I am aware that the last time this question regarding the Masansa/Luano/Kabwe Road was posed; we were assured that the contractor would be on site in 2018. Speaking on behalf of the people of Kabwe, I can state that the contractor had commenced working on a portion of the road. However, the contractor left after carrying out road works on a stretch of 20 km. I would like to find out if this is the same contractor that is going to finish the works or it is a totally different one. I ask because this is a road that I believe will service about three or four districts starting from Kabwe, Mkushi North, Mkushi South and to outlying areas including Chisamba.

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, I thank Hon. Tutwa Ngulube for that concern. I need to check and establish which contractor was working on that particular portion of that road. However, the assurance to the six constituencies and four districts which will directly benefit from this project is that the Government is committed to ensuring this is done. To this effect, we have engaged our counterparts at the Ministry of Finance under the Piccadilly Road Project. There is serious consideration by the Government to ensuring that it fulfils its promise to the people of Central Province.

Sir, we have been having discussions with the provincial administration and the hon. Member of Parliament for Mkushi South. The two parties understand how committed the Patriotic Front (PF) Government is to this project and where we are at the moment in terms of finalising the financing agreement. That is why the project has moved from the level of the contractor to a level where discussions are taking place between the financing institution and the Ministry of Finance.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mrs Fundanga (Chilubi): Mr Speaker, I know that other hon. Members have spoken about how this road will service districts. I see this road as a corridor for four provinces, namely: the Copperbelt; the Northern; Central; and Luapula Provinces. There are also other roads within the provinces which are in the same predicament. Perhaps the hon. Minister may consider coming to this House to tell us what is exactly happening with those roads. That way, we will not have to ask the same questions.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: There is no question there. Did you mean to ask a question?

Mrs Fundanga: Yes, Sir.

Mr Speaker: What is the question?

Mrs Fundanga: Mr Speaker, is it possible for the hon. Minister to come to this House and give us the position of other roads which are connected to this vital road.

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, it is possible. If my memory serves me well, I recall that during the last meeting of Parliament, I submitted a ministerial statement to the Office of the Speaker for consideration to give an update on the Link Zambia 8,000 km Road Project under which the road projects in Mkushi South fall, unless it has expired. If it has expired, we are willing to submit another one so that we can update the House and the nation at large on how far we have gone in terms of the implementation of the Link Zambia 8,000 km Road Project.

I thank you, Sir.

MEASURES TO PROMOTE TRADITIONAL DANCES AND OTHER FORMS OF ART IN KALABO DISTRICT

7. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) asked the Minister of Tourism and Arts:

whether the Government has taken any measures to promote traditional dances and other forms of art in Kalabo District and other rural parts of the country;

if so, what the measures are; and

what benefits accrued to the Government as a result of promoting art and culture from January, 2017, to June, 2018.

Mr C. Banda: Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Tourism and Arts through the Department of Arts and Culture has been promoting both traditional and contemporary arts throughout the country. In Kalabo, in particular, the department has engaged a number of groups to participate in high profile state and public functions.

Sir, the groups from Kalabo have participated in events at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the Pamodzi Carnival in Lusaka and most recently, at the International Trade Fair in Ndola. It is through such events that cultural groups are exposed to national and international level. Involvement in such activities does not only empower these artists financially through being hired for private functions by institutions and individuals, but it also motivates them to improve the various forms of art that they offer.

Mr Speaker, the Department of Arts and Culture in the Western Province has also started holding festivals at district level and the Kalabo Festival is planned for 2019. These festivals encompass all forms of art, which include music, dance, drama, poetry, fine art, traditional cuisine and fashion.

Sir, the promotion of arts and culture is one way that the Government is trying to diversify the tourism sector. In order to enhance the diversification of the sector, the Ministry of Tourism and Arts is promoting cultural festivals in all provinces where all rural cultural groups from the districts are encouraged to participate. The best groups at these festivals are then picked to represent their provinces at the two national carnivals, namely: the Livingstone International Culture and Arts Festival (LICAF); and the Pamodzi Carnival held annually in Livingstone and Lusaka respectively. These national carnivals have since been calendared and are becoming a tourism attraction.

I thank you, Sir.

CONSTRUCTION OF A POLICE STATION AND A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY IN CHAMA NORTH CONSTITUENCY

8. Mr D. Mumba (Chama North) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

whether the Government has any plans to construct a police station and a correctional facility in Chama North Parliamentary Constituency;

if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Kampyongo): Mr Speaker, before I respond to the question asked by the hon. Member, permit me to join my colleagues who have spoken before me in welcoming the newly elected Member of Parliament for Kasenengwa, Hon. Banda. I wish him well as he serves the people of his constituency.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kampyongo: Sir, the Government has plans to construct a police station in Chama North Parliamentary Constituency. Land for the construction of the station and staff housing units has already been secured through the Chama District Council.

Sir, the Government does not have any immediate plans to construct a correctional facility in Chama North Parliamentary Constituency. However, the Government may consider putting up a correctional facility after the completion of the on-going projects under the Correctional Service.

Mr Speaker, the construction of the police station and staff houses will commence after the infrastructure projects currently under construction are completed and funds for the project are secured.

Sir, like I stated, there are no immediate plans to construct a correctional facility in Chama North Parliamentary Constituency. Feasibility studies for the facility are yet to be conducted and a correctional facility for Chama North Parliamentary Constituency can only be considered after the current projects that are under construction are completed.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Mr Speaker, let me also take this opportunity to congratulate Hon. Sensio Banda, the people of Kasenengwa and the Patriotic Front (PF), for the triumphant victory registered in the Kasenengwa By-election.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mung’andu: Sir, I would like the hon. Minister to understand that Chama North is the central business district for Chama District and also that it encompasses Chama South. At the moment, the police station for Chama District, which is about 10 x 7 metres, has three offices. The office of the officer in charge is less than three metres away from the holding cell. That holding cell has no toilet, which means that ...

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member, put your question.

Mr Mung’andu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister stated that construction would start if funds permit, but the people of Chama have suffered for a long time. Could the hon. Minister take this as a matter of urgency so that the ministry provides a better police station considering that Chama has been in existence ...

Mr Sing’ombe interjected.

Mr Mung’andu: ... from the time that this country got its Independence, but still does not have a proper police station? If the police had a union, they should have already gone on strike in Chama.

Laughter ‘

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I appreciate the passion shown by the hon. Member in asking his follow-up question.

Sir, the hon. Member can attest to the fact that Chama, which was declared a district a long time ago, has received a fair share of Government development in terms of infrastructure. The same revenue basket where we draw resources to put up facilities such as a district hospital, which is now standing, the road network which was not in Chama and many other developments which have gone to Chama since the PF Government came into power, is the same revenue basket that this Government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, will use to put up a station in Chama District.

Mr Speaker, we are aware of the situation obtaining with regard to the police facility in Chama, but the hon. Members of Parliament from that district can only be assured because they know what this Government is capable of doing. Chama today is a different place from what it was five years ago and I am sure the hon. Member can confirm that.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Livune: Question!

TAXING OF INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT HOLDERS FOR MAINTAINING BANK ACCOUNTS BY ZRA

9. Mr Hamusonde asked the Minister of Finance:

whether the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) taxes individual account holders for maintaining bank accounts;

if so, what the tax is called;

at what rate the accounts are taxed; and

how much revenue was collected from the exercise from January, 2015, to June, 2018, year by year.

The Minister of Finance (Mrs Mwanakatwe): Mr Speaker, I would like to join the other hon. Members in congratulating the new hon. Member of Parliament for Kasenengwa. Congratulations on your resounding win.

Sir, the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) does not tax individual account holders for maintaining bank accounts. Taxes are only collectable on the sources of income and the consumption of goods and services that are taxable by law. There is currently no tax on maintaining a bank account and, therefore, there is no revenue collected from commercial banks or account holders for maintaining bank accounts.

Sir, the answer to part (b) of the question is no, the answer to part (c) of the question is none and the answer to part (d) of the question is none.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamusonde: Mr Speaker, why was every depositor given a pin number which was to be submitted to the bank? What was their interest?

Mrs Mwanakatwe: Mr Speaker, a taxpayer identification number (TPIN) at the time of opening account is common practice. Last week, I was in China and I passed through Hong Kong ...

Interruptions

Mrs Mwanakatwe: ... where I met somebody who failed to open an account because that person did not have a TPIN. A TPIN is a unique ten digit computer generated number allocated to a tax payer upon registration with the ZRA. It is a pre-requisite for any transaction with the ZRA concerning taxes, be it domestic taxes or custom services. All bank account holders are also required to obtain a TPIN since 2017.

I thank you, Sir.

CONSTRUCTION OF LWELA BRIDGE IN MILENGE DISTRICT

10. Mr Mbulakulima asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:

(a) when the construction of Lwela Bridge in Milenge District would commence; and

(b) what the cause of the delay in commencing the project is.

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, the construction of the Lwela Bridge in Milenge District is expected to commence in November, 2018, subject to an advance payment of K2,870,325.73 to the contractor. The contract was awarded to Messrs Tomorrow Investment Limited at a total contract sum of K28,703,257.30.

Mr Speaker, the project has delayed because the advance payment required by the contractor to commence the works has not yet been paid. The estimated completion period for the project is twelve months after commencement. The contract was signed on 27^th December, 2017. The scope of works includes, but not limited to the following:

(a) foundation works;

(b) reinforcement of concrete works in abatement and spares;

(c) the pre-stressed concrete beams;

(d) reinforcement of concrete deck; and

(e) approach embankment.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, you may wish to know that Lwela Bridge is the only bridge that links Milenge East and Milenge West. Without it, you have to pass through Mansa, which is a distance of about 300 km away. This is how important this bridge is.

The hon. Minister envisages starting work on this bridge in November this year and has said that the contract was signed in December, 2017. The reason given for not commencing the works is that that the river is big and it swells. Therefore, how do the works start in November this year when he knows that in Luapula, it does not just rain, but it pours. Are these some of the tactics that he is employing not actually to start the work?

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, I have been to this river in this constituency. I understand the predicament of the hon. Member for Milenge. I sympathise with him and this is the reason we signed this contract.

Mr Speaker, in my statement, I said that commencement of works is subject to the release of funds. We have been engaging the Secretary to the Treasury to release the K2.8 million so that the contractor can mobilise and begin working. We have estimated that the work will commence in November. We hope that the K2.8 million can quickly be released so that the contractor can quickly mobilise and begin to work. We will continue to engage our counterparts at the Ministry of Finance to ensure that the K2.8 million is released to the contractor.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr A. Mumba: Mr Speaker, since all projects that are under his ministry are important and following the pronouncement late last year on focussing on projects that are at 80 per cent completion level, for which resources were released, although not much. Can his ministry consider sequencing these projects so that all of us who are expectant, especially for projects that are just starting, such as the Ndola/ Mufulira/Mokambo Road, are able to know at what stage they are and then start scaling backwards? Is this possible?

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, it is possible and I will come to Parliament to issue a ministerial statement to clarify the Government’s position on the projects that are above 80 per cent completion level. These are projects that are domestically funded. We have different categories of projects. The projects that are funded by domestic resources are the ones we will concentrate on, if at 80 per cent completion level.

Mr Speaker, when I took over the ministry, I found that more than 2,000 projects were signed and were at different levels of implementation. It is not possible that the over 2,000 projects can all be done simultaneously and be completed. Therefore, we agreed with the team and with the guidance of His Excellency the President that we sequence these projects. We have picked those that are at above 80 per cent completion level. The modality that we follow is that if there are interim payment certificates that have not been paid for projects at 80 per cent completion level, we give them priority. We clear them off and once we do that and remain with some money, then, we look at other projects of an important nature such as the Lwela Bridge.

