Tuesday, 26^th January, 2021

 

The House met at 1430 hours

 

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

NATIONAL ANTHEM

 

PRAYER

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ANNOUNCEMENT

 

SESSIONAL COMMITTEES - MEMBERSHIP

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I wish to inform to inform the House that in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No. 135(3) read together with Standing Order No. 148 of the National Assembly of Zambia, Standing Orders 2016, Dr Chitalu Chilufya, MP, has been appointed to serve on the Budget Committee to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Mr Raphael Nakacinda as Cabinet Minister.

 

 I thank you.

 

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BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

 

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

 

Madam, before I do that, let me welcome all hon. Members to the Second Meeting of the Fifth Session of the Twelfth National Assembly. I hope that the hon. Members had a refreshing break and that they are ready to proceed with the Business of the House.

 

Madam Speaker, you directed that hon. Members should not travel to Lusaka to attend Parliament, but that they should log in to the sittings from their various constituencies.  Therefore, I urge hon. Members of this august House to attach the seriousness virtual attendance of Parliament deserves in order to serve the people of Zambia, who elected us into this office and legislate for the development of our great nation.

 

Madam Speaker, as indicated on the Order Paper for today, 26^th January, 2021, the House will deal with Questions for Oral Answer. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills.

 

Madam, tomorrow, Wednesday, 27^th January, 2021, the Business of the House will start with Questions for Oral Answer. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any.

 

On Thursday, 28^th January, 2021, the Business of the Hose will commence with Questions for Oral Answer. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will debate the Motion to adopt the Report of the Committee on Agriculture, Lands and Natural Resources on the Proposal to Ratify the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

 

Madam Speaker, on Friday, 29^th January, 2021, the Business of the House will begin with Her Honour the Vice-President’s Question Time. This will be followed by Questions for Oral Answer. Thereafter, the House will deal with presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

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QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

 

NAMPEYO CLINIC REHABILITATION

 

77. Mr Chaatila (Moomba) asked the Minister of Health:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to rehabilitate Nampeyo Clinic in Moomba Parliamentary Constituency;
2. if so, when the plans will be implemented;
3. what the time frame for the completion of the project is; and
4. if there are no such plans, why.

 

The Minister of Health (Dr Chanda): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to rehabilitate Nampeyo Clinic in Moomba Parliamentary Constituency. The rehabilitation process of Nampeyo Clinic is planned to commence in the 2021-2023 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), should funds be available.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government intends to complete the works within the MTEF. As stated earlier, the Government has plans to rehabilitate the clinic, and so part (d) of the question falls off.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Mr Chaatila: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for his response. I am happy to hear that the Government has plans to work on this clinic. This clinic is on the verge of collapsing. Two months ago, the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) had put up a tent for the staff to use, but because of the rains, that tent was blown off. This means that the staff at this clinic is not able to attend to patients now. The hon. Minister has indicated that the plan that the ministry has is for the period 2021 to 2023, which is three years. Considering what I have just said, could the hon. Minister consider placing this issue under the DMMU so that this clinic can be rebuilt in the shortest possible time?

 

Dr Chanda: Madam Speaker, using a joint problem solving approach, we solve problems in a multi-sectoral manner. So, if the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) is already doing something to mitigate the situation, I will be very happy to engage its national co-ordinator. I also invite the people’s representative, Hon. Chaatila, to work with me. I invite him to my office so that we engage with the DMMU to find a medium to a long-term solution, as we wait for the reconstruction of the clinic.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Mr Lihefu (Manyinga): Madam Speaker, Nampoye Clinic in Moomba Constituency is like many other clinics countrywide. Is there a master plan in the ministry which can concentrate on rehabilitating clinics in places like Moomba and Manyinga?

 

Dr Chanda: Madam Speaker, the master plan has been presented here over and over. The Government of the Republic of Zambia, led by His Excellency the President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, has embarked on a huge project of constructing 650 rural health posts across the country. Places that never had health facilities now have them. We have made a lot of progress in that area. So, yes, the plan is there.

 

Madam Speaker, on the rehabilitation of clinics, the Ministry of Health has an infrastructure budget line, and I urge the hon. Members of Parliament to engage with me. I am not a bureaucrat, and so, I am very open to hon. Members coming to Ndeke House to engage with me on a case by case basis. There are also 108 mini hospitals plus district hospitals that are planned for construction across the country. So, the plans are there, but we need active engagement.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Ms Tambatamba (Kasempa): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister mentioned the number of mini hospitals planned for the whole country. There is an incomplete mini hospital in Kasempa, which is Lunga Hospital. Is this hospital one of those that will be looked at, like the one in Moomba?

 

Dr Chanda: Madam Speaker, that question is unrelated to the question that has been posed by the hon. Member for Moomba. However, I know that there is a similar question that will be coming from the hon. Member for Zambezi East on mini hospitals, which I will respond to comprehensively. As I said earlier, the allocation of the 108 mini hospitals will be done on a case by case basis. The list of the allocation of the 108 mini hospitals will be made available at the appropriate time to the hon. Members of Parliament. I think it is very important that we engage. For now, that is all I can say. I will answer that question comprehensively when responding to the question by the hon. Member for Zambezi East.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Dr Malama (Kanchibiya): Madam Speaker, let me take this opportunity to congratulate the hon. Minister of Health on his appointment. Let me also commend our men and women in the Ministry of Health for the role they are playing in the fight against the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

 

Madam Speaker, Kanchibiya has built more than six rural health centres using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Would the hon. Minister advise that in the immediate, the clinic in question be considered to be rebuilt using the CDF, if possible, and what the estimated cost of doing that is?

 

Dr Chanda: Madam Speaker, there is nothing stopping hon. Members of Parliament from using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to implement such projects. In fact, many hon. Members of Parliament, including myself, have done that. In Bwana Mkubwa Constituency, we have used the CDF to construct health centres and health posts. Yesterday, I was on the Copperbelt touring Luanshya and Roan constituencies where hon. Members of Parliament used CDF to construct health facilities.

 

Madam Speaker, the challenge with most health facilities constructed using the CDF is equipment and human resources. It is one thing to have a building, but it is another thing to operationalise it. That is why we need active engagement with each other. At the Ministry of Health, we have a team in charge of infrastructure and equipment. We need to source the equipment not only from the Ministry of Health, but also from other stakeholders. I commend the hon. Members of Parliament who are using the CDF to build clinics for that effort and leadership. However, I encourage them to engage with the team at the Ministry of Health so that the ministry can know what equipment is needed to operationalise these facilities so that our people can be well served.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

 

LUAPULA POLICE OFFICERS’ HOUSES

 

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

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to construct houses for police officers in the following districts in Luapula Province:

 

1. Mansa;

 

1. Samfya;

 

1. Mwense;

 

1. Nchelenge;

 

1. Kawambwa; and

 

1. Chipili;

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

      c. how many houses are earmarked for construction in each district.

 

The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Kampyongo): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to construct 12,000 housing units for police officers across the country through the Ministry of Home Affairs Housing Project, which is being done in phases. Accordingly, districts in Luapula Province, which include Mansa, Samfya, Mwense, Nchelenge, Kawambwa and Chipili will be considered. The Government has just completed the first phase of the project consisting of 2,350 housing units.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government will embark on the second phase of the project as soon as fiscal space allows.

