Friday, 8^th October, 2021

 

The House met at 0900 hours

 

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

NATIONAL ANTHEM

 

PRAYER

_______

 

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MADAM SPEAKER

 

COMPREHENSIVE EYE SCREENING EXERCISE

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital has been granted permission to conduct a free comprehensive eye screening exercise for hon. Members of Parliament and staff. The exercise will include blood pressure and random blood sugar monitoring and aims at promoting eye health through early detection and treatment of common eye disorders such as corneal scarring, refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma and hypertensive and diabetic disorders that affect the eye.

 

The screening exercise will take place from Monday, 11^th October to Friday 15^th October 2021, in Committee Room No. 5, Parliament Buildings, from 0900 hours to 1600 hours on each day, except during the lunch break from 1300 hours to 1400 hours. Adherence to the five golden rules of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention will be observed during the exercise. Interested hon. Members are encouraged to find time to visit the screening room.

 

I thank you.

 

 

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BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

 

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

 

Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, 12^th October, 2021, the Business of the House will begin with Questions for Oral Answer. That will be followed by the presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any.

 

Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, 13^th October, 2021, 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. That will be followed by the presentation of Government Bills, if there will be any.

 

Madam Speaker, on Thursday, 14^th October, 2021, the Business of the House will commence with Questions for Oral Answer. Thereafter, the House will consider Government Bills, if there will be any.

 

Madam Speaker, on Friday, 15^th October, 2021, the Business of the House will start with The Vice-President’s Question Time. Thereafter, the House will deal with Questions for Oral Answer. The House will then consider Government Bills, if there will be any.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

______

 

THE VICE-PRESIDENT’S QUESTION TIME

 

Madam Speaker: Before we start, let me just give a reminder in terms of questions that are supposed to be asked. I remind hon. Members to observe Standing Order No. 71 on admissibility of questions. Standing Order No. 71 states as follows:

 

“(1) A question shall be admissible if it –

 

1. is not too general in nature, leading or incapable of receiving a specific answer;
2. does not contain arguments, inferences, ironical expressions, imputations, epithets or defamatory statements;
3. does not ask for any expression of opinion or the solution of an abstract legal question of a hypothetical proposition;
4. does not ask about the conduct of a public officer except in that public officer’s official capacity.”

 

The requirements continue up to (m). So, hon. Members, as you ask your questions, bear in mind the provisions of Standing Order No. 71.

 

Mr Kambita (Zambezi East): Madam Speaker, Her Honour the Vice-President will agree with me that for any economy to function appropriately, business has to move, and entrepreneurs need to be liquid so that they can run their operations smoothly. Currently, due to the inefficiencies of the previous Government, the Patriotic Front (PF), many local companies are owed a lot of money by the Government, since it is the main consumer of supplies and services that come from business houses. I would like to know how the Government plans to dismantle the domestic arrears that are astronomical due to the inefficiencies that happened in the previous regime. What plans does our Government have to dismantle the arrears soon because we are hearing many outcries from the business community?

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for the question he has asked on the state of the economy and the participation of local businessmen or entrepreneurs. He stated the fact that the Government owes local entrepreneurs or businessmen all sorts of debt, which makes the growth of the economy very difficult, and he wants to know when it will dismantle that debt.

 

Madam Speaker, hon. Members may note that accruing debt took some time. It was not a one-day thing. It took time. This Government is committed to dismantling not only the external debt, but the local debt. However, the dismantling cannot be done in one day or in one month. We are committed to dismantling the debt until we are up to date. Then, the local business people will be liquid so that they can continue to participate in the economy and help grow the economy. After all, when we think of growing the economy and job creation, those are the people we look to. We will dismantle the debt, but it will be a gradual process. We will do it as quickly as we can.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mundubile (Mporokoso): Madam Speaker, my question relates to Gazette Notice No. 1123 of 2021, which places the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) under the Office of the President. What was the President’s motivation to depart from the conventional way of fighting corruption through independent anti-corruption bodies and placing the institutions under the Office of the President?

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, it is true that those institutions fall under the supervision of the President, and it has been that way since the hon. Leader of the Opposition was in the Government. This does not mean taking away the fact that they should operate independently. The independence the hon. Member has referred to, which maybe I did not fully understand, is in terms of operations.

 

Madam Speaker, whether we like it or not, even the budgets for those institutions come through this House. If there is nobody to represent them here, they will need to come here and defend their budgets. That is what being under the Office of the President means. It does not mean daily interference in the operations of the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC). They will remain independent in their operations. The President has committed to this. He has said that they will continue to fight crime independently without any invisible finger in their operations. I hope that is what it meant.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Chitotela (Pambashe): Madam Speaker, I am a bearer of a message from the people of Kaputa and Monze. In Kaputa they say “Takalaba mwebwa muka mwebwa  alilabile.” In Monze they say “Kuluba mwambi mwaambilwa talubi” meaning those who you tell will not forget, but you the one who tells them may forget.”

 

Madam Speaker, right now, it is raining in Kaputa and Pambashe, which are part of the northern region. The people who have taken maize to the satellite depots for the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), including some farmers in Monze, are concerned that despite the hon. Minister of Agriculture announcing that the FRA will continue buying maize, he has put a caveat that they must wait for the empty grain bags. Bearing in mind that the villagers or small scale farmers may not manage to buy the empty grain bags, when does the Government intend to send the empty grain bags to the peasant farmers who are languishing? Some of the farmers have stayed at satellite depots for more than a month. Bearing in mind that the New Dawn Government promised to do things differently, have those farmers jumped from the frying pan into the fire? Zambians and the poor farmers in rural areas are concerned. When is the Government going to buy and send the empty grain bags to the farmers of Kaputa?

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Pambashe for showing very serious concern for the people of Kaputa, Pambashe and Monze.

 

Madam Speaker, as we speak in here, I think it is important that we always state facts as they are. As we are seated here, we know that the distribution of grain bags is going on. Many people have already accessed the bags, and it is my prayer that the people of Kaputa have got their grain bags. That also includes the buying of the maize.

 

Madam Speaker, hon. Members may note that the Government presents the Budget to the public every year. We are still using the Budget for 2021, and this budget – Mupyanango apyana namabala, meaning “He, who inherits, inherits everything.” That is why we are even responding because we have taken over responsibility of a problem that we did not create.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, there was a Budget that was meant to purchase a limited number of maize bags, and I think we agree that it is not about politicking. The target was 500,000 metric tonnes.

 

 

Madam Speaker, what baffles somebody’s mind is that when we are planning, as the Government, we provide the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) a budget, and we know what we gave the farmers through the FISP. We also gave through the vulnerable. We know there are business people who are just involved in agriculture as a business. We should have an idea as to the performance of the crop and the weather pattern, and, therefore, what kind of harvest we will have. This is the foresight for this time which we should accept that we did not have in the past.

 

Madam Speaker, the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) purchased 300,000 metric tonnes of maize, above the targeted 500,000 metric tonnes. There is still maize, and we have not closed the purchase. We are still purchasing maize. There was a halt because we had to look around for grain bags, but the purchase is still going on. So, it is our prayer that no maize goes to waste. However, the most important thing for this New Dawn Government is that we have said that agriculture is a business, and we intend to treat it like that so that people will not just sit and wait for the FRA. There will always be guidance, but in that guidance, we have to admit that agriculture is a business. We will do the best for Kaputa, Pambashe, Monze, and for everybody.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Madam Speaker, my question relates to the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA). From the end point, that is, the workers who serve in rural areas like Kalabo complain that they subscribe every month, but whenever they are sick and they go to the hospital, they do not get the service which they insured for. So, they are wondering how NHIMA is going to serve them. What makes the insurance scheme not to reach those people who are subscribing for it?

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I believe that this is a very important question and the concern may not be limited to Kalabo because even yesterday, we heard hon. Members bemoan the types of service that people receive, which I believe include the insured.

 

Madam Speaker, I may not stand here and give real answers on the implementation of the programme and what is happening or why the service is not properly reaching the people that are insured. I, therefore, promise, to come back. Allow me to look at what is happening so that when we give the answer, it will be something that is really happening on the ground. This way, we will hear from the managers of this insurance on what difficulties they have and then come and inform the House and the hon. Member for Kalabo Central.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, mine is more like a follow up on the question posed by the Leader of the Opposition in the House. We do appreciate the response of Her Honour the Vice-President. Her response to that question was exactly as the status quo because most of these institutions’ budgets are presented through her office. The concern of the public is this new Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 1123 of 2021 which seems to suggest that these institutions will now be accountable directly to the Office of the President. At the same time, these commissions are provided for in the Constitution. How are these institutions going to be guaranteed their autonomy to operate and collaborate with the National Prosecutions Authority (NPA) in that context? Is this not departing and going back to what transpired between 1980 to about 2010 when non-governmental institutions fought so hard to try and delink them and make them autonomous? We really need Madam Vice-President’s clear response.

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I would really say the interpretation of the Statutory Instrument (SI) is a concern. Again, I say, I will relook at it because if you are saying that it is contrary to the aspirations, which we really do not think so, then probably, there is a misunderstanding. If you are saying this is the way they had operated earlier, I should think that Zambians were comfortable with that kind of oversight on them. It was not the issue of controlling, but of oversight.

 

Madam Speaker, in fact, the hon. Member may know that in the past few years there was more of an outcry of the invisible hand in these investigative wings. Also, there should be no contradiction with how the National Prosecutions Authority (NPA) comes in because there is still a relationship on how that is reported. However, again, I think I am humble enough to say, as the Government, I will go back. Next week, the hon. Member may frame it even better so that we are able to speak to this issue, if it is of concern. We have no intention to interfere. We want, when the hon. Member, who is my son…

 

Laughter

 

The Vice-President: ... is prosecuted, he is properly prosecuted and answers for any alleged crimes.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Vice-President: Thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Katakwe: What is your fear?

 

Mr Sing’ombe: Quality!

 

Madam Speaker: Order, order!

 

Mr Sing’ombe: Follow up question.

 

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Madam Speaker, I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to ask a question to Her Honour the Vice-President. Her honour the Vice-President –

 

Mr Chitotela: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: There is a point of order. Hon. Member for Lunte, resume your seat.

 

Mr Kafwaya: It is the Vice-President’s Question Time.

 

Mr Chitotela: Oh!

 

Madam Speaker: Sorry for that. Hon. Member for Lunte, please, proceed.

 

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, I am grateful, as I said, to you for allowing me to interact with Her Honour the Vice-President. One of the many promises that her Government made when it was in the Opposition and as it was campaigning was that, “when you shout ‘Bally’ chi employment muli iwe.”

 

Mr Mufalali: Ah!

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Kafwaya: It is one of the promises.

 

Mr Sing’ombe: Meaning?

 

Mr Kafwaya: Today, the reality is that, when you shout ‘Bally’ it is the chi rock muli iwe, meaning …

 

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

 

Mr Kafwaya: ... that, no more employment, but a rock into you.

 

Mr Sing’ombe: Bring evidence.

 

Mr Kafwaya: What is unfortunate is that Her Honour’s Government is even prohibiting people from generating employment from rocks when quarrying is actually a viable business. Why is Her Honour the Vice-President’s Government expressing so much hatred against the people who voted it in…

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Kafwaya: ... by inhibiting them from creating employment from rocks. Why has it u-turned from all the promises, including, “when you shout ‘bally’ chi employment muli iwe?”

 

Mr Mufalali: Question!

 

Mr Katakwe: Question less!

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, it is very difficult for me to understand the language he used.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Vice-President: Maybe the hon. Member can be given another opportunity to ask properly. Honestly, I do not know that ‘chi rock’ or whatever.

 

Laughter

The Vice-President: It is very difficult, but I assure hon. Members that every promise that we made, according to our manifesto, we will follow through. I do not know that ‘Chi bally chi rock’ or whatever.  Maybe it was said somewhere. We are not aware of that ‘bally rock’.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mumba (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, I thank Her Honour the Vice-President for her responses. I want to follow up on a matter that has been a concern to us as the Patriotic Front (PF). Yesterday, she managed to clear the air on the external debt position, a matter that was a big campaign issue and the figures tarnished the image of the PF. Finally, people out there know the truth. Last week, His Excellency the President, during his press briefing, did indicate that he has a dossier on corruption. One of the key issues in the campaign was that the PF was corrupt. He now has a dossier and will be presenting it to Cabinet for onward presentation to Parliament.

 

Madam Speaker, is the Vice-President able to tell the nation when the President will come to this House and present those allegations as per his address through his first press briefing after his return from the United States of America (USA). That is very important for us so that the people of Zambia can also know the truth after the revelations of our external debt yesterday.

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, basically, the question is, when will the President come here and make a statement to clarify on the alleged corruption and, I think, debt.

 

Madam Speaker, that is never done, and I think the hon. Member knows exactly what goes on in this House. The President will not come here. He issues a statement and we are here. We speak what we stand for. He does not come here to be interrogated in any such manner.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Sampa (Matero): Madam Speaker, I was going to follow up on a question by the Opposition Whip on the autonomy of the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC). However, the Vice-President has been magnanimous enough to say that she will re-look at the Statutory Instruments (SI) and come back to the House to make it clear whether those institutions remain independent.

 

My question moves to something that Zambians love, football. Football is a religion in Zambia. In 2011, when the Patriotic Front (PF) formed Government, within five months, Zambia won the Africa Cup first time ever. When the New Dawn Government came in a few months ago, we were all happy because within two weeks, Zambia won the first World Cup game in Mauritania by two goals to nil and we said, wow! In the morning, we said that finally we would be going to the World Cup with the New Dawn Government.

 

Madam Speaker, two weeks ago at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, the Chipolopolo lost to Tunisia by two goals to nil. I was there and I watched the game. Last night, in Equatorial Guinea, it lost, again, by two goals to nil. The people in Kaputa, Kalomo and Matero are very sad this morning. The mood in the entire country is sad about those who hold football hostage and say that they are independent and that the Government should have nothing to do with it, but only the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA). They claim they are autonomous yet use tax payer’s money to enable this team to play those games. What will this New Dawn Government do to ensure that a miracle happens and Zambia wins all the remaining games so that there can be happiness in the country? What is happening is that the New Dawn football team has become sunset before lunch and it is contagious. It may go to the Government. I seek Her Honour the Vice-President’s position.

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I do understand the importance of football in our country and how the hon. Member views it. If football was an indicator of good things to come from the Government, the hon. Member himself referred to the fact that in 2011, the team won but the Ruling Party did not follow that pattern. The Ruling Party of the time, the Patriotic Front (PF) in its governance –

 

Interjections

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I mean, he wants to do politics. I think he was just doing politics because he said really nothing in his question to address the issues that really are of concern to the Zambian people.

 

Madam Speaker, there is no time that football has been used as an indicator of issues to do with human rights, economic development or of anything other than soccer itself. The hon. Member may also just need to know that the team that is playing is a team that has been there with them. Is the hon. Member proposing that we should also change the team? In our understanding, this is football and we should let the young people continue to practice a little harder and not the way they did in the previous Government. These are the politics that the hon. Member wants. They will work hard and they will probably do better. However, on a serious note, the games are not an indicator of good or bad governance. We intend to provide good governance for this land to go up and not down.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mabenga (Mulobezi): Madam Speaker, I convey greetings from the people of Mulobezi. What emergency plans is the Government putting in place to prevent Mulobezi from being cut off from the rest country? As we go into the rainy season, the only main road has a bridge that gets submerged every year and no vehicle can pass through for weeks. Secondly, the only Mulobezi/Livingstone Railway Line has a bridge –

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member on the floor, it is only one question per hon. member.  One question, please.

 

Mr Mabenga: Madam Speaker, thank you for your guidance. I would like to know what emergency plan the Government is putting in place to prevent Mulobezi from being cut off because the only road which leads to Mulobezi has a culvert bridge which get submerged for weeks and people have nowhere to pass. I wanted to talk about the railway line because it is the alternative route, but it is not used. 

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, thank you for the serious question asked by the hon. Member for Mulobezi. What emergency measures have we put in place? It is sad that up to now, as a nation, we still have places that get cut off. However, because it requires planning, this New Dawn Government has plans to work on this road to Mulobezi under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and it will be worked on as we continue in next year’s Budget. We will look for partnerships and this road will be worked on because it is important and viable.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker. 

 

Mr Simushi (Sikongo): Madam Speaker, it is highly alleged that public resources were indiscriminately looted during the previous Patriotic Front (PF) regime. In this vein, I would like to find out from Her Honour the Vice-President what level of progress has so far been made in ensuring that the people who looted public resources are quickly brought to book.  

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, there is a saying that your sin shall surely find you. I am not just sure where that is quoted from but surely, that is the word. We should never be comfortable when we have done something wrong and we seem to get away with it. There is a time for reckoning in every satiation. What you do in secret will be publicly announced one day.

 

Madam Speaker, it is not the Executive’s direct duty to go on a witch-hunt. We have seen and we have heard. This is where the investigative institutions are doing their work. We therefore, believe a lot has been done. Sooner rather than later, we may start seeing certain fruits regarding the Zambian people’s anxieties. They are anxious to know what went wrong. Is it that there was a hand in the operations of the institutions that were supposed to lead in the fight against criminality? Since this Government has come into office and totally let these institutions execute their duties freely, we believe that they are working and that results will be seen. This way, people will be answerable for the things they may have done. I cannot give the actual timeline, but surely, I believe we will see the result of their work. Those who have done wrong against the Zambian people and those who have looted public resources will definitely be brought to book because that is wrong.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, as you ask questions, make sure that the preambles are short. We are losing time because of too long opening remarks.

 

Mr Mutale (Chitambo): Madam Speaker, the time should be stopped whenever you are giving guidance.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning made it very clear when he was responding to a question posed by Hon. Kafwaya, that the economy will be grown through the private sector. This means that even job creation will be driven by the private sector. The youths out there, who were promised jobs, would like to know which side of the sector will be stimulated by the United Party for National Development (UPND) so that they can easily apply for those jobs.

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, it is, indeed, our promise that jobs will be created and different sectors will be involved. To start with, even the Government itself, is an employer. It is surprising that we have many people in different places out there who are trained, such as teachers, nurses and radiographers, but they are not employed. The hon. Member for Mansa will agree with me. It is our intention and part of the Budget that will be presented to have those people; the young people who have spent so much of their parents’ meagre incomes on training so that they can be employed. That is one area that the Government will concentrate on.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning did mention that the private sector will create jobs. Our duty is to create an enabling environment for the private investors and entrepreneurs to grow and create many jobs in different sectors such as agriculture and mining. When those sectors grow, jobs will be created. This is one of the things that are top of the agenda. Our young people need to get jobs.

 

Madam Speaker, let us not do politics with the lives of people. Coming into Government this month, we will not create jobs using the same Budget which was formulated using our hon. Colleagues’ policies.

