REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA
REPORT
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES
FOR THE
FIFTH SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPOINTED ON TUESDAY, 22ND SEPTEMBER, 2015
Printed by the National Assembly of Zambia
REPORT
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES
FOR THE
FIFTH SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPOINTED ON TUESDAY, 22ND SEPTEMBER, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item Page
Membership of the Committee 1 Functions of the Committee 1 Procedure of the Committee 1 Meetings of the Committee 1
PART I – CONSIDERATION OF SUBMISSIONS ON NEW AND OUTSTANDING ASSURANCES
Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs 38/14 – 1958 Chiefdom Boundaries’ Re-Designation 2
Ministry of Defence 11/15 – Connection of Luena Barracks to new Water System 2
Ministry of Energy and Water Development 29/14 – Electrification of Wards in Bwacha Constituency 3 33/14 – Mwinilunga District electrification 3
Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock 05/15 – Dip Tanks and Spray Races in Kapiri Mposhi District 4 13/15 – Livestock Development Animal Health Project in Kapiri Mposhi District 4
Ministry of General Education 30/14 – Construction of Nakonde Secondary School 5
Ministry of Higher Education 40/14 – