Friday, 26^th October, 2018

 

The House met at 0900 hours

 

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

NATIONAL ANTHEM

 

PRAYER

 

_______

 

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR SPEAKER

 

ACTIVITIES TO COMMEMORATE ZAMBIA’S 54^TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that as part of the activities to celebrate Zambia’s 54^th Independence Anniversary, the National Assembly of Zambia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development, is organising football and netball matches between hon. Members of Parliament and diplomats accredited to Zambia.

 

The matches will take place next week on Friday, 2^nd November, 2018, at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC), beginning at 1400 hours. In this regard, the training programme has already been communicated to the captains of both the football and netball teams. May I urge all the participating hon. Members to prepare themselves adequately for the challenges.

 

I thank you.

 

_______

 

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 next week.

 

Sir, on Tuesday, 30^th October, 2018, the Business of the House will begin with Questions for Oral Answer. This will be followed by the presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. The House will then resolve into Committee of Supply to consider the following Heads of Expenditure:

 

        Head 13 – Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs; and

 

        Head 26 – Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

 

On Wednesday, 31^st October, 2018, the Business of the House will start with Questions for Oral Answer. This will be followed by the presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider Private’s Member Motions, if there will be any. The House will then resolve into Committee of Supply to consider the following Heads of Expenditure:

 

        Head 31 – Ministry of Justice; and

 

        Head 18 – Judiciary.

 

Mr Speaker, on Thursday, 1^st November, 2018, the Business of the House will commence with Questions for Oral Answer. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. After that, the House will resolve into Committee of Supply to consider Head 44 – Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

 

Sir, on Friday, 2^nd November, 2018, the Business of the House will commence with the Vice-President’s Question Time. This will be followed by Questions for Oral Answer. Thereafter, the House will deal with the presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. The House will then resolve into Committee of Supply to consider the following Heads of Expenditure:

 

       Head 12 – Office of the Public Protector; and

 

      Head 18 – Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

_______

 

HER HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT’S QUESTION TIME

 

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo): Mr Speaker, the spate of corruption in the Civil Service is worrisome and dangerous to the nation, as it deprives the citizens of the necessary development.

 

Dr Chibanda: What is the question?

 

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, people are of the opinion that this is happening because of a lukewarm Government. The Government is not strong enough to stop this endemic practice, which was never there in the Government of the late President Mr Levy Mwanawasa SC.

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

Mr Lufuma: People are wondering whether it is because of the weak leadership of this Government, which is encouraging the Civil Service to get onto the bandwagon of corruption, due to the fact that the Government is encouraging corruption by saying, “Uubomba mwibala, alya mwibala”? What is the Vice-President’s view on this matter?

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

The Vice-President (Mrs Wina): Mr Speaker, what I can assure the House and the hon. Member of Parliament for Kabompo is that this country is under a very strong leadership, which is headed by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, and the team that is supporting him.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order! Order!

 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) was established in the First Republic. It was mainly created to curb the rise of the level of corruption in the country. Subsequent governments have maintained the institution to ensure that there is no corruption in the running of Government in Zambia. During the reign that the hon. Member of Parliament referred to, Mr Levy Patrick Mwanawasa’s Regime, there was corruption in the Government , but then, the Government took some actions to curb the corruption. The Patriotic Front (PF) Government is still pursuing the same policy of identifying the culprits who misappropriate Government resources and do fraudulent accounting. The Government is taking action. As we speak, there is an investigation in the Ministry of General Education that is ongoing and a forensic audit is expected very, very soon. The same has happened in the Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare. It is the same officers whom Government probes complain that they are being victimised due to their tribe.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

 The Vice-President: They say that they are being victimised because they hold different political views. Really, let us be sincere to ourselves. Government is doing everything possible to ensure that there is no corruption in the Civil Service. We will make sure that those who are found wanting face the law. There is no question about that.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Dr Imakando (Mongu Central): Mr Speaker, when His Excellency  ...

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order on the left!

 

Dr Imakando: ... the President of the Republic of Zambia came to this august House in the last Session, he assured the people of Zambia, particularly the people of the Western Province, that the construction of King Lewanika University would commence soon. I have examined the Budget and have only seen Frederick Titus Jacob Chiluba University. May Her Honour the Vice-President assure the people of Zambia, particularly the people of the Western Province, that the construction of King Lewanika University will soon start as promised by His Excellency?

 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I thought the hon. Member for Mongu Central visited his constituency because the construction of King Lewanika University has already started near Namushakendi.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Speaker: Order! Order!

 

The Vice-President: The construction of King Lewanika University has started. However, we are waiting for the Ministry of Finance to release funds so that the works can continue.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order on the right!

 

Mr Chiyalika (Lufubu): Mr Speaker, last month, the Ministry of Health advertised the construction of a district hospital in Ngabwe, and this elated the people of Ngabwe District. The date for the site visit was set. However, the visit was cancelled indefinitely. The people of Lufubu want to find out when their caring Government is going to construct the district hospital.

 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the Government is still committed to constructing a district hospital in Ngabwe. As a matter of fact, all the newly-created districts will have a district hospital. Construction of some district hospitals has already started and other districts hospitals are near completion. Kabwe is bound to have a district hospital. Due to finance constraints, the works have stopped. Otherwise, the works would have continued.

 

Mr Speaker, the rural people in Zambia should be thankful to the PF Government and making the efforts that this Government is making to improve the conditions of our people in the rural areas. The creation of more than thirty districts will definitely change the landscape of rural communities because these districts have been located in far-to-reach areas and, they are opening up rural areas to development. I look forward to visiting Ngabwe to see the site of the intended new hospital. I hope that the Ministry of Finance will be able to mobilise resources so that we can start construction of a hospital to service people in that area.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Kundoti (Luena): Mr Speaker, the road from Mongu to Lumulunga is in a deplorable state. Recently, there was loss of life on that road due to the removal of the tarmac. On behalf of the people of Mongu and Limulunga districts, I would like to find out when the Government is going to resurface that road.

 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I wish that the hon. Member of Parliament for Luena had visited the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development to get detailed information on how that road will to be resurfaced as well as get information on the contractor to undertake the works. How far has the ministry gone in making arrangements? I know that the contract for that project had elapsed. The Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development, together with the Attorney-General’s Office, are looking at the new agreement, and the company, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) International, has been engaged to undertake the next phase of the rift surfacing of the road.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Ngulube (Kabwe Central): Mr Speaker, thank you. Peace be with the whole House.

 

Mr Speaker, of late, a small political party in Zambia has been advocating hate speech and tribal talk. As a lawyer, I am aware that the Penal Code of Zambia, Chapter 88 of the Laws of Zambia makes it an offence for any person, regardless of his or her status, be it politicians or not, to advocate  division, hate speech and tribal talk in this country. Does the Government have plans to start prosecuting some of the people, who are advocating xenophobic attacks on foreigners, investors as well as fellow Zambians, who are of a different tribe from theirs?

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I think it is high time this Parliament considered enacting a law to criminalise hate speech because currently, the law is very weak on addressing issues of hate speech and certain types of utterances that leaders make, especially political leaders. In some countries, hate speech is a crime. It is also a crime in our country in the sense that it erodes morals. We know very well that hate speech has resulted into big conflicts in some countries. Hate speech has resulted into war and civil strife in some countries. These issues are discussed in this House every so often. However, I do not think that we leaders take note of these issues. If we did, we would be hesitant to make statements that are full of insults, hate, falsehoods and tribalism. As leaders, we should rise above all these negative aspects of the new Zambian life.

 

Mr Speaker, I look forward to seeing the hon. Members of Parliament to preaching peace and unity. Our country is known for upholding peace and democratic tenets. Please, let us maintain that. This is one of the few assets that we have. Let us therefore, hang on to those good assets and attributes.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mukosa (Chinsali): Mr Speaker, it is very saddening to see how failed opposition political party leaders are always encouraging their members to shun national events.

 

Interruptions

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Ah!

 

Mr Mukosa: Failed opposition political party leaders –

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Mr Mukosa: For example, the United Party for National Development (UPND).

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mukosa: Mr Speaker, is the Government making any effort to encourage the people of Zambia –

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Resume your seat, hon. Member for Chinsali Parliamentary Constituency.

 

Mr Mukosa resumed his seat.

 

Mr Speaker: This is dishonourable conduct. If we cannot manage this session, why not skip it. We, for instance,  can instead look at the Budget.

 

Mr Kampyongo: Yes.

 

Hon. Opposition Members interjected.

 

Mr Kafwaya: Ula ipushapo ifya mano iwe?

 

Mr Speaker: You may continue, hon. Member.

 

Mr Mukosa: Mr Speaker, thank you for your protection. Failed opposition political party leaders are always encouraging their followers to shun national events. An example is the recently commemorated National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation as well as Independence Day. What efforts are being made by the Government to ensure that Zambian citizens are encouraged to be patriotic and not to be misled by failed political party leaders?

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, celebrating both Independence and the National Day of Prayer is a sign of patriotism and nationalism. This country has existed, as we know it, for fifty four years. During this period, we have been celebrating the independence of our country. We have been doing this all along. However, we recently, have been hearing that political parties do not subscribe to the celebration of independence. They have their own reasons. However, what I can say is that Zambians celebrate Independence. Zambians all around the country are very happy when this day comes in October. I do not know which Zambians are not allowed to commemorate this day. Perhaps, as I said earlier on, there are reasons they think that when we celebrate Zambia, we celebrate an individual. We celebrate the independence of our country.

 

Sir, the majority of hon. Members of Parliament were not there when the Union Jack went down and the Zambian flag came up. This was such an emotional day. I can vouch for that because I was there.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the emotions that ran in the Zambian people’s chests and heads is something you cannot describe today. People remembered the sacrifices they made. That is why I was bewildered to hear about the contribution of two cows as major support to the struggle for independence. There are many sacrifices that were made by Zambian people. This is a very important day in the calendar of this country. It is being celebrated by those who feel that they belong to this country and that this country belongs to them. I only want to urge the hon. Members of Parliament to take the celebrations of 2019 very seriously. Let us ensure that we celebrate this day together in unity as one Zambia, one nation.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Ng’ambi (Chifubu): Mr Speaker, the people of Chifubu Parliamentary Constituency, particularly those from Kawama Overspill and Ndola District in general want to find out how much progress has been made in the US$100 million water project which is meant to cover Ndola, Masaiti and Mpongwe. The people would like to find out the progress made on this strategic project which is going to improve the lives of the people in these areas.

 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the Kafubu Water and Sanitation works are progressing very well. Pipes are being repaired in various townships that were giving challenges to the water and sewerage company in Ndola. The works are 90 per cent complete. We, therefore, look forward to the completion of this project before the end of December 2018.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Dr Chanda (Bwana Mkubwa): Mr Speaker, the huge industrial area in Ndola, which is located in Bwana Mkubwa Constituency, has been lying dormant from a 1990 after the Structural Adjustment Programme to date. This industrial area has an existing infrastructure like the constructions of roads, water and electricity. The people of Bwana Mkumbwa Constituency, Ndola and, the business people of Ndola want to find out whether or not the Government has any plans to turn the industrial area into a Multi-facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) in line with the Government’s Industrialisation Policy.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Vice President: Mr Speaker, the Government of the Republic of Zambia has secured a US$30 million loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the construction of industrial MFEZs in Ndola and Kitwe. The establishment of industrial yards will start as soon as possible and I hope that the old industrial area in Ndola will be utilised for this purpose. We look forward to ensuring that the industries, which used to thrive in Ndola, are resuscitated. This will including the new ones that will be centred on metal fabrication, food processing and wood processing as well as the automotive engineering. The Government has considered the industrial side of Ndola resuscitation of a loan has been secured for that purpose.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Mr Speaker, the issue of the national dialogue has become topical in our political and social environment. I would like to find out what is restraining the national dialogue from proceeding so that all stakeholders can bring their issues on board and resolve them so that we move forward together as a nation?

 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, getting Zambians to dialogue has been discussed in this House as well as in the public domain. We only hope that the new arrangements where the Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) has constituted a new team of eminent Zambians, who will work together with the other stakeholders including the church, to resolve all the issues that will be brought on board.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, in response to a question from the rejuvenated PF hon. Member of Parliament for Kabwe Central, who has just realised that he has to toll the party line, –

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member, I have given you an opportunity to ask a question. I have recognised that you are a Leader of the Opposition. You have jumped queue in that recognition and, then, you start off with an unnecessary comment.

