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Friday, 14th February, 2020
Friday, 14th February, 2020
The House met at 0900 hours
[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]
NATIONAL ANTHEM
PRAYER
_______
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
The Vice-President (Mrs Wina): Mr Speaker, I rise to give the House an indication of the business it will consider next week.
Sir, on Tuesday, 18th February, 2020, the Business of the House will start with an Address by Her Excellency, Mrs Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. This will be followed by Questions for Oral Answer. Thereafter, the House will consider presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any.
Mr Speaker, on Wednesday, 19th February, 2020, the Business of the House will start with Questions for Oral Answer. Thereafter, the House will consider Private Members’ Motions, if there will be any. The House will then deal with the presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any.
Sir, on Thursday, 20th February, 2020, The Business of the House will commence with Questions for Oral Answer. This will be followed by presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any. Thereafter, the House will consider the Second Reading stage of the National Planning and Budgeting Bill, National Assembly Bill No. 22 of 2019.
Mr Speaker, on Friday, 21st February, 2020, the Business of the House will start with Vice-President’s Question Time. This will be followed by Questions for Oral Answer. The House will then deal with presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any.
I thank you, Sir.
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THE VICE-PRESIDENT’S QUESTION TIME
Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa): Mr Speaker, following the reported coronavirus outbreak in China, and the concerns that are being raised by many Zambians, I would like to find out how prepared the Government is in dealing with any potential coronavirus outbreak in Zambia.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the House and the country at large have been informed about the outbreak of this very dangerous disease in the People’s Republic of China.
Sir, I wish to reaffirm Government’s commitment to maintaining public health and the security of the country by continuing to strengthen capacities for detecting and responding to public health threats. I also wish to call on all hon. Members of Parliament to take a step in engaging their communities and encouraging them to take responsibility for their health through good personal hygiene practices. The Government wishes to assure the people of Zambia that there is no case of coronavirus in Zambia or among the Zambians nationals abroad. Indeed, all the students in China are safe and the Government will continue monitoring the situation closely. So far, the Government has taken a number of measures to ensure the health and safety of Zambians right here in Zambia as well as the students who are in China. In addition, the hon. Minister has been directed to give a comprehensive statement on this disease in the House next week.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr A. C. Mumba (Kantanshi): Mr Speaker, I am aware that a ministerial statement will be issued next week on Tuesday, 18th February, 2020 in relation to the riots and the gassing of people in the country, including Kantanshi Constituency where we have had about forty-five cases. What is the Government’s strong message to the people of Zambia considering that there is a thin line between political stability and investor confidence?
Mr Speaker: Would Her Honour the Vice-President like the question repeated?
The Vice-President indicated assent.
Mr Speaker: Hon. Member, could you repeat the last part of your question.
Mr A. Mumba: Mr Speaker, the last part of my question was that what would Her Honour the Vice-President’s strong message to the people of Zambia be ahead of next week’s ministerial statement as regards the riots and the gassing incidences that are taking place in various constituencies across the country, particularly in Kantanshi Constituency where we have had about forty-five cases reported to the police?
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the gassing of innocent Zambians is a very unfortunate phenomenon that is happening in our country. The supernatural beliefs in this country are getting out of hand and, of course, they are being fuelled by social media fake news. It is very unfortunate that our young people, girls and boys as well as men and women are being hired to perpetrate these heinous crimes.
Mr Speaker, these are no longer just petty crimes. They are terrorist crimes that the State has to respond to in a manner that befits terrorism. The whole idea, we believe, is to frighten the population and make the country ungovernable. This is extremely unfortunate. The most important thing is to find the culprits behind these heinous crimes.
Mr Speaker, the gassing of households that started on the Copperbelt has spread to many parts of Zambia including the Lusaka Province, Central Province and the North-Western Province. These criminals are hired.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President: They are not acting on their own. It is for this reason that the President has come out to condemn this situation. As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Zambia, he has directed the Zambia Army to be on the streets and, as Second-in-Command of the Armed Forces of Zambia and Vice-President, I endorse the steps that our President has taken.
Mr Speaker, we cannot continue to see our people being terrorised. They have not committed any crimes against anyone. This is being done to instil fear in our communities and no one can explain for what purpose. The situation will be normalised once we come to the bottom of the issue to know who is sponsoring and funding these characters.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Mwiimbu (Monze Central): Mr Speaker, the United Party for National Development (UPND) also condemns the gassing of innocent people in the country.
Interjections
Mr Speaker: Order!
Hon. Mwiimbu resume your seat.
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: There is no need for this kind of reaction. The hon. Member for Monze Central may continue.
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I note the comments. As the UPND and other progressive Zambians, we condemn the gassing of innocent Zambians.
Interjections
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, when this....
Interjections
Mr Speaker: Order!
Hon. Member, resume your seat.
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, could you allow me to respond to those on your right side?
Mr Speaker: No, no. Hon. Member, resume your seat.
Interjections
Mr Speaker: Hon. Members on the right, let me be very specific now.
Interjections
Mr Speaker: Order!
Hon. Members on the right, since this is where the problem is now, desist from making running commentaries. This is a national problem, and we are all part of the national leadership. If we cannot transact, we can skip this altogether. Time may be running out, but you cannot transact with this kind of reaction. Time running out or not, there is no way we will transact. I will stop not just the watch, but the transaction itself.
The hon. Member for Monze may continue.
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, as I indicated, this is a national issue, unless our hon. Colleagues on your right want to take it as a partisan issue. We condemn the gassing of innocent people. You will recall that when these incidences started happening in Chingola, statements were made by our hon. Colleagues on your right saying that these are ritual killers and all sorts of myths. We raised those issues and asked the Government to take into account the allegations that were being made by the people and ensure that law and order is brought into the country, but they refused.