 

Madam Speaker, the following is the breakdown of houses earmarked for construction:

 

District                                                      No. of Houses

 

Mansa                                                             113

 

Samfya                                                              96

 

Mwense                                                             93

 

Nchelenge                                                       102

 

Kawambwa                                                      93

 

Chipili                                                               93

 

Madam Speaker, I want to hasten to state that, currently, a police station and ten housing units are under construction in Chipili District.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo): Madam Speaker, I would like the hon. Minister to clear the cobweb around this programme. He said that there are 12,000 housing units earmarked for construction countrywide and broke down the figures for Luapula Province. In the interest of transparency and accountability, would he care to give us a complete picture for each district. He can do this later on, as I know he may not have the figures now. Is there a possibility that he could come to the House with a list so that each hon. Member knows how many housing units will be built in his or her constituency or district?

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister of Home Affairs, do you have that information for each province or you would like to come back to the House later?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, certainly, I may not have the details for each province, as I was responding to a specific question on a specific province. However, I do not think the right way is to wait for me to come back with a response to this august House because the Ministry of Home Affairs is a public institution and those who want to get more details on this project are free to get it from there. That is how it should be.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The hon. Minister can also bring that information to the House. He can be proactive by bringing the information without waiting to be asked. The hon. Minister of Home Affairs should find time to bring that information to the House.

 

Mr Chaatila: Madam Speaker, my calculations reveal that the Ministry of Home Affairs will build 590 housing units for our police officers in Luapula Province. Is the hon. Minister able to give us the total cost of all these units that are earmarked for construction in Luapula Province?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I am unable to give the total figures off-the- cuff.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker gave the Floor to Ms Subulwa, but her speaker delayed to come on.

 

Ms Subulwa (Sioma): Madam Speaker, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Department should be proactive. It should be un-muting us on time.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Noted. Proceed.

 

Ms Subulwa: Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister when the houses will be constructed. Is the construction budgeted for in 2021 or it is something that we have to wait for until, maybe, the following Budget? If it is budgeted for, is Sioma included under the construction of police houses?

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The hon. Minister has indicated that he has that information, but he does not have it with him right now. At an appropriate time, he will bring it to the House for the benefit of all hon. Members.

 

Dr Malama: Madam Speaker, the Patriotic Front (PF) Government has done a commendable job in ensuring that issues of accommodation for law enforcement officers and many others, who are serving this country, are dealt with. Could he inform us of the other things that the PF Government has done to alleviate housing challenges, alongside what will be done, in his next address on this issue?

 

Mr A. B. Malama (Nchelenge): Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister on the distribution of the 102 houses allocated to Nchelenge District. Will all the houses be put up in one location, as one camp? I ask bearing in mind that Nchelenge has Mantapala on the south-east and Kabuta on the northern part of the district. The hon. Minister is aware of the two places I am talking about that are far away from the central business district (CBD).

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister of Home Affairs, did you get that question?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, the 102 houses that have been allocated to Nchelenge District are meant to establish a new camp in the district. The hon. Member is aware of the constraints our officers in Nchelenge have faced for so many years, as there has been no camp per se. Therefore, these housing units are meant to establish a new police camp in Nchelenge District.

 

Madam Speaker, as for the other areas he has mentioned, yes, I am aware of Mantapala, which is an upcoming area where we keep people of concern such as refugees, who have run away from countries where peace has eluded them. The refugees have found sanctuary here and need to be protected. Therefore, police presence is a necessity there. We shall plan for Mantapala and the other two areas, in collaboration with our partners who are, in this case, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kabanda (Serenje): Madam Speaker, without sounding patronising, the Government has done well in the delivery of housing units for our men and women in uniform. However, could the hon. Minister assure the nation and the people of Serenje that before moving construction to Luapula Province and embarking on new housing units, the housing units which have not yet been completed will be completed?

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: That is unrelated.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker gave the floor to Mr Phiri.

 

WOMEN’S CLUBS EMPOWERMENT IN SERENJE CONSTITUENCY

 

79.  Mr Kabanda asked the Minister of Gender:

 

1. whether there are any women’s clubs that were empowered in Serenje Parliamentary Constituency from 2017 to 2019;
2. if so, how many clubs were empowered each year;
3. what the names of the clubs are; and
4. what sort of empowerment was provided.

 

The Minister of Gender (Ms Phiri): Madam Speaker, before I respond to Hon. Kabanda’s question, I wish to inform the House that the Ministry of Gender has been implementing the Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme since 2010. Among the programmes include the Agricultural Development through Value Chain Enhancement (ADVANCE) Project. This is a five-year programme, which started in 2016 to end in 2021, earmarked to distribute agriculture production and value addition equipment to women-led co-operatives in all the 288 chiefdoms countrywide.

 

Madam Speaker, in response to Hon. Kabanda’s question, there are no women-led co-operatives that were empowered in Serenje Parliamentary Constituency from 2017 to 2019 because none applied to receive empowerment from the Ministry of Gender at the specified time. The empowerment programme is executed by the ministry based on requests received from eligible co-operatives.

 

Madam Speaker, nonetheless, it is worth mentioning here that in other areas of Serenje District, which fall outside Serenje Parliamentary Constituency where co-operatives applied for empowerment such as Chief Mailo, Chief Chibale and Chieftainess Serenje, they received their agriculture equipment empowerment. Such co-operatives include Mailo Agriculture Co-operative, Buingo Co-operative, Mailange Co-operative, Nakalengule COMACO, Chimbo Co-operative, Bulila Co-operative, Chibale Co-operative Union, Kabalamba Co-operative, Muzamani Co-operative, Chimpakasa Co-operative, Mwine wa Ntemwa Co-operative and Tubanda Co-operative  to mention, but a few.

 

 Madam Speaker, as stated above, there are no women-led co-operatives that were empowered in Serenje Parliamentary Constituency from 2017 to 2019 because no co-operative from the constituency applied for empowerment. Therefore, parts (b), (c) and (d) of the question fall off.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, I am sure that the hon. Minister is aware that the whole country yearns for development and empowerment. Therefore, would this programme not have made a bit more sense if portions of whatever empowerment funds are available were actually distributed to every district? I am talking about decentralisation whereby information is disseminated to women in a particular district so that they, in turn, can go to the offices of the Ministry of Gender at district level to access this empowerment fund. As it stands, it is very difficult for some districts to get that information and, therefore, there may not be any demand from them. 

 

Madam Speaker, in this light, is it not possible for the ministry, in consequent time, to decentralise the empowerment fund to districts for easy access by the womenfolk?

 

Ms Phiri: Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Gender, at the moment, has no presence at the district level, hence depending on other line ministries like the Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare as well as the Office of the District Commissioner (DC). So, even if the ministry does not have presence in a district, our focal person or contact person is the DC.

 

Madam Speaker, I will be travelling to Kabompo very soon, as authority has been given to empower some of the co-operatives that have been visiting the DC’s office. The reason we were elected, as hon. Members of Parliament, is to represent our people.

 

Madam Speaker, I am on record, in this House, as having requested hon. Members to visit the Ministry of Gender to get application forms and guidelines because, in whatever it does, the ministry first creates a relationship with the people that need empowerment. It is not for them, but for us their representatives to make sure that we represent them fairly and in totality both in financial empowerment and development of the constituencies.