 

Leader of the Opposition, may you continue please.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I thank you for your guidance.

 

Sir, I would like to find out from Her Honour the Vice-President why she has been so loud in silence pertaining to the hate speeches and tribal talk, which has been coming from her side through …

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

Mr Speaker: Order on the right!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: … the Chief Executive of her Party, Mr Davies Mwila who has recently been quoted extensively by the media in the Eastern Province as having propagated hate speech. In addition, one of the surrogate hon. Members of Parliament …

 

Hon. Government Members: Surrogate?

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Yes!

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Leader of the Opposition, there are just hon. Members of Parliament in this House. What do you mean by surrogate? I do not have that classification in my office.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, what I meant by surrogate is that the particular hon. Member of Parliament is not from the PF. He is an Independent Member of Parliament.

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member, resume your seat.

 

Mr Mwiimbu resumed his seat

 

Mr Speaker: You see, you can avoid all this interjections on my part. That is controversial –

 

Mr Mwiimbu: What is wrong with that?

 

Mr Speaker: In your judgment, you think that is a right classification. However, if you call upon the hon. Member of Parliament in question, he will have a different position. Let us not be controversial. Just ask the question.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, it is public knowledge that, during the last elections in Kasenengwa, the hon. Member of Parliament for Sinda engagend in hate speech and tribal campaigns –

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Her Honour the Vice-Presdent and the leadership were very loud in their silence in condemning the comments. Why are they selective in condemning other members of the public who are perceived to have propagated hate speech and living out their own members, who are in the forefront of propagating hate speech?

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms M. Phiri: Expired lawyer!

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Let us have some order. Let us restrain our the emotions.

 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, there is no surrogate Member of Parliament in this House.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Vice-President: All the hon. Members of Parliament have been voted for by the people of Zambia in their respective constituencies, including the Leader of the Opposition.

 

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear! Surrogate!

 

The Vice-President: The Leader of the Opposition should rise above tribal politicking …

 

Mr Mwiimbu rose in his seat!

 

Interruptions

 

Hon. Government Members: Resume your seat!

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Her Honour the Vice-President, allow me to just secure some silence in the House.

 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the fact that we are seated at the Frontbench in Parliament means that we are a selected few leaders in our political arrangement. Equally, the hon. Members of Parliament, who are seated opposite me are national leaders in their own right. Whatever we say in this House should really pertain to the maintenance of cohesiveness and unity. I do not expect one of the leaders to come out and accuse others of uttering tribal sentiments, especially outside the House.

 

We condemned the stance that the hon. Member of Parliament took. Although he is independent, we definitely did not like the sentiments that he expressed during that by-election. We caution our Members and we expect the same from the United Party For National Development (UPND) so that this country can move in peace. How many times are we going to talk about maintaining peace and unity in the country we, if the leaders, are the ones perpetrating the sentiments of tribalism and other vices?

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Princess Kucheka (Zambezi West): Mr Speaker, as a mother, I am concerned about child malnutrition, which remains a major concern in many rural parts of Zambia. However, the allocations for nutrition have been reduced. What is the Government going to do to improve nutrition?

 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the fight against malnutrition is not concentrated in one ministry. Almost all the ministries, except one or two, have a component that answers to the nutritional needs of children and expectant mothers. The Government has adopted a multisectoral approach to the issue of nutrition in the country. Of course, the leading ministries are Health General Education. However, the other ministries are also in the same league to support the lead ministries. The Ministry of Agriculture cannot be left out of the nutrition campaign, neither can ministries like Community Development and Social Welfare and the of Gender.

 

Sir, the allocation may look small in one ministry but, when combined, the budget is big. However, not to the extent where we would have liked it to be because we want to accelerate the School Feeding Programme in all parts of Zambia where it is required. The Government is working with our co-operating partners to address the issue of malnutrition and stunting among children in the country.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Dr Malama (Kanchibiya): Mr Speaker, there are reported cases of murders of Zambians in the Republic of South Africa. What measures is the Zambian Government taking to ensure the safety of nationals in South Africa?

 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, recently, Zambian nationals were killed in South Africa and the Government of Zambia has sent a complaint through the High Commissioner of that country, Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba, against the unwarranted attacks on foreigners, including the three Zambians who lost their lives.

 

Sir, South Africa and Zambia enjoy cordial bilateral relations, and we would like to see the relations grow to higher heights. South Africa and Zambia are members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and are also members of the African Union (AU). The AU is striving to work towards stronger integration on the continent. Definitely, we cannot allow violence to prevail in our countries. Zambia and South Africa will continue to liaise and ensure that there is peace in our region. After all, the trade between South Africa and Zambia is very strong, and we would not like all these initiatives to be jeopardised by unruly individuals or criminal elements in that country.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Jere (Livingstone): Mr Speaker, motorists in this country, including those in Lusaka, are overburdened with taxes. What is the position of the Government as with regard to the charge on speed limits since there was an admission by the Government that it was wrongly done?

 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, road taxes and other Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) initiatives that have been put in place are meant to safeguard the lives of Zambians and not to punish them. Some of the initiatives will help us to be polite on the road and ensure that when we have taken intoxicating we do not drive substrances vehicles because this will injure other people who are also users of the road. Therefore, it is not a burden on the Zambian people, but it is meant to safeguard the lives of people.

 

Sir, the Government imposes tax on individuals and companies to raise money for the services that people require. We want to build hospitals, schools and roads. Where will that money come from if Zambians do not pay tax? That is why the tax regime is very important for any country, including Zambia. As for RTSA, I have explained that it was put in place to safeguard Zambians.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Ms Mwashingwele (Katuba): Mr Speaker, the nation conducted a mobile national registration exercise between November 2015 and January 2016. However, to date the officers who were in the exercise have not been paid. When does the PF Government intend to pay the officers who took part in this important exercise?

 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member for Katuba takes Parliament sittings very seriously, and I recall that she was here last week or the other week when the hon. Minister of Home Affairs gave a very detailed response to the same question. I hope the hon. Member recollects what was said by the hon. Minister of Home Affairs then.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Mr Speaker, among the issues that the people of Ikeleng’i have been talking about is road infrastructure which is being attended to at a slow pace. However, there is also the issue of the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) connectivity which has not been availed. A few days ago, TopStar Communication Company Limited distributed some satellite dishes to a number of village headmen and schools. Is this the solution to the problem of poor television signal for the ZNBC in Ikeleng’i District and how many village headmen are going to benefit from the distribution of satellite dishes in the entire district?

 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Member for acknowledging the road infrastructure development that is happening in –

 

Hon PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Muchima indicated dissent (shaking his head).

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member for Ikeleng’i, there is no need for that.

 

Laughter

 

The Vice-President: Equally, the hon. Member should acknowledge the delivery of ambulances to hospitals in Mwinilunga. However, the Village Satellite Television Programme is different from the digital migration that is being rolled out throughout the country. According to our assessment, there will be perhaps, three village television stations per constituency and this will be done throughout the country. It will not be confined to certain areas only as some hon. Members of Parliament may claim. This is a caring Government that will not leave anyone behind.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Vice-President: Even in Ikeleng’i, there will be television centres in at least three places. Even in Nalolo, there are only three places where there is a village television. The village televisions are evenly distributed in all the constituencies in the country.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mwila (Chimwemwe): Mr Speaker, on Tuesday this week, the Kitwe based Sinozam Friendship Hospital, which is Chinese owned, was closed by the Health Professional Council of Zambia, which was allegedly stocking and administering expired drugs. This has resulted into many patients being discharged earlier than scheduled and others being transferred back to Kitwe Central Hospital (KCH), from which they were initially referred for specialised treatment. What message does Her Honour the Vice-President have for the people of Kitwe who may have lost their beloved ones at the hands of medical personals at the hospital because they were administered with expired drugs?

 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, it is regrettable that some people have lost their lives or are very sick due to the carelessness of some medical staff at this hospital. However, I must commend the Ministry of Health, which has embarked on a campaign to ensure that people have access to medicines that will help them not expired drugs. It is not only Sinozam, but all the hospitals in the country that are being visited to ensure that expired drugs are not administered to patients. This is ongoing, but the ministry will take measures to ensure that critically sick patients are transferred to other hospitals such as Ndola Central Hospital so that we stop losing lives.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Zulu C. M (Luangeni): Mr Speaker, what is the position of the Government on the construction of a new State House as we have heard that the current one is in a state of disrepair?

 

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, State House was built for the Governor of Northern Rhodesia, in 1924. A lot of alterations have been made to State House. Therefore, for now, there is no State House that is being built. However, when funds are made available, perhaps, the construction of a new State House issue will be considered.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

_______

 

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

 

DAMAGED INFRASTRUCTURE IN CHIFUNABULI PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY

 

80. Mr Mecha (Chifunabuli) asked the Vice-President:

 

(a)        whether the Government is aware that infrastructure at the following institutions in Chifunabuli Parliamentary Constituency was extensively damaged due to a storm on 20^th and 21^st October, 2018:

 

(i)         a 1 x 3 classroom block at Miponda Secondary School;

 

(ii)        a boarding house at Miponda Secondary School;

 

(iii)       a roof of a classroom block at Sebente Community School; and

 

(iv)       2 church buildings;

 

(b)        whether the Government has any plans to quickly rehabilitate the damaged infrastructure;

 

(c)        if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

 

(d)        what immediate plans the Government is taking to accommodate the pupils whose boarding house was damaged.

 

The Minister in the Office of the Vice-President (Ms Chalikosa): Mr Speaker, the Government is aware that infrastructure at Miponda Secondary School, Sebente Community School and two church buildings were extensively damaged by a storm on 20^th and 21^st October, 2018. However, the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) in the Office of the Vice-President has not yet received a report from the DMMU that is chaired by the District Commissioner (DC).

 

Mr Speaker, the Government is in the process of mobilising resources to rehabilitate the damaged infrastructure through the Ministry of General Education.

 

The implementation Plans will depend on the recommendation of the assessment and as soon as the Government mobilises resources.

 

Sir, the boarding house is partially closed and most of the pupils are now day scholars. Those with relatives living nearby are accommodated by their relatives and others are staying at improvised facilities.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Ms Chonya (Kafue): Mr Speaker, –

 

Mr Siwanzi: On a point of order, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Mr Siwanzi: Mr Speaker, I thank you for according me this point of order. I apologise to the hon. Member for Kafue for disturbing her line of thought.

 

Mr Speaker, I have observed that during the Vice-President’s Question Time, whenever I try to indicate to ask a Question, my console does not respond. I asked the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly at the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Department and they are saying that an opportunity to ask a question is given to the Members depending on how quick one clicks on the button of the console.

 

Sir, I have also observed that almost the same hon. Members of Parliament ask questions during this session, which makes me feel that maybe, during Her Honour the Vice-President’s Question Time, we should revert to the old system of standing so that there is a balance in the people who are selected to ask questions.

 

Mr Speaker, is this House in order to allow the usage of this console which is failing us, during the Vice- President’s Question Time?

 

Mr Speaker: Order! Order!

 

Yesterday, I rendered a ruling as a result of a point of order by the hon. Member for Chienge. I pointed out in that ruling that when it comes to administrative matters, there are channels of communication. That aside, you have leaders yourselves. You have your Whips. You communicate these matters to your Whips, and I liaise with the Whips constantly when it comes to the welfare of the hon. Members and so on and so forth. I do not think these are matters that we should be dealing with in the fashion you are proposing.

 

To begin with, there is nothing which has been violated here.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: We have been using this system for some time. I do not know for how long it has been. If you feel disadvantaged, engage your leadership. If you want to devise new rules, engage your leadership. Nothing has been violated. The fact that you have not spoken today does not mean that there is something wrong.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: By the way, it is not possible for everybody to intervene anyway. It is not possible. I do not touch the technology. Nobody touches this thing (Pointing at the console). This is why when somebody else wants his privilege to be recognised, I receive handwritten notes because they cannot interfere technologically. That way I can use my discretion. In short, this is an administrative issue. Use your leaders. There is a Government Chief Whip here. If you have a grievance with the system, communicate to him. You also have the Committee on Privileges, Absences and Support Services. If you feel this is hampering the privileges of hon. Members, the Committee will consider uprooting this system …

 

Laughter

 

Mr Speaker: … if need be.