Mr Speaker, like the hon. Member of Parliament for Milenge stated, Lwela Bridge connects to Milambo which connects to Mansa. If that bridge is not done, the people from Milenge Boma come through Kasanka National Park to join the Tuta Road and go through Samfya to Mansa. This makes it difficult for the people of Milenge to access services in Mansa. The distance from Milenge to Samfya is as good as driving from Milenge to Kapiri Mposhi when through this bridge you can cover a distance of 70 or 90 km to get to Mansa to access services.

Mr Speaker, we are not changing anything. We have sequenced the projects and that is the modality we are following. However, as much as we have sequenced the implementation of projects, there are some projects of an important nature that we require to implement in order for us to service our people in the various parts of Zambia. We will not ignore them.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kabanda (Serenje): Mr Speaker, I think that the hon. Minister would do well to provide clarity on these issues because the 80 per cent issue has raised a lot of dust in our constituencies in view of the fact that works on some roads which are in the Greenfields have commenced while the old roads are not attended to and are still on ice.

Mr Speaker: The hon. Minister has already said that he would like to come and clarify this issue through a ministerial statement. You are simply complimenting what he is saying that he could do.

Therefore, next question.

CONSTRUCTION OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN MILENGE DISTRICT IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS

11. Mr Mbulakulima asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:

(a) whether the Government had any plans to construct Infrastructure in Milenge District in the next two years;

(b) if so, what type of infrastructure would be constructed; and

(c) if there were no such plans, why.

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, the Government has no immediate plans to construct any additional infrastructure in Milenge in the short term. This is not to say that we will not construct anything, but we have no immediate intentions to construct any additional infrastructure in Milenge District in the next two years until the on-going projects such as housing and other district administration infrastructure are completed in the district. The Government’s focus is on completing the on-going projects across the country before embarking on new ones, unless there are special circumstances. This is to ensure rationalisation of expenditure.

The infrastructure projects under the current plans include construction of a police post, three staff houses and health infrastructure, such as the Milenge District Hospital and Kabange Maternity Annex.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister almost started well by saying that any additional or on-going projects and specified some of the infrastructure developments going on. I do not think they are very meaningful. The hon. Minister knows that the construction of the hospital started in 2010 and it is almost complete. The police post that the hon. Minister has mentioned has not taken off from the slab level. Therefore, when is the Ministry coming in full throttle to complete the police post?

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, the construction of the hospital began some time back. The payments were released in August, 2018, for all the projects that we want to complete. We paid all the outstanding interim payments certificates to contractors in Milenge who are working on the hospital the three staff houses and the police post which was at slab level. Since the project had stalled for a long time without a contractor moving on site, we gave them a maximum of four weeks and a minimum of three weeks to mobilise and get back on site to start work on the projects. Just yesterday, I dispatched a team of inspectors from the ministry and those based in the province to go and see which contractor has not mobilised after the Government made payments to them in August, 2018.

Mr Speaker, I am sure that as we speak, the contractor may have mobilised and gone on site to begin constructing the police post or is in the process of going back on site. If he has not yet gone back, I will wait for the report from the team which we have commissioned to go countrywide to monitor which contractor has not mobilised.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Kasandwe: Mr Speaker, I just want to find out if Kasanka/Mibenge Road falls under the immediate or additional roads.

Mr Chitotela: Mr Speaker, I will come back to the House to highlight which project is in which phase after we complete the projects that we are undertaking. We will be able to know where Mibenge/Kasanka Road falls. However, off-the-cuff, I know that it is one of the projects that were advertised. I cannot tell at which stage of procurement the road is, unless I consult my staff and I am availed with the documentation.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

RESUMPTION OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF HEALTH POSTS UNDER THE 650 HEALTH POSTS PROJECT

12. Mr Kamondo (Mufumbwe) asked the Minister of Health when the Government will resume the construction of health posts, under the 650 Health Posts Project, whose contracts were terminated.

The Minister of Health (Dr Chilufya): Mr Speaker, by way of giving a background, the contract for the construction of health posts covering the Northern Province, the Luapula Province, the Michinga Province and the North-Western Province was terminated and works stalled two years ago.

Mr Speaker, I am happy to report that the Government has completed the procurement process for the construction of the 201 health posts in the four provinces. Construction will resume between 30^th September and 10^th October, 2018.

Sir, the contractor is Oversees Jaquar Limited and the contract was signed on 30^th August, 2018 and will run for eighteen months.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kamondo: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has assured the House on several occasions about the remaining health posts. I can take him back to 14^th January, 2017, when he was quoted as talking about the health posts. This can be found in the Zambia Daily Mail. On 17^th November, 2017, he talked about the same health posts. On 24^th January, 2018, the hon. Minister again talked about the health posts. The people of Mufumbwe and other parts of Zambia are running out of patience. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister, since he talked about a loan of US$18 million secured in January and told the House that the contractor will mobilise, but nothing has been happening - Now, the people of Zambia especially from the North-Western, Luapula Province …

Mr Ndalamei: Itezhi-tezhi!

Mr Kamondo: … and even Itezhi-tezhi, like someone is saying here, are losing patience. Can the hon. Minister tell the people of Zambia when these contractors will go to these provinces to start constructing the health posts.

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, in some local language, they say, “Inshiku tashichela mumo.”

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Mr Sing’ombe: Meaning?

Dr Chilufya: Meaning that days are not the same.

Mr Speaker, the promise made today is very different from what was made in the past. I will get granular about this Government Assurance. We secured the resources for completion of the 201 health posts. However, there are administrative processes that have to be undertaken so that we do not appear before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). We must follow the procurement processes and the process even lengthened by, other rules that obtain in other jurisdictions like in the Indian Government and also in the Exim Bank. The biggest problem we had after acquiring the extra resources was that the contractor had to get exemption to bring in more resources from India. The initial rule was that they should spend 70 per cent of the resources on procuring materials from India, while 30 per cent of the money will be spent here. However, the initial contractor had already procured the materials. Therefore, this new contractor had to spend more money here on labour and other preliminary civil works and had to get an exemption from Exim Bank and the Indian Government. That process took forever. We have no control over the processes in India and Exim Bank, but we applied a lot of pressure to get where we are today. Therefore, I want to assure you that we have completed all the milestones related to this procurement. I can confidently tell you that within October, 2018, the contractor will be in Mufumbwe. Just assure the people of Mufumbwe, Itezhi-tezhi, the Northern Province, the Luapula and the Muchinga Province that the contractor will be there in October this year. Inshiku tashichela mumo.

Mrs Simukoko: Hear, hear!

Hon. Opposition Members: Meaning?

Dr Chilufya: All days are not the same.

Mr Speaker: He had translated that previously.

Laughter

Ms Katuta: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for visiting me when I was unwell. I am grateful.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Ms Katuta: I would like to find out from the hon. Minister, since the contractor is going to start work in October this year, whether the works are going to be done at the same time in all the provinces seeing that in Luapula, particularly Chienge, we are in dire need of these health posts. Is the project going to be done province by province or district by district?

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the contractor will commence works simultaneously in all the provinces. Chienge will have the contractor in October this year.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr A. Mumba: Mr Speaker, I just wanted to find out whether the hon. Minister can make available the list –

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1630 hours until 1700 hours.

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr A. Mumba: Mr Speaker, in Kantanshi Constituency, particularly in two wards, my predecessor left ten health posts which are among the 650 health posts at slab level. I have noticed that the Copperbelt is not among the provinces that the hon. Minister mentioned are earmarked for the construction of health posts. I know that he has also started distributing the 108 mini hospitals. Could the hon. Minister assure us whether Kantanshi Constituency will get its fair share of these health posts?

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, as we speak, the construction of health posts on the Copperbelt Province is ongoing. They are 80 per cent complete and the ten health posts at slab level will be completed within the period October to December this year. The contractor was mobilised and he is already on the Copperbelt. We have no doubt that he will deliver within the three months that he had requested for. Kantanshi Constituency will receive its fair share of the 650 health posts and there is no reduction in the quantum.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mutelo (Mitete): Mr Speaker, the Western Province was equally not mentioned. However, the hon. Minister is aware of Washishi, Chinonwe and Lupui health posts. Are they part and parcel of the 650 health posts or we have to wait?

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, I suggest that maybe, you just offer a global response and see if we can pre-empt these on-going questions which are geographical in character.

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, in the four provinces alluded to in the question, that is, the Northern Province, the Luapula Province, the North-Western Province and the Muchinga Province, the contractor was Angelique International Limited and the contract was terminated at inception. Therefore, there are 201 health posts whose construction will begin early October this year. For the other six provinces, the contracts were not terminated. However, because of the challenges with counterpart funding and certain other administrative challenges, the contractors in these six provinces also stopped at about 80 to 90 per cent completion. For instance, in the Western Province, Mega Medical Centre completed sixty out of sixty-four health posts and the few that are remaining include Washishi, Chinonwe and Lupui in Mitete.

However, Mega Medical Centre has also been given the counterpart funding through the same process I alluded to earlier. It is also remobilising in the Western Province and in other parts of the country where they were to complete the construction of the health posts. Therefore, the health posts in the six provinces which are between 80 and 90 per cent complete will be completed within the fourth quarter of 2018 and those that we are beginning afresh will be completed within eighteen months.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Speaker: I hope this deals with these geographically related questions.

Mr Fungulwe (Lufwanyama): Mr Speaker, the construction of 650 health posts is a national issue and every hon. Member of Parliament in this House is affected. Is the hon. Minister in a position to avail to the House information on the districts where the health posts will be constructed starting in October this year?

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, there is no change to the initial list. I am aware that the hon. Member of Parliament for Lufwanyama might not have the initial list. I will avail him a copy of the Infrastructure Operational Plan which includes the list so that he could pick out his areas of interest. However, there is no change to the list that was circulated on the Floor of the House. I promise to engage the hon. Member and to avail the list to him.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, if I may suggest, let that list be distributed to all hon. Members of Parliament through the Office of the Clerk so that they can see their position in the programme.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, the longer a project takes, the more expensive it becomes because of the delay. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister’s point of view as to who is bearing the cost, considering that the loan to undertake the health posts project was from India and it has taken long. Who is bearing the cost and how has this impacted on the project going forward?

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, let me begin by assuring the House that the list shall be available tomorrow as you guided. Secondly, the project has been costly because of the time that has lapsed and there has been an extension in the amount of the loan. We were given an extra US$18 million to accommodate the loss of time and the impact on the project. This has been included in the loan facility.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kambita (Zambezi East): Mr Speaker, in the last meeting of this House, Her Honour the Vice-President advised hon. Members of Parliament to go back to the constituencies to explain to the electorates the developmental projects that are being undertaken by the Government. If I recall correctly, last time the hon. Minister of Health mentioned that the contractors would be on site around April next year and he confidently mentioned this on the Floor of the House. What has changed this time around because he seems to have the same confidence? Now, we have been given a new date of October, 2018 and the hon. Minister has mentioned a myriad of challenges. What has changed this time around? He should tell us that we can go back and tell the electorates that the contractors will be on site in October this year?

Dr Chilufya: Inshiku tashichela mumo.

Laughter

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

Mr Ngulube: Meaning?

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, not all days are the same. As I already explained, I will repeat for the benefit of the hon. Member. There were administrative procedures that had to be followed in Zambia and India involving the bank. Therefore, these were beyond our sphere of control. However, I can now confidently state that we have concluded the procurement process. The contract has been signed and the resources have been released. These are milestones and we have no doubt that the dates will not shift.

Sir, when we were giving assurances in the past, we were projecting dates based on the milestones we wanted to attain, but now, we are not projecting dates. We are saying the milestones are being attained, resources released, contract signed and all the preliminary difficulties that the contractor had in India and with the bank, have been resolved. Therefore, this is what has changed. I would urge the hon. Member to go back to the constituency and reassure the people that inshiku tashichela mumo.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Speaker: I will take the last two questions from the hon. Member of Parliament for Mufumbwe and the hon. Member for Kasempa, in that order.