 

Madam Speaker, I have been on my knees pleading with my hon. Colleagues in this House to see the technocrats in the Ministry of Gender so that they can be guided properly in order for them to get forms of application and guidelines. Therefore, it is not about the people, but their representatives. What is the line of work of representatives if they cannot lobby for empowerment programmes and development for their constituencies?

 

Madam Speaker, I want to encourage each hon. Member in this House who wants to see their members empowered to visit the offices of the Ministry of Gender.  They should start knocking on doors. They should not just ask questions in this House, but make a step to visit the Ministry of Gender and inquire on what it is being offered for their people in their constituencies.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.       

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister, do you have plans to decentralise?

 

Ms Phiri: Madam Speaker, I have indicated that the Ministry of Gender does not have presence in the districts. At the moment, it is only in Lusaka, which is the capital city. It is my prayer that when we have an opportunity to have presence everywhere, we can decentralise.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Ms Tambatamba: Madam Speaker, I have a very short question. The Ministry of Gender, as was pointed out by the hon. Member for Kabompo, is focused on women whose constraints are the same across the country. This can be likened to the people at grass root level, who are considered during the allocation of the Constitution Development Fund (CDF). The CDF comes from the same Government and is disbursed through the Ministry of Local Government. Does the ministry have a plan to decentralise the gender oriented funds so that they are standardised just like the CDF is in the Ministry of Local Government?

 

Ms Phiri: Madam Speaker, in this project that I have just mentioned, we are not dealing with money. We are dealing with agriculture related activities and value addition equipment. It is up to a co-operative to apply for the type of equipment that it is looking for, be it agriculture related or something to add value to their produce. So, this project has nothing to do with money. We cannot impose equipment on people when they do not wish to use it in the implementation of their project. So, if it was money related, it was going to be easier because we would have allocated it equally. In this case, it is equipment which we give to co-operatives.

 

Madam, we suspended the issuance of money because we saw that people were gathering just to get money and thereafter, share it and disband. Therefore, we thought that giving the co-operatives equipment would bring the members together all the time. This project is not money related. Consequently, it is not easy to impose something that people do not want, hence our insistence that people mention what they want so that we provide the right equipment for them so that they put it to good use.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Ms Subulwa: Madam Speaker, it is clear from the hon. Minister’s response that the contact persons whom she has mentioned to be the District Commissioners (DCs) have not been feeding the hon. Minister’s office with the right information. This means that the clubs that have been applying, through the DC’s offices, have not been given audience, funded or given any kind of aid they are seeking because the DCs have not been in contact with the Ministry of Gender. What deliberate measures has the hon. Minister put in place to ensure that she draws up a schedule of work that she can follow up with her rightful officers to ensure the collection of application forms from the women’s clubs in the district? Has she put in place deliberate measures to ensure that these people are actually attended to?

 

Ms Phiri: Madam Speaker, the deliberate measure is to have an open door policy. This policy is aimed at inviting my hon. Colleagues who are closer to my office than the DC’s. When people come to my office, whether I am present or not, there are some officers who can attend to them. I think I am closer to the hon. Members of Parliament than the DCs. Apart from that, I also feel that hon. Members of Parliament have a desire to ensure that the people whom they represent also benefit from projects like their colleagues in other constituencies.

 

Madam Speaker, I have always urged hon. Members not to be in the habit of just asking questions in this House, but to take a step further by coming to our office to inquire on how other people have been accessing these programmes. I am saying this to the hon. Members, both on the right and left side of the House so that they come to our offices because there are places that are represented by hon. Members on your right where I have not been. The hon. Members who represent these places have not been to the Ministry of Gender to get these application forms on behalf of their constituencies. So, it is not about the DCs, but it is up to us, the people’s representatives, to take it upon ourselves and ensure that our people benefit from such programmes.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker gave the Floor to Mr Malama.

 

Mr Miyanda (Mapatizya): Madam Speaker, in responding to the question by the hon. Member for Serenje, the hon. Minister indicated that no club was empowered between 2016 and 2019. The hon. Minister took the trouble to read out a good number of co-operatives that benefited. I am trying to take interest in this issue and I want to get it from the hon. Minister. If none of the clubs in Serenje benefited, who are the people that were empowered?

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister of Gender, please, clarify that.

 

Ms Phiri: Madam Speaker, during that time, none of the members from the central part of Serenje, which is Serenje Constituency, benefited. We should note that in Serenje District, we have more than one constituency. I was just trying to give an example of the other constituencies which are closer to the constituency for the hon. Member who asked the question that benefited from the empowerment programme from the Ministry of Gender.

 

Madam Speaker, let me mention that last year, the hon. Member of Parliament for Serenje Constituency ensured to collect the forms on behalf of his people. Within Serenje Constituency, about three women clubs benefited from the programme last year. The period that I mentioned, during which no club was empowered was from 2017 to 2019. In 2020, the hon. Member came to collect forms on behalf of his people and three co-operatives in his constituencies benefited. These are Tikafimona, Nakampe and Ubufisa.

 

Madam Speaker, the women in these co-operatives benefited because Hon. Kabanda took a step by coming to my office to collect forms on behalf of his people. The co-operatives in the constituency, which I mentioned at first, are within Serenje District. I was just trying to illustrate that the co-operatives are in the same district, which is Serenje, and because someone took a step on behalf of the co-operatives in the constituency within Serenje District, the co-operatives there benefitted. So, had the same step been taken by Hon. Kabanda, his constituency would have benefitted too during the period 2016-2019. However, after realising that he needed to take a step in order for his constituency to benefit from the programme, he collected forms and three co-operatives in his constituency benefitted from the Ministry of Gender in 2020.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kabanda: Madam Speaker, my question has been overtaken by events.

 

Mr S. Banda (Kasenengwa): Madam Speaker, indeed, the ministry is impacting the lives of people. Recently, the hon. Minister came to Kasenengwa Constituency and some women clubs benefitted from the countrywide empowerment programme.

 

Madam Speaker, does the hon. Minister have a scheduled activity plan and related information, which can be provided to the focal point persons, who are the District Commissioners (DCs), so that they can inform the interested beneficiaries accordingly? I ask this in view of the question which was raised by Hon. Subulwa.

 

Ms Phiri: Madam Speaker, the programme can only be scheduled upon seeing the number of co-operatives that apply in a particular area. With regards to information, we have given application forms and our guidelines to all DCs. That is why we attend to applications from the areas that we visit regardless of whether the area hon. Member of Parliament has been there.

 

Madam Speaker, if hon. Members see that nothing is going to their constituencies, they have the right to speak on behalf of the people. They have the right to make follow ups when their people are not benefiting from such programmes. Information is there and application forms are given to the DCs. Therefore, if they are not taking this information to the intended beneficiaries, then, it is not the Ministry of Gender to blame because it has done its part.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

The First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Ministers are encouraged to be proactive and bring information to the House for the benefit of the hon. Members. I encourage you to do that, hon. Ministers.

 

Mr Muchima (Ikeleng’i): Madam Speaker, I have listened to the hon. Minister. The Ministry of Gender has been in existence for some time. When we had equipment such as the hammer mills during the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), the ministry distributed − inaudible. However, ever since the MMD disappeared from the scene, that initiative is no longer in place. For me, I am hearing from the hon. Minister −

 

Mr Muchima was inaudible.

