Tuesday, 18^th February, 2020

 

The House met at 1430 hours

 

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

NATIONAL ANTHEM

 

PRAYER

 

_______

 

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MR SPEAKER

 

DELEGATION FROM THE SENATE OF THE FEDERATION COUNCIL OF THE FEDERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

 

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to acquaint the House with the presence, in the Speaker’s Gallery, of the following hon. Members of the Senate of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation:

 

            Hon. Boldyrev Alexander;

 

            Hon. Kosachev Konstantin;

 

            Hon. Bondarev Viktor;

 

            Hon. Mitin Sergey;

 

            Hon. Perminova Elena;

 

            Hon. Morozov Igor; and

 

            Hon. Russkikh Aleksei.

 

The hon. Members are accompanied by several members of staff of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. The delegation is in Zambia on a reciprocal visit.

 

I wish, on behalf of the National Assembly of Zambia, to receive our distinguished guests and warmly welcome them in our midst.

 

I thank you.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

_______

 

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

 

The following hon. Member took and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance:

 

Mulenga Francis Fube

 

_______

 

Mr Speaker: May Her Honour the Vice-President indicate when Her Excellency, Mrs Valentina Matvienko, Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation,  will arrive to address the House today.

 

The Vice-President (Mrs Wina): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that Her Excellency, Mrs Valentina Matvienko, Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, will arrive at 1445 hours to address this House.

 

I thank you, Sir.

 

Mr Speaker: Order!

 

Business was suspended from 1511 hours until 1537 hours.

 

The Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation entered the Assembly Chamber escorted by Mr Speaker.

 

(Assembly Resumed)

 

SPECIAL ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE BY HER EXCELLENCY, MRS VALENTINA MATVIENKO, CHAIRPERSON OF THE FEDERATION COUNCIL OF THE FEDERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

 

The Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation (Mrs Matvienko): Mr Speaker, thank you for the warm welcome accorded to us and for the great honour to address hon. Members of the National Assembly of the Republic of Zambia.

 

Dr Matibini, I really like your place, but I am occupying it temporarily. I am especially pleased to pay my first foreign official visit this year to Zambia.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Matvienko: Sir, once again, I would like to repeat that I am especially pleased to pay my first foreign visit this year to Zambia, the country that enjoys a long history of cooperation with the Russian Federation.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Matvienko: I have fond memories of my previous meetings with you, distinguished Dr Matibini. I am convinced that the visit of the Delegation of the Upper Chamber of the Russian Parliament will serve to further strengthen inter-parliamentary dialogue and give additional impetus to the development of mutually beneficial relations between our countries.

 

Mr Speaker, today, I had a meeting with the His Excellency the President of Zambia and I was deeply impressed by this meeting. We showed mutual interest in developing versatile cooperation between Russia and Zambia. I would like to reaffirm that for Russia, cooperation with your country is one of our important priorities.

 

Sir, last October, Zambia celebrated the 55^th anniversary of its independence. Let me remind you that back then, the Soviet Union was the first country to recognise Zambia’s independence. I would like to congratulate you on this historic anniversary.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Matvienko: Sir, let me note that only six days after Zambia gained independence, Russia not only recognised its independence, but also provided all the necessary assistance and support in economic development, personnel training and building a sovereign independent state.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Matvienko: Mr Speaker, Russia-Zambia relations have constantly been developing in a friendly, mutually respectful and trust-based manner. This was once again confirmed at the meeting between Russia’s President, Mr Vladimir Putin, and Zambia’s President, Mr Edgar Lungu, in 2018.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Matvienko: Distinguished colleagues, today relations between the Russian Federation and African states have reached a new level. Our country, building on a good history of cooperation, seeks to strengthen versatile partnerships with the countries of the continent and contribute to their progressive harmonious development and build solid political, economic and humanitarian ties.

 

Sir, at a recent historic Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi, the Russian President, Mr Vladimir Putin, highlighted the development of relations with countries on the African continent and with their regional organisations as one of the priorities of the Russian foreign policy. The summit showcased enormous potential for the development of Russia-Africa cooperation in various fields starting from culture and tourism, to science and high tech. A memorandum of understanding between the African Union (AU) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) was signed. During the summit and during the economic forum, over ninety commercial contracts worth over US$15 billion were concluded.

 

Mr Speaker, one of the important outcomes of the Russia-Africa Summit was the adoption of the declaration that envisages a permanent mechanism of a dialogue partnership. I am convinced that such fora would serve as a framework for the dynamic development of Russia-Africa cooperation. Certainly, being parliamentarians and senior representatives of all people, we will also take an active part in this endeavour.

 

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, distinguished Members of Parliament, we attach great importance to the development of bilateral ties between Russia and Zambia. Our economic cooperation dates back over half a century. It has been developing in various areas from agriculture to nuclear energy. Today, we see promising projects taking shape in this field that are capable of giving a huge boost to the development of the Zambian economy. We know that modern Zambia is a country of great opportunities with serious economic resource and human potential with outstanding and hardworking people. You show good growth rates no matter the difficulties and that is a fact. You hold decent ranks in international business ratings.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Matvienko: Mr Speaker, economic development will be further facilitated by Zambia’s ratification of African Continental Free-Trade Agreement. It would allow you to use the geographical benefits of your country and to take an active part in regional and international integration.

 

Sir, another important area of our comprehensive cooperation could be a constructive interaction between Zambia’s provinces and Russian regions. The Federation Council, being a chamber that represents the interests of the regions, is ready to provide comprehensive assistance in this regard. Our senators that represent specific regions and you hon. Members of the National Assembly that represent the interest of your regions, know better than anyone else about the possibilities and potential that can be developed in the interest of our people. Let us work together to promote this very important and promising area of cooperation.

 

Sir, we attach special importance to the development of cultural and humanitarian ties and building partnerships in education and personnel training. I am happy to know that Zambia has already become the core of Africa’s south regional educational cluster of the prestigious Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) where I am presiding over the supervisory council. Besides that, in 2018, Zambia saw the opening of the Russian Language and Pre-University Training Centre. This is a joint project with the Copperbelt University (CBU) that provides an opportunity to future students from Zambia and a number of neighbouring countries to have distance training for their future admission to Russian universities.

 

The share of Zambians that study in Russia has been traditionally very high. In terms of allocated Russian state scholarships, Zambia ranks one of the leaders among African states.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Matvienko: Sir, today, during my talks with His Excellency the President, I said that if he is interested in increasing the number of Russian state scholarships for Zambian students, we are ready to consider and satisfy this request.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Matvienko: Russia is training Zambian personnel in areas as such nuclear energy. Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation (ROSATOM) has allocated thirty state scholarships which will make a significant contribution towards the development of our cooperation in this area.

 

Sir, Zambia is planning to implement a large-scale project to build a Russia-Zambia Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology. It is not only about investment and economic cooperation and increasing mutual trade, but it is also about a new level of cooperation in the area of high-tech which will employ Zambian personnel that received the relevant training in nuclear energy.

 

Mr Speaker, let me note that Russia pays special attention to ensuring comfortable conditions for foreign students. For instance, in late January, Russia’s Parliament adopted a law that allows foreign students studying in Russian universities to have a legal job.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Matvienko: Mr Speaker, it is for this reason that we have equalised the rights of Russian and foreign students in our universities. At the same time, it is crucial that the majority of Zambian students come back to their homeland and use the wealth of knowledge accumulated in Russian universities in those areas of development where high quality specialists are in demand. It is well-known in the world that Russian education is one of the best in the world and is in line with international standards.

 

Distinguished colleagues, we see that in today’s world, – I believe that those who were in favour supported this initiative because they studied in Russia and that there are plenty of you who received their education in Russia.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Matvienko: Distinguished colleagues, we see that in today’s world, the role of parliamentary diplomacy is growing. It serves as an efficient mechanism of an equal and constructive international dialogue. We have very fond memories of the 134^th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) that took place here, in Lusaka. We thank hon. Members of the Zambian Parliament for their active participation in the work of the 137^th Assembly of the (IPU) that took place in Russia, in my home city of Saint Petersburg. Thank you very much.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mrs Matvienko: Mr Speaker, a significant result of our joint efforts was the establishment of the International Day of Parliamentarism, which is celebrated annually on 30^th June, an initiative launched at the 137^th IPU Assembly. Now we have our own professional date in the United Nations (UN) calendar, the day of International Day of Parliamentarism.

 

Sir, another important event in parliamentary diplomacy includes the Russia-Africa Parliamentary Conference that took place in Moscow which enjoyed active participation of our Zambian colleagues. We are fruitfully cooperating in our multi-lateral parliamentary institutions. For instance, the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has an observer status to the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly has been established on the framework in the countries of post soviet states. I am convinced that such multi-faceted parliamentary dialogue creates a solid framework for the cooperation of our countries on a broad gamut of areas.

 

Mr Speaker, one of the important upcoming events in international life would be the International Conference on Inter-Ethnic and Inter-Religious Dialogue that will take place in Russia in 2022. The initiative to organise it was supported by the IPU and the UN. Currently, serious preparation is underway. It gives me great pleasure to invite colleagues from Zambia to take part in this large scale event. Your experience of peaceful co-existence of various people can be a useful example for other states.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Matvienko: Sir, I would like to take this opportunity to invite women leaders of Zambia to take part in the work of the third Eurasian Women’s Forum that will be held next year in Saint Petersburg. I am hopeful that the spouse of His Excellency the President, Madam Esther Lungu, will also accept our invitation to take part in the forum. I know how much attention and effort she makes to increase the role of women in your country in protecting the rights of children and maternity healthcare. She will always be welcome in Russia.

 

Mr Speaker, he Eurasian Women’s Forum will bring together the most influential and active women from all over the globe. Once again, I am confident that Zambia’s experience will be interesting for the participants of the forum given that one of the most high-ranking posts in your country is occupied by a woman. I am talking about Vice-President Inonge Wina.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Vice-President stood and took a bow.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Matvienko: Besides that, dear colleagues, important issues of world economic development are annually discussed at the prestigious Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum. During our talks today, we focused a lot on deepening our economic interaction. It is very important for the development of Zambia’s economy. It is also important for Russia and such forums as the International Economic Forum is a good platform for dialogue, negotiations and search for new partners. We would be happy to see our Zambian partners at the events of the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum that will take place early June this year. Please do come to Russia.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Matvienko: Distinguished colleagues, this year, 2020, is a landmark for the whole international community. Seventy-five years ago, World War II came to an end. It is the most bloodshed war in the history of humanity. For the victory over Nazism, the liberation of Europe and the whole world from fascism’s plague, our country had to pay a high price. In this struggle, over 27 million people from the former Soviet Union perished. Hundreds of thousands of Africans were sent to the European front and made their own contribution to the outcome of World War II. The great victory over Nazism freed the world from slavery and triggered the demise of the colonial system.

 

Sir, the year 1945, the year of the great victory, was not only the year the UN was established, but it also became a so called ‘watershed’ in the history of many African states. Unfortunately, today many parts of the African continent are prone to difficult or even explosive situations. There are raging inter-ethnic and inter-religious conflicts. Against this backdrop, we deem it reasonable to consider a more active participation of the UN in peace keeping operations to settle conflicts.

 

Besides that, to strengthen global security, Russia’s President came up with an initiative to hold a meeting of heads of permanent members of the UN Security Council. President Putin highlighted that such a meeting could play a huge role in search for collective responses to modern threats and challenges. Of course it would show our commitment to the spirit of unity and historical memory.

 

Sir, for its part, the federation council proposed to recognise victory over Nazism in World War II as a world humanity heritage and recognise the memorials for fighters against racism in all countries as the world humanity memorial to prevent all these developments happening in the future. This issue was raised during last year’s meeting with the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and he supported this initiative.

 

Mr Speaker, besides that, we saw the support of a number of international organisations. Among them are the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the Collective Security Treaty Organisation and the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum. I invite you, distinguished members of the Zambia Parliament, to support and promote this initiative as well.

