Tuesday, 30^th July, 2019

 

The House met at 1430 hours

 

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

NATIONAL ANTHEM

 

PRAYER

 

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RULING BY MR SPEAKER

 

GUIDANCE ON THE RULES, CONVENTIONS AND TRADITIONS OF THE HOUSE ON POINT OF ORDER RAISED BY HON. J. J. MWIMBU, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR MONZE CENTRAL PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, the House will recall that on Friday, 5^th July, 2019, when the House was considering Question for Oral Answer No. 432, and the hon. Member for Chama South Parliamentary Constituency, Mr D. Mung’andu, MP, was asking a follow-up question, Hon. J. J. Mwiimbu, Leader of the Opposition and Member of Parliament for Monze Central Parliamentary Constituency raised a point of order in the following terms:

 

“Madam Speaker, I rise on a very serious privileged Motion pertaining to the deliberations of the House. I am alive to the ruling you have made that, traditionally, we do not allow hon. Members to raise points of order on presiding officers, but I am also aware that our Standing Orders allow any hon. Member to raise a privileged Motion or a point of order on anyone on the Floor of this House. There is no exception whether it is Her Honour the Vice-President or an hon. Minister on the Floor. If there is a breach, the rules are that you rise and raise the point of order contemporaneously. Further, there is no Standing Order which says you cannot raise a point of order on an hon. Minister and this House is a House of laws and regulations. Whether we have to go to precedence and procedures in other jurisdictions in the Commonwealth, such a rule does not exist. We need your guidance as to whether we should break the Standing Orders on the Floor of this House by remaining quiet because there is a rule that when somebody is a Cabinet Minister, we should not raise a point of order on them.

 

Madam Speaker, we need your guidance so that we follow what the Standing Orders say.”

 

Hon. Members, in her immediate response, the hon. Madam First Deputy Speaker guided that an hon. Member could not raise a point of order on the Chair and, therefore, the point of order was inadmissible. However, she stated that she would seize the opportunity given by the point of order to educate the House on the rules, conventions and traditions of the House on points of order. In that regard, she duly reserved her ruling. I now proceed to render that guidance on her behalf.

 

Hon. Members, I wish to point out from the outset that a point of order is an interjection during a sitting of the House by an hon. Member who does not have the Floor to call the attention of the presiding officer to an alleged violation or breach of the Assembly’s rules of procedure. To that effect, the National Assembly Members’ Handbook, 2006, defines a point of order, at page 25, in the following terms:

 

“A point of order is a question raised by a Member who believes that the rules of procedure of the House have been incorrectly applied or overlooked during the proceedings. A point of order can be raised at any time in the proceedings.”

 

Further, Standing Order 46(d) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2016, recognises a point of order as one of the permissible interruptions of debates on the Floor of the House and provides as follows:

 

“A member shall not interrupt another member who is speaking unless the member interrupting wants to call attention to a point of order on a matter of privilege.”

 

Furthermore, Standing Order 52 provides for the procedure upon a point of order being raised, and is couched in the following terms:  

 

“Upon a point of order being raised, the member then speaking shall resume his/her seat, and after the question of order has been stated to the Speaker or the Chairperson of Committees, as the case may be, by the member raising the question of order, the Speaker or the Chairperson of Committees may give his/her ruling or decision immediately or postpone the decision to a later date.”

 

Hon. Members, the import of the foregoing is that an hon. Member who seeks to draw the immediate attention of the Speaker or a presiding officer to any breach of the rules, practice or privileges of the House can raise a point of order at any time during the proceedings of the House. The Speaker or presiding officer may render his/her ruling on the point of order immediately or at a later date. It is, in this regard, clear that the rules currently do not expressly provide for points of order not to be raised when Her Honour the Vice-President or, indeed, a Cabinet Minister is on the Floor.

 

That notwithstanding, I wish to guide that the Business of the House is transacted not only in line with the Standing Orders but also conventions and practices developed by the House, over time.  In this regard, over the years, a practice has developed in which a presiding officer may elect not to permit points of order during certain segments of debate. This is not meant to take away the right of hon. Members to raise points of order, but is intended to strike a balance between the right of an hon. Member to raise a point of order and the duty of a presiding officer to ensure that the Business of the House is transacted efficiently, expeditiously and in an orderly manner, and without undue interruptions or disruptions. 

 

It is for this reason that, by practice, points of order are not admitted when, for instance, His Excellency the President is addressing the House or during the Vice-President’s Question Time.  A practice has also developed for the Speaker or a presiding officer not to allow points of order when the Vice-President or Minister is making a statement or is responding to a matter before the House.

 

In view of the foregoing, I wish to underscore the fact that an hon. Member of Parliament has the right to raise a point of order at anytime during debate. However, by practice and in order to ensure business is transacted in an efficient and orderly manner, the Speaker or a presiding officer may, in certain circumstances, elect not to permit points of order during the debates.

 

I thank you.

 

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MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

 

NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME

 

The Minister of Health (Dr Chilufya): Mr Speaker, I thank you more sincerely for giving me this opportunity to render a ministerial statement on the National Health Insurance Scheme.

 

Mr Speaker, on 9^th April, 2018, His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, signed into law the National Health Insurance Act No. 2 of 2018. This Act provides for the establishment of the compulsory National Health Insurance Scheme under the management of the National Health Insurance Management Authority. However, recognising the need for increased domestic mobilisation for health, this scheme forms the integral part of our health care financing strategy. Indeed, the Government acknowledges that the attainment of our national goal for universal health coverage relies broadly on the sustainable mobilisation of revenue, adequate pooling of resources and responsible purchase of health services and commodities. As such, the National Health Insurance Scheme forms an integral part of the path towards the attainment of universal health coverage.

 

Mr Speaker, the National Health Insurance Act No. 2 of 2018 provides for the establishment of the National Health Insurance Management Authority which will implement the insurance scheme. The authority will manage the National Health Insurance Fund into which all the eligible citizens, based on the progressive ability to pay, will contribute a monthly premium. The authority will, in turn, purchase, on behalf of the Zambian people, a defined package of health care services from accredited public and private health care providers.

 

Mr Speaker, we have not been resting on our laurels. Over the past year, enabling legislation was passed, a number of critical milestones have been reached and a technical team has also been working hard to finalise the operational modalities.

 

Mr Speaker, I will go through the milestones:

 

Organisation and Governance Structures

 

Mr Speaker, the board of the National Health Insurance Management Authority was inaugurated on 15^th March, 2019, in accordance with the National Health Insurance Act.

 

Staff Recruitment

 

Mr Speaker, the Director General of the National Health Insurance Management Authority has been appointed and he will lead the implementation of the scheme. The staff recruitment is under way and up to date. So far, seven initial staff have been recruited.

 

Business Case

 

Mr Speaker, we have concluded the feasibility and actuarial studies. We have conducted thorough research and assessments. We have also developed a sustainable business case that fits our needs. The analysis and assessment will continue as we gain actual utilisation data during the implementation phase and the system will be adjusted to iron out any kinks over time.

 

Regulations

 

 Mr Speaker, working with various stakeholders and the Ministry of Justice, we are now finalising the regulations which will provide for the efficient administration of the National Health Insurance Act No. 12 of 2018. The regulations will provide the detailed procedures governing the registration of employers and beneficiaries, contributions, records and various related provisions.

 

Contributions

 

Mr Speaker, in line with the signed collective agreement of 2018, deductions of 1 per cent of the earnings of formal employees matched by a 1 per cent employer contribution will begin in August 2019. These contributions will be paid into the National Health Insurance Fund. In sticking to the actuarial valuation that supports the business case, a four month waiting period is needed before commencement of service provision. This period allows for final preparations and testing of the systems as well as accumulates reserves for solvency of the scheme. Further, also note that funds are not immediately required because, to enhance solvency of the fund, payments will be invested in short-term instruments.

 

Mr Speaker, the scheme will be phased, starting with the formally employed, both in the public and private sectors, and it will be expanded to include informal sectors and vulnerable groups. The Government will make contributions on behalf of indigent persons as identified by existing systems under the Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare. The details of contribution rates for the informal sector will be informed by further analytical work from the first phase so as to ensure sustainability of the fund.

 

Communication Strategy

 

Mr Speaker, as we embark on this important work, we recognise the need to continue to educate and inform the nation of the system and design, requirements and benefits. A public education campaign will continue to be rolled out over the next several months to provide more information and address concerns as they arise. We have continued to engage key stakeholders, unions, associations and the public. This engagement has been heightened, leading to the commencement of the deductions next month end. A deliberate effort will be made to communicate on local language platforms in all the ten provinces of the country.

 

Systems Capability

 

Mr Speaker, a third-party administration company is being sourced in order to enhance Information Communication Technology (ICT) capability and implementation efficiency in the establishment and management of the scheme. The National Health Insurance ICT System will offer capability monitoring and administering of the National Health Insurance System, carry out registration of beneficiaries, issue smart cards, maintain a record of all beneficiaries and contributors, collect contributions, process claims and pay from the National Health Insurance Fund benefits as agreed between health care providers and the authority, and provide checks and balances to prevent fraud.

 

Essential Health Care Benefit Package

 

Mr Speaker, members will have access to an essential health care benefit package at primary, secondary, tertiary and specialised level. This will include medical services ranging from registration or consultation fees, investigations, pharmaceuticals, inpatient services, surgical services, ambulance, mobile and referral services, annual medical check-ups, medical health, mental health, health promotion activities, maternal and paediatric services, dental and vision care.

 

Accreditation and Publication of Accredited Facilities

 

Mr Speaker, arrangements have been put in place to facilitate accreditation and contracting of public and private providers. In conjunction with the Health Professionals Council of Zambia (HPCZ), a list of accredited public health care facilities will be published in the print media. These are the facilities where members will go for services. Hon. Members will further be able to access services from accredited public and private providers countrywide.

 

Registration of Members

 

Mr Speaker, following the commencement of deductions, in the initial phase, a registration drive will aim to capture in access of 700,000 formally employed individuals in both the public and private sectors. This exercise will subsequently be expanded to a community based registration of self-employed individuals. Further, we plan to work with associations of the people in the informal sector for registration and capturing of contributions.

 

Mr Speaker, let me conclude by emphasising that health care is a basic human right and that investing in health is an important and crucial undertaking in ensuring that we achieve national socio-economic development. The National Health Insurance Scheme is just one component of a comprehensive strategy to steer our health system towards greater efficiency, improved quality and financial sustainability. The National Health Insurance will also remove the need for out-of-pocket payments.