Mr Kamondo: Mr Speaker, the contractor had sub-contracted some local contractors to carry out some of the works. May I find out from the hon. Minister whether the contractor will this time use the same local contractors or is he going to engage other sub-contractors?

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the model is the same. The contractor will engage local sub-contractors to undertake the civil works and probably to assist in the erection of the panels. Since the model is the same, Zambians will be empowered through this project.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Speaker: The way I understood the question is that, will the new contractors still fall back on the old local contractors or they will be at liberty to engage new contractors including the old ones.

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, they will be at liberty to include the old contractors or recruit new contractors. The bottom line is that, there will be local sub-contractors, either a new set completely or a hybrid.

Ms Tambatamba: Mr Speaker, during the recent visit of the hon. Minister of Health to Kasempa and at a meeting that he held at Mukinge Hospital, the information that came out was that the construction of nine health posts in Kasempa would be completed on the 30^th September, 2018. Could he confirm this, please?

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, firstly, I wish to appreciate the cordial reception were given received in Kasempa by the hon. Member of Parliament when we went there and for the victory we had in the ward by-elections in Kasempa.

Sir, the information delivered to our friends in Kasempa was that we will commence between 30^th September and 10^th October, 2018. Therefore, it is in the first two weeks of October, 2018, that we would mobilise. Therefore, the information is that the project will commence in between 30^th September and 10^th October, 2018.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

ALLOCATION OF 10 SOLAR MILLING PLANTS TO CO-OPERATIVES NOT ON THE APPROVED LIST OF BENEFICIARIES IN KABOMPO DISTRICT

13. Mr Lufuma asked the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry why 10 out of 12 solar milling plants were allocated to co-operative societies which were not on the approved list of beneficiaries in Kabompo District.

The Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Mr Yaluma): Mr Speaker, the approval of the beneficiaries of the solar milling plants is done by the Provincial Approval Committee which is responsible for taking into account concerns of all stakeholders to ensure equitable distribution of the plants in the province.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, although I did not get what the hon. Minister said, I wish to say that before these plants were constructed, co-operative societies in various districts and provinces had to apply. Twelve co-operative societies applied in Kabompo, their applications went through the approval process and they were approved and paid. Everything was done including siting. Collection of materials and delivery of equipment was done to sites that were approved by Zambia Co-operative Federation (ZCF) through the province that sat at provincial level. Unfortunately, when the Chinese contractor came to start constructing these milling plants, there arose fresh instructions from the province saying that those approved were not their members. Meaning, in black and white, that they were not Patriotic Front (PF)

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member of Parliament for Kabompo, I know you have a lot of information about these issues, but the opportunity you have been given is to clarify the response from the hon. Minister.

Mr Lufuma: Why were these plants which were approved and given to for Zambians in the district reallocated or grabbed from them and given to his so-called Patriotic Front Members, in preference to those who had approval? Why this discrimination?

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, as far as we are concerned, when the approval process concluded, milling plants are installed where we directed the contractors to go and install the plants. It is purely for Zambians despite their party affiliation. It is Zambian co-operatives. Therefore, I would not comment on that point as to whether it was taken to the PF people or otherwise to any other party. We provide the milling plants to the Zambian co-operatives.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Sing’ombe: Mr Speaker, I want to find out from the hon. Minister whether these solar milling plants which were allocated to Kabompo are the same with those that were allocated to Dundumwezi. I am saying so because in Dundumwezi, they only operate for three hours maximum because they do not have batteries. May I find out whether they are the same or they are in two types?

Mr Speaker: If you look at Question No. 13, it is very specific. If there are particular issues in Dundumwezi, please, engage the Minister through a question.

Mr Lihefu: Mr Speaker, some of the milling plants the hon. Member of Parliament for Kabompo is talking about are being installed at individual homes. What mechanism has the ministry put in place in the monitoring and the supervision mechanism of the installation of the equipment?

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, when we identify a site where the milling plant must be installed, the ministry conducts the commissioning report when the whole process has been completed to ensure whether it has been installed at the right site. This is also done in order to ensure that the operations are fulfilled as anticipated by the specification. After that, we tick and ensure that the plant is installed at the right site and that it is also performing as expected. Therefore, we have such documentation. Otherwise, if there is anything to that effect, let us know. We will go back and distinguish whether it was installed somewhere else.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker: I will take the last three questions from the hon. Member for Ikeleng’i, hon. Member for Kabompo and hon. Member for Mitete Constituency.

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister is a very credible person. What he has heard from the hon. Member for Kabompo is the fact. I would like to know whether he is willing to carry out an investigation to find out whether people diverted from what was earlier programmed.

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, if there are any shoddy operations and people do not follow the laid-down procedures or, maybe, take the equipment elsewhere, of course, the ministry can conduct investigations. I would like to urge the hon. Member to make a formal complaint so that we can move in and investigate.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, I am glad that to some extent, the hon. Minister is conceding to the issue at hand. I would like to find out from him how he would like us to proceed because this is a serious issue. How would he like the co-operatives which were denied the chance to have the equipment in preference to others, to proceed in launching the necessary complaint in order for him to undertake the investigation?

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, we have district co-operative offices around the country. The starting point is for the hon. Member to report the matter to the district co-operative office, who will take the issue to the authorities above.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether the ten, which were left from the list of twelve, out will be considered.

Mr Yaluma: Mr Speaker, I would like to tell the hon. Member that when we investigate and find out that such a thing happened, we are to going install the two milling plants in the right place. Thereafter, we will institute investigations why such a thing happened. Definitely, we will do just that.

Sir, I thank you.

OPERATIONAL SOLAR PANELS AS OF 30^TH JUNE, 2018

14. Mr Miyutu asked the Minister of Energy:

how many solar power plants were operational, countrywide, as of 30^th June, 2018;

whether the Government has any plans to install more solar power plants in rural areas;

if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

when districts are earmarked for installation of solar power plants in 2019.

The Minsiter of Energy (Mr Nkhuwa): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that as of 30^th June, 2018, two solar power plants were operational. There is the 60 kW Mphanta Solar Power Plant in Samfya, Luapula Province that is being operated by the Rural Electrification Authority (REA). The second one is a private-owned 1 mW CEC Solar Power Plant in Kitwe on the Copperbelt Province which evacuates into the company’s grid.

Sir, there were no commercial size solar plants operating countrywide. However, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is developing two commercial size solar plants of aggregate capacity of 88 mW in the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Zones (LS-MFEZ). This is carried out in partnership with two independent Power producers; Neoen/First Solar and Enel Green Power. The Government has further partnered with the World Bank (WB) and the European Union (EU) in implementing renewable energy projects. From these partnerships, we shall have more solar power plants in rural Zambia. Currently, site identification is ongoing for both projects. Further, REA has installed 423 stand alone Solar Home System Projects (off grid) at various public and social institutions to supply electricity in rural communities.

Mr Speaker, the Government, through the REA, plans to install solar power plants in rural areas. These are the 200 kW Chunga Solar Mini-Grid in Mumbwa District and the 300 kW Lunga Solar Mini-Grid in Lunga District. As mentioned earlier, the Government, through the IDC Scaling Solar Programme, is implementing the 88 mW in Lusaka South Multi-Facility Zone. The programme is being financed by the World Bank. The House may wish to know that the ministry, with the assistance from the Germany Government and through KFW, plans to implement 100 mW, but not more than 20 mW per project of solar projects. This will be carried out through the Global Energy Feed-in Tariff (GETFiT) Programme in the next three years, which is the implementing programme of the Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (REFiT) strategy.

Sir, four sites have been identified through the IDC for development of an aggregate 300 mW of solar PV power in phase two of scaling solar. Two of the sites are based in rural areas, namely Mumbwa in Central Province and Chipata West in the Eastern Province. With regard to the Chunga Solar Mini-Grid Phase I of the project, which includes the construction of the power house, administrative block grid and three staff houses, I would like to state that the project has been completed whereas the contractor for the Lunga Solar Mini-Grid has mobilised resources and is on site.

Mr Speaker, through the IDC and REA, four districts are earmarked for development for solar plants. These are Chisamba, Mumbwa, Mufulira and Chipata. The implementation will commence in 2019 and commissioning will be done by 2020.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Mr. Speaker, I believe solar energy comes from nature and Zambia is well placed in relation to generation of solar power. What challenges has the Government faced that has caused it to not enhance the provision of solar power to rural communities? What major challenges have blocked the Government from tapping into this readily available source of power?

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, like I said earlier on, we have two types of solar energy generation. There are stand-alone solar power plants and then, there is the power generated through feeding into a solar power grid. Power generated through a grid is unstable for both solar and wind. Therefore, there is a need for a smart grid to ensure stable power generation.

Mr Speaker, what usually happens with solar power is that when there is a lot of sunshine, there is maximum capacity generation. However, when a cloud appears in the sky and the solar panels are suddenly covered, it results in reduced energy generation. Similarly, the same happens with wind energy. When there is a lot of wind, you get more energy generation and when the wind reduces, you get less power.

Therefore, we need more investment in grid development to ensure that we contain the challenges of fluctuating energy. These are the challenges we have, but we are doing something about the situation by working on the grid. With time, we will have the solar energy incorporated into the grids.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, in 2013, I received a letter from the Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Energy indicating that a solar plant with the capacity of 2 kW was to be sited in Kabompo and that we should find a site for the same project. As usual, together with the Kabompo District Council we quickly found a site and communicated to the ministry accordingly, but up to now it is zii.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: What do you mean?

Mr Lufuma: It is quiet. I want to find out if this programme is still on or it has simply been shelved.

Mr Speaker: How is that related to Question No. 14? Maybe, the hon. Minister can nonetheless answer the question.

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, in 2013, I was not even in Parliament. This is a completely new question which should be filed and we will be able to bring an answer there to.

I thank you, Sir.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE MAGISTRATES COURT IN CHAMA NORTH CONSTITUENCY

15. Mr D. Mumba asked the Minister of Justice:

when the construction of the magistrates court building in Chama North Parliamentary Constituency will be completed;

what has caused the delay in completing the project; and

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

The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Kampyongo) (on behalf of the Minister of Justice) (Mr Lubinda)): Mr Speaker, the contractor on this project has done 80 per cent of the works. Since the works stand at 80 per cent completion, the ministry has planned to prioritise this project in the next budget. I want to assure the hon. Member that the Judiciary is committed to completing the project at the earliest possible time, subject to the availability of funds from the Treasury.

Mr Speaker, the delay in completing the project has been occasioned by the normal challenges of intermittent funding from the Treasury. The initial contract period was forty-eight weeks. Once the funding for the construction is made available and after consulting the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development, a revised contract period will be agreed upon with the contractor.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mung’andu: Mr Speaker, Chama District is looking forward to the completion of the magistrate’s court. Is the hon. Minister assuring the people of Chama that not only the magistrate’s court, but also that the house for the magistrate will also be constructed? At the moment, a lot of remandees are taken either to Lundazi or Chinsali, which makes it very difficult for relatives to visit these people. This also makes it difficult for cases to be disposed of because we have to wait for a magistrate to travel from Lundazi to Chama. Therefore, is the hon. Minister assuring the people of Chama that this project will also include the house for the magistrate because we know that this might turn out to be a problem also?

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I appreciate the question from the hon. Member for Chama South because I know that the two constituencies are like Siamese twins. Chama District is next to Shiwang’andu District and Constituency. Therefore, I am aware of what is obtaining in Chama District regarding this project.

Therefore, we have taken note of that request for the magistrate’s house to go with this project. As we are planning for its completion, I think that is a matter that can also be factored into the contract or, maybe, there could be some variation of some sort to the contract so that the aspect of the housing unit can be incorporated into the project. Therefore, the assurance to the people of Chama is that, indeed, this project will be completed at the soonest possible time.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ngulube switched on Dr Chanda’s microphone.

Mr Speaker: The hon. Member for Bwana Mkubwa.

Mr Ngulube remained seated.