Mr Speaker: Your preface is sufficient. What is your question?
Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, what has made the Government change from its earlier statements which it had been making to the nation and start to insinuate that these are hired killers?
Mr Lusambo: Question!
Interjections
Mr Speaker: Order!
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the perpetrators of these crimes are our children. They are our sons and daughters who come from our homes. It is the responsibility of all of us to help the State to find the perpetrators of all these crimes.
Sir, a full report on this matter will be given by the hon. Minister of Home Affairs. However, I hasten to say that what is going on in the country is extremely unusual and un-natural. I am saying this because some of these young people have not gone in secondary schools to learn Chemistry or Physics to know how to mix chemicals to expect a certain reaction. These are people who are given these chemicals, and trained to use them and they are using them on their fellow citizens. Surely, this is a source of concern and should be for everyone.
Mr Speaker, I welcome the message from the Leader of the Opposition in the House condemning this spate of criminality that has been seen in our community. I believe and hope that the message from the Leader of the Opposition in the House is genuine.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the condemnation from the Leader of the Opposition should be welcomed, and the Government believes that this is the feeling of the members of his party because it has taken a long time for them to come out and condemn what is going on in the country.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice President: Otherwise, the Government welcomes this gesture and hopes that from now onwards, this House will be united in condemning such acts and also talk more about peace in our country. We need to build peace and connect bridges that unite us as a people. For this reason, I have already indicated that the Head of State is giving directions that will bring results which will help the situation to normalise.
I thank you, Sir.
Ms Lubezhi (Namwala): Mr Speaker, speaking as a seasoned politician and campaigner, I have gone through the Constitution of Zambia and the provisions of the Electoral Code of Conduct. Starting from Sesheke to Kaoma and now Chilubi, the Patriotic Front (PF), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been hounding out leaders of the Opposition from campaigning when there is a by-election, as was the case in Chilubi. Could Her Honour the Vice-President educate me on which Article in the Constitution of Zambia allows police to hound out leaders of the Opposition political parties from an election zone when the leader of the ruling political party, not as Head of State, goes to campaign? I need a serious answer.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, allow me to use this opportunity to congratulate the people of Lukulu, Mongu Central and Mitete...
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
The Vice-President: ...for realising that they had been covered with a very huge blanket which they are now uncovering in more ways than we expected. The people have realised that they have taken a dangerous route which does not bring them anything. I am telling you that it is a dangerous route which has not taken them anywhere and they are u-turning. The by-elections in Chilubi Constituency were conducted according to the rules and provisions of the Electoral Act of Zambia and the Public Order Act.
Sir during that election, like any other election, all political parties are contacted by security wings, in this case the police. They decide on the timetables to follow in conducting their campaigns and each political party suggests and gives to the police dates and places where their campaigns would be conducted. This is exactly what happened in the Chilubi Constituency by-election. Other political parties were informed about the intention of the Head of State to campaign in Chilubi. There was no way that these leaders could have been hounded out of Chilubi. They might have been told to go to another place within the constituency, and not necessarily out of Chilubi. I say so because, according to the Public Order Act, you cannot have two political parties campaigning in the same place. Otherwise, with the political atmosphere lingering over our heads, you would get a lot of security issues. In fact, it was in the best interest of the leaders of these political parties to be re-directed to other parts of the constituency and not necessarily where they were insisting to have their meetings. So, the Government does not see anything that went wrong in that constituency.
Mr Speaker, I think it is very important for us as political leaders to accept defeat in an election. Otherwise, we will continue harbouring grudges against other people which is not good for politics.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Siwanzi (Nakonde): Mr Speaker, during the 2018/2019 Farming Season, some agro dealers redeemed vouchers for farmers under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) and did not give farmers farming inputs. The agro dealers claimed that the Government had not paid them. Now that the Government has fulfilled this task and most agro dealers have been paid, farmers in Nakonde want to know if they should forget about their 2018/2019 farming inputs. I believe that what the agro dealers did is criminal. What is the Government doing about this matter to ensure that farmers in Nakonde receive farming inputs that they should have received in the 2018/2019 Farming Season?
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, agro-dealers that redeemed cards on behalf of farmers did so illegally. In any situation where we come across such dealers, we should report them to the police so that punitive measures are taken against them. Our farmers have been swindled out of their money by a lot of agro-dealers.
Mr Speaker, the Government had high hopes in the recruitment of agro-dealers with a view to empowering men and women in rural areas to participate in the business of agriculture in areas where the E-voucher system was being pioneered. Unfortunately, the appetite to make quick money brought a lot of challengers to this programme which was well intended. Those that have swindled farmers will definitely be taken to the courts of law.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Mwila (Chimwemwe): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out when the Government would address capacity challenges in the Zambia Police Service in terms of manpower, servicing of vehicles and other tools or accessories, so as to enable our men and women in uniform to appropriately contain volatile situations whenever and wherever they would appear in our country.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the recruitment of police personnel is an ongoing process. When we were debating the Budget a few months ago, I was amazed at the amount of condemnation that came from the Opposition regarding funding to the police. It is only when we face security challenges that we realise that the Police Service is useful. For the past few years, the Government has not recruited enough security personnel. The Government only began recruiting in 2017 and we hope that that this trend will continue in 2020. So, we look forward to beefing up our security forces, included the Zambia Army and the Zambia National Service (ZNS).
I thank you, Sir.
Dr Chanda (Bwana Mkubwa): Mr Speaker, terrorism is defined as life threatening actions perpetrated by politically motivated self-appointed sub-state groups. That is the definition of terrorism. The gassing incidents that have been happening in Zambia have a very organised and systematic pattern, like Her Honour the Vice-President has alluded to, and they are meant to cause fear and panic. As the hon. Member of Parliament for Bwana Mkubwa, people are calling me every day at night and early in the morning because of fear and panic, which basically is mean to incite people against the State. As Her Honour the Vice-President alluded to in her earlier response that these are terrorist attacks, I want to find out why the Government is not declaring a state of threatened emergency to contain the situation.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, this is a national security issue, but we have not reached a point where we need to declare it a national emergency. There are measures that the Government is taking to address this issue, and we believe that with time, certain measures will be considered and we cannot rule out any measure at the moment. The Government is still studying this situation to see what measures will be put in place to end this whole tragedy that has befallen our country.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Mutale (Chitambo): Mr Speaker, some parts of the Eastern Province have recorded floods, especially those in the valley area. May I know how the Government is responding to assist the people who have been affected by these floods.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, throughout 2019, the people of Zambia were praying to God for rains and, indeed, the rains have come. The coming of rains has brought its own challenges. The first areas that were affected were in the Eastern Province. The province continued to receive normal to above normal rainfall, and as a result, a number of areas, including Lumezi, Mambwe and Chama, were submerged.
Thankfully, the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) took swift action to evacuate the people who were marooned on islands or in hills and transported them to higher ground. They were supported with food, blankets, cooking utensils, mealie meal, kapenta, cooking oil and such other commodities. However, other areas have been affected as well in Kabwe, Mazabuka and Mitete, but the Government has responded by supporting the families and with adequate food stuffs. Even here in Lusaka, Kanyama and parts of Mandevu and Munali are submerged at the moment, but the Government has responded in all these incidents to support the families. We are very happy with the work that the DMMU has embarked on to help our communities.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Fungulwe (Lufwanyama): Mr Speaker, Her Honour the Vice-President is aware that Lufwanyama has been terrorised by these criminals who are gassing households. In her statement, she has indicated that the Head of State has instructed the army to be on the streets. As I am aware, these army officers are supposed to be planted countrywide. My question is: When is the Government sending these army officers to Lufwanyama because all the six chiefdoms are being terrorised by these criminals?
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the army is sent to beef-up the efforts of the police service. Each area is assessed to ascertain the level of criminal activities and Lufwanyama is under scrutiny now to see what can be done and whether there is need to send reinforcements of the Zambia Army or ZNS. So, all the areas that have reported these criminal activities will be assessed to determine the use of the military personnel. For now, the situation is still being studied.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Mubika (Shangombo): Mr Speaker, last year, Shangombo was one of the districts which were affected by drought and hunger, but at the moment, it is having very good rains, which are coming at a cost of destroying crops and infrastructure. I would like to find out from Her Honour the Vice-President how prepared this Government is regarding working on infrastructure and the looming hunger which might come because of the good rains that Shangombo is having.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, this Government responds to all disaster situations. Actually, as early as December, the DMMU in conjunction with RDA had allocated funds to a contractor to work on the road from Sioma to Shangombo. If the works have stalled, I suppose it is because of the heavy rains in the area, but the road is being worked on. Some of the DMMU trucks that were sent to Shangombo to support the hunger stricken people were stuck half way somewhere in the area. This is why the DMMU and the Government realised that there was a need to resurface the road so that the people in need could be reached.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Michelo (Bweengwa): Mr Speaker, I think that there is a saying which goes: If a Government fails to curb criminality within 24hours, it always means that it is also involved. How can the people of Zambia and I today believe that the barbaric and evil acts of gassing innocent citizens is not a Patriotic Front (PF) designed move to create confusion in the country so that it can declare a state of emergency in order to start arresting leaders of Opposition political parties? Could Her Honour the Vice-President clarify this statement.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, it was only a few minutes ago when the Leader of the Opposition in the House expressed regret at what is happening around the country. Suddenly, one of his hon. Members comes up with a question and remarks that are saying something else. This is why we were wondering whether that condemnation was genuine or not.
Hon Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Lubinda: They have been exposed.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, in Kanyama for example, public property was destroyed. The police post was built only a few months ago with the support of the people in that area, the business community and the Government. How could the Government turn around and tell its people to damage that police post?
Hon. PF Member: They were shouting that we want change.
The Vice-President: Why cause damage to properties? We are aware that there were slogans that were uttered by some of these criminals. These utterances can only be attributed to certain sections of our society including some Opposition political parties. We have not accused any political party of any ill doing in these criminal activities. However, what we are saying is that these criminals have been hired, trained and sent to target and terrorise innocent Zambians. This is why I said that these are terrorist attacks.
Mr Speaker, to say that the Government planted these people to do these heinous crimes is missing the point. Currently, the whole world is fighting terrorism and I do not believe that any Government anywhere in the world can send its people to damage infrastructure so that it is seen to be fighting the Opposition. It is only in this country where we can think in such a myopic way. This Government wants to build Zambia and infrastructure development has been one of the hallmarks of the PF Government. How can it build and break at the same time? That is not possible.
Mr Speaker, we are aware of those who do not want to see this development taking shape in our country. Those characters who are working with whoever it is should know that this Government is committed to developing this country. We will do everything possible to stop such criminals in their tracks so that people are protected and have confidence in their own Government.
Mr Speaker, I could go on and on, but I think that it is up to us as leaders to really demonstrate our leadership skills to ensure that peace prevails in our communities and in the country.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Lufuma (Kabompo): Mr Speaker, there is a situation in this country. A tribal cancer of an unprecedented nature is sweeping this country and consuming it without us even realising it. The unfortunate situation is that we, the political leadership, are at the centre of this whole cancer. We are encouraging rather than discouraging this political or tribal cancer. The Tonga tribe, in particular, is being demonised …
Hon. Government Members: Question!
Ms Lubezhi: Hear, hear!