 

Mr Speaker, I would like to end by encouraging all citizens that the National Health Insurance is not a tax, but a subsidy as the pooled funds will result in reduced premiums for all. It will remove the out-of-pocket payment which is a barrier to health care. I encourage the entire nation and hon. Members of Parliament to get on board and be part of this transformation. Let us focus our collective energy on ensuring the successful implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme as it will assure universal health coverage.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

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

 

Mr Kabanda (Serenje): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the elaborate and eloquent statement on the National Health Insurance Scheme which the hard working Government has introduced. There has been a lot of disquiet by members of the public and some fire-side discussions regarding the fact that the insurance scheme is a tax on the public servants have been going on. To me, it seems there has not been much publicity or education because this, in essence, is intended to improve universal health coverage on a cost-sharing basis. What exactly is the ministry doing to make people understand that the scheme is not a tax, but a cost-sharing mechanism to improve the health facilities in this country?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, stakeholders were involved from the word go. From inception, provincial visits were made in order to engage the public, unions and various stakeholders. Likewise during the legislative period, appropriate stakeholders were engaged at various phases. Further, as we are in the primordial phase of the National Health Insurance Scheme, we have continued engaging all stakeholders. Like I said in my statement, a communication strategy has been set up, and the public will be engaged in various ways, including stakeholders who may be sceptical today. However, appropriate consultation, which is necessary before the enactment of the law, was carried out, and the communication strategy still recognises the need for continuous engagement.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mukosa (Chinsali): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that the National Health Insurance Scheme is not a tax but a subsidy. Could the hon. Minister explain to the people of Zambia, through this House, how the National Health Insurance Scheme is going to benefit them?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, when one falls ill, there are two problems. Firstly, he/she is sick and, secondly, he/she needs to seek medical services. However, he/she has to pay for those services out of his/her pockets. Often times, people fail to access services because at the time they are sick, they do not have money in their pockets. At the time a person is sick or his/her family member is sick, he/she has to pay the consultation fee, whether at a public or private institution, and an investigations fee. It is not uncommon for one visit to cost in excess of K3,000, be it in the public or private sector, or to cost more than K10,000 depending on the investigations, but not many Zambians can afford that. However, with a 1 per cent contribution, for example, for a worker salaried at K5,000, it is K50 and that worker, the spouse and his many children will access health services without having to pay a coin whenever any of them fall sick. That is a significant subsidy and it will come out of the pooled fund, thereby reducing the premium.

 

Mr Speaker, ten visits to a health facility can collapse the household economy because of the escalating cost of health care both in public and private institutions. Therefore, the Government is removing the need to have money in your pocket when you are sick. By contributing a small amount, you will create access to health care services for the contributor and the rest of the family members in that household.

 

Therefore, the scheme is a significant relief on the part of the worker. Today, many workers have to borrow money from Shylocks or financial institutions just to access health care services, be it surgical or ordinary. However, with this scheme, we will remove the need for workers to go and borrow money when they are sick because there is no need for an out-of-pocket payment. If you compare the 1 per cent, which is K50, and the cost associated with keeping patients or paying for a patient, you will notice that the variance is huge.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the National Health Insurance Scheme. If I heard him correctly, he said that research has been conducted and actuarial data has been put in place. How will the informal sector or a common villager, who will not contribute the 1 per cent, be covered under the scheme?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the community package is being worked out. There will be contributions that will be informed by further analytical work, like I said in the statement. I want the hon. Member for Ikeleng’i to know that the scheme will have members who are salaried, whether in the private or public sector, and those who are just in the communities. So, some work is being undertaken and in the next phase, which will commence very soon, appropriate figures for people in communities to contribute will be produced. That package is called a Community Health Insurance Scheme and it is still being worked out.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mukonge (Lukashya): Mr Speaker, my question has been overtaken by the previous one. I wanted to know how the informal sector will contribute to the scheme.

 

Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether employees from companies or institutions such as the National Assembly and the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO), who have their own medical schemes, are going to contribute to the National Health Insurance.

 

 Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the National Health Insurance Act No. 2 of 2018 introduced a national and compulsory health insurance scheme. So, everyone will have to contribute and be part of this scheme.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Dr Chibanda (Mufulira): Mr Speaker, is the authority going to be spread out across the country or will it be limited to Lusaka?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the authority will be countrywide. The third party administrator is set to have infrastructure countrywide, and we also have infrastructure at all sub-national levels. So, it will be nationwide.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Kasonso (Solwezi West): Mr Speaker, this is the first time that the Government is introducing an insurance scheme in this country. Obviously, it will have various challenges. Currently, various stakeholders and members of the public still have concerns and they would like to engage the ministry. Is the hon. Minister prepared to listen to them even at this late hour?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, we are a very open Government. We have been engaging the stakeholders throughout, and even at this stage, we have continued to engage them and we are ready to engage more stakeholders.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mwila (Chimwemwe): Mr Speaker, currently, the Government hospitals have high cost and low cost admission wards. Which of these two will be applicable to people who will be contributing to the scheme?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the essential benefit package shall be standard. There will be those who may want to subscribe for a higher package who will be separate, but the essential package will be decent and will be at a level that no one will easily distinguish whether it is low or high cost.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Lihefu (Manyinga): Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister elaborate more on whether the scheme has been welcomed by the public?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the National Health Insurance Scheme has been welcomed by the public as seen during the stakeholder consultative period, and the legislative period. Onward consultations and engagements with various stakeholders have drawn some support. Yes, some people may have doubts, but we accommodate those as well and we will continue engaging them to ensure that at the end of the day, we do not leave any one behind. The scheme is a solution to health care financing and universal health coverage. Many people have understood the benefits of the scheme and how this subsidises their finances, especially after the scheme has been explained to them.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Speaker: I will take the last four questions from the hon. Member for Livingstone, the hon. Member for Kantanshi, the hon. Member for Solwezi East, and the last intervention will be from the hon. Member for Milanzi.

 

Mr Jere (Livingstone): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether a citizen classified as poor or vulnerable will be exempted from contributing to the scheme. Has the Government already started implementing the scheme? If so, how many people will be exempted from contributing to the scheme?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, we work with various arms of the Government and there are people who appear on various data bases who need support on social services. However, we will continue working closely with our colleagues who are dealing with vulnerable people in addition to those we meet in the course of duty. This is a solidarity model. It leaves no one behind. So, those who are assessed and will be assessed to be vulnerable will be exempted, and the Government will move in to help them. At the moment, people who come to the hospitals and are unable to pay are exempted. We do not send away people who are vulnerable and are very ill.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr A. C. Mumba (Kantanshi): Mr Speaker, I would like to draw the hon. Minister’s attention to the response he gave Hon. Ng’onga relating to the new National Health Insurance Authority taking over the insurance contributions that are currently being made by, for example, the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) and the Zambia Telecommunication Company Limited (ZAMTEL). Does he not think he is infringing on the rights of individuals, especially those who have continued to benefit through their contributions in the various companies they work for? Does he not think that the National Health Insurance Scheme should have left a provision for options, especially that it is new and might not provide the services provided by insurance companies that are currently being enjoyed by individuals working in various companies.

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, the National Health Insurance Authority will work closely with various insurance companies. However, the involvement or participation in the National Health Insurance Scheme is compulsory. How that is related to other companies that already have insurance schemes is a matter of technical detail. However, the rule is that every citizen will participate in the compulsory National Health Insurance Scheme.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Kintu (Solwezi East): Mr Speaker, the facilities in most public hospitals are quite poor while those in the private sector are better. With the introduction of the insurance scheme, how will the ministry handle the situation whereby people might drift to private hospitals and shun public hospitals?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, first of all, I would like to state that public hospitals are the best equipped hospitals in the country, both in terms of equipment and the level of specialised human capital. It would be important for us to take interest in the modernisation and the upscale of the services that we see at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), and various other hospitals. Our hospitals are equipped with cardiac catheterisation machinery which allows doctors to carry out cross heart surgery, a facility which is not found in any private hospital. Kidney transplant surgeries can be conducted at UTH. This cannot be done at in any private hospital in the country. We are able to carry out complex neural surgical procedures, and the standards have been improving not only at that level, but in terms of nursing because of the consistent investment in human capital.

 

Mr Speaker, private and public institutions will work together in order to spread out services to all Zambians. However, the perception that the public sector has poorer services is not correct. We have the best hospitals, equipment, physicians, surgeons and pediatricians. I would like to assure the hon. Member that when he goes to the UTH, he will get the care that he will not get from anywhere else. So, there is no competition, but complementarity.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr W. Banda (Milanzi): Mr Speaker, in other countries like Rwanda, the National Health Insurance Scheme is run by national social security institutions. Does the Ministry of Health have the capacity to effectively run the National Health Insurance Scheme?

 

Dr Chilufya: Mr Speaker, we have studied the Rwandan model. We undertook a study tour to Rwanda, and the model we are currently using is similar to the Rwandan model. The National Health Insurance Scheme is a scheme for the Ministry of Health to raise finances to provide health services to all Zambians. The Rwandan model, which we are adapting, has a community component, where there is a scheme for communities to contribute, and the ministry works with third-party administrators. In the same way, we will be working with third-party administrators in Zambia in order to ensure that we collect money from the community and pool the resources in the fund so that no one is left behind.

 

Sir, let me take this opportunity to remind all of us that we have embraced schemes where we prepare an amount of money for us to have a comfortable funeral when we die. We prepare a small amount of money so that when we die, there is a coffin and food at the funeral house. So, there is nothing wrong with people preparing a small amount of money so that when they are sick, they can access health services, including their spouses and children. We pay for car insurance so that when we are involved in an accident and do not have money, the car can be repaired. Honestly, when we puncture our health, there should be an opportunity to be fixed without having money in the pocket. So, this is not a burden, but a relief and assurance that even when one does not have money in his/her pockets, he/she will still access health services.

 

Mr Speaker, the scheme is transformative in nature. It is the way to go in terms of the global health agenda, and there is no country today that is posting significant progress in universal health coverage that is relying on the traditional model of funding, that is, through the Treasury. The scheme is innovative and sustainable, and I urge all of us to absorb and embrace it. If we checked the pay slips of the masses, or where they work, and their private life, we would find that they have access to insurance. In Zambia, we are only at 4 per cent. However, with the introduction of the compulsory health insurance, we will move to 100 per cent in a few years.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

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QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

 

ILLEGAL MINERS CLASHES

 

493. Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i) (on behalf of Mr Samakayi (Mwinilunga)) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

 

1. whether the Government is aware that on Saturday, 20^th July, 2019, several people were injured following clashes between the local people and illegal miners in Kansensele area in Chief Chibwika’s Chiefdom in Mwinilunga District;

 

1. if so, what the cause of the clash was;

 

1. what urgent measures the Government is taking to restore law and order in the area; and

 

1. what long-terms measures the Government is taking to curb mining related violence.

 

The Minister of Justice (Mr Lubinda) (on behalf of the Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Kampyongo)): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government is aware of the clashes. However, the clashes were not between the local people and illegal miners, but between workers of a company called Kampoko Mining and Exploration Limited and illegal miners. They took place on Saturday, 20^th July, 2019, in the Kansensele area in Chief Chibwika’s Chiefdom, Mwinilunga District.

 

 Sir, I also ought to state that there was only one person who was injured and, that is, a police officer who was assaulted. The cause of the clash was a territorial dispute between illegal miners and Kampoko Mining and Exploration Limited. The Zambia Police Service intervened and restored law and order. During the operation, only riot equipment was used. Like I said, only a police officer was injured and the situation has since returned to normal.

 

Mr Speaker, to prevent any further breakdown of law and order, the Zambia Police Service has since deployed more officers to guard and patrol the area alongside security guards deployed by Kampoko Mining and Exploration Limited. Currently, the situation is under control and the Zambia Police Service is closely monitoring the situation. In the long term, two measures have been recommended to the mining company. Firstly, it intends to fence off the mining areas and restrict entry. Secondly, it will deploy more security guards to ensure the fences are not breached by illegal miners and other unauthorised persons.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, as I rise to pose a question to the hon. Minister of Justice, who is responding on behalf of the hon. Minister of Home Affairs, I would like you to take judicial notice of the happenings in the mining sector vis-à-vis illegal miners.

 

Sir, the issue of illegal miners taking the law in their own hands is getting out of hand. Last week, illegal miners on the Copperbelt also rioted and had an altercation with the police, and a similar incident has now happened in Mwinilunga. It would appear that the Government is tolerating the tradition of allowing illegal miners to take the law in their own hands, and I have in mind what is happening on the Copperbelt. What measures is the Government putting in place to ensure that sanity returns to the mining sector?                  

 

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, in response to Hon. Samakayi’s question, who wanted to know what long-term measures the Government is taking to curb mining related violence, I indicated two measures, and I am sure everybody was listening. The two measures that have been recommended to mining companies are that they fence off their mining areas, and deploy security guards to ensure that the fences are not breached by illegal miners. I further indicated that in this particular case, the illegal miners, who clashed with the workers, were dispersed by the police. Let me hasten to say that nine of them were actually arrested and shall appear in court charged with theft, and these are the measures that the Government is taking. So, the clarion call to all those who are engaging in illegal mining is that the law will visit them once they are caught.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, I wonder whether the Government has been on the ground because the hon. Minister’s response is totally different from what was on the ground. The clash was between the police and some cadres of a known party. They fought over gold, which was stolen, and the police arrested some of the culprits. Has the hon. Minister been on the ground to tell exactly what is obtaining, as compared to the story that he has narrated to the House?

 

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member’s question was: Whether the Government is aware that on Saturday, 20^th July, 2019, several people were injured following clashes between the local people and illegal miners. Therefore, the author of the question knew exactly what was happening and he did not say that the clash involved political cadres of a known political party. He assumed that the local people clashed with illegal miners and not the police.

 

Sir, for the sake of clarity, the Government is always on the ground everywhere. So, make no mistake about it, the information we have is from the Government operatives in the area of concern and they are the ones who indicated to us that the clash was between the workers of the company I mentioned, and illegal miners, but not the police. The police went to quell that clash. In the process, of course, there may have been skirmishes. That is the reason I indicated that one person was injured and that this person happened to be a police officer. That police officer could not have been injured if there was no resistance from those who had engaged in the clash. I hope I have made this clear.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Lihefu (Manyinga): Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that some senior security officers from the Zambia Police Service are among the people who are conducting illegal mining in Kansensele area in Chief Chibwika’s Chiefdom, and that is why the local people were upset? What is the Government doing to bring these officers to book?

 

Mr Speaker: I am getting concerned with the line of supplementary questions. Instead of dwelling on the hon. Minister’s response, we are now introducing new issues unrelated to the main question. If there are other activities or events taking place, you are at liberty to raise those issues in your own substantive questions, then, your colleagues on the right will give appropriate responses. This is not the occasion to bring all manner of accounts that we have heard of or have been told or witnessed. The follow up should relate to the question as framed on the Order Paper and the hon. Minister’s response.

 

Mr Kabanda (Serenje): Mr Speaker, before mining licences are issued, a co-ordinate indicating the extent of the area that will be covered by a particular mine is obtained. It is like a title deed. It has a surveyor’s diagram, which shows the extent of the plot, inside. Therefore, it is surprising to hear that the villagers are fighting over a particular piece of land which has minerals. I do not know how this has come about when the mining area is well defined. How does one encroach on another person’s area of operation?

 

Mr Speaker: This is the same counsel I have been giving. You now want the hon. Minister to start speculating about diagrams, areas or clashes? If there are no further questions, we can just move on. Maybe, the hon. Minister has been very clear.

 

Dr Malama (Kanchibiya): Mr Speaker, assaulting a police officer is a very serious issue, and for violence to be quelled, law enforcement officers need to be protected. Have the perpetrators been arrested?

 

Mr Lubinda: Yes, Sir. I indicated that nine illegal miners were arrested and they will appear in court soon.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

MKUSHI SOUTH BOARDING SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION

 

  494. Mr Chisopa (Mkushi South) asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:

 

1. when the contract for the construction of Mkushi South Boarding School was awarded;

 

1. what the contract sum is;

 

1. how much money had been paid to the contractor as of December, 2018;

 

1. how much work, in percentage terms, has been executed on the project so far;

 

1. why the contractor is not on site; and

 

1. when works on the project will be completed.

 

The Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development (Mr Mwale): Mr Speaker, the contract for the construction of Mkushi South Boarding School was awarded on 4^th July, 2013.

 

Sir, the contract sum is K44,030,740.12. 

 

Mr Speaker, as of December 2018, the contractor had been paid K10,228,058.95.

 

Sir, as at December 2018, the contractor had only done 30 per cent of the works.

 

Mr Speaker, the contractor is currently on site.

 

Sir, the current revised date for completion is 15^th December, 2019, if the funds are made available.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker. 

 

Mr Chisopa: Mr Speaker, the classroom blocks and some of the houses are almost 90 per cent complete. If the funds are not readily available, why not consider finishing the boarding school in phases so that the buildings do not depreciate because of the vandalism taking place?

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, we intend to find all the money required to finish the school. However, we can liaise with the Ministry of General Education to see if one or two classroom blocks and houses are almost complete and if that would enable it to open this school. I think that would depend on whether the ministry thinks opening the school in phases is the best way to go or not. However, we are trying our best to find the money to finish the school so that it can be operational.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, the Government stated on the Floor of the House that all projects that are 80 per cent and above will be completed this year, but the hon. Minister said that the project will be completed when money is available. Hon. Ministers have stated that some projects will be completed this year, but it will be August the day after tomorrow, meaning we have four months left before the end of the year. When exactly is the Government going to find money to finish all the projects which are 80 per cent complete and above?

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, I said that the project is 30 per cent complete, and the hon. Member for Mkushi South talked about a classroom and some houses. The entire project is 30 per cent complete and, therefore, it does not qualify to tap in to the fund which has been set aside for projects that are above 80 per cent complete.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

CHIPESO AREA ELECTRIFICATION

 

495.  Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) (on behalf of Ms Kasanda (Chisamba)) asked the Minister of Energy:

 

1. why the electrification of Chipeso area in Katuba Parliamentary Constituency has stalled;

 

1. when works on the project will resume;

 

1. when the electrification of the rest of the constituency by the Rural Electrification Authority will commence;

 

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

 

1. why the electrification is more expensive in Katuba than elsewhere in the country.

 

The Minister of Energy (Mr Nkhuwa): Mr Speaker, in 2018, a feasibility study was conducted to ascertain the scope and cost of electrifying Chipeso area in Katuba Parliamentary Constituency. However, works could not commence due to budget constraints.

 

Sir, works on the project have not yet commenced, and they will only commence when funds are made available.

Mr Speaker, the electrification of Katuba Constituency is in phases with Phase I covering the Chipeso area. Therefore, when funds are made available, the other parts of Katuba Parliamentary Constituency will be considered for electrification. However, the actual implementation of the project will be subject to the availability of funds.

 

Sir, based on the scope of Phase I which will cover the Chipeso area, the project implementation period is expected to be ten months.

 

Mr Speaker, the electrification exercise in Katuba is not more expensive than elsewhere in the country because the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) uses standard methods to determine the cost of all electrification projects that are governed by several factors such as the project distance from the existing power line, the terrain of the area and the population.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that feasibility studies were conducted for the electrification of the Chipeso area, including Chipeso Clinic, but that the project has not commenced due to non-availability of funds. Feasibility studies have been done, but there are no funds, and the project is awaiting the availability of funds. Does the ministry expect to have these funds before the expiration of the feasibility study and, if so, when?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, this project is already in our books and we should be able to tackle it next year.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Muchima: Mr Speaker, of late, it appears that the Government has completely no money and it always states that projects will be done when money will be made available, including the one in Katuba. Are there any projects that are being financed this year that are causing the Government to not work on the project in Katuba? Are there any projects that are being financed this year out of the budget the ministry was given?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, REA is working on some projects. One such project is the Macha/Dundumwezi Power Line where people are cutting poles.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Ah!

 

Mr Nkhuwa: That project is ongoing and we have put the poles and done the stringing. So, the Government is working on other projects, but it is not yet ready to start working on this particular project in Katuba.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Lihefu: Mr Speaker, how much money was spent on the feasibility study that was conducted in the Chipeso area of Katuba Parliamentary Constituency?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, I do not know how much was spent, but I can bring that information at an appropriate time.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Nanjuwa (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, what is the cost of the whole project which, as the hon. Minister stated, falls due in 2020?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, I do not have that answer at the moment. I wish that question was part of the main question because we would have come with all the information.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that feasibility studies were conducted around the Chipeso area and they include Chipeso Clinic. What activities were embarked on in the feasibility studies if the cost of the project is not known? Which other activities were undertaken if costing is not part of the feasibility studies?

 

 Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, like I said, the cost of a project is determined by factors such as the terrain, as some areas are mountainous while others are in a dambo, the distance from where power is tapped and the population of the area. If an area has a bigger population, more people are likely to be covered and it is much easier to implement the project, as it helps to bring its cost down because many people get connected to that line. Otherwise, if the main question was about the cost of the feasibility study, I would have come with that it. However, I can bring that figure and share it with the hon. Member.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo): Mr Speaker, after some persuasion, the hon. Minister indicated that the project will be done by the end of next year. Given the trend in terms of funding various projects, especially those under the Ministry of Energy, how certain is the hon. Minister that the hon. Minister of Finance will avail the necessary funding to fulfil the assurance he has made today on the Floor of the House?

 

Mr Nkhuwa: Mr Speaker, we receive money from the Ministry of Finance for the projects that we implement. I know that we should be able to consider it when we get the next funding because of where this project is sited. So, we will definitely apply the next funding that we will receive from the Ministry of Finance on this project.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

COFFEE PRODUCTION

 

496. Mr Simfukwe (Mbala) asked the Minister of Agriculture:

 

1. how many metric tonnes of coffee were produced by Olam Coffee Company in 2017 and 2018 in the following places in the Northern Province:

 

1. Kateshi;

 

1. Ngoli; and

 

1.  Nsanya;

 

1. how many metric tonnes of coffee were produced by subsistence farmers through the out grower scheme in the same period;

 

1. if none, whether the Government has any plans to persuade the company to promote out grower schemes in Mbala and other districts in the province; and

 

1. how many metric tonnes of coffee were exported in the period at (a).

 

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr Katambo): Mr Speaker, the total amount of coffee in tonnes produced by Olam Coffee Company in 2017 and 2018 in the following places was:

        

Place                     Production in 2017                       Production in 2018

                                                                                   

Kateshi                    736 metric tonnes                          738 metric tonnes

 

Ngoli                       301 metric tonnes             242 metric tonnes

 

Nsanya                1,040 metric tonnes                           748 metric tonnes

 

Total                                                                         2,077 metric tones

 

                                                                                 1,728 metric tonnes

Sir, the subsistence farmers have not yet started producing coffee through the out grower scheme as the coffee has not yet reached maturity and, therefore, they have not yet started production. Depending on the success of the out grower schemes in the above-mentioned areas, there are plans to persuade the company to extend the out grower scheme to other districts including Mbala.

 

Mr Speaker, the total amount of coffee exported in 2017 was 682 metric tonnes, while in 2018, it was 2,027 metric tonnes.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Simfukwe: Mr Speaker, three years ago, Olam Coffee Company assured the then hon. Minister of Finance, Hon. Chikwanda, that its out grower scheme had started. I do not know why it has no figures of how much coffee has been produced through the out grower scheme. I would like to learn from the hon. Minister why there are no figures for the out grower scheme, yet three years ago, this company assured the hon. Minister of Finance that its out grower scheme had already started?

 

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, if the hon. Member heard me clearly when I was responding to part (b) of the question, I indicated that subsistence farmers have not yet started producing coffee through the out grower scheme as the coffee has not yet reached maturity. However, there is an out grower scheme within the catchment area where Olam Coffee Company is producing coffee in Kasama.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr A. C. Mumba (Kantanshi): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister will agree with me that some countries such as Ethiopia, Rwanda and many others are doing very well economically because of exporting coffee. What is the ministry doing to encourage more production of coffee to enhance the export of coffee, a product which has a very high value on the international market?

 

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, the ministry is engaging companies that are producing coffee in Zambia and creating market linkages for the same companies. I can firmly confirm that quite a number of coffee growers are exporting coffee to the United States of America (USA), Japan and South Korea.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, in order for us to know how lucrative the production and export of coffee is, would the hon. Minster have the figures of the total value of the 682 metric tonnes and 2,027 metric tonnes of coffee that were exported in 2017 and 2018 respectively?

 

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, coffee prices range between US$2,000 to US$2,250 per metric tonnes on the world market. The hon. Member for Kabompo would be in a position to calculate the amount of coffee produced, and the price of coffee on the world market.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Simfukwe: Mr Speaker, I am grateful to the hon. Minister for mentioning the value of coffee which makes the price of maize at K115 per 50 kg  bag stand at 10 per cent of the price of coffee. So, coffee is a very important crop for the empowerment of our people. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister if the out grower arrangement has been formalised with Olam Coffee Company or has it been left to Olam Coffee Company to decide, at its own discretion, whether it should do it or not?

 

Mr Katambo: Mr Speaker, Olam Coffee Company wants huge quantities of coffee, like I mentioned, because of the hectarage which it is covering and its engagement with the out grower schemes within the catchment area. So, Olam Coffee Company is, indeed, a market link to the farmers who are engaged in the out grower schemes within the catchment area. There is a ready market for this coffee and Olam Coffee Company is able to start buying from these farmers.

 

Sir, let me indicate that there are quite a number of farmers within the catchment area. There are about 247 farmers who are engaged in other crop commodities such as soya beans and they are also engaged by the same company. These farmers are cultivating about 63 ha of land and are also engaged in an out grower scheme. They are selling their soya beans to Olam Coffee Company. Equally, with regard to coffee inputs and other necessities, we have identified farmers who are engaged in out grower schemes in the catchment area, and Olam Coffee Company is implementing this out grower programme.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

SOLWEZI EAST SECONDARY SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION

 

497. Mr Kintu (Solwezi East) asked the Minister of General Education:

 

1. when the construction of the following secondary schools in Solwezi East Parliamentary Constituency will commence;

 

1. Kichikwe;

 

1. Mapunga; and

 

1. Yowela;

 

1. whether the schools will have boarding facilities; and

 

1. what the mode of financing for the projects is.

 

The Minister of General Education (Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, in the immediate future, we do not have any plans to construct secondary schools at Kichikwe, Mapunga and Yowela in Solwezi East Parliamentary Constituency. In view of that answer, part (b) and (c) of the question fall away.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Kintu: Mr Speaker, I know that these schools were gazetted by the Government to be constructed using a loan from the World Bank loan or other funds. Why is the hon. Minister telling us that the Government has no plans to construct the above-mentioned schools?

 

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, at the moment, the ministry is constructing 197 secondary schools. Out of these, 115 secondary schools are being financed through the Ministry of Finance and eighty-two by the World Bank. As a consequence of that, the limited money allocated in the budget for school infrastructure is targeted at completing the on-going construction of these secondary schools before we begin new projects.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

GOVERNMENT HOUSES POLICY

 

498. Mr Mwila (Chimwemwe) asked the Minister of General Education:

 

1. what the policy on the occupation of Government houses by retired teachers is;

 

1. what the total number of institutional houses occupied by retired teachers in Chimwemwe Parliamentary Constituency in the following categories was, as of 31^st December, 2018;

 

1. teachers awaiting payment of retirement benefits, but paid repatriation allowance; and

 

1. teachers paid both the retirement benefits and repatriation allowance; and

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to sell the institutional houses to sitting tenants.

 

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the Government policy on the occupation of Government houses by retired officers is that they should vacate the houses after they have received their repatriation package. The Employment Code Act Cap 33 states that:

 

“Where an employee has been brought from a place by the employment agency acting on behalf of the employer, the employer shall pay the prescribed expenses of repatriating the employee to the place from which the employee was brought on the expiry of the period of service specified in the contract.”

 

Further, the House may wish to note that retired officers who have been repatriated, but have not received their retirement benefits, are retained on the retiree’s payroll where they are not entitled to any transport or housing allowance. This implies that they should vacate institutional houses upon receiving their repatriation.

 

Mr Speaker, the total number of teachers who were awaiting the payment of retirement benefits, but were not paid repatriation allowance from Chimwemwe was zero. The number of teachers who were paid both retirement benefits and repatriation allowances is eight. However, the Government has no plans to sell institutional houses.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Mwila: Mr Speaker, what procedure should school authorities take in ensuring that retired teachers who have received their benefits are evicted? Are they supposed to use the local police or local councils?

 

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I would be very reluctant to say that they should use the police. Like I stated, once retired officers are paid repatriation allowances, they are supposed to be served with a notice to vacate the house as the law provides in their conditions of service. In circumstances where, maybe, they are very reluctant to vacate the houses, we can probably follow the procedure and ask the police or other Government departments to help us evict them using force. However, under normal circumstances, the conditions are very explicit. Upon being paid repatriation allowances, retired officers are supposed to vacate the houses.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister stated that teachers who have not yet been paid retirement benefits have remained on the payroll. What a good gesture! Would the Government tolerate somebody who wants to persuade it to remove them on the payroll before they are paid their retirement benefits?

 

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the current Constitution allows the Government to put them on the payroll. If the law that governs this particular arrangement changes, who am I to say they should stay in those houses? So, for now, as far as the Government is concerned, our Constitution, which is the supreme law, allows retired officers who have not yet been paid their retirement benefits to remain on the payroll. However, if the law changes, then, the circumstances change.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

NATIONAL PROSECUTION AUTHORITY PROSECUTORS

 

499. Mr Chabi (Chipili) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

 

1. whether the public prosecutors that have been deployed to the National Prosecution Authority from the Zambia Police Service have been given new conditions of service;

 

1. whether the officers have been retired from the Zambia Police Service;

 

1. if so, whether retirement benefits had been paid to the officers as of May, 2019; and

 

1. if the benefits had not been paid, why.

 

Mr Lubinda (on behalf of Mr Kampyongo): Mr Speaker, all officers who were deployed to the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) from the Zambia Police Service and other agencies that had prosecutorial powers such as the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), in keeping with Article 180(3) of the Constitution of Zambia, have been given new conditions of service at the NPA, on whose payroll they now appear.

 

Sir, the officers were not retired from the Zambia Police Service because they were simply redeployed or transferred from the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Ministry of Justice. The officers have not been paid retirement benefits because, like I said, they have not retired, and will be paid their terminal benefits upon attaining retirement age. Therefore, they have not been paid retirement packages because of that reason. The officers are serving the Government of the Republic of Zambia as they used to except now, they are doing so under the Ministry of Justice.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Chabi: Mr Speaker, one of the benefits that these officers are entitled to is that of leave days. Now that they have moved from the Zambia Police Service, the Immigration Department and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) to the NPA, who will pay them their leave days? Is it their former stations or the NPA?

 

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, the officers have accrued rights and their rights are transferable because they are serving one and the same Government. So, if they had loans when they were serving the Zambia Police Service, for example, those loans will be recovered by the NPA. In a similar vein, if they had entitlements such as leave days, they will be granted those entitlements while serving the NPA under the Ministry of Justice.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Lihefu: Mr Speaker, what criteria does the ministry use to redeploy officers from one section of the Government to another?

 

Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank my hon. Colleague for asking that question. There are many reasons civil servants are transferred from one ministry to another, and I cannot give the long list of the criteria used. However, if I limit myself to the issue of prosecutors that was raised by Hon. Chabi, I can only say that this was necessitated by the change of law when the NPA was established. Article 180(3) of the Constitution clearly states that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) shall be the Chief Government Prosecutor and that he/she shall supervise all prosecutors. However, because of this shift in the law, all prosecutors that were domiciled in different ministries had to be brought together under the DPP in the NPA.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Chabi: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has indicated the department that will pay the officers their leave terminal benefits, but is he in a position to indicate when this will be done?

 

Mr Speaker: The hon. Minister has indicated that these are accrued rights and that they are transferable. I think that it ends there. Once you transfer the service, it means you invoke your rights under the transferred service. We will end up asking whether they will get the August pay.