 

The First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Ikeleng’i, could you start afresh?

 

Mr Muchima: Madam Speaker, what imitative has the ministry put in place to sensitise the people throughout the country on the programmes that it has other than depending on the District Commissioners (DCs), who have turned all programmes into political gimmicks? What initiative has the ministry come up with to make distributions through hon. Members of Parliament, like was done under the MMD and that way, every corner of Zambia benefited from the ministry.

 

Ms E. Phiri: Madam Speaker, I know the importance of an hon. Member when it comes to the development of constituencies and empowering their people and as such, I am on record as having insisted that my hon. Colleagues be free to come to my office because I feel that they are the right persons. The hon. Members cannot accuse me of not having spoken about this in this House because I have asked them why they ask me questions instead of coming to the offices.

 

Madam Speaker, most of them have come back from their constituencies now. Applications for those whom have made an effort of coming to the office are being attended to. I know the importance of doing things through the hon. Members of Parliament. I am insisting that hon. Members from the right and the left side have to know that they are representing the people. They should come and get the part of the cake on behalf their people from the Government. These are things meant for the people of Zambia.

 

Madam Speaker, if the DCs are not doing a good job, why are the hon. Members quiet about it? We have the application forms at the office and the same application forms have been left at the DCs offices. To me, it is not the DCs to blame. It is the people’s representatives who have to do more than they are doing now. They can ask questions, but they should also make a follow ups.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member is right that the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD distributed equipment to the people through hon. Members. Our wish, as the Patriotic Front (PF), is to continue using the hon. Members. However, they are always in Lusaka and with me here in the House. Why can they not collect on behalf of their constituencies?

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

FAZ MATCH FIXING INVESTIGATIONS

 

80. Mr Mbulakulima (Milenge) asked the Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development:

 

1. whether the investigations into match fixing allegations involving the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) officials and players that were instituted in Jun, 2019, following the revelations by the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) have been concluded;
2. if so, what the findings are;
3. what measures, if any, have been taken by FAZ against the erring officials and players;
4. if the investigations have not been concluded, why; and
5. whether the delay in concluding the investigations will not jeopardise the outcome.

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development (Mr Mulenga): Madam Speaker, the hon. Member may wish to know that investigations into match fixing involving the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) officials and players, which were instituted in June 2019, following revelations by the Federation of the International Football Association (FIFA), have not yet been concluded.

 

Madam Speaker, the findings will only be known once investigations are concluded by the FAZ Anti-match Fixing Committee. The hon. Member may further wish to know that the FAZ official was suspended indefinitely by FIFA and it follows that FAZ has also suspended the official in line with FIFA regulations, pending further investigations.

 

Madam Speaker, the investigations have not yet been concluded because they involve visiting foreign countries. Due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, foreign travel has been restricted, hence the investigating team has not been able to travel.

 

Madam Speaker, the outcome of the investigations will not be jeopardised because the investigation is still ongoing and the constituted investigating team will ensure that all international investigation protocols are observed and adhered to.

 

 Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Nanjuwa (Mumbwa): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for that elaborate answer. In the event that the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues, I would like to find out what other measures −

 

Mr Livune: On a point of order, Madam.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

 

Mr Livune: Madam Speaker, I am grateful for this opportunity to rise on a point of order. My point of order should have been raised contemporaneously, but because of an Information and Communications Technology (ITC) issue that you are aware of, I could not. My point of order was on the hon. Minister of Gender.

 

Madam, I would like to find whether she was in order to insist that hon. Members of Parliament should go to her office when you had guided that hon. Ministers must be proactive and bring these issues to Parliament. Is she still in order to insist that hon. Members of Parliament must go to her office when she is supposed to bring these issues to Parliament and let the cat out of the bag on what is hidden in those offices?

 

I seek your serious ruling, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: My ruling is that she was in order and she is in order because she noted the advice from the Chair. The advice was noted.

 

The hon. Member for Mumbwa will proceed with his question.

 

 Mr Nanjuwa: Madam Speaker, I was trying to put up a question. The hon. Minister indicated that due to COVID-19 challenges, investigators are not able to reach certain other areas. I would like to find out what other measures the Government is putting in place to ensure that these investigations are concluded and that the case is decided upon, bearing in mind that there is an individual who is on suspension.

 

 Mr Mulenga: Madam Speaker, this matter can only be concluded once the investigating team visits the other two countries which are involved. For it to gather credible information, it needs to travel. If the pandemic continues, then, we will seek further direction from FIFA, through FAZ.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mbulakulima: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has mentioned the issue of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, if the House may recall, this inquiry was carried out in June 2019 and COVID-19 only came about in March last year, almost clocking a year. I would like to find out from him what effort his ministry has made by him sharing with the House how many countries were visited from June to March when Covid-19 broke out to enable us to believe that efforts were being made, but were halted by COVID-19? Which countries have been visited and which people have been interviewed locally? Since stakeholders like associations, footballers and football administrators are also supposed to be interviewed, how many of them have been interviewed?

 

 Mr Mulenga: Madam Speaker, under the regulations and statutes of FIFA, the Government has been directed never to interfere in the running of football. Further, the ruling by FIFA instructed FAZ to come up with a team to carry out investigations. So, the ministry can only continue reminding FAZ on the need to conclude this matter as soon as possible. However, I should state that COVID-19 did not start in March, but in November or December, 2019. So, while the investigating team was preparing to travel, there was that restriction on travel.

 

 Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Livune: Madam Speaker, could the hon. Minister indicate whether there is a budgetary provision for this activity to be undertaken in the event that the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) comes to an end this year.

 

Mr Mulenga: Madam Speaker, there is no budgetary allocation because this investigation is being carried out by FAZ and not the Government.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I will get the last question from the hon. Member of Parliament for Chimwemwe.

 

The hon. Member for Chimwemwe is not available.

 

COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION OF MUFUMBWE BOARDING SECONDARY SCHOOL

 

81. Mr Kamondo (Mufumbwe) asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:

 

1. when the construction of the Mufumbwe Boarding Secondary School in Mufumbwe District will be completed;
2. what has caused the delay in completing the project; and
3. when the construction of a science laboratory at the school will commence. 

 

The Minister of Home Affairs (Mr Kampyongo) (on behalf of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development (Mr Mwale)): Madam Speaker, the construction of Mufumbwe Boarding Secondary School in Mufumbwe District will be completed when funds are made available. The delay in completing the project has been due to funding constraints.

 

Madam Speaker, the construction of a science laboratory at the school will be done when the construction of the school is completed, and this will depend on availability of funds.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.  

 

Mr Kamondo: Madam Speaker, you are aware that –

 

Ms Katuta: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Ms Katuta: Madam Speaker, thank you for allowing me to rise on a point of order, which is very important. I must apologise to the hon. Member, who was on the Floor, for interrupting his debate.

 

Madam Speaker, I rise on a very important point of order on the hon. Minister of Livestock and Fisheries. Is the hon. Minister in order to remain quiet regarding the extension of the fish ban to 31^st May, 2021, when she knows that most people in Chienge Constituency, where I come from, and in other parts of Zambia, depend on fishing for their livelihood?

 

Madam Speaker, the fishermen have prepared adequately for the resumption of fishing such that some have even borrowed money in order to buy the instruments that they use for fishing.