 

Distinguished colleagues, by way of concluding, I would like to once again sincerely thank you for the hospitality and attention accorded to the Delegation of the Federation Council, for this honour and opportunity to meet His Excellency the President and the chance to meet a legend, the first President of Zambia.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Matvienko: I learnt a lot from you. I believe only a country and people with high dignity are capable of cherishing its history and to pay so much respect to Presidents of their country and I witnessed it when I visited the memorial of Former Presidents. It is a country of such dignity that can preserve its sovereignty, independence and have its own independent foreign policy.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Matvienko: Sir, Zambia is one of the most picturesque countries of the world with astonishing beauty that mesmerises at first sight. We would like to see more tourists from Russia coming to your wonderful country.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Matvienko: Sir, I proposed to His Excellency the President to start the visa-free regime and abolish visa formalities for Russian citizens coming to Zambia and for Zambian citizens coming to Russia.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Matvienko: Perhaps hon. Members can make this a vote in Parliament right now.

 

Laughter

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Matvienko: Mr Speaker, I hope that it will happen, especially given such huge prospects for cooperation. An increasing number of Russian specialists will come to Zambia and Zambians will go to Russia without visas. Russia already enjoys visa-free regimes with South Africa, Botswana and a number of neighbouring countries.

 

Dear colleagues, naturally, Zambia is a country with huge potential and a lot of natural resources, but your biggest treasure is your people who by their hard work and their love of their mother land make Zambia and prosperous modern state that looks into the future with confidence.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Matvienko: I sincerely wish on behalf of my country and my people, happiness and prosperity for all Zambians. I wish members of the National Assembly, fruitful work and success.

 

Thank you very much for your attention.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation left the Assembly Chamber.

 

_______

 

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER

 

GROUP PHOTO WITH MR SPEAKER

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, business continues and I have an announcement to make. The following hon. Members should immediately go outside and join the Hon. Mr Speaker for a group photo:

 

1. Hon. Chief whip;
2. Hon. Leader of the Opposition and Member of Parliament for Monze Central;
3. Hon. Simbao;
4. Hon. Nakacinda;
5. Hon. Simfukwe;
6. Hon. Chanda;
7. Hon. Musokotwane;
8. Hon. P. Jere; and
9. Hon. Katuta.

 

 I thank you.

_______

 

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

 

MBESUMA/KAFWIMBI ROAD REHABILITATION

 

150. Mr Mukosa (Chinsali) asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to rehabilitate the Mbesuma/Kafwimbi road;
2. if so, when the plans will be implemented; and
3. if there are no such plans, why.

 

The Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development (Mr Mwale): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to rehabilitate the 60 km Mbesuma/Kafwimbi Road. The rehabilitation of the road will be undertaken once funds have been secured by the Government. In the interim, the Government through the Road Development Agency (RDA) plans to undertake grading and spot gravelling to keep the road in motorable condition. This is scheduled to commerce before the end of February, 2020 and will be undertaken using the force account. Part (c) of the question, therefore, falls off.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

IRRIGATION SCHEMES COUNTRYWIDE

 

152. Mr Mecha (Chifunabuli) asked the Minister of Agriculture:

 

1. what the total number of irrigation schemes, countrywide, is;
2. when the inventory of the irrigation schemes was last updated;
3. what the estimated area, in hectares, the schemes are; and
4. what types of crops are grown under the irrigation schemes.

 

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr Katambo): Madam Speaker, there are sixty-five irrigation schemes countrywide. The inventory of the irrigation schemes was last updated in 2018 and the estimated area in hectares of the schemes countrywide is 644 ha. The crops grown in these schemes are vegetables, bananas, rice, sugarcane and citrus fruits.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Mr Mecha: Madam Speaker, how many of the sixty-five schemes are small scale schemes?

 

Mr Katambo: Madam Speaker, all the sixty-five irrigation schemes are small scale schemes.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Ms Tambatamba (Kasempa): Madam Speaker, do these irrigation schemes include dams that are under construction through the Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection? Furthermore, is it possible to supply this House with the list of the said irrigation schemes?

 

Mr Katambo: Madam Speaker, these irrigation schemes are not part of those that are constructed under the Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Mr Ng’onga (Kaputa): Madam Speaker, we all know and understand that irrigation is extremely important, especially in the midst of climate change. What sort of irrigation systems are being promoted in small scale irrigation schemes?

 

Mr Katambo: Madam Speaker, like I indicated, these are small scale agriculture irrigation schemes. They are communal dams in sixty-five localities across the country.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Mr Musonda (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, in his response, the hon. Minister alluded to the fact that some of the crops that are grown in these irrigation schemes are citrus fruits. Do some of these citrus fruits find their way into big chain stores around the country? Most often, chain stores stock citrus fruits which come from outside the country. If chain stores do not buy from the small scale schemes, what is the Government doing to have the citrus fruits grown by irrigation schemes sold in chain stores?

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: That is a very different question, although it may relate to part (d) of the question. However, the hon. Minister of Agriculture can give an answer if he has.

 

Mr Katambo: Madam Speaker, the small scale agriculture schemes have formed an association called the Water Users Association. The leadership in these associations engages chain stores to create market links for the farmers engaged in agriculture irrigation schemes.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Dr Malama (Kanchibiya): Madam Speaker, with overdependence on rain-fed agriculture, 56 per cent of our people only contribute 4 per cent to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Now, with these irrigation schemes, has the Ministry of Agriculture projected what percentage these schemes will contribute to the GDP?

 

Mr Katambo: Madam Speaker, agriculture through these schemes, adds to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of our country. Of course, experts in the Ministry of Agriculture do due diligence when getting into the findings of how much contribution to the GDP is done through the agricultural sector. 

 

Madam, indeed, through these irrigation schemes, the Ministry of Agriculture is contributing so much to the agricultural sector and to the growth of the economy with agriculture being one contributor to the GDP.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Mr Mecha: Madam Speaker, in his response to the question raised by the Kaputa lawmaker, the hon. Minister indicated that most of the schemes in question are communal in nature. I would like to find out whether the Government has deliberately put in place measures to promote drip irrigation, considering that climate change is here to stay.

 

Mr Katambo: Madam Speaker, the Government is encouraging all forms of irrigation. It be surface irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation, trickle irrigation, sub-surface irrigation, centre-pivot irrigation or lateral move irrigation, sub-irrigation or manual irrigation, are all being encouraged by the Ministry of Agriculture.

