Thursday, 4^th July, 2019

 

The House met at 1430 hours

 

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

NATIONAL ANTHEM

 

PRAYER

 

_______

 

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

 

FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE OUTBREAK STATUS

 

The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock (Ms Mulenga): Madam Speaker, I wish to thank you and the Leader of Government Business in the House, Her Honour the Vice-President, for giving me this opportunity to render a ministerial statement to update this august House and, indeed, the nation on the status of the foot and mouth disease in the country and the measures taken so far to control the disease. This statement will also address the concerns of the general public on this disease which has affected the socio-economic status of the country.

 

Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that there is an ongoing outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the country. The House may wish to note that the first case was reported on 22^nd March, 2018, in Chisamba District on fourteen farms. Later in the same month, the disease spread to Chibombo District. Experts from the ministry conducted laboratory diagnosis and confirmed the disease to be foot and mouth disease which is caused by the foot and mouth disease virus. The serotype O virus was closely related to the one which was isolated in Eastern Africa. This was the first time this particular virus was isolated and identified in the Central part of Zambia. Previously, foot and mouth disease control programmes in the country were targeted at the Foot and Mouth Disease Serotypes, as follows: Southern African Territories (SAT) 1, 2 and 3. For this reason, the livestock population in the affected districts were highly naive, having not been exposed to this new serotype as they had no previous vaccinations.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me now to dwell on the foot and mouth disease symptoms and risk factors. Foot and mouth disease is a highly infectious and devastating trans-boundary viral disease of livestock that impedes trade in livestock and livestock products. Foot and mouth disease does not cause diseases in humans, but has devastating socio-economic effects. It is a notifiable disease that has to be reported to the nearest veterinary office and the World Organisation for Animal Health when it occurs. Foot and mouth disease causes painful sores and blisters on the feet, mouth and teats of animals leading to numbness and salivation. Infected cattle are depressed, reluctant to move and unwilling or unable to eat, which can lead to decreased milk production, weight loss and poor growth. Ultimately, there is loss of production and productivity.

 

Madam Speaker, the disease is spread by direct contact such as when a healthy animal touches, rubs or licks an animal that is sick. The virus may also spread by air or wind depending on the environmental temperature and humidity. Animals may also be infected from eating contaminated feed or by contact with contaminated objects such as farm equipment. The foot and mouth virus can be carried on clothes, shoes, vehicles and even in all the passages of people that have had contact with infected animals. The animals that are at the highest risk include cattle, goats, pigs and other animals with split hooves.

 

Madam Speaker, let me dwell on the current disease status. In February, 2019, the disease was reported in Monze District of the Southern Province after a herd of eighteen heads of cattle were moved from Chisamba District to Monze District. This movement was fraudulent and the erring officers have since been suspended and are awaiting dismissal. After the introduction of the disease in the Southern Province, it later spread to Mazabuka, Pemba, Namwala and Choma. The latest foot and mouth disease outbreak situation in the country is as follows:

 

1. one farm in Nalubanda Veterinary Camp in Mumbwa District;

 

1. one farm in Chilanga District;

 

1. one farm in Kanyama, Lusaka District;

 

1. two farms in Kapiri Mposhi District;

 

1. three farms in Kabwe District;

 

1. one farm in Chingola District; and

 

1. one farm in Kafue District.

 

The disease spread has been worsened by illegal movements of animals and animal contacts at communal watering and grazing points.

 

Madam Speaker, let me also address the measures that have been put in place by the Government to control this disease. The ministry, through the Department of Veterinary Services, is actively instituting the following measures:

 

Surveillance and Disease Identification

 

The officers in the ministry are on the ground, carrying out active searches of the disease on farms and communal areas. Districts and neighbouring foot and mouth disease affected areas have been placed on high alert and are taking measures to prevent disease occurrence.

 

Movement Control

 

All the affected areas have been placed under quarantine and the issuance of livestock movement permits have been suspended.

 

 

Sensitisation of Farmers and other Key Stakeholders

 

The ministry is working with other key stakeholders in sensitising the farmers and the general public on the foot and mouth disease. The methods being used, among others, are as follows:

 

1. airing packaged foot and mouth disease messages on community radio stations;

 

1. convening community meetings;

 

1. issuing of foot and mouth disease leaflets; and

 

1. making use of traditional and civic leaders.

 

Stepping up of Bio-Security Measures in and out of the Affected Areas

 

Bio-security checkpoints in the affected areas have been set up at strategic points. These are being operated in conjunction with other stakeholders. On-farm bio-security is also being enforced.

 

Mass Vaccination Campaigns against Foot and Mouth Disease in High Risk Areas 

 

The following is the update on the vaccinations conducted so far in the four provinces:

 

Central Province

 

Madam Speaker, three rounds of foot and mouth disease vaccinations have been done in Chisamba and Chibombo districts of Central Province. A total of 200,000 doses of foot and mouth disease vaccines were used to vaccinate 200,000 heads of cattle at a cost of K10.8 million which was provided by the Government. This together with other measures such as the setting up of bio-security checkpoints has resulted in the disease being put under control as no further cases have been reported since March 2019 in the two districts.

 

Southern Province

 

The ministry has conducted two rounds of foot and mouth disease vaccinations on cattle. The first round of vaccination in Monze was carried out on 100,000 heads of cattle while the booster vaccinations were performed on 210,000 heads of cattle in Mazabuka, Monze, Pemba, Choma and Namwala districts. Vaccinations were also conducted in Itezhi-tezhi, Mumbwa and Shibuyunji districts of Central Province to create a buffer around the Kafue Flats where cattle migrate for grazing during the dry season. The foot and mouth disease vaccines for the two rounds have cost the Government K13.6 million. The ministry is closely monitoring the situation in the Southern Province to ensure that the disease outbreak is resolved as soon as possible.

 

Eastern Province

 

Madam Speaker, the disease was reported in Vubwi and Lundazi along the border with Malawi. The foot and mouth disease virus which is isolated in the outbreak was serotype SAT 2. In response, the ministry set up checkpoints to curb the spread of the disease to other areas and conducted a sensitisation programme for farmers and stakeholders, among other measures. The Government, through the ministry, has provided 78,200 foot and mouth disease vaccines for the two rounds at a cost of K1.5 million. The first round of foot and mouth disease vaccinations for cattle has already been completed.

 

Northern Province

 

Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that Mbala District has continued to be on high alert since 2015 because of the threat of the foot and mouth disease from East Africa. The ministry dispatched 30,000 doses of foot and mouth disease vaccines to Mbala District to conduct vaccinations so as to create a buffer zone along the border. The foot and mouth disease vaccines of the two rounds have cost the Government K1.6 million.

 

Madam Speaker, in terms of costs, the Government has, so far, spent K27.5 million and the stakeholders have contributed about K110,000 towards the control of the disease. The Government attaches great importance to the development of the livestock industry and everything possible is being done to put the disease under control.

 

Madam, the ministry has engaged key stakeholders in the implementation of control measures in order to bring the disease under control. May I take this opportunity to caution and warn all those involved in the illegal movement of animals that the Government will not take kindly to such illegal activities and will not hesitate to apply the law under the Animal Health Act No. 27 of 2010.