 

Madam Speaker, jobs will be created as we continue. I think it is not fair to say, “Now you have come, where are the jobs?” Hon. Members, the jobs we promised were to be created and not to be picked. That is why we are not just firing people all over the place to replace them with others. We want to create jobs. We know that even God Almighty took six days to create the heaven and earth, which is equivalent to 6,000 years.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, this Government is going to create jobs. Just watch this space. Starting from next year, even as we do our Budget, you will see the components of job creation. When the economy grows, jobs are created. I therefore, urge the hon. Members not to politicise this issue when they know the truth. Joblessness was the order of the day. We are creating jobs.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Jamba (Mwembezhi): Madam Speaker, we have noted that when people come into Government, they come as poor people and all of a sudden, they start buying big farms and building big mansions. Is this Government going to look into the law which was removed by the Patriotic Front (PF) for someone to show how he/she amassed his/her wealth? Currently, we have a problem because people are failing to show how they acquired their wealth. The only thing they say is that they are hard working. No wonder, we see young people rushing to be politicians because they think that is how they can quickly get rich.

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, to start with, it is not easy for me to pick the actual law that compels people to show how they amassed their wealth. Probably, that could be a very good proposal. We have heard the outcry by the people. Being a politician, I say that politics is not a money-making calling. It must be seen as a service to the people. I heard a certain hon. Minister yesterday saying that if one wants to be rich, he/she must be a businessman, but even in doing business, one should do it with integrity. People should not acquire wealth which they have not worked for. Politics has become extremely lucrative instead of being a service to the people. Probably, the hon. Member for Mwembezhi may continue preaching about what people have been talking about, which is the lifestyle audit.

 

Probably, we should all be ready. Indeed, we enter public office as poor people and within five years, we are multi-millionaires. If such a thing happens, it should be questioned. How are we amassing wealth? However, I cannot remember the actual law. It may be there, but as I sit here, I would not say there was a law, which has been abolished. However, I encourage hon. Members, as leaders of our society, to know that our job is not for money-making, but a service to the people. The People’s expectations should also not be that when a Member of Parliament is elected, he/she must be rich. That is the confusion in our society. We do not have to be rich. If you come to this House as a rich person, continue being rich. If you get an income which you never used to get, thank God for that. However, do not use your political office to acquire wealth, which you have not worked for. So, I do understand and agree with the hon. Member that it is wrong to become a politician just to get rich.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Mr P. Phiri (Mkaika): Madam Speaker, the farmers in Katete who sold their maize have up to now not yet received their monies. May I find out from Her Honour the Vice-President when these people are going to be paid?

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, in fact, it was a promise that we will pay the farmers and the initial 500,000 farmers who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) have already been paid. We are going to look for money to pay the rest of the farmers because that was not planned for, but we are surely going to pay them. The people of Katete should remain patient because there was no plan in the Budget for the additional acquisition of maize and so we are looking for money to pay them. It is important that we mop-up that maize and pay for it, instead of letting it go to waste.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

_______

 

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

 

STATUS OF ZAMBIA’S ELECTRICITY GENERATION AND DEMAND PROFILE

 

The Minister of Energy (Mr Kapala): Madam Speaker, I wish to thank you for this opportunity to deliver a ministerial statement on the status of Zambia’s electricity generation and demand profile.

 

Madam Speaker, electricity remains a major source of energy in our country. The Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) in Zambia comprises of power generation plants owned and operated by ZESCO Limited; the national electricity utility company and power generation plants owned and operated by Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

 

Madam Speaker, the total national installed generation capacity stands at 3,223.5 MW, comprising of a generation energy mix in percentage as follows:

 

                     Energy                         Percentage

 

                     Hydropower                84.2

 

                     Coal                             8.8

 

                     Heavy fuel oil             2.8

 

                     Diesel                          2.2

 

                     Solar Photovoltaic       2

 

Madam Speaker, notwithstanding the aforementioned, the actual available electricity generation is about 3,000 MW, which comprises about 80 per cent of the generation from ZESCO Limited and 20 per cent from the IPPs.

 

Madam Speaker, the peak demand is estimated at 2,400 MW, allowing for the export of up to 300 MW. I wish to indicate that the average demand continues to grow at an average of 6 per cent, which is an equivalent of about 150 MW to 200 MW annually.

 

Madam Speaker, in terms of energy consumption, the mining sector remains the highest consumer of electricity accounting for 51 per cent. This is followed by the domestic sector, which consumes 33 per cent of electricity.

 

Madam Speaker, with regard to electrification, the country’s national electricity access rate stands at 34 per cent, representing 75 per cent access in urban areas and 8 per cent in rural areas.

 

Madam Speaker, the New Dawn Administration under the leadership of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, has pronounced an ambitious trajectory to transform Zambia into an energy surplus country. Therefore, the first step to increase power generation and diversify the current energy mix is by providing an appropriate policy and regulatory framework in line with Zambia’s Vision 2030 and the National Energy Policy (NEP 2019) of 2019.

 

Madam Speaker, in the short to medium term, the Government will focus on the completion of the 750 MW Kafue Gorge Lower Hydro Power (KGL) station through ZESCO Limited.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me to take this opportunity to report that so far, two of the five planned units have been commissioned, representing 300 MW out of a total expected capacity of 750 MW. The commissioning of the remaining 450 MW is expected to be phased out and the last unit is expected to be online by the end of the first quarter of 2022.

 

Madam Speaker, I wish to inform this august House that the coming of the 750 MW from KGL will provide capacity over and above the current local demand and therefore, position the country as a net exporter of energy in the region.

 

Madam Speaker, however, let me hasten to state that Zambia’s electricity sector is faced with various challenges and I will highlight the major ones as follows:

 

Gaps in policy, legal and regulatory framework

 

Madam Speaker, in order to address the policy challenges, the New Dawn Government will play a supportive role through the provision of an enabling policy environment to attract private investment into the sector.

 

Madam Speaker, in this regard, electricity sector reforms are being undertaken to open up the electricity market and facilitate increased private sector participation thereby encouraging competition and importantly, moving away from the single buyer model in which ZESCO Limited was the only off-taker in the market. This will include scaling-up investments in off-grid solutions by de-risking investment in communal infrastructure.

 

Non-cost reflective tariffs, which are not attractive to private investments

 

Madam Speaker, to address the issue of non-cost reflective tariffs, this Government will expedite the completion of the cost of service study. This study is expected to be completed soon. Once finalised, the findings of the report will be tabled before this august House.

 

Madam Speaker, this is a major step towards ensure the implementation of this Government’s vision of adopting and migrating to cost reflective tariffs, which ensures a return on investment. Indeed, tariffs that attract private sector investment.

 

Madam Speaker, further, a key ingredient in the implementation of electricity sector reforms will be to improve ZESCO’s efficiency and financial sustainability in order to foster more investments and reinforce ZESCO’s major role in the energy sector of contributing to economic growth.

 

Adverse effects of climate change

 

Madam Speaker, climate change continues to impact hydropower generation due to below normal rainfall in recent years resulting in low water levels in our major reservoirs.

 

Madam Speaker, you may wish to note that during the year 2020, the country experienced a power deficit of up to 810 MW arising from reduced rainfall during the 2019 to 2020 rainfall season. In order to mitigate the effects of climate change on the energy sector, the Government will deliver affordable and clean energy through the implementation of an ambitious renewable energy investment plan that will improve the energy mix.

 

Madam Speaker, further, initiatives of scaling up solar will be a major priority for off grid electricity solutions. Additionally, the Government will seek to broaden the geographic location of large-scale electricity generation to ensure sufficient generation in each province. This will be done through the promotion of investment in hydropower generation in regions that are less prone to drought conditions such as the northern part of the country. To enhance this course of action, the Government will leverage private sector finances through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in order to promote resource mobilisation.

 

Madam Speaker, as I conclude my statement, let me state that harnessing the full potential of Zambia’s energy sector requires an integrated approach that takes full recognition of major sector players at all levels within and outside Government circles. Therefore, in the spirit of a one Government approach, my ministry will work tirelessly with the support of all the key stakeholders to advance the energy sector programmes and projects. This will include, but will not be limited to engagements with relevant Government ministries and agencies, regulators, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations, as well as bilateral and multilateral development partners.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me to underscore the fact that the Government remains committed to the aforementioned aspirations and shall continue to play a critical role through the provision of an enabling policy environment to attract private investment into the sector to accelerate the development of electricity generation infrastructure. This is very important as the Government endeavours to provide universal access to electricity services for the economic transformation of our country and towards the attainment of the vision to become a hub for electricity trade in the region as per the UNPD manifesto.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

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

 

Mr Mundubile (Mporokoso): Madam Speaker, the people of Zambia are looking forward to the completion of the Cost of Service Study so that we have cost reflective tariffs that are also attractive to investors.

 

Madam Speaker, we all know that ZESCO Limited has had a troubled time and struggled to break even in its operations. Will the ministry consider breaking it into independent business units, which are generation, transmission, and distribution to increase efficiency and make it easy to ascertain which of the units is not making profit?

 

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, the President announced to this august House that ZESCO Limited would go under structural adjustment and not unbundling.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kamondo (Mufumbwe): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister told the nation in his statement that rural areas are only catered by 8 per cent. What is the New Dawn Government doing in order to improve electricity coverage in rural areas, especially in Mufumbwe?