Mr Speaker: Please, get to your seat.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: The hon.Member for Kabwe Central

Mr Ngulube: Sorry, Mr Speaker. We are neighbours with the hon. Member for Bwana Mkubwa and I accidently switched on his microphone.

Mr Speaker, I remember very well many years ago when I went to school in Chama that the subordinate court in Chama was operating. However, because of its dilapidated state, the Government believed that a new one should be built. At the moment, the people of Chama have no court. We are wondering whether there could be any measures the Government can put in place in the meantime. A building from any Government wing can even be found to house the magistrate’s court.

Mr Speaker, I know that without a court, the district is practically dead. We now have people escaping justice when they commit simple criminal cases because the police have now become the courts themselves. Even if you arrest someone for assault, you have nowhere to take them and you leave people hanging in the balance. Therefore, I want to find out from the hon. Minister whether a building can be found which the Judiciary can start using as a court while waiting for the Government to complete that project.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Speaker, I appreciate the follow-up question from the hon. Menber for Kabwe Central. Indeed, the status quo is of concern to the ministry. Like the hon. Member has stated, there were some services being rendered to the people in Chama District through the Ministry of Justice and the subordinate court in the area. However, this court was dilapidated beyond repair. The Government wants this project completed so that the people in this area can access justice nearby because not even Shiwang’andu which is near to them has a court. Therefore, they have to go to Chinsali which is the provincial headquarters. In the meantime, the Government will see what can be done about this. The Government shall apply more effort to ensure that a facility which has all the necessary requirements for a subordinate court is completed. We shall see what we can do. We will try to apply some effort to ensure that this building is completed.

I thank you, Sir.

_______

MOTION

MOTION OF THANKS

Mr D. Mumba (Chama North): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the thanks of this Assembly be recorded for the exposition of public policy contained in the Speech delivered to this House by His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, on the occasion of the Official Opening of the Third Session of the Twelfth National Assembly on Friday, 14^th September, 2018.

Mr Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

Mrs Jere (Lumezi): Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

Mr D. Mumba: Mr Speaker, before I proceed, allow me to express my deepest sorrow and compassion to this House and the country on the death of the hon. Member of Parliament for Mangango Constituency, Mr Naluwa Mwene, whose demise came barely a few months after the passing on of Ms Victoria Kalima, hon. Member of Parliament for Kasenengwa Constituency. We are truly indebted to the invaluable services our departed colleagues rendered to their respective constituencies. May their souls rest in eternal peace.

Mr Speaker, let me also take time to welcome Mr Sensio Banda, ...

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

Mr D. Mumba: ... the hon. Member of Parliament ...

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr D. Mumba: ... for Kasenengwa Parliamentary Constituency and congratulate him on emerging victorious in the recent parliamentary by-election.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr D. Mumba: Sir, I am grateful to your office for the honour accorded to me to move the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Speech. At this point, let me take the opportunity to congratulate His Excellency, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, ...

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

Mr D. Mumba: ... President of the Republic of Zambia, for the well-thought out policy Speech delivered on Friday, 14^th September, 2018.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr D. Mumba: Sir, I am grateful to the President for having set the tone for development and for responding to the fundamental concerns on the state of the economy and the nation. Having listened to the Speech, Zambians are more assured than before that public affairs are under the capable leadership of the President and the entire system of governance.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr D. Mumba: Mr Speaker, the Speech clearly shows the President’s desire to carry every citizen on board without leaving anyone behind ...

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

Mr D. Mumba: ... as Zambia strives to attain the Vision 2030. The President has guided us that in pursuit of this vision, we need to transform into a smart Zambia, where public and private services are integrated into an electronic society. The President further appealed for the adoption of modern, dynamic and innovative ways of doing things while undertaking research, learning and adopting new ways of doing business. This calls for a spirit of supporting one another towards achieving a common objective.

Sir, the Speech also showed the seriousness with which the Government is eager to take development to all parts of the country ...

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr D. Mumba: ... and to renew the pace and desire of implementing public policy as outlined in the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP).

Mr Speaker, in the course of debating the Motion and uncovering the President’s policy direction, I will restrict my discussion to the highlights of the Address in line with the theme: Working Together to Achieve Vision 2030.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Sir, like any other independent state, Zambia is faced with many challenges. In response to some of the challenges, the President focused on addressing six policy areas, and from these, I will only cover four as follows:

macro-economic situation;

poverty and vulnerability reduction;

reducing development inequalities; and

creating a conducive governance environment for a diversified and inclusive economy.

Mr Speaker, our national aspirations, ambitions, goals and vision cannot be achieved without putting in place a stable macro-economic environment. I am, therefore, delighted with the President’s statement that the Government will continue putting emphasis on a stable and predictable macro-economic environment and in doing so, we will achieve the projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 4 per cent in 2018, maintain a single digit inflation rate, and continue to stabilise the exchange rate against major convertible currencies. It is such policy pronouncements from the President that have created investor confidence in our economy.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr D. Mumba: Mr Speaker, on poverty and vulnerability reduction, the level of poverty and vulnerability particularly in rural settlements is a concern to us all. It is gratifying to note that the Government has mainstreamed measures aimed at countering the adverse effects of poverty in our households. This Government has lived up to its commitment ...

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

Mr D. Mumba: ... and has lined up a number of programmes to fight all forms of extreme poverty. The Government deserves commendation for scaling up the Social Cash Transfer Programme by increasing the number of beneficiaries and increasing the coverage of the Food Security Pack Programme from 27,650 beneficiaries to 80,000 in the 2018/2019 farming season. This represents about 189 per cent increase in the number of beneficiaries. These measures are positively affecting the ordinary people in our constituencies.

Sir, let me now address the engagement of youth in poverty alleviation. As the House is fully aware, Zambia’s population is one of the youngest in the world. Unfortunately, some of the young people remain unemployed and their talents untapped. In recognition of this challenge, the Government has created platforms for their participation. As highlighted in the President’s Speech, the youth are being engaged in various economic activities including crop production and animal husbandry. I am convinced that the active participation of the youth in economic activities will contribute effectively to the achievement of the transformation agenda of creating wealth for poverty reduction.

Sir, on reducing developmental inequalities, the President noted that our country has disturbing statistics on inequality. I was encouraged to hear that the President recommits the Government to ending gender inequality by seeking to achieve gender parity at all levels of governance as a way of promoting an inclusive approach to mitigating social and economic inequalities. As a demonstration of the commitment to a gender-sensitive society, the President has kept the custom of appointing women to key political and influential positions.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr D. Mumba: Mr Speaker, this practice by the President has given confidence to young women and girls to aspire for positions of influence. I have noted with concern that our country has continued to experience a very high rural urban drift as a consequence of development inequalities. Most rural settlements are slowly losing the youthful workforce to urban settlements. This state of affairs is worrisome. However, I am confident that the policy interventions of taking development to rural areas through the creation of new districts and the promotion of industrialisation will reverse the trend.

Sir, with regard to income disparities and ensuring utmost benefits from specific sector interventions, the Government has continued to support investments that encourage value chain development in rural areas. Further, the Government has encouraged local communities to form co-operatives with a view to integrating into various value chains. Notable milestones in this area are the cashew nut project in the Western Province and the Cassava value chain in the North-Western Province, Northern and Luapula Province.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chabi: Question!

Mr D. Mumba: Mr Speaker, with regard to creating a conducive governance environment for a diversified and inclusive economy, Members of this House will agree with me that modern trends in commerce and business and business transactions are heavily dependent on good governance systems at all levels. The President is cognisant of this fact and has encouraged a transparent, accountable, and inclusive democratic system of governance as part of a lasting measure.

Furthermore, the President highlighted progress in the implementation of the e-Government system. It is encouraging to note that the President has continued to be an advocate of the fight against corruption.

Hon. D. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr D Mumba: Sir, the President has, therefore, made essential pronouncements to support this cause. In order to sustain the fight against corruption, he has called for the review of the National Anti-Corruption Policy of 2009.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr D. Mumba: Sir, the new policy will help the country to pursue and re-ignite a holistic fight against corruption.

Mr Speaker, in conclusion, allow me to re-echo the President’s appeal that hon. Members of Parliament are the hope of the people and as such, should be seen to support progressive developmental ideas in the House. I, therefore, strongly appeal to all of us across the political divide to take special interest in the shared Transformation Agenda of attaining a prosperous middle income country by 2030. Further, I appeal to all hon. Members to support the policy pronouncements by the President for effective implementation.

Mr Speaker, I beg to move.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?

Mrs Jere: Now, Mr Speaker.

Sir, first and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you for according me this opportunity to second the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address on the Official Opening of the Third Session of the Twelfth National Assembly on Friday, 14^th September, 2018.

Sir, before I proceed with my speech, allow me to join the House in expressing my sincere condolences to the families of the late Ms Victoria Kalima, Member of Parliament for Kasenengwa Parliamentary Constituency and the late Mr Naluwa Mwene, Member of Parliament for Mangango Parliamentary Constituency. May God continue to comfort their families as they pass through this trying moment. May the souls of our departed colleagues rest in eternal peace.

Mr Speaker, in the same vein, allow me to congratulate the hon. Member of Parliament for Kasenengwa Parliamentary Constituency, Mr Sensio Banda, for putting up a spirited fight and emerging victorious in the just-ended Kasenengwa Parliamentary Constituency By-election. I welcome him to this august House.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker, the Speech by His Excellency, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia, was well presented and I feel honoured to be the one to second the Motion of Thanks today.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Jere: Mr Speaker, let me acknowledge the able manner in which Mr Darius Mumba, Member of Parliament for Chama North Parliamentary Constituency moved the Motion of Thanks to the Speech of on Official Opening of the Third Session of the Twelfth National Assembly by His Excellency the President. In this regard, I wish to join him in commending the President for the well-articulated Speech under the theme “Working Together to Achieve the Vision 2030.”

Sir, in explaining the theme of his Speech, the President reminded the nation that the vision of our country was to become a prosperous middle income nation by 2030. He reiterated the fact that we aspire to build a strong and dynamic industrial nation that provides opportunities for improving the wellbeing of all the people and one that embodies values of socio-economic justice.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Jere: Mr Speaker, national unity will be critical for us as a nation to be able to achieve our vision. I am reminded of the words of Dr Martin Luther King Junior, who stated that:

“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”

Sir, the development of the nation requires the input of all of us. To uphold this call, I totally agree with the President that, indeed, only when we become hard-working, resourceful, efficient and productive in all we do, shall we witness a Zambia in 2030, where every citizen will have access to safe and clean water, food, decent housing, electricity, quality education, health services and decent jobs. These are principles that the nation should embrace and preserve not only for ourselves, but also for generations to come.

Mr Speaker, allow me, to mention some salient points from the five development pillars mentioned by His Excellency the President in his Speech to this august House last Friday.

His Excellency the President, in discussing one of the developmental pillars themed ‘micro-economic situation’, assured the people of Zambia that the Government of Zambia shall continue to put emphasis on micro-economic stability as a way of attaining a smart and prosperous Zambia as well as a strong and growing economy. In the same vein, I greatly welcome the Government’s efforts to address the exorbitant lending rates and for restructuring non-performing loan portfolios through the dismantling of domestic arrears. Such efforts are praise worthy and welcome, as they will help this country create an enabling environment for the private sector to grow, thereby contributing to national development and the wellbeing of every Zambian. The Government will need to do more in bringing down the lending rates because commercial banks have been very reluctant to do so.

Sir, my appeal to the Government as it implements these programmes is that it should pay particular attention to the needs of women and the youth who are a minority in this competitive and challenging field. If this was done, it would help the youth to become self-reliant and women will serve as role models of success to other women who might be interested in small and medium enterprises, but feel hesitant to venture into it owing to the many challenges that surround this phenomenon.

Mr Speaker, it is also gratifying to note that the Government has prioritised increasing agricultural production by stepping up the agricultural diversification programme as a way of improving food security and nutrition for the Zambian people.