 

PIPED WATER PROVISION

 

 500. Mr Mukosa (Chinsali) asked the Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection:

 

(a)        whether the Government has any plans to provide piped water to Nambuluma area in Munwa Kubili Ward in Chinsali Parliamentary Constituency;

 

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

 

(c)        if there are no such plans, why?

 

The Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection (Dr Wanchinga): Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to provide piped water to Nambuluma area of Munwa Kubili Ward of Chinsali Parliamentary Constituency.

 

Sir, I would like to inform hon. Members of the House that these plans are currently being implemented. Chambeshi Water and Sewerage Company, which superintends the area under the ministry, is currently implementing the Chinsali Water Supply and Rehabilitation Project at a total cost of K40.8 million. This project is fully funded by the Government of the Republic of Zambia.

 

Mr Speaker, the components of this project include the construction of a dam, the installation of a water treatment plant and pump house, the construction of a transmission line for water and the construction of water storage reservoirs and new water networks within the township. It also includes the installation of water meters.

 

Sir, the overall progress made is at 95 per cent, with the remaining major works being the commissioning of the high lift pump station, the construction of four elevated steel tanks and the flushing of the distribution networks as well as the installation of water meters.

 

Mr Speaker, upon completion, this project will improve the hours of water supply for the Chinsali area from 0800 hours to 2400 hours. Residents will be able to access water at any time of the day and night. A total of fifteen thousand people who are going to gain access to safe and clean water supply will benefit from this project, which will be implemented by the Government.

 

Sir, as regards the last component of the question, like I indicated, , indeed, the Government has plans to provide piped water to the Nambuluma area of Munwa Kubili Ward of Chinsali Parliamentary Constituency.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mukosa: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has not provided an adequate answer which I can understand. He said that there is a project being implemented in Chinsali, and I agree with him, but that project covers Chinsali Township, and an evaluation was done to include the provision of water to Robert Kapasa Makasa University. The water network connecting Chinsali and Robert Kapasa Makasa passes through the Nambuluma area, a distance of about 14 to 16 km from Chinsali Boma.

 

However, the people of the Nambuluma area do not have water and the officials from Chambeshi Water and Sewerage Company and those who represent the Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection at district level stated that the area is not included in the project that is currently under way. That is why I wanted to find out if the Government has plans to put up a water reticulation network or to provide water for the people of the Nambuluma area. Nonetheless, when answering to part (b) of the question, the hon. Minister said that the Government has plans to provide water to the Nambuluma area. When are those plans going to be implemented?

 

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, we have precedents concerning development activities of water supply, and let me give the example of the Lusaka bulk water supply from Kafue. The water passes through Kafue and Chilanga, but these townships are not connected to water. We have realised that the townships through which pipelines pass must benefit from this water supply. Therefore, the same logic will be applied to the area to which the hon. Member is referring. The Government has realised that there is no way a pipeline can pass through an area where people are not benefitting. Therefore, we have plans to ensure that this area benefits from the water supply. However, I cannot promise that this will be undertaken tomorrow because we have to organise additional funding. I mentioned that the Government is funding this project 100 per cent and that it has the responsibility of mobilising resources to allow the water supply system to be extended to the ward the hon. Member is referring to. So, this will be done.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Mukosa: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for that clarification. However, I would like to find out from him if it is possible that after we adjourn sine die, he can take time to visit Chinsali so that he can see the ease with which this project can be implemented and that he can have an opportunity to look at the stage where the water reticulation project has reached.

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, there is an invitation.

 

Laughter

 

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, I warmly welcome the invitation, but let me assure the hon. Member that I visited the Northern Province and intended to go to Chinsali, but I ran short of time. This time around, when I organise the next trip, the hon. Member should be assured that I will visit Chinsali, and I welcome the invitation.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

DIP TANK CONSTRUCTION IN LUMEZI DISTRICT

 

501. Mrs Jere (Lumezi) asked the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock:

 

1. when the construction of dip tanks at the following locations in Lumezi Constituency would commence:

 

1. Chikomeni Centre;

 

1. Kazonde;

 

1. M’thira Kubili;

 

1. Chafisi;

 

1. Kalindi; and

 

1. Chitala;

 

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

 

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

 

The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock (Prof. Luo): Mr Speaker, the ministry can only commence the construction of dip tanks at Chikomeni Centre, Kazonde, M’thira Kubili, Chafisi, Kalindi, and Chitala after completing the construction of the on-going seven dip tanks in Lumezi District. This is in line with the presidential directive to embark on new infrastructure construction after completing the on-going works that are above 80 per cent.

 

Sir, hon. Members may wish to note that five out of the twelve dip tanks in Lumezi District have been completed and two dip tanks are 90 per cent complete. One dip tank needs variation of the scope of works, while a contractor abandoned four dip tanks and the contract has been recommended for termination. The current state of affairs of the dip tanks is as follows: Kamaphina and Kamtolo dip tanks have been completed and are operational, and both were constructed by Dabi Contractors. Mkomba and Zenekeza dip tanks are awaiting commissioning as they have both been completed, and the contractor was Musinje Enterprise. Kathimba Dip Tank is being constructed by Dabi Contractors, and is 90 per cent complete. Mkanile Dip Tank is being constructed by Musinje Enterprise, and is 90 per cent complete. Ndunga, Emusa, Chiungwe and Kamzoole dip tanks have not been completed. We are going to make a variation for the one under Musinje Enterprise, and the contract for the one under Mchiladozo Contractors has been recommended for termination.

 

Mr Speaker, the total cost of the dip tanks being requested to be constructed cannot be estimated at the moment until we start thinking about constructing them. The time frame cannot be determined as these projects are not yet earmarked for construction.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mrs Jere: Mr Speaker, I feel sorry for the hon. Minister because she is new in this ministry. Otherwise, quite a good number of dip tanks that she has referred to are not in Lumezi District, but in Lundazi District. The ones that I pointed out are the ones that are in Lumezi District. Out of the total number of the dip tanks that she mentioned, one or two are in Lundazi and Chasefu districts. What measures has the ministry put in place to ensure that animals are protected from diseases caused by ticks whilst we are waiting for the construction of the dip tanks?

 

Prof. Luo: Mr Speaker, I just would like to paraphrase that when the construction of these dip tanks was assigned to contractors, Lumezi District was part of Lundazi. At the moment, when we talk about these dip tanks, they are obviously under Lumezi. Lumezi has been made a district and when we give out the next contracts, they will appear under Lumezi. That is why I gave such an answer. However, regarding how we are going to protect the animals, we need to raise a lot of awareness in communities and provide opportunities for spraying the animals.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

BOREHOLE SINKING IN MANGANGO

 

502. Mr Mung’andu (Chama South) (on behalf of Mr Putu) (Mangango)) asked the Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to sink boreholes in Mangango Parliamentary Constituency;

 

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

 

1. how many boreholes are earmarked for sinking in 2019; and

 

1. what the total cost of the exercise is.

 

 Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, this question asked by the hon. Member for Mangango is not a particularly good question …

 

Laughter

 

Dr Wanchinga: … because it is self-indicting. The way it has been phrased is like the hon. Member has not been to the constituency to know what is happening because the Government has been sinking boreholes in Mangango. Maybe, he should have asked how many additional boreholes will be sunk in Mangango …

 

Laughter

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Wanchinga: … because the Government has been sinking boreholes in Mangango for a very long time. That is why I said that the question is self-indicting and, perhaps, he has not been going to the constituency to see what is happening.

 

Mr Speaker, the Government has been sinking boreholes in Mangango Parliamentary Constituency, and these plans are currently being implemented.

 

Sir, a total of eighty-two boreholes are earmarked for sinking in 2019 at a cost of K5,409,375.85, and the average cost of one borehole is about K65,000. We now want to strike a balance between individual self-standing boreholes and boreholes that are supported by schemes so that we add value to the way we provide these services. One may argue as to why it is like this, but we are trying to balance between individual boreholes and water schemes which will provide more services to the people …

 

Mr Putu entered the Assembly Chamber.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Wanchinga: … and we think this is a better way. The issue of climate change has caused the sinking of boreholes to become a little more expensive because we have to dig deeper to hit the water. Conventional pumps cannot provide adequate water, and that is why we are now moving towards water schemes.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I agree with the hon. Minister that this Patriotic Front (PF) hon. Member of Parliament does not visit his constituency. However, is the hon. Minister in a position to avert similar questions by providing us with all the information we require pertaining to the sinking of boreholes in every constituency?

 

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, does the hon. Member want information regarding all the boreholes that have been sunk in every constituency?

 

Mr Mwiimbu: No, the ones you want to sink.

 

Dr Wanchinga: In every constituency?

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Yes!

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, you do not have the liberty to engage the questioner in that sense. If the question is not clear, you speak through me, and not directly to the questioner.

 

You may continue.

 

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Member asking whether we have plans to sink boreholes in every constituency, and how many? Is that the question?

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member for Monze Central, just clarify your question.

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, we have had a number of questions similar to the one that has been raised on the Floor of this House. Is the hon. Minister in a position to provide information to this House pertaining to the sinking of boreholes in every constituency?

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, I suppose the question is now clear.

 

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, I am in a position to provide information to this House concerning the sinking of boreholes in every constituency, but let me mention that we have just finalised our master plan for sinking 5,000 boreholes, put 4,500 water schemes and rehabilitate 1,500 boreholes throughout the constituencies of this country.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Lihefu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member for Mangango always visits his constituency and he is just from there now. The only worry with the sinking of these boreholes –

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member for Manyinga, why are you speaking on his behalf?

 

Mr Lihefu: Mr Speaker, I know that because I was in Mangango.

 

Mr Speaker: There is no need for that. Just speak for yourself and your constituency; that is all.

 

You may continue.

 

Mr Lihefu:  Mr Speaker, only two boreholes were sunk in Mangango Constituency during the by-election. However, the Patriotic Front (PF) Government promised to sink boreholes in the whole constituency. Why has the Government taken long to sink boreholes in this constituency that it promised?

 

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, that is a good question. If the hon. Member has been following discussions in this House, quite often, we have repeated our commitment to ensure that every corner of this country receives adequate water supply and good sanitation services, but the challenge we have is fiscal space. So, it has taken a bit long for us to meet our commitment for Mangango only because for the time being, we do not have adequate resources for us to implement our plans in Mangango.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Putu (Mangango): Mr Speaker, when are the boreholes for 2019 going to be sunk?

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, did you get the question?

 

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, just like I said a while ago, the boreholes will be sunk when resources are available.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Speaker: I will take the last two questions from the hon. Member for Kalabo Central and the hon. Member for Zambezi West.

 

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that the boreholes which are set for 2019 are awaiting the availability of financial resources, as usual. Considering the value or the importance of water, why can the Government not consider water as a very important item for human life? Why can resources not be secured for the sake of provision of water to the people? Why can the Government not take provision of funds for water supply as a priority considering water is very important to human life?