 

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, in my statement I indicated that we are going to scale-up off grid electrification, mostly in rural areas, so that our people there can have access to cheap electricity.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Sampa (Matero): Madam Speaker, indeed electricity is a necessity now even in the compounds and not just a privilege for the well to do people. The hon. Minister stated that he wants to go to green electricity. He has two options. To develop, you either need to to borrow the money from abroad through a Eurobond or raise it locally by increasing tariffs. How are they going to improve power generation and distribution in the country? Which option are they going to use? Are they going to borrow or increase tariffs?

 

Madam Speaker: The hon. Minister of Health. Oh, sorry. The hon. Minister of Energy. Health is on my mind.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, we are encouraging private investment in the energy sector. Right now, we are swamped with so many applications for hydropower as well as solar energy investment.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Ms Halwiindi (Kabwe Central): Madam Speaker, ZESCO Limited has had a monopoly on the production of electricity for a long time. Now that the New Dawn Government is encouraging private companies to come on board to push away the inefficiencies or shortfalls of ZESCO Limited, what is the hon. Minister going to do to ensure that the private companies that come on board are not disadvantaged by ZESCO Limited not paying private companies that are supplying to the national grid? For example, in Kabwe, the Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Company Limited has been disadvantaged because it is not paid on time for its supply to the national grid.

 

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, the problem of Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Company Limited is due to the financial challenges that ZESCO Limited is experiencing.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister in a position to confirm that this country has already attained surplus power production in terms of national demand due to the former Government’s investment in the energy sector? Is he in a position to confirm that the country is energy secure?

 

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, I can confirm that we are energy sufficient.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mwila (Mufulira): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister talked about a study and implementing cost reflective tariffs. That statement is consistent with the statement the President made in his address to Parliament. Should Zambians, both at domestic and commercial level, be ready for an upward adjustment in the cost of electricity in order to achieve what is referred to as cost reflective tariffs?

 

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, I think there is a misconception that when you hear of cost reflective tariffs, it means a price increase, no. We are waiting for the report to come, and I am sure I will be able to share with this august House once the report is ready.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister related the failure of Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Company Limited in the Central Province to the challenges of ZESCO Limited. I want to find out what the source of these challenges which ZESCO Limited is facing now which is making people fail to get connected.

 

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, the reason ZESCO Limited is failing to connect people is, as I have mentioned, that we currently have financial challenges at ZESCO Limited which are going to be looked into very soon.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North): Madam Speaker, I think the hon. Minister of Energy is contradicting himself on the issue of cost effective tariffs. In the ministerial statement, the hon. Minister says that in order to promote private investments in power generation, we must migrate to cost reflective tariffs. If we have already migrated to cost reflective tariffs, why are we not promoting investments in the power generation?

 

Madam Speaker, I think the issue of cost reflective tariffs is very contentious. Currently, electricity is very expensive in Zambia and that is a fact. I have heard about cost reflective and Cost of Service Study. Sources of energy differ from one country to another. Others use nuclear, solar, and hydro power and the cost is different. It does not mean that if in South Africa they are paying more for electricity then even people in Zambia must also pay more for electricity. It does not work like that. Per capita income differs. So –

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member, please ask your question, curtail your opening remarks, and do not debate your question. Go straight to the question.

 

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, the viability of ZESCO Limited does not depend on increasing electricity tariffs. What is needed at ZESCO Limited is to depoliticise its operations. I want to find out from the New Dawn Administration if the managing director and line directors at ZESCO Limited are going to be appointed purely on merit and that there shall be security of tenure because many managing directors and directors are being fired and as a result, the company is failing to go forward.

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

May we allow the hon. Minister of Energy to answer the question.

 

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, I have failed to follow the question. I wish to ask the hon. Member of Parliament to repeat his question and to be specific so that I can give a specific answer.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Chama North, kindly rephrase your question and be specific.

 

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, may the hon. Minister assure the nation that there shall be no political interference at ZESCO Limited and that managing directors and directors will have security of tenure because what is happening there is that these people are being fired regularly.

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member, do not debate your question. You have asked your question. I will now allow the hon. Minister to answer.

 

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, following his monologue of debating his own question, the only thing I picked was whether there was going to be political interference in the selection of managers at ZESCO Limited, and the answer is no.  

 

 I thank you.

 

Ms Chisenga (Mambilima): Madam Speaker, during the rule of the Patriotic Front (PF) Government, power generation at Musonda Falls Hydro Power Station was increased from 5 MW to 10 MW. Now –

 

Inaudible

 

Ms Chisenga: Madam Speaker, this project requires a lot of power. I want to know what the Government is doing to increase power from the 10 MW that we already have. Soon the Kasumino Bridge Project will be commissioned, and we do not want to have a problem with power that side because our people will be sharing it with a big project like Kasumino Bridge Project.

 

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, I indicated in my ministerial statement that we are looking at developing more hydro power stations in the northern part of Zambia, which will cater for the area where the hon. Member of Parliament comes from.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Chibombwe (Bahati): Madam Speaker, my question has been overtaken by the one which was asked by Hon. Mundubile. I wanted to find out if the reforms that the President mentioned in this august House will include the unbundling of ZESCO Limited.  However, I want the hon. Minister to clarify what the ministry is doing to reduce the backlog at ZESCO Limited.

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, I do not understand what the hon. Member of Parliament means by backlog. What backlog is the hon. Member referring to? Is he referring to human beings, applications, or – I do not know. I need clarification from the hon. Member of Parliament.

 

Mr Ngowani (Mpongwe): Madam Speaker, my question has already been overtaken by the question which was posed by the hon. Member of Parliament for Kalabo.

 

Mr Chitotela (Pambashe): Madam Speaker, ZESCO Limited in the past has been suffering from the cost centre under the Bulk Supply Agreement which the previous Government, with its collective responsibility, lived with until it expired in 2020.

 

Madam Speaker, you will agree with me that 90 per cent of the energy that is generated by ZESCO Limited is consumed by the mining sector. ZESCO Limited agreed with Copperbelt Energy Corporation Plc (CEC) in an agreement called the Bulk Supply Agreement to last twenty years which expired in 2020. You will discover that ZESCO Limited was selling power to CEC for just transmitting power at probably 3 cents per kW power and then CEC would sell to the mines at 11, 12 or 13 cents per kW power.

 

Madam Speaker, the previous Government could not renew the agreement because it wanted ZESCO Limited to sell power directly to the mines so that it could break even and make money. Does the Government intend to sign another cost centre agreement that will disadvantage ZESCO Limited called the Bulk Supply Agreement with the transmitting company called CEC or is it going to relook at that so that ZESCO Limited benefits and will be able to break even.

 

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, this Government is out to attract private investment so that it can reduce on the expenses of the Treasury.  The current situation where the Bulk Supply Agreement expired with the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Plc is under consideration. We will be discussing it with the CEC.

 

Madam Speaker, we, however, cannot go further because there is a court case against the Government which I think we should be able to resolve before the end of the year. The Bulk Power Purchase Agreement will be renegotiated so that the people of Zambia benefit from it.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kapyanga (Mpika Central): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister of Energy for his elaborate ministerial statement. I am of the view that whenever the Zambian people hear the hon. Minister of Energy talk about cost reflective tariffs, what comes to their mind is that ZESCO Limited or the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) will increase electricity tariffs. That is what has been happening in the past. Even when the hon. Minister says we want to attract private investment, I think that even for that private investment to be attracted to the sector is because the prices of electricity have gone up. Therefore, my plea to the hon. Minister is for him to be sincere enough on the Floor of the House and tell the Zambian – (inaudible).

 

Madam Speaker: We have lost connectivity with the hon. Member for Mpika Central.

 

Mr Andeleki (Katombola): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the elaborate ministerial statement. The people of Katombola want to find out whether the hon. Minister is aware that people in Katombola Parliamentary Constituency of Kazungula District still bury the dead the same day because they have no electricity to operate the mortuaries. This is despite the fact that the hydropower is being generated in the Zambezi River at the Victoria Falls, which sits in my constituency, yet my people do not have electricity. What measures are in place to immediately connect electricity for my people, through the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), before they start protesting?

 

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, the connection of electricity to households, clinics and hospitals is an administrative and operational matter of ZESCO Limited.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Ms Lungu (Chawama): Madam Speaker, could the hon. Minister confirm whether electricity tariffs will be raised as a result of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout.

 

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, I cannot confirm that because we are still waiting for the report. Once the report is out, the nation will be informed and that is when we can determine whether tariffs will go up or down. There is also the possibility that tariffs will go down because there will be so many private people competing over transmission and generation.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Lubozha (Chifubu): Madam Speaker, the youths and women in Chifubu Parliamentary Constituency are delighted and placated by the President’s decision to create the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development from which they are going to benefit by creating many businesses. So, the question they are asking the hon. Minister of Energy is: Do they expect a reduction in the tariffs in order to allow them do business properly because the cost of doing business currently is quite high since the last regime increased the tariffs on grounds that power was to be imported? Now that the hon. Minister has confirmed on the Floor of the House that we are now generating our own power and we are not importing, do we expect a downward adjustment so as to lower the cost of doing business for our people, particularly the youths, through the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development that has been created?

 

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, I seem to be repeating the same answer and I seem to be receiving the same questions in a different form. I said that let us wait for the cost reflective tariffs’ report to come out, then, the nation will know which way we are going.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: I have also noticed that hon. Members keep on asking the same questions. So, the last question will be from the hon. Member for Kasama Central.