Mr Lufuma: … to the extent were leaders are openly making tribal sentiments against this ethnic group. Rather than condemning, the President of the Republic of Zambia is lukewarm and mute about the situation. This gives us the impression that he is promoting the same for political expediency.
Mr Speaker, my question is: What strategic, systemic and combative remedy is the Government putting in place to ensure that this scourge, this cancer does not consume this country to become like the Rwandan situation?
What should this one Tonga person, who the President mentioned and said would never be President at all, do? A Tonga will never, at all, be a President in this country. So, what should the Tongas do? Should they extricate themselves from Zambia or what is the Government going to do about it?
Hon. UPND Members: Tell us.
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Order!
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I do not expect …
Mr Mwiinga: Ah! Just answer.
Mr Speaker: Order!
The Vice-President: …to receive a question of that nature from a very seasoned political leader because, really, if we are sincere, we cannot say what the hon. Member has said ...
Mr Syakalima: How? It was said by the President.
The Vice-President: ... because the UPND itself, in 2006, …
Hon. Government Members: Yes!
The Vice-President: …said in our faces, that no person from any other province or tribe can be leader of the UPND except a Tonga ...
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Hon. UPND Members: Question!
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Order!
The Vice-President: ... and that –
Mr Speaker: Order!
Your Honour the Vice-President, give me a minute.
Interruptions
Mr Chiteme: Ba Lubinda was in the UPND that time. He was there.
Mr Speaker: Hon. Members on the right, let Her Honour the Vice-President respond. Why drown her?
May Her Honour the Vice-President continue with her response.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, this was said in my face and I do not need any witnesses because I am a witness and I was a victim.
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Order on the left.
The Vice-President: So, I do not believe that the Tongas are being singled out.
Hon. UPND Members: Ah!
The Vice-President: …because the Tongas, like any other ethnic grouping in this country are entitled to –
Hon. UPND Members left the Assembly Chamber.
Mr Lusambo: Tongas are walking out.
Hon. Government Members: Tongas! Tongas! Moow, moow.
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: Your Honour the Vice-President, please resume your seat for a minute.
The Vice-President resumed her seat.
Interruptions
Mr Speaker: May Her Honour the Vice-President continue.
The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, it is very unfortunate that we, as leaders, are failing to address this issue squarely. Whether you are a Tonga, a Lozi or a Bemba, let us resolve this issue of tribe because whenever something is said about an individual, they will take it out of context and claim that the whole tribe is being condemned. That is not true. I mean, look at the composition of the political party called the Patriotic Front (PF). It is comprised of all tribes just like the UPND is comprised of all tribes. However, it does not mean that the Tongas should take offence when something is mentioned around some name. If there were any statements that were made negatively against the Tonga people, they have been condemned by all of us. I will also condemn any utterances that subscribe to the ethnic affinity of any person or leader. Let us try to build this country as one Zambia one nation. We were not a nation in 1962 or 1963, but all these ethnic groups came together. We never fought tribal wars even under the colonial rule. Why should it happen now? It is because of the politics of this country that are used by politicians to galvanise their tribe to follow them to make the necessary mass for a political party to survive.
I thank you, Sir.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
______
QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWWER
NALOLO DISTRICT DIP TANKS CONSTRUCTION
140. Mr Chishala (Roan) (on behalf of Mr Imbuwa) (Nalolo) asked the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock:
- whether the Government has any plans to construct dip tanks in Nalolo District;
- if so, how many dip tanks are earmarked for construction;
- where the dip tanks will be situated; and
- what the average cost of one dip tank is.
The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock (Prof. Luo): Mr Speaker, I want to preface the response as follows: I wish to inform this august House that Nalolo District is free from east coast fever and there is a low risk burden that would require intensive tick control. This is because the Barotse Plains act as a natural tick control due the seasonal flooding and hot weather which prevents ticks from multiplying in large numbers. Consequently, the incidence of tick-borne diseases is low and enzootic stability has been established. Animals in Nalolo have therefore developed resistance to tick-borne diseases. For this reason, the Government has no plans of constructing dip tanks in the district.
Sir, as indicated in the answer above, there will be no dip tanks, as at now, that will be constructed.
Mr Speaker, since there will be no construction, location of a dip tank construction cannot arise. The average cost for a dip tank in Nalolo District has not been determined as my ministry has never undertaken such a project in the area. However, the House may wish to note that the average cost of a dip tank in other parts of the country is K1500,000.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Dr Malama (Kanchibiya): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for that response which is informed by science. However, would the ministry not consider putting up, for emergency purposes, a few dip tanks in case the district is affected and the people would like to undertake preventive measures against this infection?
Prof. Luo: Mr Speaker, my ministry continues to carry out surveillance just in case we have an emergency. What we may consider in future is a spray lace and not a dip tank.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr S. Banda (Kasenengwa): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister in her answer indicated that the Government would not put up a dip tank in Nalolo because is not susceptible to tick-borne diseases. Has the Government got plans to put up dip tanks in areas which are susceptible to tick-borne diseases and, if so, which are these areas?
Prof. Luo: Mr Speaker, in fact, in line with its policy, the Government is constructing dip tanks across the country as one of the measures on animal health. This is an on-going programme. We have already put up a lot of dip tanks and we will continue to do so across the country, especially in the Southern Province and the Eastern Province.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa): Mr Speaker, most of the dip tanks that have been put up have challenges with water sources. You cannot dip animals where there is no water. Does the Government have plans of providing water where dip tanks are constructed?
Prof. Luo: Mr Speaker, one of the challenges we are facing as a ministry is that the people that did the specifications for the construction of the dip tanks left out a very important element that the hon. Member of Parliament is talking about, which is the issue of water. My staff has gone round to make an assessment and taken an inventory where we have dip tanks that have not been supported by water, and we will be putting up boreholes.
I thank you, Sir.