 

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister of Livestock and Fisheries in order to remain silent without giving proper reasons to the nation on why the fish ban has been extended to 31^st May, 2021?

 

Madam Speaker, I need your serious ruling.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: My serious ruling is that the hon. Member for Chienge is encouraged to file a Question for Urgent Answer so that the hon. Minister of Livestock and Fisheries can give a comprehensive statement for the benefit of the people of Chienge and the nation at large.

 

Mr Kamondo: Madam Speaker, you, and most of the hon. Members, are aware that it is Government policy to prioritise projects which are 80 per cent complete and above. I want to find out from the hon. Minister whether the Government considered funding Mufumbwe Boarding Secondary School because its construction is almost at 85 per cent completion. 

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, it is the desire of the Government to see to it that the construction of this secondary school is completed. However, by the very fact that this school was not shortlisted among the projects that were 85 per cent complete means that it is below that rate. Maybe, by just observing the structure, the hon. Member of Parliament would classify it to be 85 per cent complete, but it may not be so. However, the assurance to the people of Mufumbwe is that once funds are available, this school will be among the projects that will be prioritised for completion.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member may wish to know that there have been challenges generally from last year to this year. With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic we have been trying to deal with, revenue collection has been negatively affected. However, the assurance to the hon. Member of Parliament and the people of Mufumbwe is that once the situation stabilises, we will look to the Ministry of Finance to see how this school can be financed for completion.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Lihefu (Manyinga): Madam Speaker, the people of Mufumbwe are not satisfied with the answers which have come from the hon. Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development. This question was once on the Floor of the House and the hon. Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development, then, said that Mufumbwe Boarding Secondary School would be completed soon because its completion would end the squatting of pupils in churches.

 

Madam Speaker, the people of Mufumbwe want a time frame within which the construction of the boarding school will be completed and not the answer, “when funds will be available.” When will these funds be available? Is it this year, 2022, 2023 or after elections? The people of Mufumbwe are asking that question because their children are squatting in churches.

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, the reason the Government planned for this school to be constructed in Mufumbwe was the realisation of the need for the people of Mufumbwe to have that infrastructure for the learners. My hon. Colleague needs to know that, sometimes, eventualities change and the desire of the Government gets affected. As much as the Government would like to see to it that the school is completed, it is also aware of the limited resources that it has been able to generate. That is why I gave an assurance that for the very fact that the infrastructure has been put up, it will not be abandoned and left incomplete.

 

Madam Speaker, we, as a Government, are as committed as we were when we planned and started that project and we will ensure that it is completed for use by our learners in Mufumbwe. The Patriotic Front (PF) Government does not segregate. That is why it has put up infrastructure everywhere. However, it is unfortunate that the resources could not match the Government’s desire to complete this project, as it had planned.

 

Madam, I know this issue is emotive, but my final assurance to my hon. Colleague is that the Government is as committed as it was when it commenced that project to ensuring its completion.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, has the hon. Minister, in 2021, prioritised and allocated a figure towards the completion of this secondary school or not? I need a “yes” or “no” answer.

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, I know the hon. Member would like me to give a yes or no answer, but we are running a Government and we have to be realistic when we are responding to our hon. Colleagues regarding these pertinent matters.

 

Madam, Mufumbwe Secondary School is not the only school which is yet to be completed. There are a number of schools that are yet to be completed. We are aware that the population of this country has grown and the number of children who are supposed to be in secondary schools has increased. Therefore, the Government still desires to ensure that these secondary schools are built and completed.

 

Madam, I have made an assurance to all the hon. Members of Parliament who have made follow-up questions on this matter that once we secure funds, they will be allocated to all the other schools, which are at the same stage as Mufumbwe High School, in order for them to be completed.

 

Madam Speaker, the PF Government is really prioritising the education sector in many ways apart from infrastructure.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Has this been budgeted for, hon. Minister? If you do not have the information, say so.

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, you will recall that the projects were implemented in a phased approach. There were some that were 85 per cent complete and above and others that were not. We have continued to budget for incomplete projects in that phased approach.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kamondo: Madam Speaker, I want to put it on record for the benefit of the acting hon. Minister that the project to construct Mufumbwe Boarding Secondary School started in 2011, and it is now ten years down the line. I also want to put on record the fact that the former hon. Minister of General Education came to the House and assured the people of Mufumbwe that the project was going to be given attention expeditiously. He further went on to open the school prematurely even when there was no electricity or water and said that it was going to be given attention.

 

Madam, given that scenario of the Government having promised the people of Mufumbwe, on the Floor of this House, to give the school attention, what is the hon. Minister’s position? What measures is he going to put in place to ensure that the school is given attention. This is the only boarding secondary school in Mufumbwe. What does the hon. Minister have for the people of Mufumbwe based on the assurance which was given by the former hon. Minister of General Education?

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Mufumbwe, I am not sure that the hon. Minister can give any more assurances than he has already given.

 

Mr Chikote (Luampa): Madam Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament represents the people of Mufumbwe and he told the hon. Minister that the structure is at 85 per cent completion. In his response, the hon. Minister has stated that the reason the school was not included among the projects that were 85 per cent complete is that it was below that rate. If what the hon. Member of Parliament, who represents the people, said is not correct, is the hon. Minister in a position to tell us at what percentage of completion Mufumbwe Secondary School is?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, I would not want to go into contestation over what percentage of completion this school is. What the people of Mufumbwe need is to have their school completed, and that is the hon. Member’s desire as well as that of the Government.

 

Madam, that is why the hon. Member for Mufumbwe was able to testify that the then hon. Minister of General Education had even attempted to partially open the school in order to make it available for the learners in Mufumbwe. All that is because the Government’s desire is to make sure that that infrastructure is made available to our children in Mufumbwe.

 

Therefore, I still give the assurance that Mufumbwe Secondary School, which is very important to our people, just like any other incomplete school, will be attended to as soon as the funds are made available. The Government is not sitting back. It is making frantic efforts to ensure that these funds are secured so that the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development can ensure that the Ministry of General Education’s project is completed. We are still committed to ensuring that the school is completed for our people in Mufumbwe.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

NANGOMA POLICE POSTS CONSTRUCTION

 

82. Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to construct police posts in the following wards in Nangoma Parliamentary Constituency:

 

1. Nalubanda;

 

1. Choma;

 

1. Keezwa; and

 

1. Nakasaka;

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

        c. why the police post in Keezwa Ward, which was constructed by the community, is no longer operational.

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, the Government does not have any immediate plans of constructing police posts in the four areas, namely Nalubanda, Choma, Keezwa and Nakasaka wards of Nangoma Parliamentary Constituency. As stated, there are no any immediate plans of constructing police posts in the four wards of Nangoma Parliamentary Constituency.