 

Ms S. Mwamba (Kasama Central): Madam Speaker, I commend the hon. Minister of Energy for his statement and I thank him for showing that, indeed, we are “One Zambia, One Nation”. I am thankful to the Patriotic Front (PF) Government and where it left off, as we now stand at 3,200 MW generation capacity of electricity. Looking at the figures the hon. Minister has given us, that is more than enough. The mining sector is using quite a lot of electricity and so are the domestic consumers, but we still have enough. Speaking of exports, why is there so much concentration on exporting power when we only have 8 per cent rural electrification? Before we export power, and I know it definitely generates more money, could we look at the plight of the Zambian people, especially the people of Kasama Central.

 

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, we need to develop infrastructure in all parts of the country and the quickest way of doing this is the introduction of off-grid solar energy, which my Government promised that, sooner rather than later, will be able to reach all parts of the country.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

­­_______

 

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

 

MUWELE VILLAGE SHOOTING

 

17. Ms Mabonga (Mfuwe) asked the Minister of Tourism:

 

1. whether the Government is aware that officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife shot and wounded twenty-nine people at Muwele Village in Mfuwe Parliamentary Constituency on Tuesday, 28^th September, 2021;
2. if so, why the officers discharged live ammunition on unarmed villagers;
3. whether the action by the officers was lawful; and
4. if not, what punitive measures have been taken against the erring officers.

 

The Minister of Tourism (Mr Sikumba): Madam Speaker, the Government is aware of the incident which occurred in Muwele Village in Mfuwe Parliamentary Constituency. The incident was a result of a joint operation involving officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), the Zambia Police Service and the Office of the President, which was mounted against a suspected poacher. The operation resulted in the apprehending of one male suspect in connection with the unlawful possession of nine pieces of black lechwe meat. An attempt by community members to rescue the suspect resulted in confrontation between the officers and the community members. The confrontation led to damage of three government motor vehicles and other private property.

 

Madam Speaker, during the confrontation, six wildlife officers and twenty-one community members sustained injuries. The six wildlife officers and twenty-one community members who sustained injuries were taken to Chilonga Mission Hospital for treatment. The twenty-one community members and five wildlife officers have since been discharged, while one wildlife officer remains in hospital. Further, the suspected poacher has been arrested, while five community members have been apprehended for riotous behaviour.

 

Madam Speaker, the use of minimum force in self defence and/or to protect property is supported under the law. The Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015 authorises the use of a firearm by authorised officers under certain circumstances such as against persons who by force prevent or attempt to prevent the lawful arrest of such a person or any other persons.

 

Madam Speaker, the officers acted within the law as the use of minimum force in self defence and/or to protect property is supported by the law. The Zambia Wildlife Act No.14 authorises the use of a firearm by authorised personnel under certain circumstances such as against persons who by force prevent or attempt to prevent the lawful arrest of such a person or any other persons.

 

Madam Speaker, whilst the use of live ammunition on an unarmed civilian is regrettable, the preliminary report indicates that the officers acted within the law. However, further investigations on the matter are still ongoing and appropriate action will be taken once the investigations are concluded.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, thank you for facilitating this urgent question. I thank the hon. Minister for the response and I am comforted by the fact that the investigations are still going on.

 

Madam Speaker, the events were quite gruesome. I had an opportunity to watch the videos and to see the pictures, and some of the wounded victims included women and children. The people who live near game management areas (GMAs) are equal stakeholders. I think such incidents point to one thing that probably there is no effective communication between the people around GMAs and game management officers in terms of how they should coexist. When the investigations are concluded, would it not be prudent to try and get on the ground and ensure that the people who live near GMAs are brought on board in order to ensure that there is harmony between them and the officers mandated to work in the GMAs?

 

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, indeed, it is as though the hon. Member was in one of the meetings I held with my staff, where we talked about the need to be in harmony not only with the community, but as well as the traditional leadership. As soon as we are in harmony with the traditional leadership, we will create a good working relationship. My team has been instructed to start working with the traditional leadership as well as community resource boards (CRBs) in game management areas (GMAs) so that we do not have a repeat of what happened.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Ms Mabonga (Mfuwe): Madam Speaker, my question has been answered by the hon. Minister. I wanted to know what he was going to do to ensure that the situation does not repeat itself.

 

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Madam Speaker, it is clear that incidents of officers shooting and at times killing innocent Zambians have continued. Let me give an example. Last year, in my constituency, Patrick Nguni of Swanamwana Village was shot dead at his home. To date, we are still waiting to hear about the prosecution of the officer involved, who is now back at work. Is the hon. Minister considering revisiting the Community Resource Board Act so that village scouts, who most of the time are involved in the shooting of innocent citizens or suspected poachers, are brought under the control of the ministry as opposed to the current situation where they report to traditional leaders and, therefore, lack training and guidance?

 

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I do not have facts of that individual who is suspected to have been killed by my officers. So, I elect not to comment on that. The issue of village scouts is an issue that each and every hon. Member in the House should actually elect to support. The one reason we want to have village scouts in most GMAs is to have harmony. That is the only way we are going to create employment and communities in GMAs will benefit.

 

Madam Speaker, I bring to the attention of hon. Member of Parliament for Chama South that the same village scouts, are the ones whom my ministry will be graduating to become wildlife police officers. It will be very easy for us to train the village scouts so that they become wildlife police officers and that will benefit a particular community as it were.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North): Madam Speaker, does the Government have plans to undertake game cropping because of the increased animal population?

 

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I am not sure I heard the hon. Member clearly. Was the question whether we have plans to undertake game cropping?

 

Madam Speaker: Yes.

 

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I am not quite sure if human-animal conflict is what brings about game cropping. Each and every citizen in this country, Zambia, as well as investors has an opportunity to come up with a solution, which would be to come up with game ranches. My ministry is encouraging many Zambians to actually apply to set up game ranches which will enable us remove some of the game sitting around GMAs, so that we do not only conserve it but we can also be able to create a pool from where other game ranches can be able to collect that game from.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Business was suspended from 1040 hours until 1100 hours. 

 

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

Mr Kapyanga (Mpika Central): Madam Speaker, thank you so much for your usual kindness, which has given me an opportunity to ask a question. It is appreciated. I also thank the hon. Minister for the responses.

 

Madam Speaker, the ecological and socioeconomic importance of natural resources to national development cannot be overemphasised. Communities, mostly living within and around natural resources, like Mukungule and Nabwalya chiefdoms in Mpika where animal/human conflicts as well as confrontations with wildlife officers are so rife must be empowered to manage these natural resources. Is the hon. Minister of Tourism going to implement the Community Based Natural Resources Management Policy in order to build self-sustaining communities in areas of national parks? 

 

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Mpika Central for that valid question.

 

Madam Speaker, I appreciate the fact that the hon. Member understands that community is key in conservation and, as such, Community Resource Board Management (CRBM) is a policy that my ministry is obviously looking forward to implementing in the shortest possible time. I would like to make mention also that at the cornerstone of conservation, is the ministry looking at ways and means of how we are going to engage communities which are going to have what I would like to call ‘home grown solutions’ in conservation.

 

Madam Speaker, I would like also to make mention that at a point where my ministry will be engaging communities in coming up with these policies, area hon. Members of Parliament in those particular GMAs will be included on the list of stakeholders for input in that policy.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Lubozha (Chifubu): Madam Speaker, the people of Chifubu are very much eager to visit the Kasaba Bay. However, there is no good road infrastructure leading to the Kasaba Bay. At the same time, the airstrip needs so much attention. I would like to get an assurance from the hon. Minister of Tourism on what he is doing about the rehabilitation of the airstrip and the road leading to the Kasaba Bay. Will there be any introduction of an airline, upon renovation of the airstrip, to the Kasaba Bay so that the people of Chifubu can access that area?

 

 Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member for Chifubu, kindly put in a separate question because that question you have asked does not arise as a point of clarification on the question that has been asked by the hon. Member for Mfuwe.

 

Mr Menyani Zulu (Nyimba): Madam Speaker, it is sad to note that we keep having the same problems in the valley. The happenings in Mfuwe are very sad. These are the same things which happen everywhere along the Luangwa Valley. The solution to these problems is something for which the hon. Minister should engage everyone coming from the constituencies along the Luangwa Valley.

 

Madam Speaker, are there any plans, due to the happenings in Mfuwe, to engage or come up with directives to those who are managing ranches along the Luangwa River to fence them off or put up electric fences as this is the best solution to stop the killing and the shooting of innocent people?

 

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, conservation is one aspect that each and every one of us citizens should take seriously. Wildlife is one of the resources that we have in Zambia. We pride ourselves in having one of the tourism attractions for not only for our domestic market, but the international market. We would love to fence off most of the GMAs. However, the House does realise that certain areas are natural habitats for that wildlife.  My quick fix to that particular concern would be letting the community understand the benefits of having wildlife in our protected areas. That, in itself, is one issue that I have found in the ministry, which is that our communities do not value the aspect of having wildlife.

 

 Madam Speaker, the House will notice that as a ministry, we will definitely look at human beings before animal life and, as such, we are looking at opportunities of how we can coexist with wildlife in these GMAs. So, the aspect of fencing, I would like to call it a quick fix and not a solution in its entirety. We will be engaging communities, going forward, to see how best they could give value to the wildlife that we have in our GMAs.

 

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mutale (Chitambo): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the good answers he is providing. Due to the gruesome manner in which the Village of Muwele was raided by officers, people are living in fear. Just to let the hon. Minister know, my constituency shares borders with the hon. Member’s constituency. So, I know the happenings there because it is so close to my constituency. People are living in fear. What is the ministry and the Government doing to ensure that peace is restored and people stop sleeping in the bush, especially husbands of the people of  Muwele Village?