MONEY COLLECTED FROM COURT FEES
141. Mr Chiyalika (Lufubu) asked the Minister of Justice:
- how much money, in court fees, was collected from 2016 to 2017, year by year;
- whether the establishment of the Court of Appeal has led to an increase in the amount of money collected as court fees annually;
- whether any money collected as court fees in the period at (a) was misapplied; and
- if so, what measures were taken against the erring officers.
The Minister of Justice (Mr Lubinda): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the hon. Member and the House as follows: The total fees collected by the Judiciary in 2016 and 2017 respectively are as tabulated below:
2016
Activity Amount Collected (K)
Fines of Court 5,759,122
Court Fees 10,139,198
Library Services 150,856
Total 16,049,175
2017
Activity Amount Collected (K)
Fines of Court 9,726,841
Court Fees 16,076,057
Library Services 301,781
Total 26,104,679
COURT OF APPEAL
2016
Activity Amount Collected (K)
Fines of Court N/A
Court Fees 46,350.50
Library Services N/A
Total 46,350.50
2017
Activity Amount Collected (K)
Fines of Court N/A
Court Fees 212,536.50
Library Services N/A
Total 212,536.50
Mr Speaker, I would, therefore, like to inform the House that, indeed, there was an increment in the amount of court fees collected monthly as a result of the establishment of the Court of Appeal. I also want to confirm that records show that no money collected as court fees was misapplied and as such, there was no disciplinary measure that was instituted because there was no misapplication of money.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Ng’onga: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for that answer. However, I would like to seek clarification on the court fees that are collected by the courts. Are these monies used by the Judiciary alone or does the money find its self into the National Treasury?
Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, court fees are applied by the courts as funds in aid.
I thank you, Sir.
Dr Malama: Mr Speaker, as the hon. Minister knows, the Patriotic Front (PF) Government is fully committed to ensuring that every ngwee that goes in the coffers is accounted for. Do we have mechanisms to note what was expected and what was collected so that the disparity could be known, instead of just what was collected? Are we able to tell what was expected?
Mr Lubinda: Mr Speaker, what was expected would be a budget in anticipation and we cannot account for what we expected. We can only account for what we collected. Every kwacha that the Judiciary collected was appropriately accounted for. I also want to confirm that this Government is very strict and very clear on the need to avoid any misapplication of funds by any public servant. This is the reason this Government came up with the Public Finance Management Act, which holds every officer accountable for any misapplication of public resources.
Sir, I would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to rest assure the country that the Government of His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, is determined to stop leakages of any kind of public resources, not only in the Judiciary, but in the Public Service in its entirety.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker: I have decided to bring forward Question No. 143.
LUMEZI CONSTITUENCY WEIRS CONSTRUCTION
143. Mrs Jere (Lumezi) asked the Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection:
- when the construction of weirs to promote irrigation and livestock farming on the following rivers in Lumezi Parliamentary Constituency will commence:
- Lukusuzi;
- Luamphamba;
- Lumezi Lower; and
- Luasila;
b. what the cost of the project is; and
c. what the time frame for the completion of the project is.
The Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection (Dr Wanchinga): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank you for bringing the question forward. Regarding the first part of the question, I would like to inform the House that the Government has an ongoing programme for the construction of weirs countrywide, as contained in the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP). The commencement of the construction of the weirs at the above mentioned sites will be undertaken when funds are made available by the Treasury.
Sir, the total cost of the project will be established after undertaking pre-feasibility and detailed feasibility studies, technical designs as well as environmental and social impact assessments. Lastly, the time frame will only be determined when the process mentioned above has been done and the scope of works established.
Mr Speaker, let me just add very quickly on the issue of weirs. Usually, people think weirs and dams are the same, when in fact not. Some people refer to a dam as the body of water it contains, but that is not the dam. The dam is the embankment, the wall which is constructed. So, the difference between a weir and a dam is that a dam is a concrete or wall which is completely obstructing the flow of water, but with outlets made on the sides to allow water to flow for various purposes while a weir is simply an obstruction, a low wall within the water course just for the purpose of either diverting water or throwing water movement for the purpose facilitating its harvest. So, that is the difference between a dam and a weir. So, sometimes –
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear! Ema lecturers aya!
Dr Wanchinga: So, that is the definition of weirs according to the Advanced Oxford Dictionary on the issue of weirs.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker: In the same spirit, I call forward Question No. 146.
MKAIKA CONSTITUENCY BOREHOLES
146. Mr W. Banda (Milanzi) (on behalf of Mr Phiri (Mkaika)) asked the Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection:
- how many boreholes were sunk in Mkaika Parliamentary Constituency in 2017 and 2018; and
- if no boreholes were sunk, why.
Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, once again, I would like to thank you for advancing this question.
Sir, I wish to inform the House that in 2017, a total of nineteen boreholes were sunk in Mkaika Parliamentary Constituency, of which ten were completed and nine are yet to be equipped with the hand pumps. In 2018, no boreholes were sunk in Mkaika Parliamentary Constituency because the Government is still focusing on completing the already commenced works in the constituency.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr W. Banda: Mr Speaker –
Mr Mutale: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Mr Mutale: Mr Speaker, I would like to apologise to the hon. Member of Parliament for Milanzi for disturbing his question.
Sir, I rise on a very serious point of order. I am very much aware and very much privileged to know that as Members of Parliament, we have a right to walk out of the House if we are displeased with what is happening or something that may have happened. However, we all come here at the expense of the taxpayers. We are here to represent the people who sent us here.
Mr Speaker, what has happened this morning is very unfortunate in that the hon. Member of Parliament for Kabompo asked a very dividing question, which, if not checked, might divide this nation. Further, our hon. Colleagues in the Opposition, the United Party for National Development (UPND) in particular, have walked out on the same notion cementing this type of question. After they walked out, three hon. Members of Parliament for Choma Central, Keembe and Chisamba walked into the House and clocked in. However, immediately after clocking in, they also walked out of the House.