 

Madam Speaker, the police post in Keezwa Ward is not operational because there are no housing units to accommodate officers. However, six officers from Mumbwa Police Station regularly patrol Keezwa Ward to ensure security in the area.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Hamusonde: Madam Speaker, Nangoma Parliamentary Constituency is a very big area, and the Government has been promising to build police posts. The police post that we have in the area does not have transport. Therefore, it is very difficult for officers to move around. Is it possible for the hon. Minister to state why the Government is not ready to construct a police post in Nangoma Parliamentary Constituency?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, indeed, Nangoma Parliamentary Constituency is a vast area, which is policed by Mumbwa Police. Therefore, it is desirable for the Government to scale- up police presence in Nangoma. However, resources have been limited. That is why we have been encouraging the hon. Members to equally meet us half way in the roll out of infrastructure in the constituencies by considering using part of their Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

 

Madam Speaker, I have worked with a number of hon. Members of Parliament. For example, the hon. Member of Parliament for Munali, through the efforts of using the CDF, has constructed more than three police posts in her constituency. The hon. Minister of Health is equally constructing massive infrastructure in his constituency and we are supporting him. The hon. Member of Parliament for Kanyama, who is very determined and ambitious, is constructing the second modern police station in Lusaka District using the CDF and other resources.

 

Therefore, it is possible that hon. Members can partner with the ministry in addressing this issue of infrastructure in various constituencies. We are all doing the same. Therefore, I would like to encourage the hon. Member of Parliament to also look in that direction and see how he can be helpful to the people of his constituency.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Nanjuwa (Mumbwa): Madam Speaker, Nangoma Parliamentary Constituency in Mumbwa District, especially Nalubanda Ward, is facing a challenge of cattle rustling. In addition, Mumbwa Police Station does not have adequate motor vehicles to cover these areas for patrols to curb the crimes and the Government is not able to construct police posts in Nalubanda and many other wards that the hon. Member of Parliament mentioned. Is the hon. Minister able to empower Mumbwa Police Station with motor vehicles to enable the officers to carry out intensified patrols in Nalubanda Ward in Nangoma Constituency?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, the Government is making every effort to try and capacitate Mumbwa Police Station.

 

Madam Speaker, this is evident because my dear colleague, the hon. Member of Parliament for Mumbwa, was with me towards the end of last year. He came to witness the commissioning of the first ever police camp in Mumbwa. Capacitating the police is not only limited to how much transport the officers have, but also the dignity of the officers is very important to the Government. That is why we, as a Government, are striving to make sure that all our officers regardless of where they are should be in an environment which is conducive for them to protect the people and property.

 

Madam Speaker, I was with my hon. Colleague when we officiated at two camps in Mumbwa. These are camps for the Zambia Police Service and the Zambia Correctional Services. Rome was not built in a day. The Government is doing so much, but it cannot do it at once. It is not possible.

 

Madam Speaker, that is why I am saying that when the Government is doing something, the hon. Members should come on board so that they supplement its efforts. His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has broken a record in this country in as far as looking after the men and women in uniform is concerned.

 

Madam, the Government has procured some motor vehicles, although not enough, which it has distributed. It is looking forward to procuring some more motor vehicles so that Mumbwa can be allocated a good number. That way, the police can deal with some of the issues that the hon. Member of Parliament referred to such as cattle rustling, which have been a challenge in that area. Therefore, the Government is not just sitting idly. However, the Government is also calling upon hon. Members to come on board and supplement the Government’s efforts in addressing some of these historical challenges.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Hamusonde: Madam Speaker, suppose we build houses for police officers, will the Government deploy police officers to the area immediately after the completion?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, I want to commend the hon. Member for heeding my plea. I want to assure him that immediately the housing units are constructed, officers will be deployed to man the police post that was constructed by the community, and it must be commend for that effort. Nonetheless, he should, please, engage the ministry so that it can plan with him the sort of housing units he may wish to construct so that we move together. The hon. Member should engage the ministry so that we plan together and agree on the type of infrastructure that we can put up.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

MKUSHI NORTH COMMUNICATION TOWERS CONSTRUCTION

 

83. Ms Mwape (Mkushi North) asked the Minister of Transport and Communication:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to facilitate the construction of communication towers in Mkushi North Parliamentary Constituency;
2. if so, when the plans will be implemented;
3. how many towers are earmarked for construction; and
4. what the time frame for the completion of the project is.

The Minister of Transport and Communications (Mr Kafwaya): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to construct twelve communication towers in Mkushi North Constituency. The plans were completed in 2017 and shared with all relevant stakeholders, including hon. Members of Parliament.

 

Madam Speaker, twelve towers were earmarked for construction in Mkushi North Constituency and all of them have been constructed. Three towers are on air while nine are yet to be brought on air. The project is expected to be completed within the course of 2021.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Ms Subulwa: Madam Speaker, I hope this will be a bonus answer for me. Yes, the plans were circulated to hon. Members of Parliament, as indicated in the response by the hon. Minister. However, according to the schedule of work, the installation of towers in Liabangu, Sioma and Kabula, for example, which were supposed to be completed by 2020, have not been completed to date and no feedback has been given to the hon. Member of Parliament. When will the hon. Minister be able to come to the House to give the reasons for the delay in the construction of the communication towers in Mkushi and the said areas in Sioma?

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The question is unrelated to the principal question. That is a very new question.

 

The hon. Member for Zambezi West may take the Floor.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: She is not available. We will go to the next question.

 

The hon. Member for Zambezi West.

 

 Ms Kucheka: Madam Speaker, the host was not un-muting me.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You have a question on the Order Paper. Can you proceed to ask.

 

Ms Kucheka: Madam Speaker, yes, I have a question on the Order Paper, but I also wanted to ask a question on communication towers. The host was not un-muting me and I am not happy because Zambezi West is struggling with the issue of towers. Despite being in the first phase, nothing has been done, to date, and we have just been listening to stories from the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

 

CONSTRUCTION OF MINI HOSPITALS IN SENIOR CHIEF NDUNGU’S AND CHIEF KUCHEKA’S CHIEFDOMS

 

84. Ms Kucheka asked the Minister of Health:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to construct mini hospitals in Senior Chief Kucheka’s and Chief Ndungu’s Chiefdoms in Zambezi West Parliamentary Constituency;
2. if so, when the plans will be implemented;
3. what the estimated cost of each project is; and
4. what the estimated time frame for the completion of each project is.

 

Dr Chanda: Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to construct mini hospitals in Senior Chief Kucheka’s and Chief Ndungu’s Chiefdom’s in Zambezi West Constituency. The Government has already engaged a contractor and all the sites have been handed over to him.

 

Madam Speaker, the construction of the two mini hospitals in Zambezi West Parliamentary Constituency is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2021. They will be under the project to construct 108 mini hospitals countrywide and three district hospitals with funding from the United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF).

 

Madam Speaker, in terms of cost, I cannot give the cost of an individual mini hospitals, but the total package of that funding from UKEF is US$300 million, which constitutes 108 mini hospitals and three district hospitals. This is a full package consisting of construction, equipment and consultancy.

 

Madam Speaker, the estimated time frame for the completion of each project is six months.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Madam Speaker, were hon. Members of Parliament consulted in identifying the needs of their people as regards mini hospitals? I ask this question because unlike the North-Western Province for which the hon. Minister has given a wonderful response, there is no single mini hospital that has been approved in Chama. I applied to the hon. Minister’s office and engaged the Permanent Secretary (PS) and was given an assurance, but when it came to the allocation of mini hospitals in the province, there was no allocation to Chama, which is the biggest district in Muchinga Province.

 

Madam Speaker, were hon. Members consulted in indentifying needy areas for these mini hospitals?

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Unless the hon. Minister has an answer to that, it is quite unrelated to the principal question.