 

Mr Sikumba: Madam Speaker, I do sympathise with the husbands to those wives who are sleeping in the village, for starters. Like I mentioned in my statement, this matter is being investigated by law enforcement agencies and I can safely say that as soon as that investigation is done, I will avail myself to this august House to make a ministerial statement which will definitely indicate or rather state what measures we would have put in place in those particular areas so that our brothers and sisters do not live in fear.

 

I submit, Madam Speaker.

 

BARLASTONE/KATUBA ROAD CONSTRUCTION

 

18. Mr Sampa (Matero) asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development:

 

1. when construction of the Barlastone/Katuba Road from Mungwi Road to the Great North Road will commence;
2. what the total cost of the project is; and
3. what the time frame for the completion of the project is.

 

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (Mr Nkombo): Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development recently completed the outer ring road connecting Barlastone area to the Great North Road at a place called 6 miles. Not Miles Sampa, but 6 miles.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, the cost of the works falls within the project and the budget of the Lusaka Decongestion Project which was pegged at US$289 million, a facility gotten from the EXIM Bank of India.

 

Madam Speaker, the Lusaka Decongestion Project had a project life of three years, commencing in April 2018 and the Barlastone/Katuba Road which the hon. Member is concerned about was done in totality in this period.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, indeed, the Katuba Road was worked on and it extends further to the one they call Twikatane/Zingalume Road which opens up into the Mungwi Road. If this road is totally worked on, everybody coming from the Copperbelt will be able to turn off at 6 miles into Matero and Chunga areas and come out into the Mungwi Road to Chilanga thereby avoiding traffic in the central business district (CBD). We call this the ‘Bottom Road’ like the one that the Patriotic Front (PF) Government constructed in the Southern Province. We call it the Bottom Road because it is at the bottom of the City of Lusaka. It is an economic life line for the city to open up. I just want the hon. Minister to give the people of Matero an assurance that the road will be prioritised and will continuously be checked on as to how far it would have gone and ensured that it is, indeed, fully completed.

 

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, this road project that was designed to decongest traffic in the Lusaka City was in the scope it was done. What the hon. Member is anticipating can only be attended to once we are satisfied that the diversion from the Linda Turn Off all the way through the Zambia Open University coming to 6 miles is not sufficient to decongest the roads in Lusaka.

 

Madam Speaker, this road has just been recently constructed and we have now, as a local authority supervisor, to ensure that we ask the Lusaka City Council to place enough signage for trucks that are going to the Copperbelt and onward to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the north bound traffic, to put it in short, are cultured to avoid the CBD. Only when we achieve that shall we know whether or not that diversion is now sufficient to decongest traffic in Lusaka or not. Otherwise, every end of a running race is the beginning of another one. As we grow the City of Lusaka, should there be need to develop that road that you are speaking about into bituminous standard, we shall cross the bridge when we get there.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Sampa: Madam Speaker, in the meantime, with the rains coming, the extension of that road already developed potholes and there are some portions where it was not finished. Could the hon. Minister assure the people of Matero that the council and the ministry, in the meantime, will patch those potholes in Barlastone before the bituminous standard, which is a much more expensive programme, comes through?

 

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member is asking me to make a Government assurance which I am unable to do at this particular juncture. My response to the hon. Member of Parliament is that just a few days ago, I announced the release of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which fund he can use to patch up the potholes that he is speaking about on this road. Otherwise, I could not commit to doing the works on this road because I have not seen the Budget that we are going to work within in the next coming fiscal year.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Katakwe (Solwezi East): Madam Speaker, I will take advantage of that question. If the road that is in question has been worked on, what really happens to these engineering people? What kind of material do they use for road markings? You find that within the shortest possible time, these road markings fade off. I do not know what kind of material is used. Maybe the hon. Minister can give us an assurance that, going forward, we will have better road markings in order to avoid invisibility, especially in the night and during the rainy season.

 

Mr Nkombo: Madam Speaker, the question from the hon. Member of Parliament for Mushindamo in Solwezi East approaches me to be fairly general. I have not been to see the markings on this road myself to give a specific and accurate answer. It, therefore, would be my intention to ask the hon. Member of Parliament to give us time to see exactly what his concern is following which we can come back to him with a more precise and concise answer. Otherwise, I will be shooting in the dark.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Chibombwe (Bahati): Madam Speaker, does the Government have plans to work on feeder roads before the rainy season? I ask this question because certain areas in my constituency will be cut off from the rest of the country if feeder roads are not worked on.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Bahati, that question is too general. It does not fall as a supplementary question to the question that has been asked by the hon. Member for Matero. I suggest the hon. Member puts –

 

Mr Chibombwe: Madam Speaker, it is different.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

I suggest that the hon. Member puts in a specific question to the hon. Minister to enable him time to answer that question sufficiently.

 

Mr Chibombwe: Madam Speaker, again, I ask this because we have bad roads in Bahati, especially in a place called Chibinda. This area, Madam Speaker, will be cut off from the rest of the country if the feeder road going to Chibinda is not worked on. So, I seriously need the hon. Minister to comment.

 

Madam Speaker: The hon. Member has been sufficiently guided.

 

Can we make progress.

 

DEFINITION OF SMEs

 

19. Mr Mumba (Kantanshi) asked the Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development:

 

1. what size of businesses are defined as small and medium enterprises; and
2. what strategies will be used to ensure that the objectives of the ministry are achieved.

 

The Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (Mr Mubanga): Madam Speaker, the definition for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is provided for in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Policy of 2009. These are:

 

Micro Enterprises

 

A micro enterprise shall be any business enterprise registered with the Registrar of Companies:

 

1. whose total investment excluding land and buildings shall be up to K8,000;
2. whose annual  turnover shall be up to K150,000; and
3. employing up to ten persons.

 

Small Enterprises

 

A small enterprise shall be any business enterprise registered with the Registrar of Companies:

 

1. whose total investment, excluding land and building;

 

1. in case of manufacturing and processing enterprises, shall be between K80,001 and K200,000, in the plant and machinery; and

 

1. in the case of trading and service providing, enterprises shall be from K80,001 to K150,000.

 

       b. whose annual turnover shall be between K150,001 and K300,000; and

 

       c. employing between eleven and forty-nine persons.

 

Medium Enterprises

 

A medium enterprise shall be any business enterprise larger than a small enterprise registered with the Registrar of Companies:

 

1. whose total investment excluding land and building;

 

1. in the case of manufacturing and processing enterprises shall be between K200,001 and K500,000 in plant and machinery; and

 

1. in the case of trading and service providing, enterprises shall be between K150,001 and K300,000.

 

   b. whose annual turnover shall be between K300,001 and K800,000; and

  c. employing between fifty-one and one hundred thousand persons.

 

Madam Speaker, however, while this definition of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) serves as a working basis from the point of view of the Government. There is no legal basis to mandate all institutions that work with MSMEs to ensure these are the categories of businesses they should target. This, therefore, is one of the issues that the ministry plans to address in order to ensure a harmonised approach to the MSMEs development.

 

Madam Speaker, to maintain the objectives of the ministry, which has been tasked with developing SMEs, the following strategies will be employed:

 

1. the starting point will be to ensure a conducive regulatory and policy environment in place to support SMEs. In that regard, while we acknowledge that through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, substantial progress has been made to develop a revised MSMEs Policy. The Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development will place priority on ensuring that the policy is first aligned to Government agenda for SME development and finalise it for implementation. The policy will be aimed at creating a vibrant MSME sector by providing guidance and strategy direction on all activities and development efforts related to MSMEs.

 

In addition to policy, various pieces of legislation that relate to the development of SMEs will be strengthened and, in some instances, new legislation will need to be developed. For one, given the new mandate of the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) as a statutory body under the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, the Citizen’s Economic Empowerment Act will govern the operations of the CEEC, will need to be reviewed and strengthened in line with this new mandate.

 

  b. through relevant departments and statutory bodies, the ministry shall implement support measures and programmes designed to spur the growth of SMEs. In particular, this support will be classified into two:

 

1. Enterprise Development Support aimed at growing the enterprise through such things as provision of market and financial support, businesses linkages, business information, development services and improving access to operation premises and infrastructure; and

 

1. Entrepreneurship Development Support aimed at growing the entrepreneurial culture in entrepreneurs, and would-be entrepreneurs through such things as tailored training to improve innovations, business management and development skills.

 

c. forge partnership with all relevant institutions and bodies in the SME development landscape, including, but not limited to, relevant line ministries, other statutory bodies and quasi-business institutions, associations representing SME interests, civil society organisations (CSO) and development partners.

 

Madam Speaker, this process will also involve taking stock of various initiatives and programmes that are aimed at supporting SME development to ensure that programmes are well co-ordinated and measures are not implemented in silos.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Ms Chonya (Kafue): Madam Speaker, the creation of this ministry has generated a lot of excitement among our people who are small-scale entrepreneurs. I have listened to the strategies that the hon. Minister has outlined. Just to be clearer about the financial support that the hon. Minister has alluded to, how will this be if a small and medium entrepreneur walked into the ministry? It may not be now because of the empty coffers, but come January or February, during the first quarter of next year, what kind of financial support are people likely to get from the ministry?