 

Madam, besides that, this is why the Government is saying we are not supposed to be dependent on rain-fed agricultural activities, but to farm all year round by the Government encouraging these irrigation schemes across the country. So, the Government is doing exactly that and it is encouraging all forms of irrigation.

 

Madam Speaker, last week we heard the hon. Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection talking about canals and weirs. All these are forms of trying to encourage how water technologies can be used in water harvesting. The Government is also looking into precision irrigation for computerised irrigation so that as and when the plant needs water, a computer is triggered to release water into the crops.

I thank you, Madam.

 

MITETE SECONDARY SCHOOLS DESIGNATION AS EXAMINATION CENTRES

 

153. Mr Mutelo (Mitete) asked the Minister of General Education when the following secondary schools in Mitete District will be designated as examination centres:

 

1. Mitete Day;
2. Mataba;
3. Sikunduko; and
4. Kakulunda.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Mitete, is there something wrong with your voice?

 

Mr Mutelo: Madam Speaker, my voice is gone.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member is obviously unwell, but we heard his question.

  

The Minister of General Education (Mr Mabumba): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to grant all schools with senior secondary classes (Grade 12 Internal) General Certificate of Education (GCE) Examination Centre Status in the year 2020. Obviously, these schools will also include Mitete Day, Mataba, Sikunduko and Kakulunda.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mutelo: Madam Speaker, this is 2020. I would like the hon. Minister to confirm if this has been done.  

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: What do you want him to confirm, hon. Member? Do you want to repeat that question?

 

Mr Mutelo: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister said that it will be done in the year 2020. This is already 2020. I want to find out if it has been done. Or when will it be done?

 

Mr Mabumba: Madam Speaker, although I do not have the information on my finger tips, let me give context. The hon. Members may be aware that the issue of examination centre numbers is driven by the districts where they are coming from. In order to avoid hon. Members of Parliament coming to me when examinations are in session, I personally wrote to them asking them to provide information to the Examination Council of Zambia (ECZ) regarding the schools which need these numbers. I made a commitment in April last year that all the schools that have Grade 7, 9 and 12 classes will be given examination centre numbers. In Mitete, so far, I am aware that there are some schools that have been granted examination centre numbers, except I do not have their names. I think I have discussed this with Hon. Mutelo. I told him that Kakulunda and the other schools that he has asked about must be granted examination centre numbers. That is our commitment. If those schools have not yet been given examination centre numbers, I will see how best we can give them numbers.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Dr Malama: Madam Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank the people of Mitete in Lukulu for having voted in a very hardworking councilor in the Western Province.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Malama: Madam Speaker, will the hon. Minister assure our people in Mitete that when the examination period comes, our children will not have to walk long distances to examination centres? Will the hon. Member assure me that when I call the ward councilor in that area, I will be able to communicate to him sufficiently and he will be able to communicate to the parents of the children that this caring Government will ensure that the children write their examinations at Mitete Day Secondary School, Mataba Secondary School, Sikunduko Secondary School and Kakalunda Secondary School? Is that the assurance that the hon. Minister is giving?

 

Mr Mabumba: Madam Speaker, I have already made that commitment. Normally, I do not like politicking. I know that there are many progressive movements in Mitete constituency. In this regard, I will make sure that I supervise them. With the support that we are getting in that region, it is my considered view that those children should not be walking long distances to go and write examinations. These particular schools will be given examination centre numbers and pupils will write the 2020 examinations in those respective schools.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mutelo: Madam Speaker, amongst the schools in the question which need examination centre numbers, Mitete Day Secondary School, where the pupils shall write their examinations from, is occupied by a contractor who is constructing the boarding school. Is the hon. Minister going to facilitate the provision of a classroom block to Mitete Day since the pupils will have to write examinations from that classroom block?

 

Mr Mabumba: Madam Speaker, that is an administrative issue which the ECZ and the ministry should resolve. My commitment remains the same. I have made it clear here that I do not want to see children moving from one school to the other for the sake of writing an examination. We will deal with that issue administratively.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mutaba (Mwandi): Madam Speaker, for a school to be designated as an examination centre, there must be some supporting infrastructure such as examination strong rooms and halls. Has that supporting infrastructure been put in place at these schools in Mitete?

 

Mr Mabumba: Madam Speaker, last year, we began a project which we are calling ‘zoning’ which means that instead of keeping examination papers at a particular school, as long as those schools that are within a radius of 15 kilometres, the examination papers will be put in a zone. I am also aware of the geography of Mitete. Doing this may not be possible. This is why I said that administratively, the Ministry of General Education and the ECZ will have to make sure that those facilities that allow us to grant a school an examination centre number are available. Obviously, we will have to work with the hon. Member of Parliament himself to see that those facilities are in place before the November 2020 examinations.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

DEPLOYMENT OF ADDITIONAL TEACHERS TO DAY SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN LUBANSENSHI

 

154. Mr Mwamba (Lubansenshi) asked the Minister of General Education:

 

1. when the Government will deploy additional teachers to the following day secondary schools in Lubansenshi Parliamentary Constituency:

 

1. Saili;

 

1. Menga;

 

1. Chikoti;

 

 

1. Lwena;
2. Shimumbi;
3. Njoko;
4. Ndoki; and
5. Ipusukilo; and

 

      b. what has caused the delay in deploying the teachers.

 

Mr Mabumba: Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to deploy teachers countrywide during the 2020 net teacher recruitment. The schools in this question will be included.

 

Madam Speaker, the delay in the deployment of teachers is due to non-availability of Treasury financing. The House may wish to note that the Ministry of General Education has already submitted the request for funding to the Ministry of Finance and is awaiting a response.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Ng’onga: Madam Speaker, I know that the problem of inadequate teachers in schools is not only in Lubansenshi but also in Kaputa. In this question, I will make myself relevant to Lubansenshi. I know that within Lubansenshi, there are schools such as those in Luwingu Centre, where there are more teachers than at Saili Day Secondary School, Menga Day Secondary School and Chikoti Day Secondary School. Is there any way the hon. Minister can transfer some of the teachers to go and fill up these positions so that the pupils in these rural places such as Lubansenshi are not disadvantaged?