 

I, therefore, wish to appeal to livestock farmers and traders to comply with the measures that are being put in place by the ministry, especially the movement restrictions imposed in the affected areas to prevent the disease from spreading to disease-free areas. I also appeal to my fellow hon. Members of Parliament to help in sensitising their constituents on the disease and participate actively in the implementation of control measures.

 

Madam, in conclusion, may I take this opportunity to thank His Excellency the President of this Great Republic, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, for the support given to my ministry towards the control of the disease. Further, I wish to extend my gratitude to all our co-operating partners, stakeholders and farmers for their co-operation as we work together in bringing this disease under control. Yes, together, we can.

 

 Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, you are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the ministerial statement given by the hon. Minister of Fisheries and Livestock.

 

_______

 

     QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER      

 

SHANGOMBO DISTRICT CANAL DREDGING

 

430. Mr Mubika (Shangombo) asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:

        

1. when the dredging of canals in Shangombo District will be completed;

 

1. what the total number of kilometres earmarked for dredging in 2018, was;

 

1. of the kilometres above, how many had been dredged as of September, 2018; and

 

1. what the total cost of the project was.

 

The Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Kafwaya) (on behalf of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development (Mr Chitotela)): Madam Speaker, currently, there are no dredging works being undertaken in Shangombo District.

 

There were no dredging works planned for in 2018 in the concerned district. Therefore, parts (c) and (d) of the question are not applicable.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

LUANGWA DISTRICT MAGISTRATE’S COURT

 

431. Mr Miti (Feira) asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:

 

1.  why the construction of a magistrates court building in Luangwa District has stalled;

 

1. when the works will resume;

 

1. who the contractor for the project is;

 

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

 

1. what the time frame for the completion of the outstanding works is.

 

Mr Kafwaya (on behalf of (Mr Chitotela)): Madam Speaker, the construction of a magistrate’s court building has stalled due to the contractor’s utilisation of sub-standard blocks. As a result, the contractor was requested to demolish the superstructure.

 

Madam, the construction works will resume once the contractor gets back to the site.

 

The name of the contractor is Yashab Contractors Company Limited.

 

The total cost of the project is K1,215,287.80.

 

The time frame for the completion of the remaining works will be known when the contractor resumes works and does the equivalent of the portion that has already been done.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

_______

 

MOTIONS

 

REPORT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SELECT COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO SCRUTINISE THE PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENT OF HON. MR JUSTICE MICHAEL MUSONDA, SC., TO SERVE AS DEPUTY CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA

 

Mr Daka (Msanzala): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House do adopt the Report of the Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to scrutinise the Presidential appointment of Hon. Mr Justice Michael Musonda, SC., to serve as Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of Zambia.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

 

Ms Kasanda (Chisamba): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

 

Mr Daka: Madam Speaker, the appointment is made pursuant to Article 140 of the Constitution of Zambia Chapter One of the Laws of Zambia, which provides for the President to appoint the Deputy Chief Justice on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission and subject to ratification by the National Assembly.

 

Madam Speaker, as a branch of the Government, the Judiciary is mandated by the Constitution to administer justice according to the law. It, therefore, plays a pivotal role in ensuring good governance and upholding the rule of law. In view of this, the Committee resolved that only a competent person with unquestionable integrity, diligence, eminence and sound character should be appointed as Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of Zambia. Above all, the person had to be committed to the promotion of the rule of law. Therefore …

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member for Msanzala, please, resume your seat.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You may continue with your Motion, please.

 

Mr Daka: Madam Speaker, only a person with unquestionable integrity, diligence, eminence and sound character should be appointed as Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of Zambia. Above all, the person had to be committed to the promotion of the rule of law. Therefore, the Committee carefully selected witnesses to assist it to scrutinise the suitability of the nominee. The Committee requested memoranda from relevant State security agencies, professional bodies, other stakeholders and the appointing authority. The witnesses also appeared before the Committee to make oral submissions. Further, the Committee interviewed the nominee and carefully scrutinised his curriculum vitae.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee noted with satisfaction that all the State security agencies indicated that there were no adverse security concerns against the nominee. Additionally, all the other stakeholders submitted that the nominee was suitably qualified and possessed the requisite training, experience and personality to be appointed as the Deputy Chief Justice.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee noted that Article 259 of the Constitution requires a person making an appointment to a public office to ensure gender equality and where possible, ensure that the nomination of the appointment reflects regional diversity. With regard to gender, the Committee observed that since the Chief Justice is a female, it was necessary for the Deputy Chief Justice to be male. As regards regional diversity, the Committee observed that the nominee is from a different region of the country from that of the Chief Justice. In light of this, the Committee wishes to commend the appointing authority for complying with Article 259 in making this appointment.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee further noted that Article 137 establishes the position of the Deputy Chief Justice and provides for the duties of the office bearer. The Committee observed that one of the duties of the Deputy Chief Justice is to assist the Chief Justice in the administration of the Judiciary. In that regard, the Committee wishes to commend the appointing authority for appointing the nominee who not only has requisite legal experience but is also trained and experienced in management and administration related matters.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee also observed that the nominee is relatively new on the Bench. In view of this, the Committee noted that as a new entrant, he will ensure that the ethos of efficiency and effectiveness, typical of successful organisations in the private sector, are applied in the administration of the Judiciary, generally and in the delivery of justice specifically. Further, the Committee observed that the nominee’s appointment was supported by all the witnesses who appeared before it. They described the nominee as possessing the requisite academic qualifications, professional experience and personality to serve as the Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of Zambia.

 

Madam Speaker, after due thorough consideration, analysis and evaluation of the written and oral submission presented to the Committee by the witnesses and interviews with the nominee, the Committee is of the view that the nominee is suitably qualified and possesses the requisite competences to serve as the Deputy Chief Justice. In view of this, the Committee recommends that this august House ratifies the Presidential appointment of Hon. Mr Justice Michael Musonda, SC., to serve as Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of Zambia.

 

Madam Speaker, finally, the hon. Members of the Committee wish to place on record, their gratitude to you, Madam Speaker, for appointing them to serve on this Select Committee. The Committee is also thankful for the services and advice rendered to it by the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly during its deliberations. The Committee further wishes to thank the State security and investigative agencies, professional bodies and other stakeholder institutions for their valuable submissions which assisted the Committee in arriving at its recommendation.

 

Madam Speaker, it is now my pleasure to call upon the House to ratify the appointment before it.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you. 

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?

 

Ms Kasanda: Now, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam, before I second the Motion, I would like to sincerely convey my condolences to the Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Daka, for the demise of his brother in Ethiopia.

 

Madam Speaker, let me begin by thanking you for according me this opportunity to second the Motion. I also thank the mover for the able manner in which he has moved this Motion. The mover has adequately covered all the salient points upon which your Committee has based its support for the ratification of the nominee. In this regard, I shall be very brief in seconding this Motion.