Mr Ng’onga: Hear, hear!

Mrs Jere: To this end, the President stated that:

“To enhance agriculture diversification and promote value addition, the Government is supporting a number of pipeline projects to be implemented over the next two years. These include the Palm Oil Plantation and Processing Project in Muchinga and the Tea Plantation and Processing Project in Luapula.”

Sir, this is a welcome move. As we all know, the agriculture sector plays a critical role in ensuring national food security and creating wealth for many rural families. Therefore, the palm oil and tea plantation projects will also act as catalysts for speeding up the long awaited agriculture diversification programme, thereby, improving the economy of the country and creating jobs for the people.

Mr Speaker, in line with the theme of the President’s Address, I want to urge all stakeholders to go flat-out to sensitise the people to move away from the mono-crop agriculture. Maize production has failed to lift the rural people from poverty.

Mr Livune: Question!

Mrs Jere: Therefore, it is time they considered other crops.

Sir, it is also gratifying to note that the Government has pledged to continue implementing the e-Voucher system for improved efficiency, transparency and accountability in the administration of the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP). Indeed, this programme is welcome as it will help the agriculture sector to grow. It is in this regard that the President has invited the private sector to come on board and complement Government’s efforts in making farming inputs readily available to farmers at an affordable price.

Sir, in line with the President’s sentiments, I am also encouraging the private sector to take up the challenge and compliment the Government’s efforts towards growing the sector as agriculture is cardinal for our economic growth.

Mr Speaker, the President alluded to the fact that Zambia has the potential to be a tourism hub in the region and beyond ...

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Jere: ... and that the Government has put priority on creating an enabling environment for the sector to grow. The President also made reference to the expanded product base from traditional tourism packages of handicrafts, wildlife, the Victoria Falls and sporting events such as the hosting of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, to mention but a few, as activities that spurred an expanded product base.

Sir, this is a great achievement, however, there is a need for the Government to ensure that it increases and improves the existing tourism infrastructure such as conference and convention centres, stadia and sporting facilities to world class standards to enable the sector to compete favourably in and outside the region.

Mr Ngulube: Hear, hear!

Mrs Jere: Mr Speaker, His Excellency the President pointed out that the Government is committed to facilitating access to clean, safe, renewable and affordable energy for the people of Zambia. While I welcome the positive developments in this sector, there is a need to expand the electricity grid and speed up the Rural Electrification Programme by providing more funding for the implementation of the Rural Electrification Master Plan so that access to electricity by the Zambian people can be improved countrywide. It is my earnest expectation that by 2030, at least, 50 per cent of our people would have access to electricity.

Sir, I agree with the President that it is unacceptable to have only about 31 per cent of our people with access to electricity. Therefore, I join him in urging the Ministry of Energy to strive and work hard to build an energy sector that will support the economy of Zambia. Only then shall all the people of Zambia say that they participated in shaping the Zambia that we all want by 2030.

Mr Speaker, His Excellency the President also highlighted the positive benefits of the Social Cash Transfer Programme which has proved to be beneficial in the reduction of poverty, especially among the rural population, where poverty levels are high. Indeed, the positive and success stories which have emanated from the Social Cash Transfer Programme are encouraging. However, the issues of sustainability of the programme must also be addressed so that even when this programme is withdrawn, beneficiaries can be able to stand on their own.

Sir, it is also gratifying to note that His Excellency the President of Zambia is committed to the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities. The Government has continued to promote the inclusion of sign language and braille in various institutions, the use of ramps and elevators in public buildings and has waived duty on the importation of modified vehicles for persons with disabilities. It is my sincere hope that the Government will accelerate the promotion and funding of these projects so that persons living with disabilities can also contribute to the development of this nation.

Mr Speaker, the President acknowledged the fact that the wide gap between the rich and the poor is a source of concern to the country. To this end, he encouraged the continued implementation of the necessary policy interventions in critical sectors of education, health, agriculture, energy, communications, water and sanitation and the implementation of programmes aimed at taking development to rural areas.

Mr Speaker, in addition to the plans the Government has laid down, there is also a need to put more emphasis on addressing rural poverty. A decline in rural poverty could result in a decline in urban poverty as rural poverty heightens urban poverty which comes as a result of rural-urban migration, thereby putting pressure on the limited infrastructure, health and social services in urban areas. Therefore, if developmental projects such as schools and health centres are taken to rural areas, the people in the rural areas will not migrate to look for better social amenities in urban areas. It is, therefore, my sincere hope that the Government’s plan to implement the necessary interventions in critical sectors will mostly be directed to rural areas. This, coupled with the formation of co-operatives by local communities, will surely help to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor.

Sir, there is also a need to address the inequalities between male and female citizens. It is an acknowledged fact that women and girls are the ones that suffer most with the burden of poverty. Therefore, for the Government to implement its plans effectively, consideration must be given to uproot some deep-rooted culture and traditional practices that encourage inequalities.

Mr Speaker, His Excellency the President, in discussing the development pillar on health and ...

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1810 hours until 1830 hours.

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mrs Jere (Lumezi): Mr Speaker, before business was suspended, I was saying that His Excellency the President, in discussing the development pillar “Enhancing Human Development”, informed the nation that the Government of Zambia has continued to set and pursue clear priorities in the health and education sectors in response to the rising expectations of the people of Zambia and the rapid technological changes.

Mr Speaker, in terms of health, I commend the Government of Zambia for the remarkable successes recorded in the following areas:

(a) provision of primary health care;

(b) efforts to make Zambia malaria free; and

(c) the universal routine of HIV testing, counselling and treatment.

However, some parts of the country, especially the rural areas, are still having challenges. Mothers walk long distances to access health services. Therefore, the Government should prioritise the building of health centres in such places so that quality health services are provided to the people within manageable distances.

Mr Speaker, His Excellency the President noted that the Government has expanded the establishment of the Office of the Auditor-General in order to enable it to discharge its constitutional mandate which includes ensuring transparency and accountability.

Mr Speaker, this is a welcome move as it will compel the Government ministries and local authorities to be accountable and diligent in the manner they spend the country’s hard-earned resources.

Mr Speaker, last but not least, His Excellency Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, stated that the Government remains committed to the fight against corruption and the reviewing of the National Anti-corruption Policy of 2009.

Sir, we all know the dangers of corruption and the damage it has caused to the nation. Corruption has led to the decline of the lives of the Zambian people. Therefore, the fight against this scourge is welcome as we know beyond reasonable doubt that the people’s welfare can only be improved if we work together and fight this scourge.

Mr Speaker, with these words, I beg to second the Motion.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, I thank you for according me the opportunity to debate the Speech that was delivered by the President on 14^th September, 2018, in this august House.

Mr Speaker, as I endeavour to interrogate the Speech that was delivered by the President, I would like to quote from his Speech on Page 1 where he said:

“ I come here today cognisant of the fact that the hope of our nation rests, in greater part, us the honourable Men and Women in this august House. We have the greatest power in our land, the power to shape the destiny of our country, the power to translate the dreams and hopes of our people into reality, a reality of food on the table of each household, health care and education on the doorstep of every community in a vibrant economy with a place in it for everyone.”

Mr Speaker, as I debate this Motion, I want to state without fear of any contradiction that the President’s Speech to this august House on 14^th September was uninspiring ...

Hon. PF Members: Question!

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: ... unstimulating and insipid.

Hon. PF Members: Question!

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I will justify why I am stating this point.

Interruptions

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, we are now in a situation where this country is stressed in terms of debt. We are retrogressing in terms of democracy. The rights of Zambians are being violated with impunity.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: The unity we used to enjoy during the reign of President Kaunda, President Chiluba, President Banda and President Sata have been lost.

Hon. PF Members: Question!

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: Unfortunately, there is no more unity in this country.

Hon. PF Members: Ah! Question!

Mr Mwiimbu: What is there, is disunity and one Zambia, one side.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Mwiimbu, give me a bit of time to manage the House.

There is no need to shout, especially while seated. There is no need. We have up to Thursday next week to debate. If you do not agree with what your colleague is saying, just take note. We cannot be shouting like we are at a political rally.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Let us keep quiet. Even if it is not pleasant to you, still maintain silence. I do not want to constantly intervene at every turn and twist. We have an audience outside. The Zambian people are listening. They are listening. This facility goes beyond the precincts of the National Assembly. The people have even knocked off because they want to hear what their leaders are saying and debating and then we generate a cacophony instead.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: The hon. Member for Monze Central may continue.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I was saying that the unity we used to enjoy during the reign of President Kaunda, President Chiluba, President Mwanawasa, President Banda and President Sata has been lost under the Patriotic Front (PF) regime.

Mr Speaker, we, on your left side, as parliamentarians who represent our people in various constituencies have heard so many complaints from our people that they are being victimised and discriminated against and treated as if they are not Zambians. Even when they are seeking jobs -

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: Even when they are seeking jobs, names of individuals seeking jobs are scrutinised. Our members, relatives and constituents are losing jobs by virtue of where they come.

Mr Kampyongo: Question!

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I shudder to think what our colleagues on your right who hail from these areas where the people are being discriminated feel.

Mr Nkombo: They have no feelings.

Mr Mwiimbu: I do not think they can go to those areas with their heads high.

Interruptions

Mr Mwiimbu: They will be ashamed of what is going on.

Mr Chiteme interjected.

Mr Speaker: Honourable ... Just resume your seat.

Hon. Minister of National Planning…

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: ...surely, you can do better than that.

Interruptions

Mrs Mulyata: Fire tenders!

Mr Speaker: You can do better than that.

Laughter

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: You are a Minister of State.

Hon. Opposition members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: May the hon. Member debating continue.

Mr Mwiimbu: Thank you, Mr Speaker, for your protection.

Mr Speaker, I have a duty and responsibility as a leader and a Member of Parliament to advise my colleagues your right that they must do the correct thing to unite this country. This country has a reputation of being peaceful and united, but our colleagues on your right have caused disunity in this country deliberately for political expediency.

Hon. PF Members: Question!

Mr Mwiimbu: Time will come when you will be held accountable for the things you do.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: You have to listen when members of the public complain. When members of the public raise issues, it is the responsibility of the colleagues on your right to listen to what they are saying.

Mr Speaker, there is an issue now which is very topical and that members of the public have been raising. I am aware that the President came here and told us that they have the right to choose their friends. It is true that they have a right to choose their friends, but when they represent the people of Zambia, they have a responsibility to be held accountable to the people. The friendships they choose when they are leaders of this country, is on behalf of the people of Zambia.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: They are not personal friendships.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: The people of Zambia have been raising concerns pertaining to one particular investor or investors that come into this country.

Mr Ngulube: Question!

Mr Mwiimbu: The people of Zambia have been complaining against the Chinese just as they were complaining (pointing at the Frontbench)…

Interruptions

Mr Mwiimbu: …when they were in Opposition.

Interruptions

Mr Kampyongo: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Hon. Jack Mwiimbu, just take your seat.

The hon. Minister of Home Affairs take your seat as well.

I have been seated here and this is now my eighth year. I am sure you know how I manage the affairs. I do not allow points of order, especially in these debates because at some juncture, they tend to be emotive. If I allow points of order, there will be chaos or pandemonium.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Certain things are not pleasant to hear, but it is the freedom you enjoy all of you …

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: …to hear to what every other person has to say ...

Hon. Opposition Members: Yes!

Mr Speaker: ...whether you agree or not. When your time comes, I will give you a chance to rebut or hit back, if you want to call it so. You will have an opportunity to do so. Now, your friend wants to debate and you are stopping him. Why?

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: You see how much time we are wasting now. I am supposed to be quiet here just following these debates. I know these are very touchy issues. We feel touched, nervy,...

Laughter

Mr Speaker: ...but the debate must go on.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member for Monze Central, continue with your debate.

Mr Mwiimbu: Thank you, Mr Speaker, for your wise guidance on this issue.