 

Laughter

 

Ms Chonya: Mr Speaker, in her response, Her Honour the Vice-President has said that disasters at Miponda will be attended to the when they mobilise some funds. I just wanted to find out how soon that will be so that the people of Miponda as well as the people of Kafue in Kaweza and Chiawa, who have been waiting since 2006 for their disaster to be attended to are not discouraged. I learnt that, Her Honour the Vice-President’s department had only received funding in the first quarter of this year. How soon will the mobilisation of funds take? We need to be aware when disasters across our constituencies can be attended to.

 

Ms Chalikosa: Mr Speaker, as I have already informed the House, we have captured the entire damaged infrastructure in the education sector that needs to be attended to. We are liaising with the Ministry of Finance. I am not able to say exactly when the resources will be mobilised, but we are actively pursuing the matter.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

SECOND LEVEL HOSPITAL IN KABOMPO

 

81. Mr Lufuma (Kabompo) asked the Minister of Health:

 

(a)        whether the Government has any plans to construct a second level hospital in Kabompo District; and

 

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

 

The Minister of Health (Dr Chilufya): Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Health does not have immediate plans to construct a second level hospital in Kabompo District. However, we plan to upgrade the existing infrastructure so that the hospital can operate at a level of accreditation of a second level hospital.

 

Mr Speaker, part b of the Question falls off, as there are no plans to construct this hospital.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, although the hon. Minister was hardly audible, I would like to ask if he recalls that I had gone to his office and we discussed on the same matter. He promised was he would actually consider the construction of a second level hospital, given the fact that there is a plan already in place. May I know when the hon. Minister u-turned on his promise for him to go instead for rehabilitation?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, just to focus on a few words in the questioner’s statement, consideration did not mean a promise to build. When you consider, you look at many variables like financing, the existing infrastructure and many other technical variables. The consideration was there. However, the decision was that the existing infrastructure was solid and it just needed expansion, not refurbishment, as stated by the hon. Member of Parliament. The hospital will be expanded so that the infrastructure is enhanced to provide a broader scope of health services. It actually culminates in the same. You can have a bigger facility that just provides the same services as a new hospital would provide. Therefore, the net effect is the same. There is literally no change in the thinking because Kabompo is centrally located and that is good because it provides referral services for surrounding districts. The net effect of having a referral facility at Kabompo will be attained through infrastructure expansion.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Mr Speaker, upgrading of these health centres or hospitals to second level is quite important, especially that the population has increased in most parts of our country like Kabompo. Does the hon. Minister have an intention of updating us, so that we know which hospitals he has in mind rather than just waiting to hear pronouncements by the hon. Minister? Does the hon. Minister have any schedule so that we follow what is happening in the Government?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, we are looking for an opportunity to engage the hon. Members of Parliament in a workshop, where we will disseminate the National Health Strategic Plan that will look at all the fundamentals, including infrastructure for the strategic period that we are currently considering. This is therefore, a valid observation. All this information will certainly be revealed during such an opportunity.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Dr Chibanda (Mufulira): Mr Speaker, may I begin by commending the hon. Minister for a job well done in Kanyama, Mwinilunga of upgrading the clinic to a mini hospital.

 

Hon. Minister, the people of Kabompo would want your comfort. In your response you have said that you are going to upgrade the already existing structure. When do you precisely intend to do that for the people of Kabompo?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, that is within our Infrastructure Operation Plan for 2019.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

[THE CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the

Chair]

 

VOTE 05 – (Electoral Commission of Zambia – K131,369,992).

 

(Consideration resumed)

 

Mr Mbulakulima (Milenge): Madam Chairperson, when the House adjourned yesterday, I was debating the Budget for the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). I expressed my concern and shared my experience. However, I have observed certain elements that are not conducive to the welfare of our country. I am prompted to say this because people say that the ECZ is about one ethnic group or region. They say the same about the Civil Service Commission.

 

 Madam, whenever we talk about development, be it the construction of roads, schools, hospitals and airports, they say they are for one group, I do not agree with that. At one time, someone even went to the extent out of looking at the composition of the National Team and he observed that they were from one composition region. In certain countries in the world there has been civil unrest because of the same thinking. Politics are about perception. This perception can bring problems in our country. I gave an example of the Republic of Rwanda, Central Africa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, WestAfrica, including the, neighbouring country, Zimbabwe, atrocities that were committed in Gukurahundi. All these were as a result of the perception that certain groups of people were being favoured.

 

Madam Chairperson, I gave an example which I want to repeat, and my fear is that intolerance has reached a very dangerous level in our country today. A conflict has four stages, namely latent, conflict emergence, escalation and stalemate or hurting. When negotiations or arbitration starts, that is the apex. From there, we move to the de-escalation stage where people sit round the table. When we reach this stage, as responsible citizens, we need to look at issues critically to see which direction we are going. If you asked me whether the ECZ  is perfect, the answer would be no. The ECZ needs help from every concerned citizen.

 

 There is no country that has a perfect electoral system, dear colleagues and fellow compatriots. The people of Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe are complaining. There is no country anywhere in the world which has a perfect electoral system. The biggest democratic country in the world is the United States of America (USA), but how perfect is the American electoral system? We know that the Americans have been talking about hacking their voting system. They have also been complaining that their electoral system is not perfect. Therefore, you cannot have the best voting system around, how do we help reform the ECZ? Therefore, made progress. We have seen a lot of transformation and many changes have been made to suit the environment.

 

Madam Chairperson, with regard to the American electoral system, most of us recall the Presidential General Elections in 2000 where George Bush won Albert Gore. This was one of the worst elections ever witnessed in the history of the USA, yet we consider its electoral system perfect. It is alleged that Mr Albert Gore won the elections in 2000, but there was a disputed vote count in the State of Florida. We all know that, but that did not break the USA. They still stand firm. Actually this matter was taken to court in the same year, 2000. In view of this, who can pinpoint the perfect electoral system today?

 

 Madam, we definitely need to help the ECZ which we created. It is one of the best institutions. If there are any short comings, we need to address them as a country. However, I do not agree with the idea of throwing the baby out with the water. Yes, we need to work hard. In other countries, I believe people have used bathwater like, radio, newspapers, including churches, to bring chaos. It is my sincere hope that this country will not use Parliament as a platform or conduit to bring chaos to this country.

 

I thank you, Madam Chairperson.

 

The Chairperson: As the House is aware, yesterday, we spent a lot of time debating this Vote. Today, I will allow one hon. Member from the left and one hon. Minister, and Her Honour the Vice-President will wind up.

 

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Madam Chairperson, thank you for according me the opportunity to debate the Vote pertaining to the ECZ.  As I debate this Vote, I would like to comment on the issues that have been raised by my hon. Colleagues.

 

Madam Chairperson, when you are in leadership, it is your responsibility to listen to the issues that are being raised by members of the public and the Opposition.

 

Mr Muchima: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: If you think that the issues that are being raised are pertinent, you should address them. It is not wise to start vilifying the complainants instead of listening to the complaints that are being raised.

 

Madam Chairperson, what we have been hearing from your right hand side are denials, rebuttals and ridiculing of the issues that are being raised. The issues which we have been raising are intended to build and unite this country. It is the responsibility of our colleagues on your right to unite this country. They are the ones who have the mantle of leadership. They are the ones who have the instruments of power to ensure that the issues that are being raised are addressed.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: We and the Backbench on your right side raise issues, which we expect that the Frontbench will address. Therefore, I hope that Her Honour the Vice-President will listen and address the issues I am going to raise. They are for the common good of all of us.

 

Madam Chairperson, I am aware that the Her Honour the Vice-President was with me in the United Party for National Development (UPND). She is aware of the issues we raised during the 2001 General Elections. She then left and joined the Patriotic Front (PF). The PF raised a number of issues when it was in the Opposition. We are aware that even when the late President, Mr Michael Sata lost the elections, he complained that the ECZ had robbed him of the vote.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: When he went to complain, he was escorted by those who were in the PF then, not new comers who have just joined the PF. That is what happened. The issues that were raised during His Excellency the President, Mr Michael Chilufya Sata’s reign are still alive today. That is why our colleagues are raising the issues so that we address them for the common good of the country.

 

Mr Muchima: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Those are the issues we are raising.

 

Madam Chairperson, I would like to anchor my debate on Articles 45 and 50 of the Constitution of Zambia. We are all aware that one of the factors that have led to strife and discontent in this country arise from the management of the media. For ease of reference, I would like to quote Article 50, which states that:

 

“A political party and a candidate contesting an election shall have access to the media, especially during election campaigns.”

 

Madam Chairperson, it is trite to state that the public media, which is supervised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has let this country down. During the last elections and all the other elections, the public media has been consistently biased against those perceived to be in the Opposition. Members from the Opposition have been crying foul pertaining to the way the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) has been managing its affairs. The complaints ended up in court. Despite the court orders, the ZNBC never obliged.

 

Madam Chairperson, the ECZ has been toothless in this regard. The institution is a toothless bulldog. The ECZ has been failing to enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct because of fear of the Government of the day. This is what has been happening. Complaints have been raised and they have reached the attention of the ECZ, but it has never attended to the complaints. With impunity, the ZNBC, Times of Zambia and Zambia Daily Mail have ignored the Constitution of Zambia. Why should we allow public institutions to ignore with impunity what is provided for in the law?

 

Madam Chairperson, this is why I am saying the ECZ is toothless. It has failed to manage the elections prudently. The institution needs to be empowered to ensure that it plays its role because it has failed to do that. There have been so many correspondences between the opposition political parties. Meetings were called that were chaired by the ECZ, but nothing has changed.  Therefore, we call upon the ECZ to adhere to the laws of this country. It is the responsibility of the ECZ to manage the elections, but it has failed us.

 

Madam Chairperson, the other issue relates to Article 45(2)(b) which states that elections are supposed to be free from violence, intimidation and corruption. However, lately, the elections that are held in this country are rife with corruption, intimidation and violence. I have no doubt that I stand on firm ground as I say this. Nobody can tell me that elections in this country are free of corruption, violence and intimidation. Corruption is the order of the day. Even as we speak, corruption is transpiring in the elections that are taking place in Mangango and the council by-elections in the Northern Province. Gifts are being given with impunity.

 

Mr Mwamba: Question!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Money is exchanging hands with impunity.

 

I want Her Honour the Vice-President to be very categorical pertaining to the role of District Commissioners (DC).

 

Mr Kasonso: We shall be beating them up.

 

Mr Mwiimbu: The DCs from the Western Province have been mobilised and they are all in Mangango campaigning for the PF using Government vehicles. The DCs have been mobilised in the other area where there are council by-elections. It, therefore, entails that the DCs are using Government resources in the campaigns.

 

Mr Muchima: Yes!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Chairperson, the law does not allow any other person in this country to utilise Government transport during campaigns apart from the President and the Vice-President. That is what the law says.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Yes!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Why are we allowing junior civil servants to use Government resources in the form of money and time to campaign for a political party?

 

Mr Muchima: Shame!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Meanwhile, the ECZ is quiet. The ECZ has the power to take action against those DCs, but it has never done that. It is afraid because the leadership of the ECZ is appointed by the President. The President can remove the commissioners at any time without giving reasons. That is the tragedy of the ECZ. The ECZ has no security of tenure. Therefore, those serving the institution fear that if they rise up and defend the rights of the Opposition, they will be removed from office.

 

Ms Tambatamba: Hammer!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Chairperson, the reports of elections observers have all raised the issues of appointment of commissioners and management of elections. The process is flawed and we need to address this. The reports are there. Yesterday my Colleague, Hon. Gary Nkombo indicated that there is money to reform the electoral process in this country, but we have not done that.