 

Mr Mabumba: Madam Speaker, during my recent tour of duty, I was in the Northern Province. One of the instructions I gave to our school managers especially to the District Education Board Secretaries (DEBSs) is that they should identify schools that we may deem to have excess teachers and make the administrative decision to transfer these teachers within the districts. This instruction has already been given. I am aware that some schools have excess teachers. The decision to transfer excess teachers in some schools to other schools in need can be made at a local level. The DEBS were given the go-ahead to make that decision.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mwamba (Lubansenshi): Madam Speaker, thank so much …

 

Mr Mweetwa: On a point of order, Madam.

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

 

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, thank you very much for according the good people of Choma Central Constituency an opportunity to rise on this point of order. 

 

Last week, I did rise on a point of order on this Government whether they were in order to remain quiet as they did over the violence that was then occurring in Chilubi –

 

Mr Lusambo: Question!

 

Mr Mweetwa: Consequently, Mr Speaker ruled and directed that the hon. Minister of Home Affairs should give a ministerial statement today. My recollection, if I am not mistaken, is that the hon. Minister of Home Affairs was supposed to give a ministerial statement today.

 

Madam Speaker, according to my recollection, I am concerned that the same has not happened, which now gives me fear because there was another direction by Mr Speaker that the hon. Minister of Home Affairs comes to address the nation over the gassing which has spiralled out of control.

 

 Madam Speaker, for instance, there have been riots in Serenje since 0200 hours today. According to the information reaching me, a council worker was found with certain chemicals and when penalised, he named a leader within that jurisdiction as being the one who sent them.

Hon. Members: Aah!

 

Mr Mweetwa: That is what is obtaining in Serenje and I have just being speaking to the hon. Member for Serenje. These are not games.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member.

 

Mr Mweetwa: In Choma, last night, students at Choma Medical School were gassed. So, I am now wondering. If Mr Speaker directs that a ministerial statement should be brought to this House and it does not come, what is the state of affairs? I need your ruling.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Michelo: It was not even important.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The state of affairs, as the House will guess, is that, because of the address by Her Excellency, Mrs Mativienko, it was not possible for the hon. Minister of Home Affairs …

 

Mr Michelo: It was not important.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Mr Michelo: It was not important.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Members, let me conclude my remarks without running commentaries.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

It was not possible for the hon. Minister of Home Affairs to render the statements as directed by the Hon. Mr Speaker. The hon. Minister was ready, but because of the schedule, he could not render the ministerial statement. However, he will be able to render the ministerial statement tomorrow. That is the state of affairs, hon. Members of the House. 

 

Mr Mwamba: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for allowing Lubansenshi Constituency to have so many secondary schools transformed from primary schools. That was a great achievement.

 

Madam, since these schools were opened, they have been struggling with only one trained secondary school head teacher supplemented by primary school teachers. This is not a very good state of affairs in the constituency and parents are worried about this situation.

 

Madam Speaker, as the hon. Minister put it right, this year, the Government is going to employ teachers. These schools now have Grade 12 pupils who will be writing examinations at the end of the year. Is the hon. Minister not going to ensure that at least two to four teachers are sent to these schools so that pupils get enough information from well-trained teachers before they write their examinations?

 

Mr Mabumba: Madam Speaker, the concern of the hon. Member is my concern too. This is the reason I said that when I was touring the Northern Province, I made a stopover in Luwingu. I gave instructions that given the challenges we have, our DEBSs should not wait for the hon. Minister of the Permanent Secretary (PS) to make the decision to transfer teachers to schools in need. They can make decisions locally to transfer teachers from one school which has enough teachers to other schools like the schools the hon. Member has mentioned where we may not have adequate teachers. I will try and speak to the DEBS in Luwingu to see how that particular arrangement can be done. I know that Luwingu is a big district and therefore, some schools, especially those at the Boma, may have excess teachers who can be transferred to other schools. I can engage the local leadership to see how I can support the hon. Member.

I thank you, Madam.

 

155. Mr Ndalamei (Sikongo) …

 

Mr Lubinda: On a point of order, Madam.

 

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

 

Mr Lubinda: Thank you very much for allowing me to raise this very important point of order which hinges firstly on the decorum of this House and, secondly, questions Zambia’s relations with foreign nations. It also puts to question the decisions made by the administration of Parliament.

 

Madam Speaker, you may recall that as you were ruling on the point of order that was raised by the hon. Member of Parliament for Choma Central, you indicated that the ministerial statement that was supposed to have been delivered by the hon. Minister of Home Affairs had to be postponed on account of the Address by Her Excellency, Mrs Mativienko. On three occasions, an hon. Member from the backbench made reference to the fact this address after all was not important. I am sure that the record of Parliament shall indicate that as you were making that ruling, the hon. Member of Parliament for Bweengwa, Mr Michelo, referred to Her Excellency, Mrs Mativienko’s address as not being important three times.

 

As you are aware, this is a Parliament of records. Therefore, everything that is uttered on the Floor of this House, whether with or without your permission, finds its way into the Hansard. Therefore, this means that the Hansard will carry that expression by one of us. History shall indicate that one of us declared this very important address, as far as that hon. Member is concerned, not important.

 

Madam Speaker, I would like to seek your ruling whether, indeed, a single hon. Member of Parliament, in this particular case, the United Party for National Development (UPND) Member of Parliament for Bweengwa, was in order to declare a speech such as this one, which was sanctioned by the Hon. Mr Speaker and to which all of us paid undisturbed attention, unimportant. I seek your ruling on this very serious matter which is capable of disturbing the relations between this Parliament and the Parliament from which that hon. Member belongs.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, this is one of the most difficult points of order presiding officers have to decide on; that is whether an hon. Member indeed made a comment, such as the one the hon. Minister of Justice has referred to, as well as the validity of such a comment. The hon. Minister has made reference to the Hansard and obviously there will be a record. Of course, I need to have access to that record for me to determine whether such a comment was made. In this regard, my ruling is reserved.

 

However, let me guide the House that there is a Notice of Motion that has been circulated which will be moved tomorrow by Her Honour the Vice-President to give thanks to Her Excellency, Mrs Mativienko, for the Address she has made to this House and it will be debated tomorrow. This will give an opportunity to hon. Members, especially the hon. Minister of Justice, to declare just how important this statement or the address is and how it reinforces the relations between Zambia and Russia.