 

Dr Chanda: Madam Speaker, I want to thank the hon. Member for Chama South. I will just answer his question generically. When any Government ministry is making decisions, there are many stakeholders that are involved. There are traditional leaders, civic leaders and hon. Members of Parliament. Probably, it may be too much to say that the ministry should have come to hon. Members of Parliament. I think that hon. Members of Parliament, as key stakeholders in the area, will always lobby for these projects. However, I also wish to reassure hon. Members of Parliament that the ministry is in the process of reviewing the whole list of the 108 mini hospitals. I will meet with the contractor and the whole team tomorrow morning so that we talk about equitable distribution. We need to know where they are needed the most. After that, like I answered earlier on, I will bring the comprehensive list of the mini hospitals at the appropriate time.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Ms Kucheka: Madam Speaker, this one is a point of correction. On the Order Paper, it is written, “Senior Chief Kucheka and Chief Ndungu.” It is actually the other way round. It is supposed to be “Senior Chief Ndungu and Chief Kucheka.”

 

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the answers and also congratulate him on his new appointment. I hope that the hon. Minister will walk the talk.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Of course, that is not a question.

 

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, my question was going to be based on the geographical distribution of the mini hospitals because the previous hon. Minister was not coming out straight on the issue.  However, the question has now been answered. So, I pass.

 

Dr Malama: Madam Speaker, I note that the Patriotic Front (PF) Government is doing a commendable job in all regions of the country. I would like to remind the hon.  Minister of Health of the former hon. Minister’s assurance to this House on the building of a mini hospital in Kabinga area. This assurance was even re-broadcast on Parliament Television yesterday. In consideration of the review of the list of the 108 mini hospitals by the hon. Minister, would he be able to come through and advise when this construction would be done in Chief Kabinga’s area in Kanchibiya Constituency?

 

The First Deputy Speaker: That question is unrelated to the principal question, but in any case, the hon. Minister has assured the House that he is going to review the current list and, hopefully, re-configure.

 

CONSTRUCTION OF CHIEF MUTONDO’S PALACE IN MANGANGO PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY

 

85. Mr Putu (Mangango) asked the Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs:

 

1. when the construction of Chief Mutondo’s Palace in Mangango Parliamentary Constituency will commence;
2. what the estimated cost of the project is; and
3. what the estimated time frame for the completion of the project is.

 

The First Deputy Speaker: IT be alert. We are losing a lot of time.

 

The Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs (Mr Sichalwe): Madam Speaker, the construction of palaces in the country is being implemented in phases. In the current and first phase, the Government is constructing the following palaces in the Western Province:

 

1. Chief Imwiko in Lukulu District;
2. Chief Kahare in Nkeyema District; and
3. Chief Kandala in Mongu District.

 

Madam Speaker, in this regard, the construction of Chief Mutondo’s Palace in Mangango Parliamentary Constituency will be implemented in subsequent phases. The estimated total cost of the palace will be determined once the procurement process of construction has been done. The estimated time frame for completion will be determined subject to the above.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Putu: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has mentioned that Chief Mutondo’s Palace will be constructed in the next phase. I would like to find out when the second phase (inaudible)  −

 

The First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, you were inaudible. Can you repeat the question as you are now audible.

 

Mr Putu: Madam Speaker, I was saying that if there is a chief who is suffering regarding the issue of accommodation, it is Chief Mutondo. The hon. Minister said that the construction of palaces is in phases. So, I would like to find out which phase Chief Mutondo’s Palace is in.

 

Mr Sichalwe: Madam Speaker, I mentioned in my response that Chief Mutondo’ palace will be considered in subsequent phases, and that will be dependent upon the provincial administration including it on the next phase because the ministry does not determine which chiefs’ palaces are included in a particular phase. It leaves it up to provincial administrations to see which chief is really in dire need of accommodation. So, since the hon. Member has put it that this is one of the chiefs who is in dire need, we will wait upon the recommendation of the provincial administration so that we consider the chief in the subsequent phase.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Putu: Madam Speaker, what criterion does the ministry use when choosing palaces?

 

  Mr Sichalwe: Madam Speaker, I mentioned that provincial administrations recommend which chiefs are in dire need of palaces at a particular time. The role we, as a ministr, play is merely to give the province the number of palaces that we are able to work on in a particular phase. For example, in the first phase we are in, each province was given three palaces. So, it was upon provincial administrations to recommend to us on how to go about that particular phase. I would urge the hon. Member to engage the provincial administration so that it considers this chief in the next phase.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

CONSTRUCTION OF KAANJA LIVESTOCK SERVICE CENTRE TIER 3 IN SIOMA DISTRICT

 

86.  Ms Subulwa asked the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock:

 

1. when the construction of the Kaanja Livestock Service Centre Tier 3 in Sioma District will be completed;
2. what the cause of the delay in completing the project is;
3. what the total cost of the project is;
4. how much money had been paid to the contractor as of July 2020; and
5. when the centre will be opened to the public.

 

The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock (Prof. Luo): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Livestock Centre Tier (3) in Sioma Parliamentary Constituency will be completed as soon as the funds for the remaining works are made available.

 

Madam, the delay was caused by the foreign currency exchange losses suffered by the project during the implementation. There was a loss of US$4 million against the projected amount of US$50 million under the Livestock Development and Animal Health Project (LDAHP) funded by the World Bank.

 

Madam, this affected the implementation of the Sioma Project and other planned activities. After the project was closed, the Government felt that it was its responsibility to finance the completion of the remaining works.

 

Madam Speaker, due to the exchange loss at that time, the outstanding amount due to the contractor was K7,254,007.21. Since the takeover by the Government, the ministry has released K1,043,980.40, leaving a balance of K6,210,026.81.

 

Madam Speaker, the total cost of this project is K12,185,562.25, Value Added Tax (VAT) exclusive. The contractor has since been paid K5,975,475.39 as at July 2020. As indicated in parts (a) and (b) of the question, the works have temporarily stalled, but the contract is still running. The facility is expected to be opened to the public once all the remaining works are completed.

 

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Ms Subulwa: Madam Speaker, it is good to see the hon. Minister. I would also like to thank her for the response.

 

Madam, is the hon. Minister aware that after the last payment the Government made to the contractor, he has not been on site. He only pretended to be on site when His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia with his entourage in the company of the hon. Minister of Fisheries and Livestock and myself visited the site. He disappeared after the Presidential entourage left. So, this means that even the money due to the workers was not paid. I would like to find out whether the hon. Minister is aware that after the last payment, the contractor has not been on site.

 

Prof. Luo: Madam Speaker, the report that the contractor just appeared on site and then thereafter disappeared has reached me.

 

Madam, let me take advantage of the submission by Hon. Subulwa and say that this is one of the biggest frustrations the Government is being made to go through by some of the local contractors. Normally, my attitude is that when reports like that reach me, I follow them up. So, I will definitely travel to Sioma to confirm that report because I know what was remaining to be carried out at the time. So, I want to go and confirm that, in fact, the contractor just appeared and left. I will summon him to my office to read the Riot Act.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Sioma, do you still want to ask a question? The hon. Minister has offered to travel.

 

Ms Subulwa: Madam Speaker, I do not want to ask a question, but I wish to travel with the hon. Minister.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

FREE EDUCATION IMPLEMENTATION POLICY

 

87. Mr Simbao (Senga Hill) asked the Minister of General Education:

 

   (a)    whether the Government is implementing the Free Education olicy;

 

(b)        if so, which grades are benefiting from the policy;

 

(c)        what the benefits of the policy are; and

 

(d)        whether the policy has yielded the intended results so far.