Sir, are we here to just come and make money for ourselves? I say so because the hon. Members I am talking about were not here when the incident happened. Are they in order to just walk in and clock in at the expense of many Zambians who are suffering out there and then walk out without following the proceedings of this House?
Mr Speaker, I need your serious ruling on the matter.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Speaker: Order!
The hon. Member has supplied an answer to the first part of his point of order. So, really, I will not dwell on it. Several rulings have been rendered in the past about the practice of a boycott and you have correctly articulated the position, namely that it is part of the democratic culture in parliaments.
On the second part, which of course you have distinguished from the first, I must also seize this opportunity to indicate that this has been a source of concern, not only today. This is not the only time we have witnessed this situation. On many occasions, both hon. Members on the left and the right practice the same conduct. They come in, clock in and leave. Members of the Business of the House Committee will attest to this problem. We have been grappling with how best to deal with the problem. It is not peculiar to the incident this morning. Even next week, when it is so calm, people come in, check in and leave. I have been struggling with this problem for the last nine years. Even to form a quorum after a break, we struggle. When we walk in after break, there is no quorum. So, ultimately, my ruling is that we should all be mindful about our responsibility and we should all serve our people faithfully. Further, faithful service means that when we clock in, we must be in from the beginning up to the end, all of us both on the left and right. That is my ruling.
Mr W. Banda: Mr Speaker, from 2018 to date is quite a long time, and the people of Mkaika are worried that –
Dr Malama: On a point of order, Sir.
Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.
Dr Malama: Mr Speaker, you have really given a very good ruling which will assist this House with good conduct. However, as you were delivering your ruling, we witnessed an hon. Member walk in and then walked out. Is the hon. Member in order?
Laughter
Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I do not think I want to repeat myself. In addition to what I stated earlier on, I must say that we also recognise that there are exigencies of life that necessitate people to occasionally walk out and come back. I cannot conjecture, from where I sit, why a particular hon. Member has walked out at a particular time. There could be a good and genuine reason for that, I cannot tell. Even as I am speaking, people are walking in and walking out, both on the left and right. The bottom line is that let us serve our constituents faithfully. It is a question of self leadership and self examination. Are we being faithful to the constituents? From where I sit, it is very difficult for me to answer that question. You, yourselves know whether you are being faithful or not. You know. Your conscience should answer that. The numbers and the quorum speak for themselves on whether we are being faithful or not.
Mr W. Banda: Mr Speaker, 2018 to date is quite a long time, and the people of Mkaika fear that the nine boreholes might collapse. What immediate measures has the ministry put in place to ensure that these boreholes are equipped with the necessary facilities?
Dr Wanchinga: Mr Speaker, there are no immediate measures to secure those boreholes which are already drilled. The only thing which we are doing desperately is to try hard and source for funds to secure the hand pumps and make sure that those boreholes are equipped.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
RESETTLEMENT FROM DROUGHT/FAMINE PRONE AREAS
142. Mr Kabanda (Serenje) asked the Vice-President:
- whether the Government has any plans to resettle people from drought and famine prone areas such as the Southern Province and parts of the Western Province to areas with good rainfall such as the Central, Luapula and Northern provinces;
- if so, when the plans will be implemented; and
- if there are no such plans, whether there are any long-term solutions to mitigate the effects of the drought in the affected areas.
The Minister in the Vice-President’s Office (Mrs Mwansa): Mr Speaker, the Government has no plans to resettle people from drought and famine prone areas such as the Southern Province and parts of the Western Province to areas with good rainfall such as the Central Province, Luapula Province and the Northern Province as it has not received any such request for repatriation or relocation from the affected communities. This will only be undertaken when a request is made.
Mr Speaker, on long-term solutions to mitigate the effects of drought, efforts have been stepped up on the use of climate-smart agriculture practices such as conservation agriculture. In addition, the Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture’s extension service, is emphasising this option as well as the use of irrigation in drought prone areas.
Mr Speaker, farmers are also being sensitised to always plant with the early rains and use early maturing seed varieties. However, should some households need to be relocated, the Department of Resettlement is ready to receive and dialogue with them for the possible relocation, if need be.
Mr Speaker, it is also critical to consider the cultural and tribal dynamics which surround resettlement as tribes may not easily resettle and reintegrate from one region to another owing to geographical heritage and various multi-cultural issues. This is particularly more sensitive if regions are widely spaced as in the case of the southern and western parts versus the northern and central parts.
Mr Speaker, considering the reality and effects of climate change, which is a force of nature not controlled by man, it is a challenge to predict what may happen to those who may have been resettled. It is possible that the issues the people are getting away from may resurface in their new location. It is therefore important that resettling of people is not done in a rushed and haphazard way but in a systematic and well-informed approach.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Dr Malama: Mr Speaker, Kanchibiya Constituency is one such place where resettlements are taking place. As you have noted, our good people from the Southern Province, the Western Province, the Eastern Province and other parts of the country have resettled in Kanchibiya. They have resettled particularly in Chief Luchembe’s chiefdom. The problem that exists is the backbone infrastructure. The feeder roads and the health care facilities like clinics are not in good condition. These issues were mentioned to Her Honour the Vice-President when she visited the constituency in 2017. Are these amenities going to be provided so that Kanchibiya Constituency continues to be a place where all Zambians can be encouraged to resettle?