 

Therefore, the first part is that I have reserved my ruling. Secondly, there will be an opportunity tomorrow for the hon. Minister to comment on a Motion to be moved by Her Honour the Vice-President.

 

The hon. Member for Sikongo was about to pose a question, may he continue.

 

SIKONGO DISTRICT STALLED INFRASTRUCTURE

 

155. Mr Ndalamei asked the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development:

 

1. why the construction of the following infrastructure in Sikongo District has stalled:

 

1. district administration office;
2. civic centre;
3. post office;
4. low cost houses;
5. medium cost houses; and
6. high cost houses;

 

   b. when the construction works will resume; and

 

   c. what the estimated time frame for the completion of the works is.

 

Mr Mwale: Madam Speaker, the construction of the district administration office, civic centre, post office, low cost houses, medium cost houses and high cost houses in Sikongo district has stalled because currently the focus is to complete infrastructure projects that are at 80 per cent completion and above.

 

Madam, construction works will resume after the Government has completed infrastructure projects that are at 80 per cent completion and above. The time frame for the completion of the remaining works will be determined when the contractors return to site.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.                                                     

 

Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, I am concerned about this policy of the Patriotic Front (PF) Government of only prioritising projects that are at 80 per cent complete and above because Sikongo is a new district. When is the Government going to complete these projects that are at 80 per cent and above for it to also look at other needy areas?

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister, did you get the question?

 

Mr Mwale: Madam Speaker, we are slowly getting there. A number of districts with projects above 80 per cent were funded. Just two months ago, K28 million was released by the Ministry of Finance to fund ongoing projects in new districts. That money was channelled to those projects above 80 per cent completion. We expect that in the next two to three months a good number of projects will be completed and handed over. By August this year, we are thinking that almost all projects that are at 80 per cent and above will be completed. Then we can go downwards to begin dealing with those projects below 80 per cent completion, which will include those in Sikongo.

 

Madam, even though the projects in Sikongo are below 80 per cent, in the last two months, they received a bit of funding, except that some works cannot be carried out in the rainy season.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Lihefu (Manyinga): Projects in Sikongo have stalled, like many other newly created districts whose infrastructure construction has stalled. Assuming funds are made available or the ministry finds the money, what measure has the ministry put in place to ensure that project implementation of this nature are completed timely?

 

Mr Mwale: Madam Speaker, the funds are the determining factor in ensuring that these projects are completed on time as scheduled. All things being equal and funds being available; we would not have the challenges that we are having now. I think we opened up a lot of projects due to the desire to help the nation decentralise. So, too many districts were opened and we realised that we are running these projects at different levels and so we decided that we start with those projects that are at 80 per cent and so on. However, should we have all the money, it means we can manage all the projects at once and we would not have any challenges.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Ndalamei: Madam Speaker, I heard from the hon. Minister that he has released money for some of the projects in Sikongo. Can he tell me which project among the six where money was released and how much.

 

Mr Mwale: Madam Speaker, we released money to the contractors who are constructing the administration block and ten medium cost houses. These two projects received some funding not long ago, except they cannot be worked on right now because it is raining. I can give him the amounts later on, but the contractors for these two projects were funded.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

STALLED KASAMA TOWNSHIP ROADS TARRING

 

156. Mr Sampa (Kasama Central) asked the Minister of Local Government:

 

1. why the tarring of township roads in Kasama has stalled; and
2. when the project will resume.

 

The Minister of Local Government (Dr Banda): Madam Speaker, you will excuse me, I have a very bad voice.

 

Madam, I wish to inform this august House that the tarring of township roads in Kasama has stalled due to non-availability of funds. It may further be noted that out of approximately 10.6 km, a total of 9.6 km has been surfaced. The remaining works are approximately 1 km of surfacing, drainages and road furniture. The project will resume when funds are made available.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for that informative answer. However, the works that have been done on these township roads are sub-standard. That is where the problem is. You will find that the bitumen on most of the roads is coming out. When the contractor is asked, he says they will need to get back and resurface the roads. So, when are these roads going to be completed?

 

Dr Banda: Madam Speaker, as I have already stated, when funds are available, we are going to complete the remaining 1 km. However, when it comes to the issue of whether the works have been done properly or not, that is an issue which we need to go and check because it is not part of the question. Moreover, I am not really ready to either agree with the hon. Member or not. We need an opportunity to go and check and ascertain whether the works have not been done properly.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Dr Malama: Madam Speaker, this Government is known in Africa to be legendary where infrastructure development is concerned. Our people in Kasama and Mpika would really want to find out when the township roads will be done. Will the hon. Minister be able to come back to this House to give us a holistic picture as to when these works will be done, funds allowing?

 

Dr Banda: Madam Speaker, the answer is yes. When funds have been made available and works are about to commence, I will be able to do that.

 

 I thank you, Madam.

 

Mr Mutale (Chitambo): Madam Speaker, I watched these roads on television and how people were complaining in Kasama. We have a local council there. What can we do now to cushion the potholes that are in Kasama?

 

Dr Banda: Madam Speaker, let me inform the hon. Member that the contract to do the roads in Kasama is being administered by the Road Development Agency (RDA), which is under the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development. Therefore, the best we can do for him is to liaise with our colleagues and see what else can be done.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Samakayi (Mwinilunga): Madam Speaker, I wish to know the specifications for the township roads because the complaint that is coming from the hon. Member of Parliament for Kasama is exactly the same problem that we have in Mwinilunga. The road that was tarred is now being washed away. So, what were the specifications for these township roads?

 

Dr Banda: Madam Speaker, may I request that the hon. Member puts in a new question so that we able to give details of what works were undertaken. It is not possible for me to give the specifications now because that is a technical question which requires technical answers.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Mrs Chinyama (Kafue): Madam Speaker, how many kilometres are being done in Kasama under this programme? Furthermore, what is the criterion used to arrive at the various kilometerage for the different towns.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: If the hon. Minister has information to that extent, he may respond.