Mr Speaker, I am a bearer of a message from Zambians. The Zambians have been raising issues and have been crying to the leadership of this country to do the right thing.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiinga: Tell them!

Mr Mwiimbu: The people of Zambia just like you were complaining when you were in the Opposition, you were using a slogan that the Chinese are downtrodding on the people of Zambia. This is what the people have continued to say. They are not against the Chinese people per se, but against what is being done. The people of Zambia want protection. The people of Zambia are saying can you ensure that jobs that are supposed to be done by Zambians are done by Zambians. That is what they are asking for.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Interruptions

Mr Mwiimbu: The people of Zambia are saying it is the responsibility of the Government of the day to ensure that Zambian workers enjoy their full rights. Unfortunately, our colleagues on your right have turned a blind ear to what is going on.

Mr Kampyongo: Question!

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, we have a situation that it is the only country that has been allowed to bring in labourers into the country and they are not the only investors in this country.

Interruptions

Mr Mwiimbu: They are the only ones –

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member, now, the problem is with your colleagues.

Take your seat.

Laughter

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: There is no need to be carried away.

It is not different. The fact that you are supporting what he is saying is no different.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Listen to him in silence.

Hon. Member for Monze Central, you may continue with your debate.

Mr Nkombo: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, the people of Zambia are crying to the Government to do the correct thing. These are the only investors or financiers who have been allowed to come into this country with labourers. The jobs that are supposed to be done by Zambians are now being done by the Chinese. The Chinese are roasting maize in the streets.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: They are selling tomatoes in the market.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: They are outdoing the Zambians. Every responsible leadership in any country puts regulations in place to ensure that the locals are given certain privileges to do certain jobs. Unfortunately, our colleagues are not doing that. You look at all the construction works that are being undertaken by the Chinese, you will find that the manual jobs that are supposed to be done by Zambians are being done by expatriates.

Mr Chitotela: Question!

Mr Mwiimbu: What jobs do you expect Zambians to do?

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Ngulube: Finally.

Mr Mwiimbu: You can say question, but the Zambians are listening and watching.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Interruptions

Mr Sing’ombe: Just even ma operators bama graders.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, there is a law in this country that you can only bring in expatriates if there are no Zambians who can do that particular job. Unfortunately, the Government of the day has given exception to the Chinese. Why are you doing this to the detriment of the Zambians whom you are supposed to protect? That is the issue we are raising.

Secondly, Zambians are complaining that most of the contracts are being given to the Chinese ...

Mr Chitotela: Question!

Mr Mwiimbu: ... to the detriment of Zambian contractors.

Mr Chitotela: Question!

Mr Mwiimbu: Zambian business men and women are not being given the opportunity.

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Mwiimbu: They are not being as empowered as they are supposed to. We are not against the Chinese, but I am against what you are doing as a PF Government. You have the responsibility to protect the Zambians.

Mr Speaker, we are also aware that the financing that is coming from China is very high. When we compare the cost of the road constructions that are being done in Zambia to other countries, we will find that here, the cost is higher.

Mr Chitotela: Question!

Mr Sing’ombe: Chitotela!

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: Hon. Chitotela, can you listen to what I am saying.

Interruptions

Mr Chitotela: Question!

Interruptions

Mr A. B. Malama: Mind your statements.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, it is a fact.

Mr Chitotela: Question!

Interruptions

Mr Mwiimbu: What we are saying is that you must act responsibly for the sake of the Zambian people. That is what we want.

Mr Chitotela: Question!

Mr Mwiimbu: There is no way we can allow you to continue being irresponsible. It is your duty to protect the Zambians …

Mr Chitotela: Question!

Mr Mwiimbu: …and to protect the people of this country.

Mr Livune: That is right.

Mr Michelo: Ubomba mwiibala!

Mr Speaker, let me now come to the issue of the debt crisis in this country. We have been told by our colleagues on your right that there is no debt crisis in this country and that everything is normal and the operations of the Government are running smoothly. That is not the truth. The truth of the matter is that this country is financially stressed. There is no money to finance the operations of ministries and to run hospitals in this country. It is not there. If one went to the hospitals right now, he would find that there is a serious shortage of drugs.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: We have been going to some ministries to ask why certain things are not being done and we were told that they are not being financed. If they are not being financed, what is the problem? The issue is that there is no money. The hon. Minister of Finance, last week, made a statement to the nation that from January to June, they paid US$341 million as interest. If we compute for the whole year, we are talking about US$700 million towards interest. There is no money and that is why the Government is even failing to pay us the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) ...

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu:… and that is why you are failing to pay civil servants on time. There is no money.

Ms Katuta: There is no money.

Mr Mwiimbu: They went to China to renegotiate the terms of the loans. Why would they want to renegotiate the terms if they have the capacity to pay? They have no capacity and that is why they wanted to renegotiate.

Mr Mukosa: Question!

Mr Mwiimbu: They have no capacity and that is why they want to sell the Eurobond so that they can have some breathing space. There is no money.

Ms Katuta: Mwaona manje.

Mr Mwiimbu: The Government must work with us collectively to redress the problems we are encountering. We do not want to go back to the days when we were a Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) and were begging the donors to forgive us. It was shameful at that time to go out of the country as a Zambian because of the high debt. We are now in a worse situation than we were …

Hon. PF Members: Question!

Mr Mwiimbu: … because we have no money.

Mr Speaker, I am aware that as a result of the failure to find money to service the debt, there is an allegation from the British Government that they are withdrawing aid. They made an announcement today that all the funding has been withheld because there is an allegation that the same money is being used to finance the debt that there is corruption and that it has been embezzled. This is because we have a problem. We have to redress that issue. As a result of the failure to finance the donor support, our people in the constituencies who are supposed to get cash transfer are suffering. They will not get the money they are supposed to get.

Mr Speaker, when the President came here, he proudly talked about the Social Cash Transfer Programme and that it is a success.

Hon. UPND Members: Where?

Mr Mwiimbu: It has collapsed.

Interruptions

Mr Mwiimbu: The donors who are supposed to give us the money have withdrawn the funding. The people in our various constituencies have not gotten the cash transfer because there is no money. I want someone to stand up today or tomorrow to tell us that the British Government has not withdrawn the donor funding. It is a fact and it is not just the British Government, but other donors have also withdrawn the funding. We are in a crisis.

Hon. UPND Members: Yes.

Mr Mwiimbu: We should agree.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: Together, we should find a solution.

Hon. UPND Members: Yes.

Mr Mwiimbu: However, if they want to be incorrigible and do not want to listen, they will sink this country and there will be a crisis.

Mr Speaker, I am aware that when the President came here, he mentioned that they are a Government of laws, that they follow the Constitution and that there is good governance. However, there is a tragedy which I want to bring to your attention. The colleagues on your right have deliberately decided to ignore the provisions of the Constitution by ensuring that they do not bring the enabling Act so that loan contraction is approved by this House. The Constitution is there. Article 207 states that there shall be a prescribed law pertaining to loan contraction. They have deliberately decided not to do that, maybe, because it is beneficial to them. However, it is detrimental to the country. If the loans contracted were discussed here and we agreed together, we were going to be held accountable collectively. However, as the situation is, it is not us, but them who have sunk this country to where it is.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu: They are the ones who should be held accountable.

Mr Speaker, other than that, another provision of the Constitution states that this House shall come up with a Budgeting Act. To date, the Government has deliberately not done that because the people in Government do not want the House to be involved in the budgeting process. There are so many other provisions in the Constitution which my colleagues on your right have deliberately ignored. Another provision relates to the Parliamentary Service Commission. They have deliberately decided not to actualise the Parliamentary Service Commission. The Constitution provision is there and we passed an Act of Parliament to ensure that this Parliament becomes independent. They have said ‘no’ because they want to control this House contrary to what the Constitution of Zambia says.

Mr Sing’ombe: Shame.

Mr Mwiimbu: There are so many other constitutional provisions which they do not want to actualise. How can they claim that they believe in constitutionalism and good governance when they do not want to adhere to the laws we pass in this House. They want to bring another amendment to the Constitution, yet they do not want to actualise other provisions. How do they expect us to support any other Constitution amendment when they do not actualise the Constitution which we passed? They even had a celebration at the stadium and told us that the Constitution will stand the test of time. Those colleagues (referring to hon. Government Members) will be held accountable to the people of Zambia for the wrong things they have done. I wish I had more time, but there will be another time for me to speak.

With those few words, Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbulakulima (Milenge): Mr Speaker, I thank you for this rare opportunity to make some comments on behalf of the people of Milenge. I like this time. It is an interesting time because this is when the President’s Speech is either interpreted or misinterpreted.

Mr Ng’onga: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbulakulima: This is the time when some people have hope and other people see burglar bars. Others see through naked eyes and some of us see through spectacles.

Mr Speaker, I will focus my debate basically on China-Zambia relations.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, there has been a lot of talk and hullabaloo on this topic. Although many people have said that Zambia is being colonialised, it does not scare me. I see this information on the social media, in South Africa and in Kenya …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Just give me a minute, hon. Member for Milenge. There are too many loud conversations on the left. You are at liberty to step out. Just walk out and talk as long as you want. When you are exhausted, you will come back and take your seat …

Laughter

Mr Speaker: … and follow the debate. I want to follow the debate.

You may continue, hon. Member.

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, I have said that the fear of colonialisation does not scare me. This is propaganda because I believe that it is too late. If China had to colonialise Zambia, it would have done it long time ago, especially at the time of Independence.

Mrs Simukoko: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbulakulima: Sir, I believe that today, there are checks and balances globally, on slavery inclusive. This cannot take place now because the world has become united and alert.

Mr Ng’onga: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbulakulima: Locally, we have an enlightened citizenry. Democracy and the concept of sovereignty are entrenched in our Constitution. Therefore, I do not see the fear of any country colonialising us. This is unfounded and uncalled for and ...

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbulakulima: … should not also scare anyone.

Mr Speaker, on the issue of China, the people of Milenge and I do not want to be part of the trade battle between China and the Western World because we know what is going on between the United States of America (USA) Europe and China. We do understand where we are coming from. At the time of Zambia’s Independence, China was not even rated among the top twenty countries in the world, but today, it is the second biggest economy in the world. Therefore, the threat that it has actually posed to the first world is understandable. Therefore, for us the people of Milenge and Zambia in particular, we genuinely believe that it is their battle.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, further, there is a historical background to the Zambia-China relationship. In one of the tabloids, I read one article entitled ‘President fired-up.’ Whether he was fired-up or not, I do not think the man really got fired-up. If he did, then, it reminds me the late President of South Africa, Mr Nelson Mandela.

Sir, when Mandela appeared on the Tard Talk show about the relationship, which South Africa had with Cuba and Libya at that time, he said that the problem the West had was that it wanted their enemies to be our enemies and he was very annoyed and genuinely so. He said it was not going to make Africa choose who their friends would be.

Mr Mwamba: True!

Mr Mbulakulima: Sir, during the Apartheid System and when some of us were in Robben Island Prison, it was Libya and Cuba, who came to our rescue. Where were they during the Apartheid System?

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear! Hammer!

Mr Mbulakulima: This is the same question which can be posed today when His Excellency the President gets annoyed.

Mr Speaker, all of us who have been around could remember that during the struggle and the liberation of Africa, when Zambia got its Independence in 1964, it was surrounded by the hostile regimes. Mozambique was not free because it was under the Portuguese Regime. Angola was equally not free. South Africa was under the Apartheid system, Namibia was colonialised by the Western World, while Zimbabwe was under the Ian Smith Regime. Zambia was the only country which was free. Dear colleagues, during the time it was tough for Zambia literarily and economically. Who came to our rescue at the time? We have to find out.

Mr Mwamba: They have forgotten.