 

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, everyone in the House will note that this is a new ministry. It has not even been allocated any finances. We are waiting for the Budget to be presented. When that is done, I will be able to comment.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mwila (Mufulira): Madam Speaker, what strategies is the ministry putting in place to collaborate with the local authorities? I am asking this question because small and medium  enterprises (SMEs) face a lot of challenges because of operating within the jurisdiction of the local authorities. We have seen a memo from the Chingola Municipal Council circulating, which is talking about charges for mobile money operating booths. Now, that is just one example. It is clear that the challenges that are faced by SMEs mainly come from the local authorities in terms of where they operate from, the fees and some of the by-laws that make it difficult for them to flourish. In terms of the strategies, how is the ministry engaging the local authorities to promote small and medium enterprises?

 

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, as a ministry, we have what we call tuntemba, and I am sure everyone is aware of that term in this country. We have a package for everyone. Currently, we are in talks with the local authorities regarding finding a very good environment, especially for our people who are trading on the streets. We have a very special arrangement for them, but it is not yet conclusive. So, after we have concluded our discussions, we will come to the House and indicate our position.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Mr Mumba: Madam Speaker, indeed, this is a new ministry, but I have had difficulties trying to understand the role of the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) and how this ministry will now operate because both will try and improve the growth of SMEs. Maybe, one thing that the entrepreneurs would like to hear from the hon. Minister is what sort of incentives will come with the ministry to try and build these SMEs so that they become the lubricants of our economy as we try to push it out of recession?

 

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, SMEs in this country were not given priority. We all know that about 60 per cent to 90 per cent of the bigger economies gave serious attention to SMEs. The New Dawn Government is giving SMEs a priority, hence the creation of this ministry. We have a package for the SMEs, and I will just highlight one or two points.

 

Madam Speaker, first and foremost, we need to consider the change of mindset. We need to try and go out and speak to our people, especially the youth and women, to change their approach towards the small and medium businesses. As a ministry, we will also go and look at the potential that people have. After that, we will give them skills. That way, we will be able to establish those who are matured to get into small and medium businesses. Later on, we will give them something to enable them to start their own businesses, and we will monitor them.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Munsanje (Mbabala): Madam Speaker, will the new packages and incentives have funding for innovators who are putting something new on the market so that our youths and entrepreneurs in Mbabala, who are able to produce things that are not available on the market are able to get funding for those innovations and be able to access the market and become millionaires like their friends in Lusaka, who are now apologising for making money from some of the deals they did in the former regime?

 

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, I am excited that the hon. Member is talking about people who live in the rural areas. In this ministry, we are giving much attention to rural areas. Yes, the ministry will definitely give some financial assistance, as start-ups, using commissions such as the CEEC. However, we can only do that after thorough examination and we are certain that these people are able to carry out that kind of business.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Ms Halwiindi (Kabwe Central): Madam Speaker, I know that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are an engine to any economy in the country and more efforts need to be directed towards them. Our aim as the New Dawn Government is not to leave anyone behind. As such, we want to make sure that we engage all the SMEs. Is the ministry going to consider incentives for those who consider clustering? I am asking this question because that is the only way that the ministry can include almost everyone. So, what incentives will be there for people who will consider forming clusters and not operating individually?

 

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, the ministry is encouraging cooperatives and wants people to come in groupings. We have also attached training, check-ups, and follow-ups on those kinds of projects and businesses they would want to carry out.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Mr Lubozha (Chifubu): Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development was created by the President in order to accord many Zambians an opportunity to engage in small businesses. However, my concern is the registration procedure. The hon. Minister has given the sizes of businesses that are defined as small and medium enterprises and that they require a documentation process, which takes long and has been very difficult to go through at the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA), Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), and many other issues. How is the ministry going to assist our youths and women who are targeted as beneficiaries of this ministry with the registration process so that they can quickly embark on their businesses?

 

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, the emphasis is that the ministry exists for the youths and the women. We will make sure that those with serious ideas, and not just theories, are supported. If you come to the ministry with something that is workable, we will guide and help you register, as a ministry. We will not allow registration to take so long because, as a ministry and as the Government, we are here to make sure that we improve our economy.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Mr Nkulukusa (Katuba) Madam Speaker, no doubt, this ministry will turn the fortunes of this country around if well handled. Basically, it will be the future of employment and wealth creation. However, my worry is that many times, especially when small enterprises are given assistance, they are not incubated. Maybe the medium enterprises would have already crossed that stage. Will the ministry put up a business incubation institution to ensure that before small enterprises are weaned off, they are put into some incubation so that they are weaned off after having learnt the art of wealth creation and business management?

 

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, I have talked about skills training. We have attached very serious skill training to this. We would like to incubate our small and medium entrepreneurs by sending them to training schools. For instance, we are in talks with the mines. We used to have trade schools. We wish to see if we can work with the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development to revamp those institutions so that start-ups which may not understand the concept of business could be going through them.

 

Madam Speaker, I would like to give an example just to highlight one thing. We have a problem in this country. It is a very big problem for one to get a serious or well-trained plumber or a coded welder. So, this ministry has a very serious and important role to make sure that our start-ups are taken for training. There is a gap between an engineer and artisans in this country.

 

I thank you, Madam.

 

Mr Mwambazi (Bwana Mkubwa): Madam Speaker, not taking away the fact that every economy is thrived by small medium enterprises (SMEs), but the issue of funding is paramount for them to engage into various activities of trade. What measures have been put in place to ensure that these SMEs can access the needed funding and access to off-takers? If the SMEs produce something, will there be people to buy it? We have seen SMEs produce some things, but they are not sold. Let us look at the funding and off-takers so that it is a win-win situation. Can the hon. Minister just highlight on that?

 

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, yes, funding is a problem everywhere. However, as I said, the Budget is not yet out, I will comment on that later. However, as regards the market for them that might have problems, that is why this ministry is there. We will bisect everything, and the start-ups should not worry. The ministry is there for them, we will make sure that we look for a market for every aspect of what they would want to engage in.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Wamunyima (Nalolo): Madam Speaker, thank you very much and congratulations to the hon.  Minister on his appointment.

 

Madam Speaker, looking back over the years, successive Governments in this country have had an agenda for small medium enterprises (SMEs), but the biggest failure has been the politicising of the process and politicising the criteria of access to finance. That is why you cannot have traceability of success stories from SMEs regarding programmes such as the Youth Development Fund, and the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) programme. I want to know how the hon. Minister would prevent this because his ministry has the great opportunity to empower the youths and the women, who are the majority of the people that elected the New Dawn Government. How will this process of access to basic finance and value-addition skills training be depoliticised because this ministry is not for the United Party for National development (UPND) members, but for all Zambians? It has a holistic approach, and is non-political.

 

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, our manifesto has said it all. We are not bringing in politics. This ministry is for everyone. The President has made it very clear that in any agenda to develop the nation, we do want anything to do with politics. So, all are welcome for empowerment. We do not want to be like the previous Government where you had to be part of a certain political party to get empowerment. This ministry is for everyone, whether you are a member of the United Party for National Development (UNPD) or the Patriotic Front (PF), with a very good project that will bring employment to our people, you are welcome.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Malambo (Magoye): Madam Speaker, the majority of people who are being talked about are youths and many of them are still at secondary schools. Is it part of the hon. Minister’s agenda to try and incorporate entrepreneurship or business training at an early stage so that we can create youths that are going to have a business mindset?

 

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, my ministry is in talks with the Ministry of Education. Once we have concluded the talks, we will be able to come to the House.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Chisanga (Lukashya): Madam Speaker, small-scale businesses are usually chocked by taxes and do not take off when commenced. Is there any incentive that has been embodied in the structure of these small-scale enterprises to make them thrive from the beginning?

 

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, yes, in the beginning most SMEs do not take off, especially the micro ones. It is the approach at times, and that is why I said the ministry is working on the mindset. We want to teach our people how to start. We need to teach our people how to start a business. After that person has been taught, it will be clear to the ministry that they are ready and we will give them incentives to start. You will see what will happen in this country in the next few years.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Chinkuli (Kanyama): Madam Speaker, you will agree with me that over the years, these small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been the major contributors to the growth of the Zambian economy. At no time have these people been given any form of incentive. This means they have been squeezed from all angles where tax issues are concerned compared to these major companies who, at some point, will be given tax breaks that they can use to stabilise and put their business in order. However, these small-scale business people are never availed of such tax breaks.

 

Madam Speaker, what has the hon. Minister put in place to ensure that these SMEs are given a boost of some kind so that their businesses are run without much funding constraints?

 

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, what he asked is not very clear, but if I got him right, he touched on tax, incentives, and funding. I think I said it all in the beginning. For the tax, I said when answering a question from an hon. Member that we will ensure that we come up with an enabling environment where every start-up is catered for. We do not want anything that will hinder our people from doing business. The Government will ensure that those with potential that come to this ministry succeed.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mutinta (Itezhi-tezhi): Madam Speaker, I also strongly agree that the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector will be the cornerstone of this country’s prosperity. Are we thinking about coming up with a robust funding strategy so that we do not entirely depend on the National Treasury, which, for now, is not okay in terms of funding interventions that are going to meet the needs of the youth, especially those who are in these kinds of business? Will the funding strategy be able to source funds for these interventions from both the traditional and non-traditional sources like philanthropists, humanitarians, and other donors so that we enlarge the basket that is going to support these interventions in this sector?