 

Dr Banda: Madam Speaker, what we are discussing here is the 10.6 km in Kasama. I have said that 9.6 km has been done and there is only 1 km remaining. Furthermore, in coming up with how many kilometres should be given to a district, these are issues that we deal with at the councils. Usually, we ask councils to request from the ministry. Upon what they request, we are able to know what to give them and what not to give.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, I just have a rider on the question that the hon. Member of Parliament for Chitambo had asked. What engagement is the local council having with the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development over these local roads?

Dr Banda: Madam Speaker, if you got me right, the contract in Kasama is under the RDA and the agency is not under the Ministry of Local Government. That unit is under the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development. Of course, the contractor is operating from the locality or municipality of Kasama District Council, while supervision of the works is done by the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development, who assigned the contractor. Therefore, we can only liaise with our colleagues and remind them that something has not been done and then they have to complete the works.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Mr Mweetwa (Choma Central): Madam Speaker, in line with the potholes complained about in Kasama, I was in Kasama less than ten days ago and I saw the state of roads. I was wondering if this is what the Patriotic Front (PF) Government is celebrating as infrastructure development ...

 

Laughter

 

Mr Mweetwa: ... and by extension, I also drove on the Kasama/Luwingu Road. Just after a rainy season or two, the much celebrated road is being ripped apart.

 

Madam, would the hon. Minister agree with me that these projects being undertaken by the PF Government such as township roads are an indication of bad governance in terms of either procurement or monitoring of these projects? The hon. Minister is not the problem, but the problem is the PF.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Ordinarily, I would not allow that question. However, I would like the hon. Minister of Local Government to respond to the question.

 

Dr Banda: Madam Speaker, I would like to inform the hon. Member for Choma Central Constituency that what we are doing is in the best interest of development for this country. There is no one who can embark on a programme knowing that they are going to do a bad job. For every work that has been done, there is always time given for you to go back and look at what you have done, whether it has been properly done or not. Further, when it has not been properly done, you will have to do the project again and complete it. The hon. Member should know that we are doing the level best that we can as the Government to ensure that we provide good roads in all the towns and districts of this country. The Government’s policy is to do good jobs for the development of Zambia.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mwila (Chimwemwe): Madam Speaker, the people of Kasama are raising serious concerns even before the township roads are completed. I would like to find out who will pay for the poor quality works already executed on the township roads.

 

Dr Banda: Madam Speaker, like I said, we have to inspect and look at the damage that has so far occurred and only then shall we will know who is going to pay for the works that we are going to do.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

STADIA COMPLETION

 

158. Dr Chibanda (Mufulira) asked the Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development:

 

(a)        when construction of the following infrastructure was completed:

 

(i)         Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola; and

 

(ii)        National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka;

 

(b)        what the cost of each project was;

 

(c)        what the source of funding of each project was;

 

(d)        if the projects were financed through loans, whether the loans have been paid off; and

 

(e)        if not, when the loans will be repaid in full.

 

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development (Mr Mulenga): Madam Speaker, the construction of Levy Mwanawasa Stadium and National Heroes Stadium was completed in 2011 and October 2013 respectively.

 

Madam Speaker, the cost of the construction of Levy Mwanawasa Stadium and the National Heroes Stadium was US$70 million and US$94,174,896 respectively.

 

Madam Speaker, the source of funding for the construction of the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium was a grant from the People’s Republic of China, while the construction of the National Heroes Stadium was financed through a concessional loan from the People’s Republic of China.

 

Madam Speaker, so far, the Government has paid a total sum of US$25,113,305 on the concessional loan, leaving a balance of US$69, 061,590. The loan will be paid in full by the year 2030.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Dr Chibanda: Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister in a position to share with the nation any information regarding the sentiments that were uttered by the Ambassador to China, where in one of his courtesy visits to the hon. Provincial Minister, the ambassador said that some of the funding that was given towards the construction of the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium was written off? Is he also in a position to tell the nation, especially tat Zambia is a football sporting nation, whether the Government is still in the process of trying to acquire more loans to build stadia across areas such as the Copperbelt? We need one in Mufulira.

 

Mr Mulenga: Madam Speaker, I would like to confirm what the hon. Member said in the first part of his question. In my answer, I said that the construction of the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium was financed through a grant and this is what the ambassador mentioned. In the latter part of his question on whether the Government is considering acquiring more loans so that more stadia are constructed, the Government policy at the moment is to finish all projects which are above 80 per cent complete.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mbulakulima (Milenge): Madam Speaker, I agree with the hon. Minister that the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium was completed in 2011. As part of the package, the stadium was supposed to have access roads. Some of those access roads were supposed to be from the stadium joining Lubuto so that the people coming from Lusaka or Kabwe would not be inconvenienced by passing through the central business district. When will these access roads be constructed?

 

Mr Mulenga: Madam Speaker, the information sitting with the ministry at the moment is that there were no access roads that were supposed to be constructed.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Ms Kasune (Keembe): Madam Speaker, once payment is completed on the loan that was contracted for the construction of the National Heroes Stadium, what will be the total amount so that we understand the interest that would have been accrued over the years?

 

Mr Mulenga: Madam Speaker, when I answered part (b) of the question, I indicated that the Government has paid a total sum of 25,113,305, leaving a balance of 69,061,590. If you add the two figures, it comes up to US$94,174,896, which simply indicates that there is no interest.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Dr Kopulande (Chembe): Madam Speaker, I beg the indulgence of the hon. Minister to repeat the cost for each of the two projects.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development, repeat the figures.

 

Mr Mulenga: Madam Speaker, the cost for the construction of the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium and the National Heroes Stadium was US$70 million and US$94,174,896 respectively.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, this is a House of facts. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister of Youth Sport and Child Development as to what the hon. Members of this House and the citizens at large should rely on as factual information. The hon. Member of Parliament for Milenge, who was the hon. Minister for the Copperbelt Province at the time of the construction of the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, is well versed regarding the facts on the question on auxiliary roads leading to the stadium. The hon. Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development has said that the idea of construction of auxiliary roads to the stadium talked about by the hon. Member is not true. This leaves this House to the vagaries of speculation. Who is telling the truth?

 

Mr Mulenga: The Hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development, would you like to clarify that?

 

Mr Mulenga: Madam Speaker, –

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Business was suspended from 1640 until 1700 hours.