Mr Mbulakulima: Only two countries come to mind. It was either Russia or China. China gave us both moral and material support. If we could recall, there was the United Democratic Independence (UDI) in Zimbabwe. So, we could not get items from the Southern part of Africa because of UDI. So, it was tough. Where else would we go? We had to get items through Tanzania although there was no road. In short, there was nothing. The fuel tanks, which were coming to Zambia had difficulties. At that time, there was what we used to call the Hell Run. Therefore, to bring items into Zambia was tough.

Mr Mwamba: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbulakulima: Who came to our rescue? As Mr Mandela asked them; where were they during the Apartheid system? I would now like to ask the same question: Where were they when Southern Rhodesia blocked us and when we did not have to route to Tanzania?

Mrs Simukoko: Tell them!

Mr Mbulakulima: Sir, China came to our rescue. Do you know what they did?

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, it is China, which built the Tanzania-Zambia Railways (Tazara) to rescue us from the bondage of Rhodesia.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbulakulima: Sir, it was China, that put up the Tazama Pipeline to liberate us economically.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbulakulima: Where were they?

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Milenge, take a seat again. Can we stop the shouting? Let us stop it. I am sure my counsel is very simple.

You may continue, hon. Member.

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Sir, some of us from the Northern part of Zambia will recall that it was hell to use the Pedicle Road. If one had puffed-up cheeks or amasaya, one would be apprehended through the Pedicle.

Laughter

Mr Mbulakulima: If one was short, one would be apprehended because it was a crime.

Interruptions

Mr Mbulakulima: Sir, I am talking about puffed-up cheeks. Ask Teddy Chilambe. He will tell you because he composed a song. It was not easy to move from the Northern Province or Luapula Province to go to the Copperbelt Province. We asked the Western World to help us find an alternative. Dr Kenneth Kaunda said we had to link Serenje to Luapula. We asked Italy and the United Kingdom (UK) to help us, but they said it was not possible and not economically viable. Who came to our rescue? It was China.

Mr Ng’onga: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbulakulima: Today, we boast of Tuta Bridge, which is 4 km long. This is the longest bridge in Central Africa. We also boast of Tuta Road, which is one of the smoothest roads. This is a friend. Therefore, if they had to colonialise, why did they not do that during that time? Where is the fear coming from? This is propaganda.

Sir, we are looking to tangible and physical development and infrastructure. All of us today can attest to the fact that if you look at Zambia moving away from the olden days to the current situation. When you look at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital, Kariba North Extension, Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and urban roads, you feel good. This is a friend. Look at Mongu/Kalabo Road.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwamba: It is a masterpiece.

Mr Mbulakulima: Yes, it is a masterpiece. All this has been done by the Chinese. Who else has come to our rescue? The only country that comes to mind that comes near to this was Israel, if only it had stayed slightly longer. The Israelites built the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and University of Zambia (UNZA). Which our country can talk of in terms of infrastructure development in Zambia in the past or now? The United Kingdom (UK) colonised us for seventy years, but only constructed less than thirty secondary schools. In ten years of Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s rule, 1,600 schools were constructed.

Mr Mwamba: Bauze, mudala.

Mr Mbulakulima: Where is the infrastructure built by our colonial masters that we can boast of? If we look at the Kariba Dam, it was constructed through a loan of £260 million. Of that amount, 62 per cent was to be repaid by Zambia or Northern Rhodesia then and only 38 per cent to be repaid by Southern Rhodesia. However, 70 per cent of the electricity generated from that dam went to the suburbs occupied by white people in Zimbabwe.

Mr. Ng’onga: They do not understand these issues.

Mr Mbulakulima: What did the colonialists leave behind? We are now grappling with problems because they did not leave any infrastructure worth mentioning.

Mr Speaker, what we should probably be talking about is the national debt status. I support this discussion, but I think this is a professional topic which we do not have to lose our tempers. Worldwide, the acceptable standard of national debt to a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is about 40 per cent. Where are we as Zambia in this regard? We are at 34 per cent debt to GDP. Therefore, the discussion should be that the margin of safety is now reduced. Therefore, what do we do? This is where the hon. Minister of Finance now comes in. What measures are being taken to address this situation? It is not yet at the stage of distress.

Mr Ngulube: Bauze!

Mr Mbulakulima: There are certain measures that we can take as a country. I have in mind austerity measures that must be taken into account. An equitable and efficient tax system must be put in place. We should also observe what our National Budget deficit is. These are the issues that we need to discuss, including the internal mobilisation of resources to beef up the economy.

Otherwise, I feel disturbed and I do not agree that we are in a debt distress situation. We also need to be aware of how soon we must repay the creditors. We obtained loans, but how have we used these loans? I think for the first time, we have seen that Zambia is now opening up. Therefore, the money that was obtained through loans went straight into infrastructure development.

Mr Ng’onga: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbulakulima: If we have to actually succeed, we need to open up many parts of Zambia. It is in such an environment that people will be able to participate in economic activities.

Mr Mwamba: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, secondly, there is the issue of the policy direction by the President. When it comes to this, what did the President say? Some people have been asking if the President actually gave the national policy direction. Yes, he did. He mentioned the Vision 2030 and said that we should be a middle income country by that time. On how to get there, the President said we need to turn into a smart Zambia through enhanced use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

Mr Mwiinga: What about corruption?

Mr Mbulakulima: This is why we have seen communication towers being erected in many parts of the country. Furthermore, we have been talking about diversification of our economy for us to achieve this vision. The President also mentioned the issue of dialogue. We cannot achieve this vision if we do not open up and start dialogue amongst ourselves. The other time I mentioned that I think this is the hottest Parliament during my three terms that I have been here because we seem to be hostile amongst ourselves. I think we need to develop a rapport among hon. Members of Parliament so that even the people out there can understand that we are all Zambians and are one.

Mr Speaker, apart from dialogue, the President mentioned equitable distribution of resources, infrastructure development, e-learning, e-commerce, e-governance and so on and so forth. There are many things that the President mentioned, including the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063. He mentioned that the AU continental free trade provides a platform for all African countries and for us to be ready for that, we have to follow this national vision.

Mr Ng’onga: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbulakulima: In order to achieve the Vision 2030, all Zambians need to participate. Therefore, which other clear route do we expect the President to articulate and propound?

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mbulakulima: Mr Speaker, what I would like to say to my dear colleagues is that it is important that we support each other.

Further, Mr Speaker, the President also mentioned the issue of inequality. The President has observed or realised this situation in our country and he also knows the dangers of inequality. In Africa, one of the sources of conflict is the issue of inequality, whereby some people feel marginalised and left out. The lack of participation in economic activities and governance by some groups has led African countries to go to war. The President has set the tone and said this could be a danger.

Therefore, it is up to us now as Zambians, including hon. Ministers, to ensure that there is equitable distribution of resources. That is why I am happy that the hon. Minister of Transport and Communication has taken communication towers to Milenge. The hon. Minister of Energy has also taken electricity to Milenge. It is my sincere hope that the hon. Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development will open up the roads in Milenge.

Mr Speaker, national values are another important aspect of our national development. I have said before that normally, there is a wrong notion that it is not our responsibility to defend politicians when it comes to corruption and national values. However, as a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), I have seen where the damage is caused. Often times we focus on only about 5 per cent. The damage is caused at the lower level. It is at the level of Permanent Secretary, director and below, including clerks, where the damage is caused. That is why even in various ministries, including the Ministry of Health, it is members of staff down there causing the damage.

Unless we mainstream or approach the issue of corruption in a holistic manner, the battle is lost. How good it would be for us to have the issue of national principles observed at every level in both the public and private sectors. Otherwise, it is a good thing if we can be cautious every time on the need to have integrity, then, Zambia will be a better country to live in.

Mr Speaker, if you asked me, I will say the Speech of the President, is a good Speech. It was well researched and balanced. Above all, it was issue based. On behalf of the people of Milenge, I want to thank you for this opportunity to participate in the debate.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa): Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity given to me as a representative of the people of Kaputa to also debate the Speech of the Official Opening of the Third Session of the Twelfth National Assembly by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, on Friday, 14^th September, 2018, whose theme is, “Working Together to Achieve Vision 2030”.

Mr Speaker, before I delve into the President’s Speech, allow me to congratulate Hon. Sensio Banda for a job well done and for joining this important House.

Sir, allow me to sincerely join those who have passed condolences on the demise of our brother, Hon. Mwene, who was a member of the Committee on Agriculture, Lands and Natural Resources. I will dearly miss him. May his soul rest in peace.

Mr Speaker, the Speech that was delivered by the President of the Republic of Zambia in this House is very inspiring. It is inspiring in the sense that there were a lot of expectations from the Zambians. There were many issues the Zambians wanted the President to discuss. They wanted to know what the Government has done this far. They also wanted him to give direction. I found that he did exactly that in this Speech that I have before me. The Speech that the President gave was inspiring.

Mr Speaker, allow me to quote the first paragraph from the President’s Speech. It says:

“I come here today cognisant of the fact that the hope of our nation rests, in greater part, with us the honourable Men and Women in this august House. We have the greatest power in our land. The power to shape the destiny of our country, the power to translate the dreams and hopes of our people into reality. A reality of food on the table of each household, health care and education on the doorstep of every community in a vibrant economy with a place in it for everyone.”

Mr Speaker, you can agree that the President humbled himself before all of us, as leaders. This is exactly what I want both my colleagues on the left and right to do. The President has always humbled himself. If you looked at the other speeches he has given to this House, you would notice that he has extended olive branches. As the President of this great nation, he understands that he needs all of us to ensure that we move together. Each one of us, as national leaders, has a responsibility to ensure that we leave a mark in whatever we do. If we distance ourselves from what the President extended to us, society will judge us harshly at a certain point in our lifetime. There are some who think that there will be time when they will be in certain leadership positions and that is when they will do what they want to do. It may never happen.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Ng’onga: The time is now and that is what the President said. The responsibility of shaping this country is in our hands. It will not do to point fingers at others. If we cannot do what we need to do in our communities, constituencies or at national level, at one point, we will only be to blame and the people will definitely condemn us.

Mr Speaker, the President talked about creating the reality of bringing food to the tables of our citizens. He stated that there are many facets to our economy and society and that we all need to work together to improve them. We need to ensure that everybody in society can have food, health services, education and electricity. This is what we all need to contribute to and the President and his leadership is well-positioned to steer all of us in this direction.

Mr Speaker, the President referred to the fact that we have a vision as a country and this is the Vision 2030. What does the Vision 2030 entail? The Vision 2030 envisages a Zambia that will have an improved living standard, where everybody or the majority of our people will have access to clean drinking water, our children will have access to school places and the rural population will have access to good transportation. It is always nice when you travel around and see those who have developed their countries before us. You see exactly how their transport system and electricity or power system is arranged. Everything seems to be orderly. The President said this is the vision of the country.

Sir, we all want to be like those countries. However, if we want to get there, there is a key word to bear in mind. We have to change our attitude. Most of us in Zambia have a laissez faire attitude. We have the attitude of wanting to have things remain the way they were yesterday. We want to maintain the status quo. Our attitude towards work leaves much to be desired. No wonder people look at the Chinese and think that they are coming to get our jobs and everything else. Hon. Mbulakulima has debated very well our relationship with the Chinese. Therefore, I will not dwell much on it. Our attitude as Zambians leaves much to be desired, especially our attitude towards work. If we really have to achieve the Vision 2030, we have to make a paradigm shift so that whatever we do and promote must encourage Zambians to work hard, be accountable, honest and transparent. This should not be done at the level of our general workers only, but at our level, as leaders. It is only hard work that will take us to the vision we envisage.

Mr Speaker, the President alluded to economic diversification and job creation. He isolated some of the divisions or departments within the governance system that will contribute to economic diversification and job creation. One issue he alluded to was the agriculture sector. He stated that it has contributed to the economy and can continue to contribute to both economic diversification and job creation. The President went further and gave examples of what this Government has put in place in order to improve the agriculture sector. He mentioned the investment in Muchinga Province where palm trees are being grown to produce palm oil. That is a huge investment and it has supported many households. I hope that very soon, Zambia will be the biggest producer of cooking oil in the region and that it will export to other areas. He also highlighted how the Government has improved the investment in the Kawambwa Tea Estate. Those who can remember very well know that before 2010, Kawambwa Tea Estate was almost gone. There were no employees to talk about. There was nothing coming out of that investment. Through the investment by the Zambian Government in this company, the company is now viable and is able to look after its workers and contribute to the national economy. He also talked about the value chain in soya bean production.