 

Madam Chairperson, the ECZ has been let down by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The violence witnessed during elections in this country is to a large extent due to the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Zambia Police Service.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Mwiimbu: The Ministry of Home Affairs has failed to perform their function of ensuring that there is law and order. What they purport to be law and order is biasness. The Zambia Police Service is now under the supervision of a political party. That is a fact. If you are a member of the Opposition, and you go and report a case of violence to the Zambia Police Service, it will not take any action. Police Officers fear that if they took any action, they would be victimised or transferred. This has been happening. Wherever there has been an election, police officers have been victimised. Those who are perceived to have performed above board are the ones who have been viticmised. Maybe, the tragedy is that the one who is leading the Ministry of Home Affairs is also the chairperson of the youth wing of a political party.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Police Officers do not see the difference between the Ministry of Home Affairs and the chief wing. It may be due to ignorance. However, they must be educated. It is the responsibility of the hon. Minister of Home Affairs to tell them that he has two roles. The first one the Minister of Home Affairs on behalf of the nation and the second role is that of a chairperson of the youth from the Ruling Party. There must be a division here. The youths from the Ruling Party must be told that they have no power to supervise the Zambia Police Service. That is where the tragedy lies. As a result, members of the public have lost confidence in the police. If there is some violence that has occurred, people defend themselves because when they report to the Zambia Police Service nothing is done about the reports. It is a tragedy. We need to resolve this matter for the good of the country. One day, this country will explode.

 

Hon. Government Members: Ah!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Chairperson, I am merely advising. I know that there was a wing of the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) called Die Hard MMD.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mwiimbu: When things changed, they cried foul. They were very violent. When things changed –

 

Mr Lusambo interjected.

 

The Chairperson: Order, hon. Minister for Lusaka Province!

 

Continue, hon. Member.

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Madam Chairperson, the virtue of leadership is to listen. I am not in leadership, I am merely advising. The issues, which Hon. Mbulakulima raised, are as a result of impunity and failure to listen to those who are victims. When you victimise the people that is what happens. When a ruling party does not listen to what others complain about, it leads to what Hon. Mbulakulima is avoiding. We should always listen. There is no tribe or person who is bigger or more important than the other. We are all equals in this country. When there are issues raised, we should listen.

 

Madam Chairperson, I rest my case.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Kampyongo): Madam Chairperson, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to debate this very important Vote, Vote 05 – Electoral Commission of Zambia.

 

Madam Chairperson, this is a very important institution we, and as a nation, should feel proud of this very important institution called the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) because it has demonstrated that it can work in conformity with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) guidelines and procedures in terms of SADC member states holding credible elections. It has made strides to transform itself; to move with the changes in terms of the political dispensation of this country. It was in existence when we had the one-party participatory democracy system of governance and when the country reverted to plural politics.

 

Madam Chairperson, to appreciate what they have done, you just have to look back to the days when we used to have wooden boxes as ballot boxes and people had to move the boxes from one point to another to go and count and tally the votes. Currently, people are able to know their election results in real time. Ballots are cast in transparent boxes and all the stakeholders are present at all the polling stations, for example. So, this is like a referee who has been refining their work. To those of us who watch soccer like my uncle, Hon. Mbulakulima – I must thank Hon. Dr Malama and Hon. Simbao for their debates. The ECZ has moved with time. In soccer, new technology has come up to help referees adjudicate matches because whenever there is a contest, expect winners and losers. There are emotions during a contest.

 

Madam, we should commend this institution for what it has achieved so far. There is room for improvement and do a little more. As Government, we cannot wait to see all the electoral processes locally, including the printing of ballots, so that many stakeholders can be given a chance to see the processes. We, as Government, are quite proud of ECZ and we encourage them to continue doing the very best.

 

Mr Livune: Question!

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Chairperson, with respect to dialogue, it has tried its best to bring the stakeholders together. Recently, while wearing the other jacket Mr Mwiimbu referred to, that of the National Youth Chairperson for the Patriotic Front (PF), I called to a round table during the by-elections in Chilanga and Lusaka. I went there to engage with my fellow youth leaders from other political parties. The engagement culminated into the interparty dialogue which we need to build on. That must be commended.  However, like a referee of a football game cannot help to polish a striker to score goals, the ECZ can only do so much. The striker just has to make sure that the goals are scored properly and fairly. In the same vein, we, the political players, must appreciate that the referee we have has a role to play. If you have opted to be a perpetual loser; you do not change your team; you feature the same political strikers who cannot marshal support from the people, you cannot blame ECZ for losing.

 

Madam Chairperson, I also want to thank ECZ for the delimitation that Her Honour the Vice-President spoke about. Indeed, some constituencies are quite vast. Shiwang’andu Constituency, for example, –

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Chairperson, those who have not had time to learn the history of this country can say, “Question!” You cannot talk about Zambia’s Independence without this constituency being mentioned.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kampyongo: And this is where you could have talked about –

 

The Chairperson: Order!

 

Business was suspended from 1040 hours until 1100 hours.

 

[THE CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the

Chair]

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Chairperson, before business was suspended, I had just started commending the ECZ for the plans it has regarding the delimitation exercise. I was just stating that some constituencies still remain vast. I gave a classic example of Shiwang’andu Parliamentary Constituency, which is a very important constituency as far as the history of this country is concerned. Her Honour the Vice-President, who is seated next to me, can attest to that fact. This is the constituency, which hosted the Briton, Sir Stewart Gore-Browne, who assisted our forefathers in liberating this country. I was, therefore, surprised to hear a concoction of two denkete-stricken cows being sold to facilitate the movement of our forefathers to Britain. There was a Briton, who facilitated Dr Kaunda and his fellow leader’s trip to the United Nations (UN). The constituency is still vast and our people would like to have it delimitated so that services can be brought closer to them.

 

Madam Chairperson, Kanchibiya Parliamentary Constituency is one of the biggest constituencies that we have in this country. It is even bigger than some of the countries that are closer to us. The delimitation exercise is therefore coming at the right time, and we would like to support the ECZ and make sure this programme is implemented.

 

Madam Chairperson, I heard some lamentations from some hon. Members on the Floor of this House. I think that as leaders, we should avoid being hypocritical. I know that it can be frustrating to spend twenty years on the left side of the House and always trying to be on the right side. The failure to cross over to the right side of the House cannot be attributed to the ECZ. That is because all that the ECZ does is to periodically facilitate for the people of Zambia to decide on who should be the stewards and leaders of this nation. As a result of its commendable work, we have had the United National Independence Party (UNIP), the MMD and the PF, which is currently in power, and will remain in power unless a miracle is performed by some sangoma.

 

Madam Chairperson, ...

 

The Chairperson: What is a sangoma?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Chairperson, a witchdoctor. We know that even when you appeal, ...

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Kampyongo: ... to remain here, you should come quietly and listen to others.

 

The Chairperson: Order, Hon. Minister!

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Chairperson, what I am saying is that the ECZ will continue discharging its function. It is surprising to hear hon. Members of Parliament, who have been through the election processes more than four times, say the ECZ has not been doing its job to the expectation of the people. How, then, are you here if that is the case? Unless you are telling us that your election to this House was fraudulent. These are questions we must be interrogating here. ECZ conducts elections for all participants in a fair manner.

 

Mr Kafwaya: Yes, that is why you are here. That is why ba Garry epobali.

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Chairperson, the Ministry of Home Affairs has been on hand to work with the ECZ fairly. That is why I am saying we have had transitions that have been managed by the ECZ working in collaboration with other stakeholders. To, therefore, come here and say the Zambia Police Service has not been doing its work to support the ECZ is far from the truth. As political players, we should make our youths and all supporters appreciate that it does not take violence to win the support of the people. Those who have participated in violent activities before have reaped what they have sown.

 

Madam Chairperson, we also heard that the late President, His Excellency Mr Sata made the same complaints about ECZ. President Sata may have made the same complaints but he was quick to concede defeat and move on because he knew that ECZ was not going to put him in State House, but that the Zambian people would do that, and that came to be when the people said now you can go in. ECZ simply facilitated that process. Like I said earlier, ECZ is like the referee. Even in football, the losing team runs to go and complain to the referee. That is normal, just like it is normal to complain when ECZ finishes counting the ballots and announces the winner. Even after that is done, and some people are not satisfied, the Constitution has provisions which allow people to take their complaints to certain avenues on what they perceive to have been done wrongly in the electoral process. Those channels are provided for in the Constitution.

 

Madam Chairperson, we can continue being cry babies, but if we do not do the right thing, the people of Zambia will judge us. We are enjoying the mandate of the people. There are people who think this country will explode into flames, but I want to assure the people of Zambia that that will never happen under our watch.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Chairperson, that will not happen during our tour of duty. We shall meet them head on. We shall meet those perpetrating disorderliness. Even this tendency of wanting to be in a block or ethnic grouping and expect to win elections without bringing others on board will not help them. When they lose elections, they want to blame ECZ.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Chairperson, they should always understand that tribalism will never get them to this side of the House.

 

Mr Mukosa: Tell them, Minister!

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Chairperson, the people of Zambia are above ethnic groupings. We do not tolerate it.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kampyongo: You will continue crying if you want to remain in that tribal cocoon and hope that you can use a miracle to get there. You must learn and listen. The same way you have changed the leadership there is what you should learn to do. Make sure you do not just bring people to come and support you as a way of balancing the ethnicity issues.

 

Madam Chairperson, ECZ deserves to be supported so that it can continue discharging its functions. As stakeholders, we have a responsibility to support ECZ and make sure it executes its duties. We have seen many people come and go through those two doors.

 

Mrs M. Phiri: Kulibe kwamene tiyenda. Tikalipo.

 

Mr Kampyongo: We shall continue to see them leave while we are here because we know what we are doing for the people of Zambia.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkombo interjected.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kampyongo: You should accept defeat.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kampyongo: I commend the ECZ for the good job they did in the Lusaka By-elections. We went to Chilanga and we are now in Mangango. Do not come here crying.

 

I thank you, Madam Chairperson.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Vice-President (Mrs Wina): Madam Chairperson, there were quite a number of pertinent issues were raised in support or opposition of the ECZ. The Executive has taken note of some of the concerns that have been raised and they will be discussed with the ECZ. However, I would like to comment on three issues pertaining to the 2016 elections and General Election results.

 

Madam, there was a mention of support from our co-operating partners to the tune of US$7 million that was given to the ECZ and of the money still being available. Let me put the record straight. The European Union (EU) support to the commission was for pre and post-election constitutional capacity. This was mainly for trainings, sensitisation programmes and so on and so forth. The money came through the basket fund managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). They also supported by the Department for International Development (DFID), Irish Aid, United States (US) Aid and the UNDP itself. The EU did not give funds for programmes that conducted elections. I hope this will be taken by the hon. Members. The money was mainly for capacity building and not running elections. Zambia’s elections were funded by the Zambian Government and not donor funds. The donor funds were not for operations, but for building capacity for the institution and, sensitising the various stakeholders.

 

Madam Speaker, the other issue that was raised by the hon. Member of Parliament for Livingstone was with regard to the results for the 2016 Elections. The results for all the candidates were announced and the total number of registered voters was indicated as well as the total votes cast. This was then used to calculate the voter turnout and given to all the representatives of the Presidential candidates. Therefore, the information given by the hon. Member of Parliament for Livingstone is not factual.

 

Madam Chairperson, another issue is that of the G12 Form that were availed to all political parties that participated in the 2016 Presidential and General Elections.

 

Mr Nkombo: Question!

 

The Vice-President: This was done at all the polling stations.

 

Mr Nkombo: Question, mama!

 

Laughter

The Vice-President: Form G12 is a security document that should not be photocopied. I know that some people tried to photocopy it, but it did not work.

 

Madam Chairperson, let me give a general overview of what the ECZ is doing. In its quest to be a model electoral management body that meets the aspirations of the Zambian people, the commission, will focus on four strategic areas, namely:

 

1. election management;

 

1. corporate image and communication;

 

1. stakeholder engagement; and

 

1. public outreach and institutional capacity.

 

The commission will also undertake the delimitation of constituencies, wards and poling districts as provided for in the Constitution. This will result in the creation of more polling stations so as to reduce the long distances the electoratehave to cover to access electoral services. The delimitation will provide the platform for voter registration in preparation for the 2021 General Elections. This issue has been raised several times in the House by the hon. Members, who are concerned about the vastness of some of the constituencies.