 

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

Mr Mulenga: Madam Speaker, when business was suspended, I had indicated that I was relying on the information which is before the ministry. According to the contract that was signed by the ministry and the People’s Republic of China, no access roads to the stadium were to be constructed.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Dr Chibanda: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister indicated that the Government got a loan to construct the National Heroes Stadium, and that this loan does not have an interest component. Is he telling the House that the loan is interest free?

 

Mr Mulenga: Madam Speaker, yes it is an interest free loan.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mubika (Shang’ombo): Madam Speaker, when a game is hosted, are the gate takings at the stadium channelled towards the payment of the loan?

 

Mr Mulenga: Madam Speaker, when income is made by the two stadia, the money is passed on to the Ministry of Finance and it effects the payment of the loan.

 

 Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

STALLED MWINILUNGA DISTRICT HOSPITAL CONSTRUCTION

 

  159. Mr Samakayi asked the Minister of Health:

 

1. why the construction of Mwinilunga District Hospital has stalled;
2. when construction will resume; and
3. what the time frame for the completion of the outstanding works is.

 

The Minister of Health (Dr Chilufya): Madam Speaker, the construction of Mwinilunga District Hospital has stalled because the contract was terminated. The Government is in the process of getting another contractor on to the site. The termination was due to failure of the contractor to complete construction works within the stipulated time frame despite several reminders. Further, the termination of the contract was compounded by poor quality of works.

 

Madam Speaker, the process of getting another contractor is ongoing and as soon as the process is completed, the works on the project will resume. The time frame will be determined when the contract is awarded to a new contractor.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Samakayi: Madam Speaker, it is not enough to tell people that the process of getting another contractor is ongoing. We want to be informed of the time frame in which the new contractor will be engaged.

 

Dr Chilufya: Madam Speaker, the process to get a new contractor on to the site will be completed before the end of March.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Samakayi: Madam Speaker, is it not the procedure that if a contract is terminated, the people in the area where the project is situated must be informed as to what has happened to the contractor? Right now, the people of Mwinilunga are wondering what has happened to the contractor. They just saw the contractor demobilising. No one has informed the people as to what has happened. Is it not procedural to inform the people?

 

Dr Chilufya: Madam Speaker, the people of Mwinilunga elected the hon. Member of Parliament for Mwinilunga as their representative. Therefore, he should take responsibility in engaging the Ministry of Health and communicating information to the public. My office is open, every Government office is open. It is okay to come to the office and find out what is going on regarding his constituency. He can get all the information required. He is mandated by the people and the Constitution to represent Mwinilunga. He should go and communicate to his constituents.

 

Madam Speaker, there was a news item in Mwinilunga regarding this matter. I announced to the nation that the contract was terminated. It is okay for the hon. Member to have missed the news item, but it is also important for him to engage with the ministry so that he can get the information and adequately inform his constituents.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Kabanda (Serenje): Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate the hon. Minister for delivering in Chilubi Constituency.

 

Interjections

 

Mr Livune: There are no deputy ministers.

 

Mrs Chinyama: Was there an election in Chilubi?

 

Mr Kabanda: Madam Speaker, what are the reasons for terminating the contract?

 

Dr Chilufya: Madam Speaker, it was failure to complete works on time and poor quality of works.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Dr Malama: Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Patriotic Front (PF) Government for the infrastructure development in the country, including in Mwinilunga District which has been mentioned. Do officials elected under the United Party for National Development (UPND) find time to interact with the hon. Minister if, for example, he visits Mwinilunga or does what happened in Kafue and Kaoma, where the UPND suspended its mayors for meeting His Excellency the President, also happen to the hon. Minister when he is delivering health issues?

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The hon. Minister will not answer that question.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

_______

 

MOTION

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

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

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

_______

 

The House adjourned at 1723 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 19^th February, 2020.

 

____________

 

WRITTEN REPLY TO QUESTION

 

NYAVIYE LOCAL COURT OPERATIONALISATION

 

151. Ms Kucheka (Zambezi West) asked the Minister of Justice:

 

 

1. when the Nyaviye Local Court in Chief Kucheka’s area in Zambezi District will become operational;
2. what has caused the delay in operationalising the court;
3. when staff will be deployed to the court; and
4. what categories of staff will be deployed.

 

The Minister of Justice (Mr Lubinda): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Nyaviye Local Court in Chief Kucheka’s area in Zambezi District became operational in May, 2019, when the newly recruited staff reported to the station.

 

Madam Speaker, what caused the delay in operationalising the court was that the Judiciary was waiting for authority to recruit staff. The staff was deployed to the court in May, 2019. The categories of staff deployed are one magistrate, court clerk and a court messenger.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

SWAPPED KAFUE GORGE HOSPITAL AUTOMATED ANAESTHESIA MACHINE

 

157. Mr Mwiinga (Chikankata) asked the Minister of Health:

 

(a)        why the automated anaesthesia machine at Kafue Gorge Hospital in Chikankata Parliamentary Constituency was swapped with a smaller machine from Chawama Level I Hospital in Lusaka, which has failed to adequately service the hospital;

 

(b)        when a larger machine will be procured for Kafue Gorge Hospital;

 

(c)        whether the Government has any plans to procure a backup power generator for Kafue Gorge Hospital; and

 

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

 

The Minister of Health (Dr Chilufya): Madam Speaker, the automated anaesthesia machine at Kafue Gorge Hospital in Chikankata Parliamentary Constituency was swapped with a smaller machine from Chawama Level 1 Hospital in Lusaka because the Government, through the Ministry of Health, in 2017, embarked on an exercise to redistribute equipment and redeploy skilled human resource in many health facilities in the country, including Kafue Gorge District Hospital, according to their level of care and surgical volume.

 

Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that Chawama Level I Hospital, which was upgraded, provides advanced anaesthesia and surgical services to a catchment population of over 170,000 people. On the other hand, Kafue Gorge Hospital has a catchment population of 6,000 people with a low surgical volume of patients.

 

Madam Speaker, Kafue Gorge District Hospital will be provided with a larger anaesthesia machine in the fourth quarter of 2019. Further, the Government has plans to produce backup power systems for Kafue Gorge Hospital. The plans will be implemented as soon as funds become available.

 

I thank you, Madam.