 

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, indeed, water is life. The composition of the human body is 98 per cent water. The Government realises how important water is to human life and it has prioritised this sector. The hon. Minister of Finance is listening. We talk about these matters. Yesterday, we had a meeting where we tried to find out how we can respond to various emergencies concerning issues like water supply in this country. We are committed to this issue, but we are constrained by the fiscal space. However, we are working very hard to ensure that we mobilise the necessary resources and supply water to our people in all corners of this country.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Ms Kucheka (Zambezi West): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that the Government has been sinking boreholes in Mangango. Is he able to tell us how many boreholes have been sunk so far?

 

Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, it is interesting to note that Mangango has good advocacy.

 

Laughter

 

Dr Wanchinga: We will go back and headcount the boreholes in Mangango and come and report to the House some other time.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

EUROBOND PAYMENTS

 

503. Mr Kasonso (Solwezi West) asked the Minister of Finance:

 

1. what measures the Government is taking to ensure that the Eurobonds are paid when they fall due;

 

1. whether the measures above have any adverse effects on the fiscal performance of the 2019 Budget;

 

1. if so, what measures are being taken to mitigate the effects;

 

1. how much money the Government had deposited into the Sinking Fund as of March, 2019; and

 

1. when a comprehensive plan of dismantling the national debt will be formulated.

 

The Minister of Finance (Dr Ng’andu): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this House that the Government set up the Sinking Fund in 2018. The Sinking Fund is one of the options for the Eurobond redemption. Currently, there is US$10 million in the fund.

 

Sir, I also wish to state that the Government, through the Ministry of Finance, has set up a technical committee which has drafted a strategy for redemption of the three Eurobonds. The strategy, which is yet to be approved by Cabinet, identifies various options available for redemption of the same. This august House may wish to note that once Cabinet has granted approval, the Ministry of Finance will implement the recommended measures.

 

Mr Speaker, the measures that the Government is implementing towards the bond redemption are provided for in the 2019 Budget. In this regard, the measures have no adverse effect on the fiscal performance of the current Budget. As I indicated earlier, budgetary provisions towards bond redemption will continue to be made over the medium term. No measures are being undertaken since no adverse effect on the 2019 Budget was anticipated. As of March, 2019, there was US$10 million in the Sinking Fund.

 

Sir, the House may wish to note that the major components of public debt include external debt, domestic debt and Government arrears. With regard to the plan of dismantling the national debt, the following are the payment plans:

 

External and Domestic Debt

 

Mr Speaker, with respect to external debt and domestic debt, all debt will be paid when it is due in accordance with the respective financing arrangements. The House may wish to know that the payment of debt is prioritised and the reason for that is to ensure that there is no default of the debt. The debt service takes precedence on the consolidated fund of the budget.

 

Government Arrears

 

Sir, with respect to Government arrears, the Ministry of Finance has a plan in place for dismantling these arrears. The plan includes an annual budgetary provision under the dismantling of arrear line. This provision will be scaled up in the short to medium term with a view to liquidate the outstanding arrears.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister’s predecessor came to this House and made a statement pertaining to the financial position of the Government vis-à-vis debt servicing. She mentioned that as a result of debt servicing, the Government is in financial distress. However, this afternoon, the hon. Minister is saying that debt servicing is not impacting on the finances of the Government because the same is provided for in the Budget. The question that begs an answer is: Why is the Government failing to meet most of its financial obligations in this country if there is no financial distress arising out of debt servicing?

 

Dr Ng’andu: Mr Speaker, what I said was in response to the specific question whether the measures that are being undertaken have an adverse impact on the Budget. In the 2019 Budget, there is no specific line for the Sinking Fund and, to that extent, there is no adverse effect because it is not in the Budget. However, in terms of whether or not debt servicing is having an impact, I think it is well-known. Further, it has been admitted by everybody, including the past hon. Minister of Finance, that we need to begin the process of consolidating the fiscal space, basically, to create space for us to meet other obligations other than debt servicing. So, clearly, that indicates that the level of debt as it stands needs to be managed. We are in the process of managing the current stock of debt so that we create space for us to meet other obligations, including the issue of preparing the provision that will allow us to service the bonds when they fall due.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Mukosa: Mr Speaker, I would like to find out if the hon. Minister is considering undertaking an independent audit of the internal debt stock that we have so that we can ascertain the exact debt that we have locally. If there is any debt that is overstated from the internal debt, when we conduct an independent audit, we are going to establish the debt that we have locally, and if it will be reduced, it means that we can reduce the amount that we will be paying out towards the Eurobonds.

 

Dr Ng’andu: Mr Speaker, the answer to the question is in the affirmative. The process of verifying the stock of arrears is under way and it is important to do that to ensure that there are no duplications and that the figures are correct and can be spoken for. So, that process is under way, and as soon as it is completed, we will be able to inform the House as we update the figures.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Speaker: I will take the last four interventions from the hon. Member for Solwezi West, the hon. Member for Katombola, the hon. Member for Serenje and the hon. Member for Solwezi Central.

 

Mr Kasonso: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has informed the House that the Sinking Fund was created in 2018 and that it has US$10 million in the account. The Government borrowed through Eurobonds in 2012 and 2013. Some of the funds were used in opening up new districts and some money went to support programmes in the Ministry of General Education and the Ministry of Health, instead of investing that money in viable ventures that would enable the Government to pay back easily. Did the Government have a viable plan before it obtained the Eurobond?

 

Dr Ng’andu: Mr Speaker, the question that I have been asked has veered away from the original question, which speaks about how we intend to resolve the issue of –

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

 

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

Dr Ng’andu: Mr Speaker, before business was suspended, I was responding to the follow-up question by the hon. Member for Solwezi West. I would like to remind hon. Members that the question was that the Government did not plan on how to use the proceeds of the Eurobonds.

 

Sir, I need to explain that the process of obtaining a Eurobond requires a country to present an elaborate plan before a panel of investors on how it will utilise the resources once they are given out. In the process of interacting with the investors, the plan was presented to them, and it has been implemented. If the hon. Member would like the ministry to give an analysis or breakdown of what the money was spent on, obviously, that will be another question and we will be happy to prepare the information for him.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Livune: Mr Speaker, the US$10 million that is in the Sinking Fund sounds very little. Looking at the remaining years for the country to pay off the Eurobond, is the hon. Minister assuring us that the first bullet repayment of the Eurobond will be made from the same account?

 

Dr Ng’andu: Mr Speaker, in my presentation earlier, I indicated that the Sinking Fund is just one of the measures or strategies on how to resolve the challenge of meeting the obligations when they fall due that we are looking at. I mentioned that we have prepared a strategy document which will be presented before Cabinet for approval on the different combinations of measures we will take. Once the document is ready, we will present it to the House. So, I would like to assure the House that the Sinking Fund is not the sole source of the repayment of the obligations when they fall due.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Kabanda (Serenje): Mr Speaker, part (e) of the question refers to a comprehensive plan for dismantling the national debt. How does the hon. Minister reconcile the debts which have been incurred by various local authorities who do not get permission from his office to incur these debts?

 

Dr Ng’andu: Mr Speaker, obviously, the challenge is to ensure that all Government entities and departments, including local authorities, abide by the given financial regulations. I admit that sometimes, some councils or local authorities do not follow the laid-down instructions. However, when that happens or when the process is not followed, action is taken to ensure that everybody falls in line. I, therefore, admit that sometimes, there are slippages, although that does not take away the fact there is already a plan in place which has been disseminated, and that we expect people to follow.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that before the country contracted the Eurobond, a plan was submitted to the funders, and on that basis, the funding was given. If that is the case, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister why there was a delay causing the money to remain banked at the Bank of Zambia for more than two years before it was disbursed for various projects? If there was a plan, why was there a lag?

 

Dr Ng’andu: Mr Speaker, it is very difficult to answer that question with certainty because I do not have the figures before me. However, I just would like to indicate to hon. Members of this House that when the country receives resources, sometimes, there is a lag between the resources being utilised after receiving them because projects require feasibility studies and to be examined thoroughly before the money is disbursed, and the time that it is actually disbursed. Therefore, part of the delay reflects the time it takes for those implementing the projects to carry out the necessary work on the ground so that once the money is disbursed, it is disbursed against a project whose details are well understood and known by those implementing it. So, it is just a lag between finishing the work to prepare the projects and the disbursement that is subsequently done.

 

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

HACHAANGA/KAYOLA ROAD REHABILITATION

 

504. Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central) (on behalf of Mr Chaatila (Moomba)) asked the Minister of Local Government:

 

1. when the Hachaanga/Kayola Road in Moomba Parliamentary Constituency will be rehabilitated; and

 

1. what the cause of the delay in commencing the project is.

 

The Minister of Local Government (Dr Banda): Mr Speaker, the Hachaanga/Kayola Road in Moomba Constituency is scheduled for rehabilitation in 2020 under the Improved Rural Connectivity Programme being implemented through the Road Development Agency (RDA).

 

Sir, the perceived delay in commencing the project has been due to procurement procedures. In accordance with the project documents, the procurement process is being undertaken per province. Currently, procurement for the first province was concluded and the procurement for roads in the second province is under way. The Southern Province is secured at No. 6 and, therefore, procurement of this road will only be undertaken once the procurement for the other five provinces has been completed. Since this is an on-going process, it is expected to be undertaken sometime in 2020.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker –

 

Mr Sing’ombe: On a point of order, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Mr Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi): Mr Speaker, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to rise on a point of order which is very compelling.

 

Mr Speaker, on Thursday, during the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) 1900 Hours Main News, there was a footage of the Head of State in Livingstone where he said that I, Edgar Sing’ombe, Member of Parliament for Dundumwezi Constituency, and His Royal Highness Chief Chikanta of Chikanta Chiefdom, were mute about the vandalism of the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO) poles in Dundumwezi. He went ahead to suggest that he could withdraw development because the people of the Southern Province do not appreciate the development that the Government is undertaking in the province.

 

Mr Speaker, I wish to state that there is no pole that was vandalised in Dundumwezi Constituency. Is the hon. Minister of Energy, therefore, in order to remain silent and not set the record straight that there is no single pole or ZESCO pole which was vandalised in Dundumwezi Constituency?

 

I seek your serious ruling.

 

Mr Speaker: If you would like the hon. Minister of Energy to articulate what you think is the right position regarding the subject of your point of order, ask him a question and he is going to respond to it.

 

May the hon. Member for Kalabo Central continue.

 

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, I was saying –

 

Dr Malama: On a point of order, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Dr Malama: Mr Speaker, I rise on a very serious point of order. The hon. Member for Dundumwezi alluded to the fact that there was serious vandalism in the Southern Province, particularly regarding power poles taking electricity to Dundumwezi. This hurt not only His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, but all of us who are concerned about the people in Dundumwezi and the Southern Province.