 

Madam, the commission continually engages stakeholders in the electoral process and provides information pertaining to elections. The Presidential election results for 2016, 2015, 2011, 2008 and 2006 have been made available on the commission website. As explained earlier, all the election results were availed to the representatives of all Presidential candidates in the 2016 General Elections. This has been the practice of the commission in the previous elections.

 

Madam Chairperson, the commission will enhance voter education and communication strategies so as to sensitise the electorate on the electoral processes and take the commission closer to the people. The electoral process is in conformity with the legal framework, for example, the Constitution of Zambia, the Electoral Process Act and the Electoral Commission Act.

 

Madam, it is evident that we need to support this institution. It is also evident that this institution is doing a good job. It may need some improvements here and there, but let us support institutions that we create. Let us give it the credence and integrity that it requires.

 

I thank you, Madam Chairperson.

 

Vote 05/01 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

 

VOTE 04 – (Ministry of Gender – K29,910,404).

 

The Minister of Gender (Ms E. Phiri) Madam Chairperson, I am grateful for this opportunity to present my ministry’s Budget Policy Statement for 2019.

 

Madam, from the outset, let me welcome and congratulate the Speaker for the formation of the Male Parliamentary Network on Gender (MPNG). My office is pleased to work in partnership with the network to promote gender equality in Zambia.

 

Hon. Male Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs E Phiri: Madam Chairperson, in my statement, I shall outline the mandate of my ministry and highlight the major achievements made during 2018. I shall further bring out the challenges faced by my ministry and share the key policy measures for 2019.

 

Madam Chairperson, the Ministry of Gender is mandated to co-ordinate and monitor, implementation of the National Gender Policy in order to ensure gender equity and equality in all national development interventions.

 

Madam Chairperson, the ministry, therefore, aims at ensuring that both genders have equal opportunities to fully realise their potential, and that their respective rights are protected.

 

Madam Chairperson, it is regrettable that cases of genderbased violence (GBV) in the country continue to increases with the majority of victims being women and girls, although men have also been at the receiving end of some gruesome incidences. A comparison of the GBV cases indicates that the second quarter of 2018 recorded 6,074 cases countrywide against 5,530 cases for 2017, showing an increase of 9 per cent.

 

Madam Chairperson, the high poverty levels among females relative to their male counterparts is a manifestation of the high gender inequalities in various sectors of the economy. It is, however, worth noting that despite the gender inequalities being high, there is a positive trend in the Gender Equality Index, which has continued to fall from 0.627 in 2011 to 0.587 in 2015 and 0.526 in 2016.

 

Madam Chairperson, during the period under review, the ministry implemented various gender mainstreaming and empowerment interventions for promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. The ministry continued to implement Agricultural Development through the Value Chain Enhancement (ADVANCE) Project. So far, a total of seventy-one tractors, twenty combine harvesters and ninety-four tillers have been procured and distributed to 804 women co-operatives in 120 chiefdoms across the country.

 

Further, the ministry continues to co-ordinate the implementation of the Girl’s Education and Women Empowerment and Livelihood (GEWEL) Project. The project aims at empowering 75,000 women through mentorship which is based on productivity grants in fifty-one districts by 2020. So far, about 12,000 women in the eleven districts in Phase I of the project received productivity grants and training in entrepreneurship. The recipient individual women have formed more than 620 savings groups for intra-group lending. In addition, about 15,082 girls were supported with secondary school fees in sixteen districts.

 

Madam Chairperson, I am glad to inform the House that during the period under review, the ministry, working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Zambia, completed the construction of four GBV fast track courts in Choma, Ndola, Mongu and Chipata. This is in addition to the two GBV courts that are already operational in Kabwe and Lusaka. This measure will contribute to the speedy disposal of the GBV cases.

 

Madam Chairperson, the ministry launched the National Plan of Action of ending child marriage early this year. The implementation of the plan is currently being piloted in Katete District and Senanga District with support from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and other co-operating partners. The interventions being piloted will be scaled up to other districts once they have proved effective in contributing to the reduction of children’s vulnerability to teenage pregnancies and child marriage.

 

Madam Chairperson, in order to enhance operational excellence, the ministry is piloting the e-Gender System, which is aimed at improving internal management and operational process through computerisation. The system will reduce on the use of paper, enhance the use of stores and manage performance of staff and contribute to the mandate of the ministry, among other benefits.

 

Madam Chairperson, the ministry will continue to work closely with all the key stakeholders in the country to include traditional leaders, faith-based organizations and academic institutions in promoting mindset change among women, men, boys and girls. The mindset change will be key to contributing to the reduction of gender inequalities and the GBV in Zambia.

 

Madam Chairperson, in 2019, the ministry will focus on promoting gender equity and equality. In this regard, my ministry will continue to partner and implement activities aimed at lobbying for increased women representation both in the public and private sectors in line with the revised Constitution of Zambia and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Gender and Development. The specific measures to achieve this will include the implementation of Gender Seal Certificate Programme (GSCP).

 

Madam Chairperson, the ministry will continue to develop and promote the economic empowerment programmes. The specific measures will include building collisions with private sector and the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to increase women’s access to affordable financial products and services, increasing land allocations to women through policy and administrative measures, and increasing women owned enterprises in the purchasing and supply chain of goods and services by lobbying for the ring-fencing of 30 per cent of the procurements for women enterprises. In 2019, the ministry will continue to mobilise and strengthen capacity of women co-operatives that were empowered under Advance Project in 120 chiefdoms.

 

Madam Chairperson, gender responsive planning and budgeting will be another area of focus for the ministry. The initiative will include accelerating sector-based gender responsive planning and budgeting in ministries by facilitating the development of sector-based guidelines and training in gender responsive planning and budgeting.

 

Madam Chairperson, the ministry will further promote the collection, processing, storage and publication of sex desegregated data in both public and private institutions. This will be key in identifying and determining the extent of gender gaps in the various social and economic aspects for the development of appropriate interventions. 

 

Madam Chairperson, social cultural and behaviour resetting will be key in promoting the mindset change. The ministry will, therefore, prioritise the increasing information, education and communication on gender equity and equality, whist partnering with traditional leaders, the NGOs and religious organisations in the development and implementation of programmes to end negative practices and beliefs that perpetuate gender imbalances and violence against women and girls among other interventions.

 

Madam Chairperson, as I conclude, let me to appeal to this august House to support the ministry’s estimates of expenditure for 2019. The budget provision has reduced from K64,117,950 in 2018 to K29,910,403 in 2019. This is attributed to the Government’s policy to ensure fiscal consolidation through austerity measures, and the non-inclusion of donor funds that were not confirmed at the time of preparing the budget estimates.

 

Madam Chairperson, the ministry’ programmes have, therefore, been aligned to ensure optimal utilisation of the available resources.

 

I thank you, Madam Chairperson.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr S Banda (Kasenengwa): Madam Chairperson, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for an elaborate ministerial statement …

 

Mr Kambita: That is not a ministerial statement iwe.

 

Mr S Banda: … which was on point.

 

Madam Chairperson, I would like to start my debate by firstly echoing that gender is an important consideration in development. That being the case, social and power structure impacts opportunities for different groups of people in a nation. That being said, it is a well known fact that globally women live in poverty as opposed to their male counterparts. This is more prevalent in rural communities. Example, I come from a rural constituency Kasenengwa, where women and girls are not privileged to access certain social amenities because of the social and power structures in the community. For example, if an opportunity arises in a household to take a child to school, where there is a girl child and a boy child, the case is always that the boy will be taken to school, while the girl will remain doing chores.

 

That being the case, Madam Chairperson, the Ministry of Gender plays an integral part in ensuring that socially, economically, politically-excluded groups are mainstreamed into political or economical activities for them to effectively participate and contribute to national development. It makes me sad to hear that the Budget allocation has been reduced because the participation of marginalised groups viz-a viz, the women and youths is critical to national development.

 

Madam Chairperson, with that said, I would like to narrow down my debate to the specifics in the Yellow Book. I am basically looking at two components. One component is under Gender in Development while the other component is under Gender Rights and Protection.

 

Madam Chairperson, I am singling out specific Budget items which I think should have received fair allocations considering that they have got a huge impact on the beneficiaries. To the contrary, the allocation does not indicate to what extent. Under Gender in Development, if you look at item 013, Support to the Establishment of Women’s Bank– the House knows very well that village banking or whatever name you may call it has been one of the social vehicles used to provide sustainability for developmental projects. This concept is being used in Gender Development.

 

Madam Chairperson, I thought that Women’s Banking is one of the tools which have been used to empower women, youths and marginalised old men. However, this activity has been allocated K150,000.

 

Dr Kambwili: Shame!

 

Mr S Banda: This is a National Budget and we are looking at the nation at large. Activity  704, Promotion of Rights and Access to Reproductive Resources. It is for socially and economically-marginalised groups. An allocation of K250,000 for the whole nation is a drop in the ocean because we are talking about uplifting the lives of vulnerable people. We are talking about people being mainstreamed into the conventional social and development facet of the economy, yet we have allocated K250, 000 to this activity.

 

Madam Chairperson, the other aspect is the Gender Equality for Economical Leadership. One of the key things which is very critical for these marginalised groups is to ensure that they participate in the decision making. How can they do this? This can only be done, unless their capacity to do so is uplifted. If you look at the budget allocation, it indicates K250,000 and, if you disaggregate men and women and also looking at the number of women, who are in this situation, is huge. How can we uplift their lives if we do not allocate enough resources to capacitate the men and women so that they participate at vulnerable community, civic, parliamentary and national levels? The attachment must be the representative of the allocation. If we were to say that we want to build the capacity in terms of their leadership skills.

 

Madam Chairperson, Programme 3191, Activity 001– Awareness Creation on Gender Equity and Equality Acts. This is an important activity of the programme. If the ministry has to ensure that they participate in national activities and programmes, they must know the Rights which are acquitted or provided to them. K72,970 has been allocated to this activity. What are we trying to say? Is this enough to enable us to create awareness among socially and economically excluded groups of people?

 

 

Let me also talk about Activity 002, He and She Campaign. Basically, this campaign ensures that both men and women come together for the common goal so that there is gender equality in all aspects of life. However, most abuses that happen in the country, or in households, are perpetuated by men. Therefore, they should get involved to ensure that there is gender equality and K51,010 has been allocated to this campaign.

 

Furthermore, looking at issues which are dealt by the Anti-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Unit, I will refer to Activity 009, Co-ordination of Partners on Anti-GBV Activities. The effort to bring about gender equality provides for a co-ordinated approach from different partners. The Ministry of Gender cannot do this alone. There are various partners, who are part and parcel of ensuring that there is gender equality and that socially-marginalised people are mainstreamed into the economy. However, only K25,000 has been allocated to this activity. Furthermore, K51,540 has been allocated to Activity 008, Co-ordination of Anti-GBV Provincial Task Force Teams and only K15,000 has been allocated to Activity 009, Count-Her-in Campaign.

 

Madam Chairperson, like I said earlier on, the Ministry of Gender is at the core and it plays an integral part of ensuring that socially-excluded groups are mainstreamed into the social, political and economical facet, of the nation. If we do not allocate enough resources to this ministry to ensure that these activities are implemented, how are we going to uplift their lives? We need to the aspect of gender in development and, the protection rights components in which one discovers that more money has been allocated to other activities, but the activities of this ministry. This ministry has an impact on the lives of people vis-à-vis. I appreciate that some activities have sufficient budgetary allocations. However, the allocations to some of the activities that I have talked about are low as compared to those, which relate to meetings and workshops.

 

 Madam Chairperson, having said this, I propose that the hon. Minister of Finance considers increasing the budget allocation to the Ministry of Gender. I say so because poverty levels in Zambia are high and those who are highly marginalised are women and youths. If the budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Gender is not increased, the repercussions will be far-reaching.

 

Mr Nkombo: Hear, hear!

 

Mr S. Banda: Madam Chairperson, having said that, I support the proposed estimates for the ministry although, like I said, there is a need to actually increase the allocation.

 

Thank you, Madam Chairperson.

 

Madam Chairperson: Hon. Members, a total of seven hon. Members wish to debate this Vote and we must pass it by 1245 hours. In order for that to happen, let us agree that those of you who will debate will reduce on time so that you can share the remaining time. Otherwise, when it is 1245 hours, I will cut the debate. Do we agree?

 

Mr Nkombo: No.

 

Madam Chairperson: Do you not want to save time so that everyone can debate?

 

Ms Mwashingwele: We agree.

 

The Chairperson: I want both genders to debate this very important Vote.

 

Mr Mweetwa (Choma Cental): Madam Chairperson, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to debate the Motion on the Floor of this House. I must declare interest at the outset in line with your concern that both genders should debate. I am debating as the Chairperson for the Men’s Parliamentary Network on Gender Equality here at Parliament. Therefore, I represent both genders.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Chairperson, having said that, I would like to begin my submission by recognising the comments that were made by the hon. Minister of Gender. She thanked the Hon. Mr Speaker for launching the Men’s Parliamentary Network on Gender Equality on 7^th March, 2018. The network hit the ground in terms of its collaboration and is working with various stakeholders, including and primarily the Ministry of Gender and civil society organisations. Last weekend, we attended a very fruitful workshop on the same in Siavonga.

 

Madam Chairperson, as I begin my debate in earnest, I would like to note that this Parliament and the Zambian Government has for a very long time been emphasising the issue of gender equity and equality. However, in this House, gender equality appears to be downplayed, first of all, by the composition of Committees. All the ministries have portfolio Committees and most of them are under their radar. However, when it comes to the Ministry of Gender, there is no stand-alone Committee on Gender here at Parliament. It is incorporated into the Committee on Legal Affairs, Human Rights, National Guidance, Gender Matters and Governance. The structure alone speaks to where you place the importance of gender, here at Parliament in pecking order. The Men’s Parliamentary Network on Gender Equality values the gender agenda, and it is high time we began to streamline the issue of gender here at Parliament.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Chairperson, secondly, we, in the network, have noted that of late, this country has made progress, as certain legal regulatory pieces of legislation to govern the issue of gender and the advancement of women have been passed. We recently passed the Gender Equality Bill in this House, which has not yet been fully operationalised. We call upon the Executive to fully operationalise this Bill. We cannot continue offering lip service and coming here to pass laws that we cannot follow up on to ensure that they are fully operationalised. We recently passed the Anti-Gender Based Violence (Anti-DBV) Bill in this House. However, on the ground, certain support mechanisms to ensure that we reap the benefits of this law in place are not there. Basically, we have the Victim Support Unit (VSU) that helps to implement the Anti-Gender Based Violence Act.

 

Madam Chairperson, today, if you are beaten up by your husband or the other way round and you want to call the VSU, you find that its toll free line is always out of service. How do victims of the GBV report to the Zambia Police Service? It is such basic things that need quick intervention and recognition for us to be seen to be paying attention to the plight of women.

 

Madam Chairperson, there is also in place the National Gender Policy, which the hon. Minister of Gender spoke about. The policy stipulates what each ministry should be able to do individually to promote the advancement of women. Although we have this policy in place, almost all the ministries are doing nothing in terms of advancing issues of women. They have left the issue of gender advancement to the Ministry of Gender alone. In its state of poor funding, the Ministry of Gender that we are debating now should merely be monitoring the collection of data and holding various ministries accountable as to the activities they are doing in line with gender advancement programmes. That is not happening.

 

Madam Chairperson, we now have the Agriculture Development Value Chain Enhancement Programme, which has been left hanging because there is no collaboration between the stakeholder ministries that are supposed to implement this programme. For instance, the Ministry of Agriculture is supposed to come on board to ensure that it provides extension services and skills training to the targeted women groups. Thereafter, the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry is supposed to empower the women groups with funding. Such co-operation between the ministries is not there. As the men’s network here at Parliament, we are concerned about this kind of behaviour by the Executive.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Lusambo: Question!

 

Mr Mweetwa: We are extremely concerned, and I am happy that a good number of male hon. Ministers are actually part of the network. I think together we are going to sing one hymn without wearing partisan lenses to ensure that we advance the plight of women in this country. As the men’s parliamentary network, we believe women’s equality is not a threat to men. It is value addition in the quest for national development.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mweetwa: Therefore, in our view, the Ministry of Gender should have just been co-ordinating the activities of women’s advancement in various ministries such as the Ministry of Justice. We expected that there should have been a programme in that ministry to look at women’s access to justice because we know that accessing legal services in this country is extremely expensive. Therefore, the Ministry of Justice needs to ensure that women, who are mainly disadvantaged and are the victims of many challenges in society, have a programme for accessing justice in this country. I think such a programme is absent in that ministry.

 

Madam Chairperson, we also need to have in the Ministry of Agriculture, for instance, a loan programme targeting women, not in the Ministry of Gender. Under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, there is also need for a policy which can be legislated through an Act of Parliament to ensure for instance that each time a council is allocating plots, a particular percentage, say 30 per cent of the plots should be set aside for women even before they begin to compete with men. That is the only way we are going to talk about women’s advancement. We have been talking about women’s advancement in a vacuum without connecting it to pragmatic steps and activities that are going to taken to change women’s lives. That is the only way we are going to bring about real change for women’s advancement and empowerment.

 

Madam, as a men’s parliamentary network, we feel that there should be gender sensitive budgeting in each ministry unlike what we have seen in the Yellow Book. In the coming year, all the ministries have budgeted for the International Women’s Day and Sixteen Days of Gender Activism. In many ministries, that is the only budget that has to do with women. Who told them that women are just interested in celebrating their day without advancing their plight?

 

Laughter

 

Mr Muchima: Say it again.

 

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Chairperson, it is high time we begun to match what we say with resources. There is a need to change the way we look at the International Women’s Day. Just like on Independence Day, we should not be mourning about being colonised after fifty-four years of independence. That is history. On Independence Day, we must celebrate the economic achievements of the citizens and governance advancements in this country.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mweetwa: Therefore, an International Women’s Day, we must be celebrating the advancement of women’s empowerment in Zambia. We should not just be going all over the show dancing and making political statements that are empty and not connected to the reality of women empowerment.

 

Mr Nkombo: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mweetwa: That must come to an end, and the Executive is lucky that on this score we are not going to politicise issues as the Men’s Parliamentary Network on Gender Equality. We are going to work with everyone because women have remained an untapped resource in this country. Are we not ashamed to have a Parliament with this composition? There are very few women in here and many of them are very hard working.

 

Mr Lubinda: Look behind you.

 

Mr Mweetwa: Even this side we are embarrassed. How can we have this kind of composition in the House when the majority voters are actually women? It is because of such realisation that the Men’s Parliamentary Network has come in to try to assist with the situation. We do not want women to be seen as the only ones advancing the cause to improve their own plight. The plight of women is also the plight of men because it is women who anchor the microcosm unit of a nation, which is the family.

 

Madam Chairperson, I would also like to state that there is poor record keeping in almost all the ministries. For instance, Article 259(1)(b) of  the Constitution provides that when there will be appointments or nominations to public office, the appointing authority must ensure that there is 50/50 per cent gender representation. We see appointments in this House, even after the Constitution was passed where more men are appointed than women. An example is the last ratification of Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) board members. As the Men’s Parliamentary Network, we are saying such things should come to an end. We shall keep an eye on the appointing authority to ensure that there is respect for the constitutional provision of 50/50 per cent gender representation.

 

Madam Chairperson, how do we ensure that this is attained? Ministries such as the Ministry of Labour and Social Security should have a database of women who are qualified to be appointed in particular positions. Therefore, when there is a question of whether gender parity is being attained, we should be able to verify it through this database because there is a provision that says “where possible.” Hence, we should be able to argue from the knowledge that there are women who are qualified in the various sectors where appointments are being made. That is extremely important.

 

Madam Chairperson, we also need to begin to react the same way the Government has reacted in public institutions by ensuring that persons with disabilities can access facilities quickly. For instance, we do not have facilities in Government institutions that are friendly to young women. There should be provisions for lactating mothers even here at Parliament. They should be able to leave Parliament to go and attend to their babies and come back later. Such facilities are missing in Government institutions. It is such small things that would preclude a young mother from vying for political office, yet here we are talking about equal representation. It must start with the actions of the Government through the Budget. This is not about politics, but about the development. Therefore, it is high time we began to pay serious attention to such things.

 

Madam Chairperson, I have noted that the Ministry of Gender starts and ends at its headquarters. Yet, the gender question is something that permeates all provinces, districts and constituencies. It is high time we begun to fund this ministry so that it can expand its operations to ensure that the grassroots feel its presence and benefits.

 

 Madam, Zambia has acceded to various international protocols to do with gender advancement. It is high time the Government began to account to the House and the nation on the progress we are making in attaining the goals of protocols we have signed. We should not merely sign protocols out there and, then come here and do nothing.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Mwashingwele (Katuba): Madam Chairperson, thank you. Allow me to adopt each and every word of Hon. Mweetwa. I would also like to thank the hon. Minister of Gender for that policy direction. 

 

Madam Chairperson, I am very sad about next year’s budget for the ministry. If you looked at it in percentage form, you would find that the Ministry of Finance has cut the budget for the Ministry of Gender by 54.7 per cent. That is more than half of what the budget was this year.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Shame!

 

Ms Mwashingwele: Having listened to the plan that the Ministry of Gender has for next year, I really do not think the budget of K29,910,403 will achieve even a third of what the ministry has planned. This ministry cuts across all ministries, constituencies, districts and provinces. Gender is a cross-cutting issue. However, when you look at the funding to the ministry, you will feel like the ministry is not important, when it is actually very important. This ministry caters for more than 80 per cent of women and girls in this country.

 

Madam Chairperson, I listened to the hon. Minister talk about early marriages. For some u constituencies in the urban areas, maybe, this is not a reality. I would like to urge the Ministry of Finance to come to Katuba, which is very close to Lusaka, and see the situation. The issue of early marriages is a reality and it is very painful. Hence, the allocation for the Ministry of Gender to mitigate such issues is not balanced. It does not give us hope. The issues that have come up are graver than what the funding is going to do. The hon. Minister actually said that the planning was done before the promises by the donors, but my argument is, and I will use a Bemba adage: Akanani kantu kali pa bwali, which means that you should use what you have to mitigate a problem. There is no way we can wait upon the donors. What if they do not come through? What then, will happen to this ministry? It will definitely suffer. It is going to collapse. Giving it K29,910,403 in next year’s Budget is literally reducing it to a directorate. It is no longer a ministry. It cannot sustain itself. As observed by my hon. Colleague, we are going backwards. All the efforts that the Ministry of Gender has made will be stagnated or rolled backwards.

 

Madam Chairperson, the starting point is this House is the number of women seated here in relation to the men? Out of 164 Parliamentarians, there only are thirty women, including you, Madam Chairperson. How do we fight this battle? When we talk about gender, I always argue that we do not only talk about women and girls, but the welfare of the whole country, including that of our sons and fathers. Unless we make sure that the person, who is doing the nurturing of the home, is taken care of, this country will not move forward. We know that children at home spend more time with their mothers than with their fathers. Statistics have proven beyond reasonable doubt that children of educated mothers get a better standing in society. Therefore, unless we educate, promote and empower widows and single women, we will always have a problem in this country. However, we are talking slow steps towards that direction. Instead of taking giant steps to empower those who have the ability to sustain this country, we are taking away resources from the Ministry of Gender. Taking away 54.7 per cent of a budget is not a joke. It is embarrassing for me as a woman to even stand here and argue for the Ministry of Gender. This is not a contentious issue. This is the reality of what is happening in our country. If we are going to move in any direction of development as a country, we have to empower our women and girls.

 

Madam Chairperson, looking at the composition of the House, one can see that the men and boys are already empowered. We need to compete equally and equitably. We know that in our homes, when things reach the deep end financially or economically and socially, parents always say, “Let us send our son to school.” However, we actually know now that an educated female child is more productive than a male child. I have looked at the situation across the nation and seen that most homes are run by women. Most homes are run by girls. If you went to villages, you would find a girl of fifteen years managing a home. A girl aged twelve can live with a baby. This never happens with a son. However, when it comes to empowerment, we would rather empower the boys and leave the girls behind.

 

Madam Chairperson, if you looked at the Yellow Book, you would find that all the campaigns under the Ministry of Gender, like the He for She Campaign, have been removed. Unless I was looking at a different page, there are no budget allocations for campaigns. That tells us that the campaigns in the Ministry of Gender have been taken out. We are waiting for donors to fund the campaigns. Is that how we are going to survive as a country? We are always waiting for people whom we are not even sure will come through. We are taxing people left, right and centre, hoping that this money can be put in the right places.

 

Madam Chairperson, if I remember correctly, the hon. Minister spoke about empowering 72,000 women. This number of women can actually only be found in Katuba before we can even go to Keembe. However, we have put up a budget to empower 72,000 women across the country.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Shame!

 

Ms Mwashingwele: That is a drop in the ocean. How is she going to select the 72,000 women? I want to know. This may bring about what we intend to call corruption, when it may not even be corruption, but an issue of having very little resources. The resources are too little to make any meaningful change to this ministry. I would like to find out if the Ministry of Finance is able to get some money from the Ministry of Home Affairs and give it to the Ministry of Gender.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Mwashingwele: We should do that so that we empower all the people, who are in need of help. Gender is a cross-cutting issue.

 

Madam Chairperson, my colleague has already spoken about employment. Where there is one man standing, there should be one woman standing. Today, many Zambian women have received a decent education to be employed at all levels Systems in this country.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

  Madam Chairperson, whether we are talking about boards, being in regular employment or empowerments, we have capable women everywhere who can compete favourably and equitably with the male counterparts. I want to say without shame that in some cases, women even perform better than some men. Unfortunately, they are being left out because they are women.

 

Madam Chairperson, for women to succeed, they have to put in three times more than what men put in. We are saying that must change. However, it can only change when the Ministry of Gender engages in a lot of sensitisation and assurances until people gain an understanding.

 

Madam Chairperson, I am urging the hon. Minister of Finance to look at the plight of this ministry. If it is going to be meaningful in 2019, then, more money should be allocated to it so that it can be sustained.

 

I thank you, Madam Chairperson.

 

Hon. Government Member: Hear, hear!

 

Evangelist Shabula (Itezhi-tezhi): Madam Chairperson, thank you so much for giving me time to speak. Before I make my contribution to this important topic, I would like to thank His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, for appointing Hon. Elizabeth Phiri Minister of Gender.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Evangelist Shabula: Madam Chairperson, I know her too well. That lady you see there has a heart for human beings.

 

Madam Chairperson: Too well or very well?

 

Mr Lubinda: How many do you know?

 

Laughter

 

Evangelist Shabula: Madam Chairperson, the Ministry of Gender is a very important ministry in this nation. I want to debate from an angle that is different from the one taken by my colleagues. With regard to this subject, I would like to be more of a village hon. Member and talk about life in the rural area where I come from.

 

Madam Chairperson, before any human being can sleep in any house, his/her first bedroom is the womb of a woman. Before anyone can do anything, the first station is the womb of the woman. What this means is that a woman is a very important person in the life of any man or woman.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Evangelist Shabula: Madam Chairperson, when I look at this Budget, I see a joking Government. This Budget is a joke. You cannot reduce a Budget by K33 million and hope to achieve your goals. It is like somebody who wants to score ten goals, but he reduces the number of players to only three. It is not possible for the three to score all goals. This is just a joke. I am, therefore, taken aback by that decision. We have a female minister of finance who should be able to understand what women go through. I want to declare interest and say that I am a father of three extremely beautiful daughters.

 

Hon. Government Members: Ah!

 

Mr Kampyongo: Ema reverends, aya!

 

Evangelist Shabula: All of them are educated.

 

Hon. Government Member: Mukabalete tukabamoneko.

 

Evangelist Shabula: Madam Chairperson, I am looking at the future of my children and all the daughters of my other friends, including the ladies in this House. Like I said, I would like to focus more on life in the village. In whatever we do, we must understand that development in the nation begins from homes. We should find a way of going back to our homes in the villages and in town. We must teach people the importance of having a daughter in the family. They must know the importance of having a sister or a niece in the family. A home where there is no daughter or sister has a certain deficiency. I will call that sikolokolo deficiency. There must be equilibrium by having men and women working together. It is like men who have no respect for their wives.

 

Madam Chairperson, this brings me to the issue of men who insult and beat their wives. Women must be respected. The respect must start from their homes; not from their place of work or the Government. The Government receives a finished product. By finished product I mean somebody who was brought up by her father, mother and the community. Therefore, they then cross over to this other area of life. Nonetheless, life must begin from the home. The father should be supportive of the wife in order to raise a daughter who has self-esteem. There are parents who beat up their daughters and tell them that vula kabudula nikumenye. How do you beat your female child naked?

 

Madam Chairperson, what I am saying is that, ...

 

The Chairperson: Order!

 

You are aware that when you do not use the official language, you have to translate what you say into English. I am also aware that you are really focused on completing your debate, but you have just said kabudula and there may be people who do not understand what that means.

 

Mr Lubinda: Or even vula.

 

Evangelist Shabula: Madam Chairperson, I am talking about the respect that must be given to our daughters. This means that you cannot ask your child to take off her underwear before you can beat her up. I am, therefore, saying that we need to start respecting our female children from our homes. We should not wait for the Government to first of all increase the Budget. Everything begins from home. The father and mother should be able to work together.

 

Madam Chairperson, I also want to talk about this vice of early pregnancies among children in the villages. This issue still takes me back to the family. The father, mother and the community should not leave this to the Government alone. Families must know that they have a role to ensure that children finish school. The role of the Government here is to bring schools closer to the people. Most girls who fall pregnant are those, who travel long distances to school. For this reason, the Government should bring schools, clinics and all amenities closer to the people.

 

Madam Chairperson, the other point we need to understand is the education campaign, which must be taken to all parts of the country. We should not just wait for the Zambia Police Service to take action because somebody has been beaten up. The Government should spend money educating people so they can understand the value of a woman. I once found a man at Chelstone Police Station and he had been badly beaten up by his wife. When he went to report to the police, he found ladies at the police reception and they asked who had beaten him. When he said he had been beaten by his wife, the officers started laughing at him and rebuking him. He said, ‘Anigwila uku’ and they asked him what he was doing for his wife to beat him up like that.

 

This means that even police officers should be taught to respect the rights of individuals.

 

Laughter

 

Evangelist Shabula: Madam Chairperson, the issue here is that we need to begin from the home. My debate is centred on the home. Everything must begin from the home. We should be concerned about what is happening in school. In a home, parents ensure that their children are given time to study and play. They should be able to divide time so that their daughters can go to school. It is not just the Government which has a role to play. It should all starts from the home.

 

Mr Nkombo: Hear, hear!

 

Evangelist Shabula: If the father spends a lot of time in the office or drinking and he comes home late only to find the children sleeping, he will not be able to attend to the needs of the children. The next thing he will see a pregnant daughter or a new born baby in the house. A father like that would be wondering if a new born baby belongs to a visitor, only to be told his first born daughter has put to birth. This can happen because he was not present to provide parental guidance. Parents should assist the Government by being responsible.

 

Mr Nkombo: Hear, hear!

 

Evangelist Shabula: Madam Chairperson, another point I want to bring out is the issue of empowerment. Women are not empowered. If you look at the Budget you will see that not much has been allocated towards women empowerment. What, then, are we referring to when we talk about empowerment? In the village, empowerment means a lady should be given to land which can be given to her children after she is gone. In order for a lady to be empowered, she must have ing’ombe which means animals or cattle in the village. She must have a plough and a house. This is empowerment. When a woman is given this, it gives her stability. When women are empowered, problems that we have will be solved and even the budget for the Ministry of Gender will reduce because we would have sorted out the problem from the root. When we do not take any precautions of this nature, we are asking the Government to make a Budget to correct a mistake after somebody has already been beaten.

 

Mr Nkombo: Hear, hear!

 

Evangelist Shabula: This is a nation which must respect the needs of women.

 

Madam Chairperson, Hon. Mweetwa talked about equality of women in this place. Currently, the Ethiopian Government has an equal number of male and female hon. Members of Parliament. However, our sisters here in Parliament are viewed as a privileged few. It is not a privilege, it is a right. They should be here. My children, wherever they are learning, should be hon. Members of Parliament if they choose to. They should be able to sit where my boss is sitting. My daughters should be able to sit there, but this can only happen when we create opportunities for them.

 

Madam Chairperson, the other issue is of sanitary towels. I have not seen them in Itezhi-tezhi.

 

Mr Nkombo: Even Mazabuka!

 

Mr Muchima: Everywhere!

 

Evangelist Shabula: There are not there. At times, when I have the money, I buy carton boxes and fill the whole vehicle with sanitary towels. The Government has a responsibility to help girls go to school. I want to appeal to the hon. Minister of Finance. She is a lady and a mother. I want her to go and sit down with His Excellency the President and ask him to revisit the budget for the Ministry of Gender.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Evangelist Shabula: The budget does not make any sense. It is inadequate. She is our mother and this is her homework. I expect her by the end of December to come back and tell us that the budget has been increased. God Bless you.

 

I thank you, Madam Chairperson.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Muchima: Amen!

 

Ms Tambatamba (Kasempa): Madam Chairperson, I would like to add the voice of Kasempa to this very important budget debate. In so doing, I would like to recast our memory to the 80s and 90s when the women and men of Zambia, who were sensitive to the needs of women, in particular to the rights of women and the girl child, stood up and critically analysed this whole issue. It was at that time that we had to all go to look out for analytical frameworks to identify, understand and appreciate the reason we had to talk about women’s issues and women’s rights as they relate to men’s rights. It was at that time that everybody appreciated that this is a human right, which affects women as much as it affects men. 

 

Madam, there was a time when one of my workmates asked why I am so interested in this issue. He wanted to know what the big deal was because we all eat and get satisfied at the same table and no one is barred from debating. He asked why we discussed the issue to that extent as if there was somebody, who many years ago might have sat in a boardroom and decided that women must be treated differently from men. I had a conversation with my workmate which made him appreciate why we talk about this issue. At one point, many people asked a lot of question as to why we discuss this issue. They would say that gender is both men and women. However, the reason we discuss the issue of gender is what the hon. Minister referred to. That is the reason this ministry came to be.

 

Madam, at one point, this ministry was a small desk called the women’s desk. Later on it became a directorate and, thereafter, a ministry. How can we start doing what we are doing at this point when Zambia, like the world at large has appreciated the reason this ministry exists?

 

Madam Chairperson, Hon. Mwashingwele and the other speakers before me talked about this. My heart bleeds to see that K34 million has been taken away from this ministry, which is supposed to be uplifting women. We are supposed to be getting to a point where the gender index is at 100 per cent. We are supposed to be taking care of both the men and women of Zambia, but yet we have taken away K34 million. What is the compelling reason? Have we just decided to downgrade what we upgraded? Like Hon. Shabula has just said, we appeal to the hon. Minister of Finance, together with the hon. Minister of Gender, to make this case.

 

Madam Chairperson, talk about that girl who cannot go to school because she does not have sanitary towels.

 

Ms Mwashingwele: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Tambatamba: Her assertiveness is taken away by the fact that her male colleagues at school will be laughing at her for one simple reason; her dress is soiled. The Government is taking away a budget line that was in the 2017 Budget and was seen as a need and debated passionately by the Hon. Kopulande. However, that budget line for sanitary towels is not here.

 

Madam, talk about the many women who are into agriculture in the rural areas; talk about the women who go to draw water in places that are far away from where they live; talk about the many girls who cannot meet all their needs for them to go to school. I am basically saying the same thing as my hon. Colleagues who debated before me, and that is the fact that we need to reconsider this. We have got a ministry, not a desk. That money should come back to the ministry.

 

Madam Chairperson, the GBV proliferates in a situation where issues of poverty are more visible. With the economic meltdown, we know what is going to happen. There is little money in the pocket. What happens in the home when there is no money and no food? The GBV starts to proliferate.

 

Madam Chairperson, how do we take money, which is supposed to go towards supporting a cause as important as this one, to public order activities such as buying more teargas canisters?  My appeal is that we relook at this and bring the money back.

 

Madam Chairperson, at the moment, mainstreaming is simply but a word. It is not practically happening because when you look at the Ministry Provinces Saving Agencies (MPSAs) where it is supposed to be visible in the provinces and ministerial budgets, all you find is women’s day, the commemoration of Women’s Day. Is this all we are going to use to mainstream the issues that are taking away human rights from the women? This, at the end of the day, affects those who live with them, including their husbands, sons, nephews, uncles and brothers.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Tambatamba: When you touch a woman, you have touched everyone in this House and in the nation. I am appealing to the ministry and the Government to ensure that the MPSAs give as much attention to the issue of gender mainstreaming as it gives to all other activities. The MPSAs cannot just put a line for International Women’s Day and, thereafter, forget about it.

 

Madam Chairperson, after achieving this, we will say well done to the men and women of Zambia. Well done to this august House, both on the left and right.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Ms Kasune (Keembe): Madam Chairperson, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to add my voice and that of the people of Keembe, the Keembeans as they are well known.

 

Madam Chairperson, it is, indeed, sad to note that the budget for the Ministry of Gender has really been cut. Much has been said by my hon. Colleagues in this House. Therefore, I will not repeat what has already been said. However, there are a few points that I want to raise on this issue, as we try to look at how best we can budget for this ministry.

 

Madam Chairperson, the hon. Minister talked about the issue of the GBV which has increased from 5,530 cases last year to 6,074 this year. This has been said to be an increase of 9 per cent. What I noted when we went on a parliamentary local tour the previous year or the year before, is that there were only a few places which had one stop centres in the districts. One of the districts was Kasama. However, they did not have the required staff. They did not have the police officers or a mechanism in place where the cases that were reported could be expedited to avoid a long waiting list.

 

Madam Chairperson, this is not just happening in Kasama. At least, Kasama has a one-stop centre. If you come to places like Chibombo District, which encompasses two constituencies, that is, Keembe and Katuba, you will find that we are struggling in this area. Hence, if we are not putting the right amount of resources to this ministry, as a country, we are saying something else. They say where your money is, is where your heart is. I think that as a country, we need to realise that we are not serious about gender issues and the plight of women in Zambia because if we were, this would have been reflected in the budget that we are talking about today.

 

Madam Chairperson, on the same issue of violence, what are we saying when a child or a young girl has been abused in a home? They need a safe home where they can go to. We know very well that in our constituencies, and the hon. Minister should be aware of this, children usually do not even report such cases. Sometimes, the abuse is from the breadwinners of the families and the children are told to–I do not want to use the word shut up, but I do not know the correct parliamentary vocabulary –be silent about it because it involves the breadwinners.

 

Madam Chairperson, for those few girls or women who have the courage to report the cases, how do we expect them to go back to the very home where the perpetrator is? It does not make sense. This is why I am saying that we, as a country, need to look in the mirror and see the reflection that is coming back to us From my own analysis and as I peruse the Budget, it is clear that the issues of gender and gender sensitive budgeting in Zambia is not there.

 

Madam Chairperson, some of us who have been advocates of gender issues for a very long time have been invited too many forums. It is a shame that all the time that we attend such fora, we talk about the plight of Zambia. After fifty-four years of independence, we should be talking about some of the successful stories that we have seen with regard to the issue of gender progress in our country.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Kasune: Madam Chairperson, the other issue that I would like to touch on is that of quota systems. Unless we introduce quota systems in this country, we will continue singing the song of having more women representation in Parliament, but it will never take off.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Kasune: Madam Chairperson, governments that are serious have been able to implement this. We can see from our neighbouring countries that have been able to implement this because they were deliberate in their policies, meaning that they brought the quota system for whatever period of time, whether five or ten years, to equalise representation in the House. This has direct implications in boardrooms and other workplaces. Women will be seen differently.

 

Madam Chairperson, we are tired of being the fortunate elected few. We want it to be the norm for Zambia to stand strong and proud, as we like to pride ourselves through the eagle that we are able to stand proud and tall against all challenges. Can gender issues and issues of women’s plight be among those that we can stand strong on? At the moment, the reality is that Zambia is not doing well and we need to hear it for what it is worth and begin to act on it.

 

Madam Chairperson, the other issue that I would like to touch on is a very good example of what happens in our homes. When we look at the population of children when they enrolled in schools – it is good that today we have young people in the Gallery who have come to listen - you will see that when young people are enrolled in schools from grade one up to about fifth grade, there are more girls in schools than boys. However, what happens after sixth and seventh grade? You will see the number decreasing. Why? It is because we have not sensitised our communities. We have not really put time to empower our women and make it culture relevant that a woman is just as good as a man or maybe even better than one’s son.

 

Hon. PND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Princess Kasune: Madam Chairperson, as long as the numbers continue decreasing, we will never meet the objectives of the women empowerment programmes that we continue to talk about. It is not possible to talk about women empowerment when for so many years the woman and girl child has been left behind. Then, you want to catch the woman when she is either thirty or forty years of age. You have already left her behind. What is important is to capture women and girls when they are still young. Why are we losing them? That is the question we should be asking ourselves. One of the few contributing factors is that schools are far away. When there are megre resources in a family, the boy child is given more preference than the girl. These are the issues that are taking our country backwards.

 

Madam Chairperson, a lot of my hon. Colleagues have appealed to the hon. Minister of Finance to not capitalise on your gender, but to use it in a more positive sense. It is a fact that statistics have shown that when women get into authority, they are more sensitive to gender issues as well as sensitive to educational issues.

 

Mr Muchima: Hear, hear!

 

Princess Kasune: They are sensitive to health issues. In a country like Zambia, there has to be sensitivity with regard to the issue of agriculture. This is why we are calling upon you, hon. Minister, to use your gender lenses not as a negative, but as an advantage to really advance this country, Zambia ...

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Princess Kasune: ... for the betterment of every Zambian. When you empower a woman, you empower the whole nation.

 

Mr Livune: That is right.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Princess Kasune: As Hon. Mweetwa stated when you empower a woman, it is not a threat to our fellow men, but an added advantage for the whole country.

 

Madam Chairperson, another issue that I wanted to talk about when I looked at the budget is that even as the budget has been reduced, there is more reduction when it comes to the programmes that empower the women themselves. Look at the voting pattern of this country. Women account for over half of the population of our country. They are the ones who vote for all of us in this House and even His Excellency the President. However, when it comes to empowering women, we leave them behind. It is important that we ask your ministry, Hon. Minister of Finance, to allocate resources that are going to empower women so that they are not dependent on their male folks, and they can stand on their own.

 

In concluding, Madam Chairperson, I would like to add on that the policies, which must have already been touched on by my hon. Collegues, in terms of land, have to be deliberate so that it can carter for women in the country. Policies should not be written and shelved, accumulated and dusted. It is a matter of making sure that those policies are actually implemented. This country has left political paralysis. That paralysis is the lack of implementation. Sometimes, we have good ideas and policies but, when it comes to implementation, we are lag behind.

 

Mr Muchima: Yes!

 

Princess Kasune: can we see to it that after fifty-four years, the country is progressing? When you look at the plight of women and girls, what is the progress, even in terms of how our male folks look at us as women? At the end of the day, even in our constituencies, we, the women sometimes do our job three or four times, than our male counterparts. Why? This is because there is that burning desire to see change for girls, women and indeed the entire constituency. There is just that burden that you carry as a woman. You ask yourself, what it could be like, if this was my child or sister. If Zambia, as a country, has to progress, we have to ensure that women and girls are given equal opportunities. This can be reflected in the budget. As they say, where your money is, is  where your heart lies.

 

I thank you, Madam Chairperson.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms E. Phiri: Madam Chairperson, I would like to thank the hon. Members of Parliament who have debated passionately in support of the ministry.

 

Madam Chairperson, I am here to inform this august House that at the time we were preparing the budget estimates, we had not yet conclude a discussion with the donors. Some of the monies that came to the House last time were inclusive of donor funding. However, I have good news to report to the House that your concerns will be addressed because we have concluded discussions with the United Nations Development Programmes, who have given us US$12.9 million. These are American Dollars which, when translated into Kwacha, it is quite a substantial amount of money.

 

Madam Chairperson, some of the programmes that you see in the budget to have gaps have been moved or merged with other programmes. Hence, this caring Government has not left the gender issues out. It is a caring Government …

 

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms E. Phiri: … and we believe that we are going to deliver to your expectations.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms E. Phiri:  Madam Chairperson, I know that the hon. Members are passionate about issues of gender and it is good to know and learn that even the Opposition, when it comes to gender matters, are siding with the Government. As a result of to that support, we are going to meet your expectations through our co-operating partners.

 

Madam Chairperson, I would like to thank Hon. S. Banda for being so passionate. In the same vein, I would like to thank the following hon. Members, my Chairperson, Hon. Mweetwa of Male Gender …

 

Mr Lubinda: Ah!

 

Laughter

 

Ms E. Phiri: ... Hon. Mwashingwele, Hon. Shabula, Hon. Tambatamba and Hon. Kasune. We are so grateful for the support. Where we have shortfalls, you will see us coming with Supplementary budgets, and I believe you will support us because you know what it means to have shortfalls. I feel that our ministry is in safe hands here in the House because everybody is supporting us. This caring Government knows that we have better co-operating partners that are supporting the ministry by giving us what the Government has put on the table. The ministry also has got co-operating partners that have brought in money to support other activities.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms E. Phiri: Thank you very much for your support.

 

VOTE 04/01 – (Ministry of Gender – Headquarters – K29, 910, 403.

 

Votes 04/01, 04/02, 04/03, 04/05, 04/06 ordered to stand part of the Estimates.

 

VOTE 07 – (Office of the Auditor-General ─ K115,864,637).

 

The Vice-President: Madam Chairperson, once again, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to present the budget for the Office of the Auditor-General for 2019.

 

As you may be aware, the Office of the Auditor-General is a public office that is established under Article 249 of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016. The office is charged with the responsibility of providing auditing services to the public and other institutions receive Government subventions. The functions of the office are stipulated under Article 250 of the Constitution of the Republic, Public Audit Act No. 13 of 1994 and Public Finance Management Act No. 1 of 2018.

 

Madam Chairperson, the office is under the fifth pillar of the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP), which is to create a conducive governance environment for a diversified and inclusive economy. In this regard, the Office of the Auditor-General will continue playing a key role in promoting accountability and transparency in the utilisation of public resources. I further wish to add that with the enactment of the Public Finance Management Act No. 1 of 2018, the office has seen positive changes in the management of public resources. The enforcement of the functions embedded in the Act, will enhance accountability and transparency in the way public resources are managed.

 

Madam Chairperson, the Government is committed to enhancing and strengthing the capacity of the Office of the Auditor-General. As such, authority has been given to the office to establish the structure for the audit of local authorities in order to effectively execute the mandate of auditing local authorities, which is stipulated under Article 250 of the Constitution of Zambia. A total of K2,485,000 has been provided for to cater for the audit of local authorities in 2019. I wish to indicate that it is important that public resources are applied for the intended purpose in order to achieve the developmental outcomes that will benefit all people without leaving anyone behind. In this regard, the Government will work closely with the Auditor-General to ensure this is done. We shall also ensure that remedial action is taken on all observations made in the audit report.

 

Madam Chairperson, in 2019, the total budget estimate for the Office of the Auditor-General is K115,864,637, of which K65,320,968 is for personnel emoluments and other related costs while K50,543, 679 is for Recurrent Departmental Charges (RDCs). The RDCs include our co-operating partners’ pledge of K21,600,796 to cater for special audits and capacity building programmes. Further, out of the total of the RDC budget, K11,500,000 has been provided for audit activities. The expected outcomes include:

 

1. report on the accounts of the Republic of Zambia;

 

1. report on parastatal bodies and other statutory institutions;

 

1. report on local authorities;

 

1. reports on performance value for money audits on selected sematic areas; and

 

1. special reports, as may be requested by the Executive and other stakeholders.

 

In order to achieve the above outputs, the office will ensure that its resources are used in an economic, efficient and effective manner.

 

The Chairperson: Order!

 

(Debate adjourned)

 

_______

 

HOUSE RESUMED

 

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

(Progress reported)

 

_______

 

The House adjourned at 1257 hours until 1430 hours on Tuesday, 30^th October, 2018.

 

__________