 

Madam Speaker, in seconding the Motion, I would like to emphasise some of the Committee’s observations. The first observation is the inadequate infrastructure. It came to the Committee’s attention that though the infrastructure has been provided around the country, it is not adequate. The Committee observed that the Judiciary is facing serious challenges with the infrastructure in general and courtrooms, in particular. Most Judges share courtrooms while others use boardrooms in making judgments. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Executive, especially the hon. Minister of Finance, should look into the issue of providing adequate courtrooms for the Judges to administer justice.

 

The Committee also observed other areas which do not have infrastructure like the local courts and these are a very good example. Some of them do not have infrastructure at all, and this has brought about delayed judgments.

 

Madam Speaker, another important thing that the Committee observed was the public participation in the presidential appointment of Hon. Justice Michael Musonda and any other appointments that will come forth. It is a concern that the public is not made aware about the scrutiny the appointees are subjected to. Therefore, the Committee thought it was very important that the public is kept abreast of hon. Members as well just in case the witnesses are not able to pick up some of the things that the public could bring to the attention of the Committee. The Committee thought it was important for the public to be aware of the nominees. 

 

Madam, there is also the issue of the nature of letters that are written to the witnesses. These letters are usually labelled “confidential.” When a letter is confidential, it means the witnesses cannot go out to get information unless amongst themselves. That is a disadvantage to the public as well as the Committee because the Committee will not be able to get vast amounts of information. Th Committee feels that it is very important for nominees to be in the public domain so that it is able to get submissions and comments from the public on whether a particular nominee is fit for appointment or not.

 

Madam Speaker, with these few remarks, I would like to thank our secretariat, the Office of the Clerk, for the help which it rendered to the Committee. I also thank the hon. Members of Parliament who were part of this Committee. Above all, I would like to thank you for according us this privilege.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

The Minister of Justice (Mr Lubinda): Madam Speaker, thank you for according me an opportunity to add my voice on behalf of the appointing authority on the unanimous ratification of Hon. Mr Justice Michael Musonda, SC., to serve as Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of Zambia.

 

Madam, in so doing, I would like to put on record the appreciation of the appointing authority, His Excellency, the President, Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, ...

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Lubinda: ... to the Committee that was tasked with the responsibility of scrutinising the suitability of Hon. Mr Justice Michael Musonda to be appointed to the high office of Deputy Chief Justice.

 

Madam Speaker, the report speaks for itself, and I would like to join His Excellency the President in commending your Committee for the manner in which it executed its duty of scrutinising the suitability of this candidate. It confirms the fact that His Excellency the President took due diligence in considering amongst the many Zambians one who equally qualifies to be appointed to this office. For now, Hon. Mr Justice Michael Musonda has been found suitable, and the Committee has done us big justice by appealing to the House to unanimously ratify this appointment.

 

Madam, the issues raised by the seconder of the Motion are matters that are alive both to the Judiciary and the Executive. The Ministry of Justice, through the hon. Minister, has come to this House and lamented the difficult circumstances under which our Judges are operating. This is an assurance that the Government is not only lamenting this problem but also taking all measures within its reach to improve the working environment for our judges.

 

Madam Speaker, I would just like to take advantage of this time to, once again, appeal to all hon. Members of Parliament to continue to support the Judiciary in providing resources from their Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to provide for a very important level of justice dispensation in Zambia, namely the local court infrastructure. We are confident that with the leadership that will be provided by My Lady, the Chief Justice, and My Lord, the Deputy Chief Justice, many challenges that are being faced by the Judiciary shall be addressed.

 

Madam, once again, I would like to thank the Committee and the House for supporting the ratification of Mr Justice Michael Musonda, State Counsel.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Daka: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the House for their unprecedented support. I would also like to thank the hon. Minister and my seconder, who is the Vice-Chairperson of the Committee.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, SPORT AND CHILD MATTERS

 

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House do adopt the Report of the Committee on Youth, Sport and Child Matters, for the Third Session of the Twelfth National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 26^th June, 2019.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

 

Mr W. Banda (Milanzi): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

 

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, the Committee, in line with its terms of reference, as specified in the Standing Orders, undertook two studies, namely sports development and administration in Zambia and child marriage in Zambia. I am of the view that hon. Members have read the report, and, therefore, I will just highlight a few issues.

 

Madam Speaker, let me begin by commenting on the first topic, which is sports development and administration in Zambia. To start with, allow me to inform this august House that the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) currently, has forty-nine registered sports disciplines, which means that we are supposed to have forty-nine sports federations and associations that are fully functional in the country.

 

Madam Speaker, it is saddening that none of the sports federations and associations in the country, except the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), are performing to the expected standards set by the NSCZ. The Committee is saddened that the administration for the federations and associations operate without full structures and most of them do not even have a defined operating space. This is worrisome because it means that it is difficult for them to effectively support athletes and co-ordinate sport in their respective disciplines.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee, therefore, urges the Government to enhance its support to sports administrations and associations, and ensure that, as a matter of urgency, all are fully functional and begin to operate effectively and efficiently.

 

Madam Speaker, tied to the above point, the Committee also notes with concern that the Government is heavily financing the football discipline to the detriment of other sports. What is more worrying is the fact that this pattern of support has also been replicated by the corporate world in the country. Let me illustrate this by an example. The Zambia Sugar Plc support to football currently is at 90 per cent of its total funds allocated for the sports component of its corporate social responsibility. This is definitely detrimental to the development of other sports left to share the remaining 10 per cent.

 

Madam Speaker, in this regard, the Committee urges the Government to consider revisiting its sponsorship policies by ensuring that all sports disciplines are financed in an equitable manner. Further, the Committee strongly recommends that the Government must consider having a well defined budget line under the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Child Development specifically for sports development. The Government is also urged to consider creating a standard integrated approach to athletes’ development to be followed by all sports administration in the country in order for all to have a harmonious development in sports without leaving others behind.

 

Madam Speaker, let me also comment on yet another worrying problem pertaining to sports facilities and sports teachers in the country. During its local tour to the Southern and Western provinces of Zambia, the Committee observed with sadness, the bad state of sports infrastructure in these two provinces. It was sad to note that the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development has failed to maintain the stadiums which are expected to be used for sports competitions in these provinces.

 

Madam Speaker, in other districts, there is literally no sport infrastructure to help athletes develop their talent to optimum levels. One sad incident that the Committee experienced was the schools’ inter-district competition football for girls in the Western Province that was held at Kanyonyo School in Mongu District.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee watched the game with compassion when they saw young athletes playing football in huge heaps of sand, which was a huge risk to their health. One would wonder how such athletes would compete favourably with their counterparts from other provinces like Lusaka who have good facilities like the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC). I am sure this august House will agree with me that sport development in the country is only well-pronounced and concentrated along the line of rail.

 

Madam Speaker, I would like to state that good sport facilities can motivate upcoming athletes to develop their talent to optimum levels and that these may ultimately contribute to the country’s good performance in international games. Unfortunately, the current state of affairs on the sport infrastructure leaves much to be desired and a lot of talent is going to waste as a result.

 

Madam Speaker, in light of this, as a matter of urgency, the Government is strongly urged to take measures to refurbish all sport facilities in schools and communities, and also consider spreading sport facilities equally in all provinces in the country. It is also the view of your Committee that the Government must enhance its effort in ensuring that training of physical education for teachers is also supported by the provision of necessary tools in the education system. Your Committee emphasises the need to ensure that well-trained teachers are present in schools and that teacher training fully integrates disability inclusion in the area of sport.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me to briefly talk about the other topical issue that your Committee dealt with, which is about child marriages in Zambia. The House may wish to know that in a report which was written by the African Child Policy Forum (ACPF) in 2018, Zambia is amongst the bottom nine known as the ‘Less Child Friendly Countries’ ranking forty-eighth out of the fifty-two African countries. Further, according to the 2019 European Union (EU) notes on ending child marriage, Zambia is one the highest countries in the world with 42 per cent of women aged between twenty and twenty-four being married by the age of eighteen.

 

Madam Speaker, although there have been reports indicating a slight downward trend on this state of affairs, it is worrisome to your Committee to note that the legal framework still allows child marriage, especially in rural and peri-urban areas. This is mainly because there is a fragmented legal framework which has left lacunas capable of allowing the continual existence of this scourge. An example I would cite is the provision of Article 7 of the Constitution of Zambia which states that customary law is as much part of the law in Zambia as is statutory law. This, therefore, means that the courts of law in Zambia have recognised customary law as part of the Laws of Zambia. This august House may wish to know that customary law is widely practiced and allows for the marriage of young persons, especially girls who are usually deemed ready for marriage once they attain puberty.

 

Madam Speaker, your Committee strongly urges the Government to expedite the process of enacting the Child Code Bill which will, among other things, help to seal most of the gaps left by the legal framework currently. It is your Committee’s hope that this piece of legislation be presented this year in order to help eradicate the problem of child marriage.

 

Madam Speaker, your Committee appreciates the fact that sex education was introduced from early childhood up to the tertiary levels of education. However, it was noted that the policy is not being implemented in some schools as it is not taught exclusively.

 

Madam Speaker, your Committee urges the Government to consider enhancing the implementation of this initiative so as to harness its full intended benefit. In the same vein, the Government is strongly urged to consider enhancing its efforts in providing guidance and counselling in all schools in order to curb the fast-growing trends in child marriages among pupils.

 

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, your Committee wishes to thank all stakeholders who appeared before it and rendered both oral and written submissions. Gratitude goes to you for affording your guidance to your Committee as it executed its mandate. Your Committee also appreciates the services rendered by the Clerk of the National Assembly and her staff during its deliberations and tours.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?

 

Mr W. Banda: Madam Speaker, now.

 

Madam Speaker, I stand to support the Motion that has been tabled by the Chairperson of your Committee. The Chairperson of your Committee ably articulated the issues that your Committee raised. I, therefore, stand here to actually point out a few issues that he did not cover in his speech. 

 

Madam Speaker, allow me to touch on issues concerning the sponsorship of sport by the local councils and companies in Zambia. Your Committee visited three provinces, namely Central, the Southern and Western. Your Committee also visited Mazabuka District in the Southern Province and observed that the district was supporting sports, which is a very good thing. 

 

Madam Speaker, your Committee had time to visit the pitches for football, volleyball and many other sports that the local councils are supporting. It also visited several districts in the Southern Province which are not supporting any sport just like in the Western Province. Your Committee, therefore, urges the Government to ensure that it encourages all the local authorities in the country to start supporting sport.

 

Madam Speaker, your Committee had time to also identify some districts that have potential to produce athletes who can represent Zambia at a higher level. It was observed that some districts in the Western Province have potential to produce athletes who can represent Zambia in swimming competitions at a world level. Your Committee also noted that there are large water bodies in the Northern Province and Luapula Province. It, therefore, urges the Government to construct swimming pools in those provinces in order to encourage swimmers in rural areas to train more and represent Zambia in swimming competitions at a higher level.

 

Madam Speaker, I also want to mention that in Zambia, we have many talented people. The Government would do better to invest in sport infrastructure. Your Committee is aware that in Lusaka, the Government constructed the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC), an infrastructure which actually attracts many boys and girls to train in various sporting activities. Your Committee, therefore, urges the Government to ensure that such infrastructure is constructed in other provinces around the country.

 

Madam Speaker, your Committee also noted that the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development is doing very fine in ensuring that sport development is encouraged in the country. The Committee is aware that the ministry is represented at provincial level. However, this is not enough. It, therefore, urges the ministry to ensure that it is decentralised to all districts in this country.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee is also aware that the Government supports football and other sporting activities. It urges the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development to not only concentrate on supporting football but also other sporting activities across the country. The Committee is aware that the ministry is doing fine as regards boxing and rugby. It even has a rugby national team that is able to represent our country. We urge the Government to support all sporting activities that have the potential to build the image of our country.

 

Madam Speaker, finally, let me touch on the issue of talent identification. We are trying to ensure that we identify talent across the country, but we are not doing enough. This issue brings us back to the reason we need to decentralise to districts. The presence of the ministry at this level will help our country to identify potential sportsmen and women who can represent our country.

 

Madam Speaker, finally, –

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Chabi: How many “finally?”

 

Mr W. Banda: Finally, finally!

 

Laughter

 

Mr W. Banda: I urge the hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development to look at issues pertaining to special fees that athletes pay. We have physical sport like judo, boxing and karate where our athletes are supposed to pay special fees called adopting fees. These fees are very high. The Committee urges the Government to ensure that it subsidises such fees to make it easier for our athletes to pay them on their own.

 

Madam Speaker, with these few words, I thank you.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Minister of Gender (Ms Phiri): Madam Speaker, I commend the Committee on the presentation of its report.

 

Madam Speaker, the Chairperson of your Committee raised two issues, sport and child marriage. Child marriage continues to be a challenge and a major threat to the survival, health and wellbeing of children, the vast majority being girls. It places them at an increased risk of sexual, physical and mental violence for the rest of their lives. Child marriage also has a significant negative impact on the economic and social development of a country due to interrupted education and the loss of earnings.

 

Madam Speaker, my ministry has in place a national multi-sectoral plan of action on ending child marriage with an allocated budget targeting quality education, adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, social and child protection services, recreation and vocational training as well as employment opportunities for adolescent girls. It is now being implemented in two pilot districts with a total estimated population of over 320,000 people.

 

Madam Speaker, as highlighted in the report, we all know that inaccessible and unaffordable education cause and contribute to child marriages. In light of this, my ministry is co-ordinating the implementation of child –

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order in the House!

 

Ms Phiri: Madam Speaker, my ministry is co-ordinating the implementation of Girls’ Education and Women Empowerment and Livelihood (GEWEL) Project. This project seeks to increase access to secondary education for adolescent girls in extremely poor households as well as support women to better their quality of life. So far, 16,239 are being supported under the Keeping Girls in School (KGS) component and 33,626 women are being supported under the Support of Women’s Livelihood (SWL) component.

 

Madam Speaker, under the same programme, and working with the Ministry of Home Affairs, my ministry is ensuring that children born in rural areas have birth certificates. This is very important in the fight against defilement where a lot of cases are dismissed in the courts of law because the age of a child cannot be proven.

 

Madam Speaker, my ministry is in discussion with our co-operating partners to increase support to the campaign on ending child marriage in Zambia through improved access to education, economic empowerment of women, especially in the female-headed households, engaging men and boys in the fight to end child marriage, and carrying out more work with traditional leaders on ending child marriage. This will assist us, as a country, to reach the most vulnerable boys and girls.

 

Madam Speaker, as hon. Members of Parliament, we have a duty to play our part in ending child marriage in our constituencies in particular, and in the country as a whole. As such, let us make an effort to implement, in our constituencies, programmes towards eradicating this dangerous vice.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development (Mr Mawere): Madam Speaker, allow me to thank your Committee on Youth, Sport and Child Matters on the report laid on the Table of the House. I also thank the hon. Members who have debated this very important matter.

 

Madam Speaker, it is the desire of the Government of His Excellency, Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia, …

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mawere: … to ensure that it curbs or brings to an end, the issue of early marriage among our children.

 

Madam Speaker, this Government has ratified a number of conventions and enacted a number of laws in the quest to curb the vice of early marriage among our children. The Government is ensuring that it discourages this vice wherever it rears its ugly face. We have even gone further to withdraw children from such marriages.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government and some co-operating partners have mobilised resources to ensure that this vice is fought. We have even gone further to involve various levels of leadership, including the traditional leadership in chiefdoms, to ensure that this vice that is in our midst is defeated.

 

The Government will remain open-minded and welcome fresh ideas from various stakeholders, including Parliament and this very important Committee, on how, together, we can fight this vice of early marriage in our country.

 

Madam Speaker, statistics indicate that the Government really means business because the figures have drastically reduced in terms of early marriages. Therefore, the Government will not fold its arms, but ensure that it reaches a point where early marriages are completely eradicated.

Madam Speaker, regarding the issue of sport development and infrastructure in our country, indeed, there is much which needs to be done by the Government and stakeholders. However, we need to appreciate what the Government is doing. As rightly put and observed by the Committee, we have about forty-three sport disciplines in the country, and out of these, thirty-nine are actively promoting sport in our country. This should be commended.

 

Madam Speaker, your Committee also made an observation on the standards of sports administration in Zambia. The sports policy and action plan which was put in place by the ministry is yielding positive fruits because currently, a number of sport disciplines in the country are doing quite well. During the weekend, I graced a very important sport event in which Zambia had a great victory. The sport involved was chess, which is perceived as a minor sport. We have a grandmaster who has brought glory to this country. He managed to win the championship which Zambia hosted. Among the participants were grandmasters from countries such as Russia, India and Egypt. Zambia is currently ranked second in Africa after Egypt. Out of the six slots which Africa has been assigned to represent the continent, four have been taken by the Zambian chess players. This is an achievement because the Government’s policy is yielding fruits. It is the Government’s policy to prioritise all sport disciplines regardless of their size.

 

Madam Speaker, I am aware of the notion that the Zambian Government only supports football. This notion has to be dealt with. Football is a popular sport in Zambia, but the Government does not attach as much significance to it as people perceive. The Government wants all sport disciplines to be supported, including boxing and swimming. If you checked with the sport federations right now, you would find out that the Government is involved in the day to day running of their affairs. At the same time, the Government does not want to interfere a lot in these federations. It wants them to operate independently and be able to mobilise resources and other materials they may need in their quest to support sport. This is because the Government alone may not manage because sports need a lot of funding.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government is also encouraging private participation in the promotion of sport development in our country. Currently, there is a growing trend in the establishment of private facilities by the private sector. Academies for football, chess, boxing and various sport disciplines have come on board. The private sector is investing in those sport disciplines. Therefore, these should be commended and recognised by every well-meaning individual or institutions, including the Government.

 

Madam Speaker, in terms of infrastructure, there is much that needs to be done by the Government in providing infrastructure to all the districts and provinces of this country. This Government of His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, and the Patriotic Front (PF) should be commended for building modern stadiums such as the National Heroes Stadium and Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. This type of infrastructure cannot be found anywhere in the Southern African region or Africa as a whole. This type of infrastructure is only found in Europe. Whenever visitors come to Zambia, they always congratulate us for the achievement as regards infrastructure. However, the Government has a programme to develop infrastructure in provinces, and in the 2019 Budget, we are –

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Mr Mawere: Madam Speaker, in the 2019 Budget, stadiums in Chipata, which is DK Stadium, and Mansa Stadium will be renovated.

 

Madam Speaker, with these very few remarks, I thank you.

 

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Hon. W. Banda for seconding the Motion, and also the hon. Ministers who contributed positively to the Motion. 

 

Madam, I thank you.

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, WATER DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM

 

Mr Belemu (Mbabala): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House do adopt the Report of the Committee on Energy, Water Development and Tourism for the Third Session of the Twelfth National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on 26^th June, 2019.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

 

Mrs Chinyama rose.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Are you seconding the Motion, hon. Member for Kafue?

 

Mrs Chinyama: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: On whom?

 

Is the Motion seconded?

 

Mr Chabi (Chipili): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

 

Mr Belemu: Madam Speaker, in line with its terms of reference as contained in Standing Order No. 157(2), the Committee considered two topical issues, namely the Review of the Rural Electrification Programme in Zambia and the Management of National Parks, and Game Management Areas (GMAs). The Committee also considered the Action-Taken Report on the Committee’s report for the Second Session of the Twelfth National Assembly.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee invited various stakeholders to provide both oral and written submissions on the two topical issues. The findings of the Committee arising from its interactions with the stakeholders and local tours are outlined in the Committee’s report. I am sure that hon. Members have had time to peruse the report. Therefore, allow me to only highlight some of the salient features contained therein.

 

Madam Speaker, as regards the review of the Rural Electrification Programme, the Committee noted that access to electricity in rural areas can facilitate economic and social growth. For example, the availability of electricity in rural areas can drastically increase the quality of health care services and enhance learning in rural schools, especially in the advent of the use of modern technology such as the use of computers in schools and so on. Further, electricity has the potential to boost the economy through small-scale business activities that require electricity as a key input.

 

Madam Speaker, during its interactions with the stakeholders, the Committee was informed that the overall national electricity access rate, defined as connection to the national grid, is at 31 per cent, whereas urban and rural electrification rates stand at 67.7 per cent and 4.4 per cent, respectively. Based on these statistics, the progress recorded for rural areas is only 1.4 per cent. Undoubtedly, the aspiration to attain 51 per cent rural electrification access rate as envisioned in the Rural Electrification Master Plan (REMP) by 2030 is far from being realised.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee notes that the delivery of electricity through grid-extension in sparsely populated areas is costly. It is, therefore, now an imperative for the Government to employ requisite energy mix that includes mini and/or off-grid systems which tend to be more effective. In this regard, the Committee recommends that the Government should enact appropriate legislation to integrate mini or off-grid systems into the overall Rural Electrification Programme.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee was informed that in order for the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) to attain the electrification target set out in REMP, an investment of US$50 million towards rural electrification is required on an annual basis. However, the Treasury only releases 50 per cent, which is US$25 million, on a yearly basis. This has adversely affected the operations of the authority to the extent that most projects have stalled because of inadequate funding.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee observes that the Rural Electrification Fund has failed to achieve the purpose for which it was designed, as it does not enjoy autonomy. This is attributed to the provision of the Public Management Finance Act, No. 1 of 2018, which requires that all funds be deposited in the Treasury’s single account before being disbursed to respective beneficiaries. In this regard, the Committee recommends that the Rural Electrification Act, No. 20 of 2003 should be reviewed in order to bring it in tandem with the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, No.1 of 2018, and other existing policy guidelines.

 

Madam Speaker, let me now comment briefly on the Committee’s findings on the management of national parks and GMAs. Tourism makes a significant contribution to Zambia’s economy and wildlife is one of the country’s key tourism resources. Therefore, if properly managed, the wildlife sub-sector can contribute to job creation and poverty reduction. In order to achieve this, there is a need to strengthen existing efforts to ensure sustainable management of wildlife.

 

Madam Speaker, however, despite the above-mentioned findings, the Committee observes that the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) is poorly funded and that this hampers the operations of the department. The low funding levels mean that the department cannot sufficiently carry out its mandate. The Committee notes with concern that the failure to adequately fund the DNPW and GMAs has also affected the disbursement of funds to community resource boards.

 

In light of the above, Madam Speaker, the Committee recommends that the Government improves funding to the DNPW and releases the funding in a timely manner so that the department can, in turn, fund community resource boards.

 

Further, Madam Speaker, the Committee observes that most GMAs do not have general management plans in place. This is a serious gap in as far as the effective management of GMAs is concerned. The Committee, therefore, urges the Government to provide the necessary financial resources to the DNPW to enable it to formulate and update game management plans. The Committee further recommends that the Government, through the DNPW, must ensure that the plans are implemented in all GMAs without fail.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee further notes that the fees for licences and permits for the various services in the wildlife sector have not been reviewed for over a decade. Therefore, the fees are outdated and unrealistic. As a result, the Government and local communities are not deriving optimal financial benefit from hunting activities. The Committee urges the Government to urgently review the fees in order to raise the revenue for the wildlife sector and empower the concerned local communities.

 

Madam Speaker, still on the matter of revenue from the wildlife sector, the Committee observes that local communities do not derive any benefits from activities such as wildlife photography and revenue from lodge and hotel operations in the GMAs. The Committee strongly urges the Government to quickly review the Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015, so as to ensure that local communities benefit from non-consumptive tourism as well.

 

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, allow me to thank the various stakeholders who made submissions before the Committee. Further, I wish to thank the hon. Members of the Committee for their co-operation and dedication to duty during the deliberations. Lastly, but not least, the Committee wishes to record its indebtedness to you, Madam Speaker, and the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly and her staff for the support and guidance rendered to the Committee during the session.

 

Madam Speaker, I beg to move.

 

Mr Sing’ombe: Hear, hear!

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?

 

Mr Chabi: Madam Speaker, now.

 

Madam Speaker, in seconding the Motion to adopt the Report of the Committee on Energy, Water Development and Tourism, which was laid on the Table of the House on 26^th June, 2019, allow me to thank the hon. Member for Mbabala, Mr Belemu, who is also the Chairperson of the Committee, for the manner in which he has moved the Motion. It cannot be done any better than that.

 

Madam Speaker, I will be very brief in seconding the Motion. As indicated by the mover of the Motion, your Committee considered two topics. Under the review of the Rural Electrification Programme, your Committee was informed that the electricity levy that was introduced by an Act of Parliament some fifteen years ago is not being remitted to the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) regularly. The problem has always been that it takes time, more than twenty-one days, as prescribed by the law, to remit these funds into the Rural Electrification Fund Account.

 

Madam Speaker, normally the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) collects the electricity levy amounting to 3 per cent from domestic consumers and remits this money to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). Then the ZRA sends this money to the famous Control 99 Account under the Ministry of Finance. The Committee was informed that it takes a lot of time for the money from the Control 99 Account to get to REA. It takes about two to three months for this money to be remitted. As a result, this delay has affected progress on the projects under REA that are on the ground.

 

Madam Speaker, the other observation was that electricity levy is only imposed on domestic consumers while bulk consumers are exempted from contributing to this levy. Your Committee urges the Government to find a way of making bulk consumers contribute to the electricity levy. As you may be aware, 70 to 80 per cent of electricity in this country is consumed by the mines and other industries. Therefore, it would be prudent for the Government to consider introducing a certain percentage, even 3 per cent, for bulk consumers to contribute as electricity levy which will accelerate access to electricity in rural areas.

 

Madam Speaker, the other issue that was looked at, according to your Committee’s report, is the internal wiring in public institutions. This internal wiring is not added to the component of REA programmes. Your Committee urges the Government to consider including the internal wiring of public institutions like schools and health centres among the responsibilities to be taken up by REA as this will enable these institutions to have quick access to electricity.

 

Madam Speaker, your Committee took a tour to Luangeni Constituency in the Eastern Province. It discovered that the project to electrify grass-thatched houses was a success. However, the Committee is asking the Government to consider extending the Electrification of Grass-thatched Houses Project to other remote parts of the country.

 

Madam, as regards the management of national parks and GMAs, your Committee was informed that the officers on the ground have inadequate equipment such as uniforms and firearms to enable them to perform their duties. They also have poor accommodation. The Committee is, therefore, urging the Government to consider providing adequate equipment for the officers in order for them to execute their duties diligently.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee also found that there was poor infrastructure in the GMAs. You may wish to understand that your Committee took about twelve hours to travel from Mfuwe to Lundazi, a distance of only 318 km, due to the bad road network.  Your Committee, therefore, urges the Government to consider enhancing the infrastructure development in the GMAs.

 

Madam Speaker, with these few points, I thank you.

 

The Minister of Tourism and Arts (Dr Banda): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for according me this opportunity to say a few words on the Report of the Committee on Energy, Water Development and Tourism, for the Third Session of the Twelfth National Assembly, which is under debate.

 

Madam, allow me to begin by commending most sincerely the Chairperson of the Committee and the seconder for a job well done. I consider this report which has been tabled on the Floor of the House to be very well researched.

 

Madam Speaker, the report speaks to the vexing issues that we are facing in the Ministry of Tourism and Arts. A life of virtue is lived by the virtuous. This has been exhibited by the Chairperson of the Committee, who has been on point in looking at the issues pertaining to the management of national parks under the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) in Zambia. This is a department that is under the Ministry of Tourism and Arts.

 

Madam, the report has brought out issues on poor implementation of general management plans. It has also brought out issues on conflicting legislation and mandates between the Ministry of Tourism and Arts and other ministries such as the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources through the Department of Forestry and the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development.

 

Madam Speaker, the report has brought out the issue of human/animal conflicts which is a very big problem which the Government is trying to resolve through the Ministry of Tourism and Arts.

 

Madam, the report has also adequately raised the issues on the inadequate equipment like the seconder has just alluded to, and also the shortage of staff and the training of village scouts. Poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking is yet another problem, which the ministry is facing, and the report has spoken very well to that problem.

 

Madam Speaker, funding to the DNPW has to be increased and fees have to be adjusted upwards. However, this has to be handled with care. As much as the Committee would want to throw the ball in the Government’s court to adjust the fees, I hope it will not be the same hon. Members who will later attack the Government once it implements that. There is always a tendency by people to cry foul whenever there is an upward adjustment of some fees and charges without doing the needed research to understand the grounds for charging  those fees. However, I would like to believe that the Committee has carried out its research and the report that it has tabled before the House will be supported when we, as the ministry, take it up, through Cabinet, to ensure that adjustments are made according to the Committee’s recommendations.

 

Madam Speaker, regarding the poor implementation of the general management plans, I wish to admit that the ministry has had problems concerning this issue. This is an issue which it has been working on. As a ministry, we have realised that, at this point, most of the general management plans have expired and have been withdrawn. Nevertheless, it is still waiting for the plans that are yet to expire soon so that when it begins the process of giving general implementation plans, it will be executed wholesomely for all the GMAs in the country. The ministry would not like to do this piecemeal, but handle it in such a way that by the time it is done with the general management plans, it will have spread to all the GMAs. Mind you, we have about thirty-six GMAs in this country, and on top of that, we have twenty national parks. Therefore, we need to approach this in a wholesome manner. This issue the report has highlighted is a very good finding and the Chairperson of the Committee has spoken very well to it.

 

Madam Speaker, the issue of conflicting legislation and mandate is another one that the ministry needs to look at critically. This is actually hampering the development of national parks because when power is given in different forms to three different arms of the Government to superintend, of course, conflicts will arise. Conflicts have arisen between the ministry and the Department of Forestry because it too has a mandate on the forestry or the forests that we have in the GMAs. Therefore, it becomes very difficult at times to control each other.

 

What we need to do is reach a compromise and see how these laws can be brought together and in line so that the mandate is given to either the Ministry of Tourism and Arts to manage the national parks and GMAs or the Department of Forestry to be the overseer. In that way, I think the conflicts that exist can be reduced.

 

Madam Speaker, the report has brought about the issue of human/animal conflict. I am pretty sure that everybody in this House remembers that this is an issue we have been talking about time and again. I am, therefore, very glad that the report has spoken about what I was talking about two weeks ago as regards the human/animal conflict. The reasons that have been reflected in the report are the ones that were brought out in this House. I, therefore, wish to appeal to my hon. Colleagues in this House and those who have been mentioned, but are outside the House that we should work together in order for us to resolve this problem of human/animal conflict.

 

Madam Speaker, one big problem that is causing human/animal conflict is illegal settlements. We are encouraging people to encroach on the national parks and GMAs. Usually, they encroach in corridors for animals such as, elephants. When elephants make a corridor, it becomes very difficult to force them to create another corridor because that could be the route to the river where they drink water. If one decides to make a field or build a house in the corridor, he/she must rest assured that he/she will be attacked.

 

We should not have hon. Colleagues supporting people to settle anyhow. Illegal settlements in national parks or GMAs should be discouraged at all costs. This must be done by us, as political leaders of this country together with traditional leaders, civil society and everybody else. In that way, we are going to help each other and partner together to resolve this problem. Mind you, what we need to look at now is conservation, but it cannot observed if we allow illegalities to prevail in the GMAs and national parks.

 

Madam, the report has pointed out the inadequate equipment and shortage of staff. This is very correct, and I have reported severally to the House that there is a shortage of staff. Last year, the ministry was given a chance to recruit staff, but it was only able to recruit 300 wildlife police officers in an effort to beef up the numbers. The ministry has a shortfall of about 1,600 wildlife police officers and to fill up that number, it needed to recruit, at least, 600 staff each year for three years. Then, we would have had the adequate number of wildlife police officers to manage all the national parks and Game Management Areas (GMAs). Therefore, the shortfall is still there. It is an open secret that the ministry still has challenges in as far as equipment such as firearms is concerned. In case of transport, the ministry has now started procuring vehicles because it needs about ninety vehicles. However, it has managed to buy only twenty-five vehicles so far. This means there is still a deficit in that area.

 

Madam Speaker, uniforms and infrastructure are the other challenges the ministry is facing, and these have been correctly outlined in the report. We need to resolve these problems. However, for us to resolve them, the bottom line is funding because without finances, it will be difficult for the ministry to conquer the problems for easier management of the national parks and GMAs.

 

Madam, I have already spoken to illegal wildlife trafficking. Further, I want to admit that poaching is one of the problems the ministry is facing, and that the only way it can get around the problem is to procure enough equipment such as firearms, vehicles for transport, and devices for communication and also recruit many more wildlife police officers to be assisted by village scouts whom it needs to train. When village scouts are trained, they will always be on hand to assist the wildlife police officers in the areas of concern.

 

Madam, with these few remarks, I would like to say that the report is very good and positive.  Further, the ministry will rely on it as it generates more information to relay to Cabinet and, maybe, to Parliament for approval for future use.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection (Dr Wanchinga): Madam Speaker, in the first instance, I would like to express my gratitude to you for allowing me to comment on the report. Furthermore, I would like to join my hon. Colleagues who have congratulated the Chairperson and the seconder in moving the Motion concerning this report.

 

Madam, the report has highlighted twelve areas concerning service delivery in the water and sanitation sector. Therefore, I would like to respond to them.

 

The first issue raised by your Committee concerns the need to have a National Water Policy. Indeed, this is a very important observation. I would like to assure the House that the policy has reached an advanced stage. The ministry is waiting to submit it to Cabinet Office so that the department responsible for reviewing the policies can take action on it. Let me also mention that a decision has been made that one component of the policy concerning solid waste management should go back to the Ministry of Local Government. One reason it has taken a bit long for the ministry to put the policy in place is essentially because under the new ministry, we have had a number of components brought in and, therefore, the ministry had to consolidate them into a single policy. Certainly, the observations made by the Committee are quite valid.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee raised some concerns that some of our water utility companies existed without oversight structures like boards. Indeed, this is a very pertinent observation. Immediately this was mentioned, the ministry set itself this task. In addition, I would like to report to the Committee and to you, Madam, that all boards have now been appointed in the utility companies. The oversight structures are now in place and, therefore, this issue is no longer an area of concern. In fact, the task was completed by the fourth quarter of 2018.

 

Madam, as regards the comment made on the need for directors to be appointed in accordance with the association articles, I would like to state that this is something the ministry needs to modify. The existing articles were premised on the old structure of the ministry. With the reconstitution of the ministry, certain components and representations on the board had to be removed and some had to be added. Certainly, the board of directors have to be appointed according to the constituencies which constitute the utility companies. However, my disagreement with the Committee’s recommendation is that directors should be appointed in accordance with the association articles, but these association articles have to be revised.

 

Madam Speaker, there is the issue of inadequate investment in the water and sanitation sector. Certainly, this is a valid observation by your Committee. However, I would like to assure the House that even within the constraints of fiscal space, the ministry is doing its best to improve water supply. One of the activities that were undertaken was the purchase of rigs because previously, we had four to six rigs. Four rigs were purchased in 2014 and now, we have a total of about ten rigs which can be used for drilling boreholes across the country.

 

Madam Speaker, another concern was raised that perhaps, the ministry has not adequately invested to attract private sector investment into the water sector. Yes, this is a valid observation. However, let me assure the House that the ministry has picked up this issue because the Government has realised that the ministry cannot solely meet the agenda of the water sector. Just two weeks ago, I called for a meeting of a number of donors, including all Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that are working in the water sector, to see how we can come together to address the issue of water supply in the country. Further, the ministry is considering opportunities for investment by the private sector in terms of enhancing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), especially in the manufacturing sector and the distribution of water meters that are very important elements in the control of non-revenue water. It is also considering opportunities in the manufacture of disinfectants like chlorine by partnering with the private sector. We are also taking into account opportunities to partner with the private sector in the manufacture of solar power because the future of water supply in the country, especially in the rural areas, will be anchored on solar power. These are some of the opportunities we are considering, and we certainly agree with the report’s recommendations that there is a need to enhance partnership with the private sector. Therefore, these are the areas where we are seeing opportunities.

 

Madam Speaker, a question was raised concerning water bills by water utility companies. Certainly, this is a very big challenge because water bills have constricted investments in the operations of the water utility companies. Currently, we have about K340 million owed to utility companies. We have tried to solve this issue through debt swaps. For instance, it has worked for Kafubu Water and Sewerage Company, but we still have a lot of debt to be cleared. The ministry is making much effort to make arrangements with the Ministry of Finance and other institutions that owe the water utility companies huge amounts of money. Unfortunately, the challenge is that the institutions that owe the utility companies huge sums of money are basically institutions of the Government. The Zambia Police Service, Zambia Army and hospitals owe the utility money, but we cannot withhold water supply to these institutions. Therefore, we have to continue to dialogue with them to ensure that their bills are dismantled.

 

Madam, there was also a question on non-revenue water. There was an important observation made by the Committee that huge quantities of water tapped from water sources does not reach consumers in an economic way because it is lost somewhere along the way. This is an issue that the ministry is addressing by making adequate investments in meters, and by learning from other institutions on how this issue can be addressed, we can solve the problem. 

 

Madam Speaker, we are investing in water and sanitation infrastructure. The Committee made some remarks on this area regarding the encroachment on the parcels of lands where we have our facilities. I would like to assure the House that we are addressing this issue by encouraging our utility companies to ensure that all land where they have their facilities is on title and fenced. We are also encouraging them to put beacons around their facilities.

 

Madam Speaker, concerning the rural water –

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Dr Wanchinga: Madam Speaker, the issues that have been raised by the Committee’s report are quite pertinent, and the ministry is addressing some of them. We also look forward to implementing some new ideas which have been generated by the Committee’s report.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

 The Minister of Energy (Mr Nkhuwa): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank your Committee on Energy, Water Development and Tourism for giving us that elaborate and comprehensive report on issues pertaining to the energy sector in Zambia.

 

Madam, as you may be aware, rural electrification has been identified as a priority by the Patriotic Front (PF) Government led by His Excellency, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the President of the Republic of Zambia. The Government recognises the social and economic development that the Rural Electrification Programme will bring to the lives of people in the rural areas.

Madam Speaker, the challenges and recommendations made by your Committee and some of my hon. Colleagues on the Floor of the House are very welcome, and they are well-documented by the ministry.

 

Regarding the policy and regulatory framework, the Government is aware of the weak regulatory framework that is currently governing the Rural Electrification Programme. The energy sector is undergoing sector reforms. The ministry has started by reviewing the 2008 energy policy on which the operations of the Rural Electrification Programme are anchored. Currently, the ministry is reviewing the National Energy Policy of 2008 with the support of the European Union (EU). The Revised National Energy Policy will be based on the identified gaps and proposed measures in order to take into account the changing energy policy environment and the agencies required by the Vision 2030 and the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP). The review process is undergoing a comprehensive exercise in 2019, and I envision that in 2020, we will have a new policy in place.

 

 Madam Speaker, the Bills on energy regulation and electricity have undergone a comprehensive consultative process, and I must state that we are almost concluding the process of approving them under the Executive function before we finally bring them to this august House for enactment. The Bills specifically try to address the challenges and integration of various renewable technologies and the participation of the private sector in the energy sector.

 

Madam Speaker, the ministry recently got approval from Cabinet to begin the process of repealing the current Rural Electrification Act and replacing it with an Act that will address some of the challenges that the Rural Electrification Programme is undergoing. The amendment of the Rural Electrification Act will streamline the operations of the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) as it will promote effective administration and management of the programme. This will lead to efficiency in execution of the mandate of REA of increasing access to electricity in the rural areas of Zambia. Further, the new Act will adequately address the following challenges:

 

1. the dependence on grid extension: The Act will ensure that renewable energy technologies are utilised, and the usage sensitised to our people;

 

1. mini and off-grid systems: As already stated, these are cheaper to implement, but one must bear in mind that the tariffs for the people in those areas tend to be higher than that of the grid;

 

1. low private sector participation: The Act will ensure that there is adequate participation in the private sector in the electrification of rural areas by ensuring that projects are viable and bankable for investment; and

 

1. internal wiring: As already alluded to, the mandate of REA is limited to connection of households from the grid and not internal wiring. With the current reforms, REA will go ahead with wiring of internal Government institutions.

 

Madam Speaker, on failure to return grid extension assets, it should be well-noted that REA is a grant-aided institution that does not require any compensation for property transfer to the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) Limited. Hon. Members are all aware that these two sister institutions are owned by the same Government.

 

Madam Speaker, regarding inadequate financing to REA, as already alluded to by my hon. Colleague, the hon. Minister of Finance, in her submission to the Committee, the ministry recognises the challenges that exist with remitting the electricity levy of 3 per cent on time to REA. We have agreed with my hon. Colleague to come up with modalities on how we could best ensure that the Rural Electrification Fund is disbursed on time to the institution.

 

Madam Speaker, the cost of service study faced some challenges following the withdrawal of the consultant, the Economic Consulting Associates (ECA) from the United Kingdom, from undertaking the cost of service study in June 2018. Through the Energy Regulation Board (ERB), the Government began the process of procuring a new consultant to undertake the study in December 2018. Currently, the African Development Bank (AfDB), a supporting partner on the study, is reviewing technical evaluation reports of four shortlisted bidders by the Government. Upon receiving a “no objection” from AfDB, the Government will proceed to conduct financial evaluation of the bids before selecting the successful bidder.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Belemu: Madam Speaker, I take note that we are generally in agreement with the hon. Ministers. Therefore, what we, as a Committee, will await is basically for the Action-Taken Report arising from the Committee’s report. However, I would like to re-emphasise one point which arises from the debate by the hon. Minister responsible for water development, sanitation and environmental protection. This is to the effect that what he brought out arises from the previous Committee’s report and those are matters that were not taken care of in the Action-Taken Report. It is in this regard, therefore, that I want to urge the Government that it must respond to the Action-Taken Reports in a much more serious and coherent manner.

 

Madam, with that, I wish to thank you once more and the Committee for its work.

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

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

 

Laughter

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

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The House adjourned at 1631 hours until 0900 hours on Friday, 5^th July, 2019.

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