 

Mr Speaker, is the hon. Member in order to insinuate that the President said that he would withdraw development from the beloved people in the Southern Province without adducing evidence?

 

I need your serious ruling.

 

Mr Speaker: My ruling is on a technical point. When a point of order is raised, you have to wait until it is disposed of accordingly. In short, it is commonly stated that you cannot raise a point of order on a point of order. Imagine somebody raising another point of order on whether you are in order to raise that point of order, and it goes on. So, those are the rules of the House.

 

The subject or matter has been identified. If the hon. Member for Dundumwezi would like to pursue this matter further, he will ask a question and the hon. Minister will respond accordingly. In his response, as an hon. Member of the Executive branch of the Government, I am sure on the principle of collective responsibility, he will speak for everybody on the right, in so far as this matter is concerned. So, we should not begin conducting an inquiry through a series or serial points of order. This is why we normally discourage points of order, and I have just been rendering a ruling on the matter. If we raise a point of order any time and as we wish, we will disrupt business.

 

May the hon. Member for Kalabo Central continue.

 

 Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that the procurement process is being undertaken per province. I would like to seek clarification as to what he means by this, and that the Southern Province is secured at No. 6. Is he implying that procurement is taking place at provincial level under the mandate of the national headquarters or is the national headquarters conducting procurement per province, resulting in the Southern Province being at No. 6?

 

Dr Banda: Mr Speaker, procurement is being done province by province. We are trying to offload a province at a time, and the provinces have been listed as follows: The first was the Central Province, where procurement has been concluded. The second is the Eastern Province, where procurement is under way. After that, we will do the procurement for the Northern Province, Luapula Province, the Western Province and the Southern Province is No. 6. So, we are procuring province by province.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Lihefu: Mr Speaker, the rainy season is approaching, and agriculture inputs will soon be distributed. However, the road is in a bad state. Is there any short measure the Government can take to help the affected people?

 

Dr Banda: Mr Speaker, measures are always in place, but what holds us back most times is the availability of finances. When finances are available, we can take different measures to mitigate the problems that may arise due to the rains.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

ROAD TARRING IN CHILANGA

 

505. Mrs Phiri (Chilanga) asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to tar the following roads in Chilanga Parliamentary Constituency:

 

1. Kacheta;

 

1. Makeni;

 

1. Linda/Mount Makulu;

 

1. Nampundwe;

 

1. Mwembezhi/Mano/Mpamba;

 

1. The New Farms; and

 

1. Middle West; and

 

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

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, the Government has no immediate plans to upgrade Kacheta, Makeni, Linda/Mount Makulu, Nampundwe, Mwembezhi/Mano/Mpamba and The New Farms roads in Chilanga Parliamentary Constituency to bituminous standard. However, the Government has plans to upgrade the said roads to all-weather gravel roads through a contract for feeder roads in Chilanga, which is currently under procurement. The Middle West Road is currently being upgraded to bituminous standard by the Lusaka Decongestion Project.

 

Sir, upgrading the Middle West Road under the Lusaka Decongestion Project has already commenced and it is scheduled to be completed before the end of the fourth quarter of 2019. Works on the other roads will be implemented once procurement is completed.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mrs Phiri: Mr Speaker, considering that the rains are around the corner, when will the Government start working on these roads which are going to be gravelled?

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, the works will start once procurement is done and funds are made available.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Jamba (Mwembezhi): Mr Speaker, one of the roads in Chilanga leads to Nampundwe. In response to the question by the Member for Nangoma, Hon. Hamusonde, the hon. Minister’s predecessor while seated where he is seated stated that the road was already procured. However, hearing that this road is not part of the roads that are going to be upgraded to bituminous standard leaves much to be desired. Is the hon. Minister sure that Nampundwe Road is not going to be tarred?

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, I have given the official position. We wish to have it tarred, but for now, it will remain a gravel road. However, when funds are made available in future, we will upgrade it to bituminous standard.

 

I thank you, Sir.

Mrs Phiri: Mr Speaker, when will the procurement stage be concluded considering this is what will enable the upgrading of the roads before the commencement of the rains?

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, procurement is under way, but I cannot estimate how long it will take. I have not bothered to check how it is going, but knowing that procurement is being undertaken satisfies me. However, I can give the hon. Member information at what stage procurement is even outside the House.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

KAOMA/KASEMPA ROAD TARRING

 

506.  Mr Miyutu (on behalf of Brig-Gen. Sitwala (Kaoma Central)) asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to tar the Kaoma/Kasempa Road;

 

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

 

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

 

1. if there are no such plans, why.

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to upgrade the Kaoma/Kasempa Road to bituminous standard. Upgrading the road to bituminous standard will be undertaken once funds for the project have been secured. The estimated total cost of the project is K819,568,401.50, broken down as follows:

 

1. Lot 1 under China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited is  K177,312,181.64;

 

1. Lot II under Sogecoa Zambia Limited is K271,519,682.72; and

 

1. Lot III under Helmet Engineering and Construction Limited is K370,736,537.14.

 

Sir, as indicated above, the Government has plans to upgrade the Kaoma/Kasempa Road to bituminous standard.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, I am aware that the Kaoma/Kasempa Road serves this country because trucks that transport copper use this road. However, it is not in a very good state. What immediate measures has the Government put in place prior to beginning the construction of the lots the hon. Minister has mentioned so as to improve the state of the road and enable trucks to move fairly well?

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, we are currently preoccupied with finding finances for this road and, everything has been done about this. We would spend a lot of money if we had to mitigate the effects of the situation at the moment, but we would have to spend money again upgrading it to bituminous standard in the future. So, we could actually save money in the long run if we found money to implement this project as opposed to implementing short-term measures. Preparations have already been made, contractors have been found, and bids have been made and selected. So, we are focusing on finding the money so that there is no need for us to implement short-term measures.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Lufuma: Mr Speaker, as the Government is focusing on finding the money now, is it considering the possibility of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP)?

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, we welcome Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the road sector. I would be lying if I said,– maybe, the word ‘lying’ is unparliamentary, but I would be misleading the House or betraying the Government policy if I said we would not welcome PPPs. We want the private sector to invest in the road sector, but we know that PPPs are always considered for roads that can refinance themselves or that can raise money. No private partners are willing to invest in a road that is not going to bring back returns. However, we know that this is one such road because trucks loaded with copper use it. If there is any private partner willing to invest in this road, we would welcome that idea and move very fast with it.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: I will take the last two questions from the hon. Member for Solwezi Central and, lastly, the hon. Member for Nalikwanda.

 

Mr Mulusa (Solwezi Central): Mr Speaker, I am aware that Buks Haulage Limited (BHL), through First Quantum Minerals (FQM), is periodically maintaining the Kasempa/Kaoma Road. Is the ministry not able to make an agreement with this company so that it can take care of this road through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP)?

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, like I said, if there is anybody willing to partner with the ministry under a PPP arrangement on this road, it is ready to engage him. If that is the company’s suggestion, maybe, the ministry can approach it.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Prof. Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister enlighten us on where he is searching for funding so that we know the sources that are in prospect?

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, we have engaged the Ministry of Finance to help us raise this money, be it through the normal Government revenue or any co-operating partner willing to invest in this road, because it is very important to us. So, the Ministry of Finance is considering various avenues.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

FEEDER ROADS CONSTRUCTION IN NGABWE DISTRICT

 

507.  Mr Chiyalika (Lufubu) asked the Minister of Local Government:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to construct feeder roads in Ngabwe District; and

 

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

 

Dr Banda: Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to construct feeder roads in Ngabwe District.

 

Sir, the feeder roads in Ngabwe are part of the 2019-2021 Infrastructure Plan. Therefore, the Government plans to construct the feeder roads within this planned period.

 

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

 

Mr Chiyalika: Mr Speaker, how many kilometres are earmarked for construction under the feeder roads programme?

 

Dr Banda: Mr Speaker, unfortunately, that did not initially come as part of the main question as I should have been able to state the number of kilometres that we are going to work on.  Should it arise that the hon. Member needs that information, I am ready to bring it.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

CHONGO/CHIFUWE ROAD PROJECT

 

508. Mr Lihefu asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:

 

1. why the construction works on the Chongo/Chifuwe Road in Manyinga Parliamentary Constituency have stalled;

 

1. when the project will resume; and

 

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

 

Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, the works on the Chongo/Chifuwe Road in Manyinga Parliamentary Constituency stalled due to some challenges with funds.

 

Sir, the works will resume in the fourth quarter of 2019.

 

Mr Speaker, the time frame for the completion of outstanding works is three weeks from the date of commencement.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

_______

 

MOTION

 

REPORT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SELECT COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO SCRUTINISE THE PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENT OF DR SIMON KAMWENDO MITI TO SERVE AS SECRETARY TO THE CABINET

 

Mr A. C. Mumba (Kantanshi): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that this House do adopt the Report of the Parliamentary Select Committee Appointed to Scrutinise the Presidential Appointment of Dr Simon Kamwendo Miti to Serve as Secretary to the Cabinet.

 

Mr Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

 

Mr Nakacinda (Nominated): Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

 

Mr A. C. Mumba: Sir, the appointment is made pursuant to Article 176(1) of the Constitution of Zambia, Chapter 1 of the Laws of Zambia, which provides for the President to appoint the Secretary to the Cabinet in consultation with the Civil Service Commission (CSC), subject to ratification by the National Assembly. Article 176(3) requires the person to be appointed as Secretary to the Cabinet to have served as Permanent Secretary or in an equivalent rank for, at least, ten years.

 

Mr Speaker, the Public Service is responsible for the administrative function of the Government, and ensuring the efficient and effective implementation of Government policies and programmes. At the helm of the Public Service is the Secretary to the Cabinet, who is also the Chief Advisor to the President on the management of the Public Service.

 

Sir, as head of the Public Service, the Secretary to the Cabinet plays a pivotal role in the formulation and implementation of Government policies and programmes, and the efficient and effective delivery of public services by Government functionaries. In view of this, the Committee resolved that only a competent person with the requisite qualifications and experiences, and unquestionable integrity, diligence, eminence and sound character should be appointed to the position. Therefore, the Committee carefully selected the witnesses to assist it in scrutinising the suitability of the nominee and requested memoranda from the relevant State Security agencies, professional bodies, other stakeholders and the appointing authority. All the witnesses appeared before the Committee and made oral submissions. Further, the Committee interviewed the nominee and carefully scrutinised his curriculum vitae (CV).