 

The Minister of General Education (Dr Wanchinga): Madam Speaker, the Government is implementing the Free Education Policy. The Free Education Policy was introduced in 2002, and this was followed by circular ME/71/126 No. 3 of 15^th March, 2002, which was issued by the Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of General Education to all schools and all education officers explaining what free primary education entailed. The main objective of this policy was to remove the barriers that hindered children from accessing education at primary school level. The Government announced the abolishment of all user fees for Grade 1 to Grade 7 and made school uniforms optional.

 

Madam Speaker, as regards the first part of the question, the context of free education, as understood by the Ministry of General Education, is that there should be no fees from Grade 1 to Grade 7, that uniforms should not be compulsory for these grades and that the Government will provide some basics such as books and pencils when they are available.

 

Madam Speaker, the provisions of this policy cater for primary school education from Grade 1 to Grade 7. This means that early childhood education (ECE) is not included in the Free Education Policy. This also means that Grade 8 upwards to Grade 12 are not included in the Free Education Policy, as defined by the Ministry of General Education.

 

Madam Speaker, on the issue of value addition or benefits of the policy, this policy was put in place to enhance primary school education for all the children who are eligible to go to school. It removed the barriers of fees and uniforms, especially for vulnerable groups. So, the policy has enhanced access to education for all children.

 

Madam Speaker, this progressive policy has yielded the desired results. We have seen that the implementation of this policy has recorded a steady increase in enrolments and also enhanced access to schools by orphans and vulnerable children.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

 

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Madam Speaker, I would like the hon. Minister to give a comprehensive and categorical answer to the issues which I am going to raise.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister may not be aware that in most jurisdictions, school administrations are demanding that pupils, especially in urban areas, take rolls of tissue, floor polish such as cobra and other cleaning materials to schools. Further, they are also asking parents to pay the Parent Teacher Associations (PTA) fees, and this is also obtaining in rural areas. So, what obtains is that the aggregation of the requirements that parents are supposed to take to schools is higher than the so-called fees that were abolished by the Government.

 

Madam Speaker, would the hon. Minister still say that there is free education in the school system, considering that parents are being made to pay a lot of money to enable their children to attend school?

 

Dr Wanchinga: Madam Speaker, I am not sure whether the hon. Leader of the Opposition followed through with my definition of what constitutes free education on our part. Free education cannot be absolute. Children have to go to school and, in some cases, are taken by parents who need to buy fuel, which is a cost. Children also have to be given lunch by parents, which is a cost. Children have to use tissue paper, especially in areas where they have waterborne toilets, which is also a cost. Children also have to ensure that their classrooms are clean, hygienic and user friendly, and that is also a bit of a cost. Therefore, these costs that constitute the servicing of the environment in which children are learning are not what constitute limitations to children accessing education. It is the fees and uniforms which were considered to be critical hindrances to children’s education.

 

Madam Speaker, these items that children have to take to school such as tissue papers, floor polish such as cobra and the PTA fees to enable teachers and headmasters to buy uniforms for the management of schools, added to a situation whereby they also have to pay school fees, and uniforms are compulsory, then, you would have a situation that is very much compounded as a hindrance to the education of our children. 

 

Madam Speaker, in some cases, children have to pay these things, but the biggest burden has been removed from the shoulders of parents and that is why we have seen an increase in the enrolment and stability in the population of children in our schools, especially from Grade 1 up to Grade 7.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Simbao: Madam Speaker, was free education partly designed to benefit a Grade 7 failure?  If so, what were the considered benefits? If not, can we, then, say it is a waste of money for the Government?

 

Dr Wanchinga: Madam Speaker, I am not sure what the hon. Member for Senga Hill meant when he said the policy of free education was designed to benefit a Grade 7 failure. I would have liked him to elaborate further. However, let me mention that the idea of targeting specific age groups for education is not new in this country. It existed even during the federation in the colonial period. At that particular time, good performers were targeted. There were special places and funds which were set aside by the local education authorities of that time to support children who were vulnerable, but talented enough to benefit from education.

 

Madam Speaker, in this particular instance, the focus is slightly different. We have targeted the group from Grade 1 up to Grade 7 because we believe that when children in this group are exposed to education, it gives them, at least, a minimum education which would be able to make them live as useful citizens in this country.

 

Madam Speaker, it was not meant to benefit a Grade 7 failure, but Zambian citizens and to ensure that everyone has, at least, minimum education regardless of social status to be able to live as a useful citizen.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Ms Katuta (Chienge): Madam Speaker, I would like to find out why the Government would only want to give free education at primary school level when it is not as expensive as secondary school level where there are many of drop-outs. For example, in Chienge, most of our children fail to go up to Grade 12 because their parents cannot afford to pay examination fees.

 

Madam Speaker, I would like to find out why the Government has done the opposite by educating more Grade 7 scholars and ensuring that they acquire basic education instead of having more children reach Grade 12 at which stage they are able to do more things here and there. I want to find out why the Government has opted not to give free education to children at secondary school level, especially in rural areas where their parents are so poor they cannot afford secondary school education?

 

 Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Chienge, that is a different question and I urge you to file-in a new question for the hon. Minister of General Education to respond to.    

 

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Madam Speaker, I think the hon. Minister of General Education is in a different world. In his response, he talked of removing the barrier that will stop pupils in Kalabo District from attending school. He also talked about the provision of books, pens and other necessary logistics. Has the hon. Minister made any deliberate inquiry to find out how much of those books and pens reach the vulnerable children from Grade 1 to Grade 7 in the rural areas so that the issue of the barrier becomes a non-issue? If he is not aware, the issue of the barrier is still very prominent because those books do not reach the intended pupils.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister of General Education, deal with the issue of the barrier.

 

Dr Wanchinga: Madam Speaker, I thank you for your guidance. Let me add that the vision of the Ministry of General Education is to remove these barriers all the way up to the end of secondary school education, which is from Grade 1 to Grade 12. That is the intention of the Government. For the time being, we have identified Grade 1 to Grade 7, as the grades where children are most vulnerable. That is where we believe that we have to increase intake to be able to have a good flow of output at higher grades.

 

Madam Speaker, therefore, by removing school fees and the demand for uniforms, we have enabled the vulnerable children to be able to access education in the same manner as the children from advantaged families. So, I am not too sure about the issue of pupils not benefiting from these interventions in Kalabo because books and pens are given out by the Government when resources to procure them are available and they are distributed throughout the provinces.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Dr Kopulande (Chembe): Madam Speaker, there is an old adage that, “there is no free lunch.” Obviously, the Government incurs costs through the provision of free education from Grade 1 to Grade 7. Is the hon. Minister able to give an indication of what the approximate cost per child is with regards to the provision of this free education from Grade 1 to Grade 7?

 

Dr Wanchinga: Madam Speaker, this would be a very good statistic. I think I will consult the technocrats in the ministry to see how this can be worked out. Let me just mention some background information that we have 10,500 schools in this country with a population of 4.3 million children. When we segregate this population into the population of children that fall into the –

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

(Debate adjourned)

 

_______

 

The House adjourned at 1655 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 27^th January, 2021.