Mrs Mwansa: Mr Speaker, my office is collaborating with other sector ministries like the Ministry of General Education and the Ministry of Health to help with the situation in resettlement areas in Kanchibiya Constituency.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
MSANZALA CONSTITUENCY ROADS TARRING
145. Mr Daka (Msanzala) asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:
- when tarring of the following roads in Msanzala Parliamentary Constituency will commence:
- Nyamphande/Mwape; and
- Petauke /Sandwe /Ukwimi/Malama;
b. what has caused the delay in commencing the projects; and
c. what the time frame for the completion of each project is.
The Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development (Mr Mwale): Mr Speaker, works on the Nyamphande/Mwape Road in Msanzala Parliamentary Constituency will commence once the procurement process for the works has been concluded. The road is one of those included in the Improved Rural Connectivity Project (IRCP) and is at procurement stage. The works will not be to tar the road or construct it to bituminous standard but to gravel it.
Mr Speaker, the tarring of the Petauke/Sandwe/Ukwimi/Malama Road in Msanzala Parliamentary Constituency will commence once funds have been made available. The Petauke/Sandwe/Ukwimi/Malama Road is part of the project of upgrading Petauke/Chilongozi/Musolo/Mambwe Road to bituminous standard. Some significant payments have been made to the contractors who have mobilised and are on the site.
Sir, there have been no delays. The project is on course, and the time frame for the completion of the Nyamphande/Mwape Road is five years from the date of commencement, while the time frame for the Petauke/Sandwe/Ukwimi/Malama Road is three years from the date of commencement.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Daka: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that the Ukwimi/Sandwe Road has been cut off from the connection to the Great East Road through Petauke due to delayed works on that road?
Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, the Government is aware of that situation, but like I said, two Chinese contractors have already been awarded contracts for this project and significant amounts of money have since been paid to them. Both companies were paid more than K45 million each. The companies are China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) on Lot 1 of the project and China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG) on Lot II. What the two contractors are waiting for are the rains to stop for works to start. The contractors are on the site. This shows that the Government is concerned and the remedies have been put in place.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr A. C. Mumba (Kantanshi): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has said that the Government has paid K45 million for these contracts. However, on several occasions, the hon. Minister has said that the Government will concentrate on projects which are 80 per cent complete or above. What is the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development doing to be consistent with the prioritising of projects that are 80 per cent complete and above? I should mention that the Government has been saying this for the past two years, but most of these projects have not been completed.
Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, this is an old project and procurement was done a long time ago. When the pronouncement for prioritising the completion of projects that are 80 per cent complete and above was being made, decisions for these two projects had already been made. It was just a matter of finances being released to the contractors. So, projects that got affected are those that started after the pronouncement was made. In any case, the Government has also said that roads that are urgent or are terribly bad and need something to be done will be allowed to have new contracts to work on them. For example, the Ukwimi/Sandwe Road has been cut off from other roads and therefore, it is an emergency.
I thank you, Sir.
KANCHIBIYA CONSTITUENCY BRIDGES RECONSTRUCTION
148. Dr Malama (Kanchibiya) asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:
- when the Government will reconstruct the following bridges in Kanchibiya Parliamentary Constituency which were damaged by heavy rains during the 2018/2019 Rainy Season:
- Kabinga; and
- Kopa; and
b. when bridges will be constructed at the following crossing points:
- Chibowo, across Kanchibiya River connecting Mulonga to Aluni in Luchembe Chiefdom; and
- Kaonda, across Lwitikila River connecting Kaonda Village to Mwansabamba Village.
Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, works to reconstruct Kabinga and Kopa bridges in Kanchibiya Parliamentary Constituency that were damaged during the 2018/2019 Rainy Season have commenced under the Kanchibiya/Chalabesa Project which is being implemented by the Ministry of Local Government. Works commenced in March 2019 and are scheduled to be completed by September 2020.
Mr Speaker, bridges at Chibowo across Kanchibiya River connecting Mulonga to Aluni in Luchembe Chiefdom and Kaonda across Lwitikila River connecting Kaonda Village to Mwansabamba Village will be considered for construction under the Acrow Bridges project in the second quarter, subject to availability of funds for the civil works contractor.
I thank you, Sir.
Dr Malama: Mr Speaker, at the moment, people’s lives are in danger as they cross these bridges due to the flooding that has occurred in these areas. Does the ministry have plans to put up temporary crossing points to avoid loss of life in these areas? As we speak, the area is flooded and almost 200 households and fields are affected. People are failing to cross these points. Is the ministry going to make an assessment and ensure that there is relief for the affected people in these mentioned areas?
Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, the bridges manufactured by Acrow Bridge in the United States of America (USA) that need to be mounted on these two crossing points are available in the country. What is needed is a bit of money to mount the bridges. I would like to think that this will be the quickest and permanent way to deal with this problem. To spend money to mount some temporary bridges and then take them out and put the bridges from Acrow Bridge which are already in the country would not be a prudent thing to do.
Sir, the Government will prioritise these two bridges. Right now, the hon. Minister of Finance is mobilising resources for the mounting of the bridges from Acrow Bridge that are already in the country. These two crossing points will be placed as priority areas to deal with so that the problem described by the able hon. Member of Parliament can be averted.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr A. C. Mumba: Mr Speaker, since I came to this House, every year, we talk about bridges being washed away. Is the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development going to consider redesigning these bridges so that when taxpayers’ money is spent, the Government does not go back the following year to spend on the same bridges?
Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, I am sure the hon. Member assumes that the bridges that are being damaged are those that were recently constructed or that are being constructed this very time. Most of the bridges being washed away are old bridges that have surpassed their lifespan. For example, the one in Lundazi that broke down yesterday was constructed under the United National Independence Party (UNIP) era. The one which was washed away in Rufunsa three to four weeks ago was constructed under the time of UNIP too. I suppose that the ones in Kanchibiya are not recent bridges as well.