 

Sir, the Committee notes with satisfaction that all the witnesses submitted that the nominee met the constitutional requirements, and possessed the requisite academic qualifications and experience for appointment as Secretary to the Cabinet. In this regard, the witnesses unanimously supported the appointment. Of interest is that the nominee has had an illustrious career in the Public Service spanning almost thirty years and at all the levels of the Public Service, from the district to headquarters, the Office of the Vice-President, Cabinet Office and the Office of the President. He has, in this regard, been equipped with immense skills in public service delivery, administration, management, and policy development and implementation. All these skills are relevant to the Office of the Secretary to the Cabinet.

 

Further, as a person who has dedicated his working life to the Public Service, the nominee fully recognises the challenges currently facing the Public Service, such as the fact that many civil servants of today are unaware of the fundamental rules, guidelines, procedures and the Public Service Code of Ethics. In this regard, the Committee commends the appointing authority for appointing head of the Public Service a person who not only has the requisite qualifications but also vast experience in the operations and administration of the Public Service.

 

Sir, the Committee notes that there were some concerns regarding the nominee’s alleged involvement in the theft of K27 billion (unrebased) donor funds between 2007 and 2009 when he was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health. However, it notes that the irregularities, which culminated in the infamous case of The People Vs Kapoko and Others, occurred at the time when the nominee was doubling as Permanent Secretary and personal doctor to the then Republican President, Dr Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, SC. The Committee further notes that in 2006 and 2008, the late President Mwanawasa, SC., suffered two massive strokes that preoccupied the nominee with attending to the late President’s health and kept him out of office for prolonged periods, leaving the ministry under the charge of an Acting Permanent Secretary. It was during that period that the irregularities occurred. Additionally, the Committee observes that after the nominee resumed his duties in the ministry following the death of President Mwanawasa, SC., he immediately detected the irregularities and alerted both the then Secretary to the Cabinet and the then Secretary to the Treasury as required by the Public Finance Management Act and the financial regulations. The nominee then transferred Mr Henry Kapoko, the mastermind behind the theft, to the Ministry of Local Government to facilitate investigations.

 

Mr Speaker, a joint investigation team comprising the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the Zambia Police Service found that the case was one of serious fraud perpetrated by Mr Kapoko and some officers in the Accounts and Internal Audit Department in the ministry. The culprits had been fraudulently writing instructions purported to be from the nominee with forged specimens of his signature and passing payments without authority and following proper tender procedures. The investigation team further found that the nominee had not been involved in the fraud. In fact, communications from both the ACC and the Zambia Police Service show that the nominee was never a suspect or an accused person in the matter. However, being the Controlling Officer in the ministry at the time, he possessed information that was critical to the case. Therefore, he was made a State witness. The Committee also learnt that when the matter went to court, the nominee was a valuable prosecution witness in five cases and that his prompt action upon noticing the irregularities and testimony in court led to the successful prosecution of the culprits.

 

Sir, as I have already stated already, your Committee notes that contrary to public opinion, the nominee was never a suspect or accused person in the case, and that he had taken all the necessary administrative measures to ensure that Mr Kapoko and his accomplices were brought to book. Your Committee is, therefore, satisfied that the nominee was neither involved in the financial irregularities in the Ministry of Health nor negligent in dealing with the matter as a controlling officer.

 

Mr Speaker, after due and thorough consideration of the written and oral submissions presented to it by witnesses, your Committee is of the considered view that Dr Simon Kamwendo Miti is forward-looking and suitably qualified, and that he possesses the other requisite competences to serve as Secretary to the Cabinet. In view of this, your Committee recommends that this august House ratifies his appointment to serve as Secretary to the Cabinet.

 

Sir, the members of your Committee place on record their gratitude to you for appointing them to serve on the Committee. Your 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. Additionally, your Committee thanks the State Security and investigative agencies, professional bodies and stakeholder institutions for their valuable submissions that assisted it in arriving at its recommendations.

 

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

 

Mr Speaker, I beg to move.

 

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

 

Mr Nakacinda: Now, Mr Speaker.

 

Sir, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to second this Motion ably moved by the Kantanshi Lawmaker, Hon. Anthony Mumba, who has acquitted himself very well in reporting the findings of the your Committee on the Presidential appointment of Dr Simon Kamwendo Miti as Secretary to the Cabinet.

 

Mr Speaker, I take cognisance of how solemn and important the decision to nominate the named individual and its subsequent ratification are. As articulated by the mover, the nominee’s qualifications and experiences speak for themselves.

 

Sir, within moments of the announcement of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s nomination of Dr Miti on 27^th June, 2019, special interest groups competed to be the first to oppose the nomination, as was seen on social media. The groups have continued to whip their followers into a frenzy by spreading misrepresentations and outright falsehoods about the appointee’s close to thirty years of impeccable record in the Civil Service.

 

Sir, it is in the President’s discretion to consider an appointee’s suitability for the job. My duty, as a Member of Parliament, which I believe is our collective duty, is to focus on the appointee’s qualifications as long as his/her public standing remains within the confines of the law. I fully expect us to put aside all personal preferences and support this good and noble appointment. It is against this background that every hon. Member present here will have to debate and decide. I, for one, have always opposed litmus tests or trial-and-error appointments for senior offices, and I am happy that this appointment meets the highest standard owing to Dr Miti’s many achievements and right disposition.

 

Mr Speaker, your Committee listened carefully to the testimonies from witnesses, some of whom knew Dr Miti personally. Dr Miti has, over the years, undoubtedly exhibited high levels of professionalism and confidentiality, having been privileged to have direct interactions with Presidents, including when the Presidents were at their weakest in terms of health. Additionally, he has demonstrated high levels of maturity, which is desirable in the work of a Secretary to the Cabinet.

 

Sir, I thank your Committee for carrying out thorough and diligent work, and leaving no stone unturned in scrutinising the appointee’s qualifications and background. It used due diligence to separate the facts from fiction, and reality from propaganda, rhetoric and distortions aimed at discrediting the appointee.

 

Mr Speaker, as it has already been said, all the witnesses attested that Dr Miti has been an exemplary public servant, administrator, manager, director, coach, husband and father. What was saddening in our findings was the fact that people who were in privileged positions at the time of the scandal in the Ministry of Health and were best placed to correct the impression being created, with their full consciences, wrote reports on the falsehoods to the then President Rupiah Banda and the late President Michael Chilufya Sata, may his soul rest in peace. The reports indicate that although the appointee was innocent, if he had been cleared publicly, there would be have been public uproar. So, the leaders then sacrificed a man’s hard-earned reputation to please the public, which was not only an act of cowardice but also a serious affront to justice. Thank God President Sata saw through that malice and appointed Dr Miti Permanent Secretary (PS) for Parliamentary Business in the Office of the Vice-President and, later, President Lungu appointed him to the positions he has subsequently held.

 

Mr Speaker, despite the unfounded turbulent stories, in the interest of our great nation, my fervent hope is that he will work to the best of his ability to prove all those who hold some negative feelings wrong. Had it not been for the bravery of the appointing authority to do the right thing against the tide of public opinion as a result of the falsehoods the public was fed with, Dr Miti would have continued to suffer this injustice. It is, therefore, commendable for the Republican President for demonstrating such fearless courage to undo the injustice done to a loyal servant of the Republic. An individual with this kind of wealth of experience and professional qualifications with enormous institutional memory would be called a national asset in other jurisdictions. Indeed, he is a national asset even here.

 

Mr Speaker, in view of this appointment, we can only implore the said appointee to take a leaf from his ordeal and weed out the perceived corruption and the laissez-faire attitude in the Civil Service. He should take advantage of his experience to own up by clearing the names of fellow civil servants who, in the course of their tour of duties, may have been unjustly persecuted in the court of public opinion by publicly declaring their innocence without fear or favour.

 

Mr Speaker, some argue that because this is a lifetime appointment to our highest office in the Civil Service, public interest requires that doubt be resolved against the nominee. Others see the public interest as embodied in a long-established principle of according a presumption of innocence to those accused of misconduct. The presumption of innocence until proven otherwise is one of the fundamental principles of human rights. In the case of Dr Miti, in evaluating any given claim of misconduct, we will be ill-served in the long run if we abandon the presumption of innocence and fairness. Tempting though it may be, we must always remember that fairness is in jeopardy when passions are most aflame.

 

Mr Speaker, having listened to the report of the Committee as ably submitted by the mover of the Motion, I find that Dr Miti is a survivor of a malicious attempt to discredit his good service, over the years. This is a painful and compelling experience for him. With his experience, I hope he can fit into that office and fulfil a critical role of supporting the presidency to fulfil its responsibility in line with the rules of the Constitution of the Republic. He will interface with the politician occupying the Office of the President and our professional Civil Service to deliver services to our people in a free, fair, transparent and non-partisan manner. He has demonstrated that he can serve this expectation well over the years. Therefore, I urge all hon. Members to rise above falsehoods and distortions and be driven by truth and justice as these are essential for our institution, Parliament, whose effective performance is a cornerstone to our democracy.

 

Mr Speaker, the Committee has done its duty and due diligence through written and oral submissions from witnesses and thoroughly scrutinised the appointment. Therefore, it only remains for me to take this humble honour to second the Motion in the affirmative that this Parliament ratifies this appointment without any further ado.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Minister of Justice (Mr Lubinda): Mr Speaker, I do not really think that I have the capacity to address this matter as eloquently as the mover and the seconder did. As a matter of fact, I think that it would be prudent to advise that the statements delivered to this House in support of the nominee by the mover and the seconder be properly recorded for society to learn from this. I think that the two, on behalf of your Committee, acquitted themselves in a very exemplary manner, and the messages that they have packaged this afternoon are not only about the nominee, but are also generally about the injustices that could be caused on people if we are not careful with the manner in which we handle information.

 

Sir, if I said any more than this, I would run the risk of diluting the important messages that have been registered. For that, let me end by thanking Parliament for accepting to ratify the nomination of Dr Simon Kamwendo Miti. I am sure that the appointing authority is listening to this and knows that his choice has been accepted by the people of Zambia through their parliamentarians gathered in this House. This is the reason all of us silently said that we support the ratification when you called for any further debate.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Vice-President (Mrs Wina): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister of Justice has summarised all our collective feelings about the appointment of Dr Simon Miti, and I just want to thank His Excellency the President for nominating this gentleman. The nominee worked with me as Permanent Secretary in my office, and I just would like to reinforce how he has been described by the two speakers before me. I thank the hon. Minister of Justice for summarising what we feel about this appointment.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr A. C. Mumba: Mr Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the hon. Members of Parliament for unanimously ratifying the appointment of Dr Simon Kamwendo Miti. From my presentation, it is very clear that we have the right person in the Office of the Secretary to Cabinet to advise His Excellency the President, and ensure that Government programmes are implemented efficiently and effectively for the benefit of all Zambians in this country.

 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

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

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

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The House adjourned at 1800 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 31^st July, 2019.

 

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