The Government has created an environment for people coming from outside to come and invest in our country. Some of the investors include Global Plantations Limited, Mount Meru and many others that are involved in processing. Other investors are involved in soya beans production which is processed into cooking oil and animal feed. This is what the President meant when he talked about creating an environment where the private sector could partner with the Government and invest into the agriculture sector. This does not only result into diversification, but also creates jobs for many of our children in the agriculture sector.

Mr Speaker, with regard to the fisheries sector, the President indicated that there has been substantial growth, which we all can see. The aqua-culture sector recorded a growth of 61 per cent in 2017/2018. This growth is huge and we know for sure that our President, His Excellency Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, is very passionate about this sector. He wants to stop this country from being a net importer of the fish that we eat to being a net exporter of fish that we should produce ourselves. Therefore, together with his leadership, he is allowing investment in the fisheries sector so that Zambians can produce fish, which could be exported to other countries.

Sir, I have also seen a tremendous growth in the livestock sector. In the President’s Speech, the improvements in this sector have been highlighted. For example, the piggery sector has recorded a growth of over 84 per cent in 2018. Similarly, the poultry sector has recorded a growth of about 33 per cent, while the rearing of goats has grown by about 24.9 per cent. Sheep rearing has grown to about 20.2 per cent while that of cattle is at 12 per cent. All these improvements have been recorded because of successful drivers such as livestock restocking and other disease control measures that have been put in place. Some of us had the opportunity to visit the Balmoral Livestock Research Station and learnt that this institution has been transformed to a point where it can stand amongst all disease diagnostic research centres within the sub region or Africa. There has been a lot of investment into that institution so that Zambia can control and treat the livestock diseases and improve the livestock sector.

Mr Speaker, at this point, allow me to talk about the transport sector and infrastructure development as seen in the eyes of the people of Kaputa Parliamentary Constituency. To this effect, I will talk about the Link Zambia 8,000 km Road Project. This is an issue which is not only close to my heart as Member of Parliament, but to the people of Kaputa. They have always asked me to come and speak about this issue to this House and the leadership.

Sir, the Link Zambia 8,000 km Road Project, as pronounced in 2011, by the late President His Excellency Mr Michael Sata, may his soul rest in peace, laid down exactly how Zambia was going to move with this particular project. If you go back to the 2011 President’s Speech, you will find that the Mporokoso/Nsama/Nsumbu/Kaputa and the Nchelenge/Mununga/Chienge/Kaputa Roads were in the first phase of the project. This is according to the plan as outlined in that Speech. The people of Kaputa were very hopeful and expected the roads earmarked to be worked on in the first phase of the project to be done during the period 2011 and 2016. This is the message that is coming from the people of Kaputa. The President has highlighted that there has been a lot of progress in this project. Under the Link Zambia 8,000 km Road Project, the construction of 5,000 km is at various stages of implementation with some roads having been completed.

However, the people of Kaputa are asking for their share. I know that there is a shift in the sense that there are more pronouncements of roads in the urban centres. There are so many roads that have been done in Lusaka, some are now being done on the Copperbelt and there is a lot of talk about the road between Lusaka and Livingstone. However, where is Kaputa? We should not be left behind.

Sir, according to this plan, the roads that I am talking about from Mporokoso to Kaputa and from Nchelenge into Chienge and Kaputa were in the first phase.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Ng’onga: People are saying that the Government is borrowing too much, but the people of Kaputa are saying that if we are borrowing to work on these roads, then. we must go and borrow more because we want these roads constructed.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Ng’onga: We do not want to be beggars. I can assure you that Kaputa has minerals, abundant water resources and good climatic conditions. We want to be weaned off. We want to produce and contribute to the nation, but we can only do this if we have roads that lead to Kaputa.

Mr Speaker, if you want us to move together by not leaving us behind -

Hon. Member: You want to cry?

Mr Ng’onga: Yes. I can even cry.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Ng’onga: I can even cry because that is what it has come to. The people of Kaputa have only asked this Government for one thing since 2011 and I have repeated this several times. If you want, do not bring us schools or a hospital, but give us a road. That is all.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Ng’onga: That is what the people have told me to say.

Hon. Member: Question!

Mr Ng’onga: I know my President is listening.

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

Mr Ng’onga: We know of places where people ask for two things, but we have only asked for one and that is the road from Mporokoso/Nsama/Nsumbu into Kaputa. They can also do the road from Chienge into Kaputa, but that would just be a bonus for us. If this one thing can be done within the Patriotic Front Government then the people of Kaputa will remain with them and move forward.

Interruptions

Mr Ng’onga: You can give us anything else, but if you do not give us the road, then my job will not have been done. We all want to move together.

Sir, again, this is the message that I was sent to deliver and I am very hopeful that the people of Kaputa will receive their road network.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Prof. Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to debate the President’s Speech, 2018.

Sir, a President’s Speech at the opening of Parliament each year expresses the heart, mind and soul of the President in terms of the direction the country should take. When we debate it, we debate it with the passion that we feel in terms of where the country is and where it ought to be going.

Mr Speaker, there are many ways of looking at a Presidential Speech, but for me and for now, the whole issue of the Vision 2030 is extremely pertinent because that is the direction in which our country ought to be going. I will anchor my debate on the Vision 2030.

Sir, the President summarised the vision in one sentence. He said that Zambia is to become a prosperous middle income nation by 2030. This was the statement that we all agreed to as a nation in 2007, if my memory serves me right. This was the legacy of President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, SC, may his soul rest in peace.

When this statement was put in place, 2030 was about 23 years away and we all thought that it would be possible to achieve the Vision 2030. Of course, a lot of things have happened on the way, but in order for us to honestly make a critical assessment of whether or not we are on course in terms of reaching the 2030 Vision, we must be honest enough and critically analyse where we are and what we are doing.

Mr Speaker, there are many countries that have aspired to achieve the status of a prosperous middle income country in Asia, here in Africa and many other parts of the world. The story of the Tiger nations is well known to all of us and the point is that there are certain things and certain strategic policy positions that any country aspiring to reach this status has to consider. I will outline those strategic policy directions and assess the President’s Speech using that yardstick.

Mr Speaker, one of the things a country wanting to achieve the status of a prosperous middle income country does is to put in place programmes that attack poverty and unemployment, especially among the young people.

Secondly, that country puts in place policies that call for practical knowledge and skills among the young people. Thirdly, that country puts in place policies that centre on the training of the young people in key subjects like mathematics, science, technology and engineering.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Prof. Lungwangwa: The fourth is that it puts in place programmes or policies that revitalise research. The fifth is that it puts in place policies and programmes which develop broadly and deeply digital technology in their society. The sixth is that it puts in place policies and programmes which support the Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises. The seventh is that it puts in place strategic policies which support the whole idea of transforming the work place centring on performance assessments and the need to improve the quality of work. The eighth is that it puts in place policies and programmes that centre on redefining the country to take its space in the global market.

It goes on to put strategic policies that actually ensure that the institutions of governance are independent and strong.

Mr Speaker, these are the strategic policy directions of those countries that have succeeded in achieving the status of a prosperous middle income country. Study Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea and also study what is happening in Ghana and Ethiopia. You will see that these are the kinds of things those countries are doing, including putting value on their products.

Mr Sing’ombe: Hear, hear!

Prof. Lungwangwa: If we take those parameters, has the Speech achieved these key policy strategic directions?

Mr Speaker, in terms of poverty and unemployment in the country, the biggest culprits of unemployment and poverty in our country are the young people, the youth.

Mr Mwiimbu: Hear, hear!

Prof. Lungwangwa: The youths, zero to thirty-five years are about 80 per cent of the population of this country which is about 12 million people. It is among those 12 million where we find the highest degree of poverty, HIV/AIDS and the challenge of education. Now, that is where the heart, the mind and the soul of the President should have been directed. What programmes can be put in place to ensure that the young people have opportunities for employment and opportunities to reduce poverty levels amongst themselves. I did not hear those programmes. I think the President should be assisted by our collegues to ensure that strategic policy directions are put in place to combat poverty and unemployment among the young people.

For example, Sir, what policies can be put in place to ensure that young people are linked to the land instead of our land being taken over in big chunks by foreigners and in particular, the Chinese. The young people are supposed to be enabled to occupy land and to be capacitated to be productive on the land. This is what other countries do.

Mr Speaker, on the issue of practical knowledge and skills, again, the President could have called upon education institutions to ensure that practical knowledge and skills that can contribute to the transformation of this country’s economy are put in place for the young people because that is what they need. The young people have the energy, drive and aspirations for a better future, but that can only be realised when they are given the right skills and knowledge for them to contribute to the transformation of the country. This is what we should have heard from the President when he was here in the House.

Mr Speaker, the whole challenge of mathematics, science, technology and engineering is what the countries that are striving to achieve a middle income status emphasise in their education systems. Listen to what Ghana and Ethiopia are doing.

Mr Speaker, in the 1960s, India emphasised a lot on the training of their young people in mathematics, science, technology and engineering. Today, India has made tremendous transformation and many other countries have followed suit. This is what we should have heard from the President in terms of what our education system can do to be able to give that push which is necessary in the transformation of the country.

Mr Speaker, on the issue of digital technology, we are now in the fourth industrial revolution in the world. We are now in the age of internet of things. We are in the age of the importance of the convergence of data. Digital technology is transforming our lives.

Countries that wish to reach a prosperous middle income status ensure that they create environments for digital technology so that it can benefit as many young people as possible. This is because digital technology is for the young people. We need to develop a digital technology generation in this country. Those from 0 to 25 years and even 35 years are the digital technology generation of our country. If we are to transform this country, we should focus on them. They are supposed to be equipped with the skills and know-how in the field of digital technology and they can run with it and transform the country. This is what I should have heard from the President in terms of what can be done to develop a digital technology generation in our country for the transformation of the country.

Mr Speaker, the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are very important. This was mentioned, but not in depth as it ought to have been done. The SMEs are the businesses that our young people should run, for example, rearing chickens, piggery and block making. However, they are being pushed away from the SME, sector by foreigners, in particular, the Chinese.

Mr Mung’andu: Question!

Prof. Lungwangwa: The Chinese are selling salaula which is supposed to be sold by our people. They are keeping chickens which our young people are supposed to keep. Foreigners are selling sand from Katuba in our country, yet this is supposed to be done by our young people. They come all the way from far away countries to make blocks and open up shops in the compounds, yet these are the businesses of our young people. The President should have given hope to the young people by saying that the Government is taking strategic measures to stop the intrusion of foreigners into the SME sector where their hope and aspirations lay. These are the strategic policy directions which are important in terms of assisting the young people in our country.

Mr Speaker, the whole issue of strengthening and ensuring that institutions of governance are independent is very important. Institutions like the Legislature, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), Judiciary and the police must be strengthened and given the opportunity to be as independent as possible so that we can effectively combat corruption and the whole challenge of elicit financial flow out of this country. This is what countries that want to achieve the prosperous middle income status do so that if given the responsibility over the public funds of the country, they know that if they take the direction of corruption, it is hot and their fingers will be burnt and so they will do the right things. That is what we ought to do.

Mr Speaker, the whole challenge of value addition was mentioned, but there should have been a broad statement on value addition in the country. For example, there was no mention in the Speech on the whole challenge of the forestry sector. We do not need to import furniture from China. We have enough good timber in our country that we can use to produce furniture and if we put in place ─

Mr Speaker: Order!

(Debate adjourned)

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The House adjourned at 1956 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 19^thSeptember, 2018.

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