Sir, if there are some new bridges breaking down, then there is a need for us to look at the designs and the quality of works being done. Most of these bridges that are breaking down are old and that is why they are being replaced with new ones. The ones that are going to be installed such as the Acrow bridges will have a lifespan of more than 100 years. That is the assurance from the manufacturer in the USA. The two bridges that will be mounted on the crossing points in Kanchibiya are made of steel that will last more than 100 years. Once the bridges from Acrow Bridge are mounted, no problems will be expected until after 100 or more years.
I thank you, Sir.
Dr Malama: Mr Speaker, I note that the Government is working all over the country to attend to emergencies such as the one in question. However, as I speak right now, if the situation in Kanchibiya is not attended to, you will hear of lives being lost. The hon. Minister has given me comfort, but is the ministry going to send a team to assess the affected bridges to cause the ministry to work on those areas so that lives are saved? I know the hon. Minister has given the assurance that new bridges will be mounted, but he did not give the time frame. Last night, almost fifty more houses were flooded and collapsed, bringing the number to 200 households affected as well as fields. The affected people are being attended to by the Office of the Vice-President.
Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, the ministry will dispatch the regional engineer to go and do the assessment, but what is more important is that I must spend a lot of time with the hon. Minister of Finance to see if money can be found to mount these bridges which were manufactured for those two specific points.
I thank you, Sir.
Ms Katuta (Chienge): Mr Speaker –
Business was suspended from 1040 hours until 1100 hours.
[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]
Ms Katuta: Mr Speaker, before business was suspended, I was about to say that the hon. Minister said that the bridges being washed away are very old. I believe that is contrary to the state of the bridges that I am seeing around the country. The best example is the Luano Bridge, which was washed away after being built at a cost of about K3 million early last year. Before I put up my question, I want to say that even in Luapula, Nchelenge and Chienge in particular, most of the bridges, both old and new, have been washed away, which are old and new. Who inspects these works when they are being done? I am asking this question because even the newly constructed bridges are being washed away.
Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, I admitted that yes, most of the bridges that are getting washed away or damaged are the old ones. It is also true that there could be new ones that are breaking down as a result of shoddy works. We are really seeing the effects of those shoddy works and the Road Development Agency (RDA) is responsible in most cases. In some cases, engineers from the Ministry of Local Government are responsible for certifying and inspecting. The Government does hire consultants to ensure that quality works are provided. This is to make sure that the hired consultants watch over these works on behalf of the Government and they are actually paid for that.
Sir, in cases where new bridges are getting damaged, definitely, something has to be done. For those contractors who are providing shoddy works, we must always think about blacklisting them. We must stop them from doing further works if they are not able to provide quality works because most times, bridges get damaged after a defect liability period. So, we cannot go back to ask them to redo the works, unless you pay them. If that is the case, the only thing we can do is to ensure that we do not give them any more work because they are not providing the best service. That is the situation.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Mr Speaker, I am sure the hon. Minister is aware that the scenario in Kanchibiya is very similar to the one in Chama. Actually, Chama, as a district has been cut-off from the rest of the country because of the washed away bridges. My question is: Is the hon. Minister in a position to give periodic updates on what the Government is doing specifically to those washed away bridges in the country, so that we avoid speculation and misinformation, since this problem is countrywide?
Mr Mwale: Mr Speaker, we are able to do that, but what is really important is for us to find the money to repair these bridges as and when they break down. I think that is key. We have no problems giving updates time and again.
I thank you, Sir.
Mr Speaker: Order!
_______
MOTION
ADJOURNMENT
The Vice-President (Mrs Wina): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.
Question put and agreed to.
_______
The House adjourned at 1106 hours until 1430 hours on Tuesday, 18th February, 2020.
____________
WRITTEN REPLY TO QUESTIONS
PARENTS SUPPORTING PEO/DEBS
144. Mr Kamondo (Mufumbwe) asked the Minister of General Education:
- whether the Government is aware that parents in Mufumbwe District and other parts of the country are asked to support the operations of the Provincial Education Office and the District Education Board Secretary’s Office through Parents and Teachers’ Association funds;
- if so, whether the practice is lawful; and
- if the practice is unlawful, when it will be stopped.
The Minister of General Education (Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, the Provincial Education Officers (PEO) and the District Education Board Secretaries (DEBS) in Mufumbwe and other parts of the country have not been asking for funds from parent/teacher associations to support their operations. Therefore, in view of this answer, questions (b) and (c) fall off.
Mr Speaker, I thank you.
KATIMA MULILO TRADES INSTITUTE CONSTRUCTION
147. Mr Kangombe (Sesheke) asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:
- when the construction of the Katima Mulilo Trades Training Institute in Sesheke District will be completed;
- what has caused the delay in completing the project; and
- what the cost of the outstanding work is.
The Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development (Mr Mwale): Mr Speaker, the completion date for Katima Mulilo Trades Training Institute has been revised to 30th June, 2020. The project has delayed due to financial constraints. The cost of outstanding works is K6, 139,261.
I thank you, Sir.
WRITTEN REPLY TO QUESTION
KALUMBILA DISTRICT’S CHIEF MATEBO’S INSTALLATION
149. Mr Kasonso (Solwezi West) asked the Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs:
- when Chief Matebo of the Kaonde people in Kalumbila District was installed;
- what the name of the chief is;
- when the chief was recognised by the Government;
- whether the chief was on the Government payroll as of February, 2019; and
- if he was not on the payroll, why?
The Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs (Mr Sichalwe): Mr Speaker, Chief Matebo of the Kaonde people in Kalumbila District was installed on 1st August, 2016. Chief Matebo’s name is Evans Nyeleti. The Government did not recognise Chief Matebo as envisaged by Article 165 of the Constitution as amended. Yes, Chief Matebo was on the Government payroll as of February, 2019. In view of the response for part (d) of the question part (e) does not apply.
I thank you, Mr Speaker.