 

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, the approach for the New Dawn Government is different from that of the previous administration. We have a very good strategic way of supporting SMEs. We will ensure there is funding. We are in talks with other financial institutions and we will try by all means, with the Treasury, to ensure that funding is made available for our people who are involved in businesses.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

MUMPULUMBA AREA CLINIC CONSTRUCTION 

 

20. Mr Samakayi (Mwinilunga) asked the Minister of Health:

 

1. when the construction of a clinic in Mumpulumba area in Chief Ntambu’s chiefdom in Mwinilunga District will commence;
2. what the cause of the delay in commencing the project is;
3. when an ambulance will be procured for Chiseng’iseng’i Clinic in Senior Chief Sayilunga’s chiefdom; and
4. what the cause of the delay in procuring the ambulance is.

 

  The Minister of Defence (Mr Lufuma) (on behalf of the Minister of Health (Mrs Masebo)): Madam Speaker, the Government has no immediate plans to construct a clinic at Mumpulumba in Chief Ntambu’s Chiefdom in Mwinilunga District.

 

Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that under the project of the construction of the 650 health posts country wide, the Government has already constructed a health post in Chief Kanyama’s Chiefdom. The health post is called Ntambu Sachitolo, which is servicing Ntambu Chiefdom.  

 

Madam Speaker, as stated earlier, the Government has no immediate plans to construct a clinic in the chiefdom. Therefore, there is literally no delay given that there is no plan to construct one such clinic.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government has no immediate plans to procure an ambulance for Chiseng’iseng’i Clinic in Senior Chief Sayilunga’s area. The House again may wish to note that the cost associated with the procurement and operation of ambulance services is substantial. The government policy is that ambulances should be placed at zonal health facilities or district health offices to service a specified number of health centres and health posts within a catchment area. This approach is cost effective. So, one ambulance has to service several clinics or rural health posts.

 

Madam Speaker, as indicated above, the Government has no immediate plans to procure an ambulance for the clinic. Therefore, this question does not apply.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Samakayi: Madam Speaker, the clinic that the hon. Minister talked about, Ntambu Sachitolo Clinic, is not in Ntambu Chiefdom. It is in Senior Chief Kanongesha’s area and that is where the Government has constructed a clinic. The clinic I referred to is supposed to be built in Chief Ntambu’s area, which is in the southern part of Mwinilunga, and the other one is in the western part of Mwinilunga.

 

Madam Speaker, this clinic was unsolicited for. It was a promise from the Government, and, therefore, forms part of government assurances. I am shocked with the u-turn by the Government on the promise it made to the people of Mwinilunga and Mumpulumba in Chief Ntambu’s area in particular. Why the u-turn?

 

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, I thank Hon. Samakayi for the supplementary question and clarification on the location of the two clinics.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government is an ongoing venture and we take responsibility for some of the promises that our colleagues who are now in the Opposition made mainly because of the need to woo electoral votes, which is seriously unfortunate. People’s feelings should not be played around with, especially vis-a-vis the establishment of health facilities which we all need.

 

Madam Speaker, in light of the information that the hon. Member has highlighted in terms of promises and the government assurance, you will allow us to look into this issue and establish it. If possible, I invite the hon. Member for Mwinilunga to liaise with our technical team at the ministry so that we can establish as to the validity of this promise. Nevertheless, the standing policy of the New Dawn Government is simple and straightforward. We would like to reach as many people or citizens as possible through our health facilities, and if possible, within five kilometres. Given this policy, I hope I have comforted the hon. Member of Parliament in terms of his request.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Samakayi: Madam Speaker, arising from the hon. Minister’s last statement, I will be able visit his ministry and this includes the promise on the ambulance. So, I will take up the two issues together and I will visit the Ministry of Health.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

_______

 

Madam Speaker: Are there any hon. Members wishing to deliver their maiden speeches?

 

Mr Mabumba (Mwense): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to deliver my maiden speech.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank God Almighty, and the Patriotic Front (PF) Party, which gave me an opportunity for the third time to contest the parliamentary seat in Mwense Constituency. I was not the only contestant but I am grateful that the party chose a candidate, whom God also thought was the right candidate.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to thank my family; my wife and my children, who have been with me on this political journey for the last ten years. I also want to thank President Edgar Chagwa Lungu who gave me an opportunity to serve in his Government for almost nine years. It was not the easiest of tasks.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the people of Mwense Parliamentary Constituency. I thank my party, starting all the way up from the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the members of the Patriotic Front’s Central Committee and the provincial, district and constituency leadership in Mwense, whom I have worked with for the last ten years.

 

Madam Speaker, my election on 12^th August, 2021, was not because I was the best candidate, but simply because over the last ten years, I and the people of Mwense Parliamentary Constituency developed a bond. This bond is based on development. This is why it is very difficult for anybody to go into Mwense and contest my seat. I have developed the constituency. This is the constituency where the second President of the Republic of Zambia came from. Ba landa ati npyana ngo apyana nama bala and so I inherited everything.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to assure the people of Mwense Parliamentary Constituency that the trust and confidence they have shown in me over the last ten years and going into this tenure, I do not take for granted. I want to assure them that we will continue to work with the New Dawn Government in strengthening the developmental bond that we have created together over time.

 

Madam Speaker, there are commitments that I made to the people of Mwense Parliamentary Constituency and I will never renegade on those commitments, just as we request our hon. Colleagues in the United Party for National Development (UPND) to also honour the many commitments they made by ensuring that they deliver them. I told the people of Mwense Parliamentary Constituency that we will be able to complete all the outstanding projects.

 

Madam Speaker, I look forward to working with all the hon. Ministers in the New Dawn Government, especially the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development to complete our market, our urban township roads and our feeder roads. I will also work with the hon. Minister of Energy to complete the electrification of all the grass-thatched houses that we have been electrifying through the Rural Electrification Authority (REA). I will work with the hon. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, and I want to invite him to my constituency because I did invite the former hon. Minister, Hon. Nakacinda, to go and see how I have done sixteen piped water projects that were not based on Central Government funding. I hear some hon. Members of Parliament complain. That was done using the Local Government Equalisation Fund and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). We managed to set up sixteen piped water projects. Mwense is probably the constituency with the most piped water projects in the Republic of Zambia. I never used any Central Government funding.

 

Madam Speaker, I, therefore, want to invite the hon. Minister, who was answering questions, I think it was yesterday, very eloquently and maturely, to go and visit and see how I have been able to deliver sixteen water projects at a very minimal cost. He can probably learn from there and be able to drive the ministry forward as we look to water and sanitation development.

 

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Mwense Parliamentary Constituency, I want to commit to working with the New Dawn Government in ensuring the transformation of the economy that President Lungu had started, probably, it may not be seen, by transforming companies that were privatised during the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) regime and one of them is the Mununshi Banana Scheme. We used to import bananas from South Africa. Today, my constituency hosts a company that was privatised and abandoned, but President Lungu revitalised it. We have now started selling bananas and most of the bananas you will be buying in your supermarkets will be coming from Mwense Parliamentary Constituency.

 

Madam Speaker, I, therefore, look forward to working with the hon. Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development and his counterpart in the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry. We need to begin to export these bananas into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We need to use the Mununshi Banana Scheme through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and migrate it from a medium enterprise maybe to a large scale enterprise so that it creates jobs and wealth for our people. Our people can no longer continue to live in poverty.

Madam Speaker, as long as our hon. Colleagues are able to not abandon or have a mentality of abandoning everything that the Patriotic Front (PF) Government did, they will be able to score. The Mununshi Banana Scheme is a low hanging fruit. If you go there, you will see trucks going there to buy bananas.

 

Madam Speaker, we need to work with the new Government so that that company is fully utilised. This is I commit to because its strategic thrust is to create jobs and wealth for the people. The Mununshi Banana Scheme is a low hanging fruit for them.

 

Madam Speaker, I also want to work with my hon. Colleague, the hon. Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development because his ministry is where the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) falls. We have the Isubilo Palm Oil Processing Plant which has a few teething problems because it got a loan. I want to work with the hon. Minister to ensure that this company bears fruit. The factory has already been set up and it is just a question of some small additional funding which is required so that we able to source the parts that are remaining. Thereafter, we can begin to buy palm oil from all the farmers in that particular area, the northern region, for the processing of palm. Again, the hon. Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry needs to take note that the DRC is a large market. So, we need to begin to export palm oil into the DRC.

 

Madam Speaker, in a nutshell, I want to ensure that we work with our hon. Colleagues in the Government. We have given them the baton of leadership and we will continue to work with them to ensure that our commitments that we made as hon. Members of Parliament are fulfilled.

 

Madam Speaker, our hon. Colleagues also made commitments on the campaign trail. Our job now as backbenchers is to help them fulfil those commitments. I believe you will provide us an opportunity because this Chamber is for speaking. I hope you will provide us an opportunity to ensure that the new Government is held accountable in a professional, technical and objective manner. This should be our role here as backbenchers because we are partners in development.

 

Madam Speaker, therefore, on behalf of the people of Mwense Parliamentary Constituency, I look forward to working with the New Dawn Government to ensure that the free education that it made commitment to, the K50 per bag of mealie-meal, the K250 for a bag of fertiliser, the recruitment of our trained teachers and medical staff, is fulfilled. We will not come here to oppose just for the sake of opposing. Where our hon. Colleagues bring good programmes, we will be able to support them. However, where we need to provide objective and professional checks and balances to them, we will do that.

 

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Mwense Parliamentary Constituency, I want to thank the almighty God for giving me this opportunity to be in this Chamber for the third time.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

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MOTION

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Chief Whip (Mr Mulusa): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

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The House adjourned at 1217 hours until 1430 hours on Tuesday, 12^th October, 2021.

 

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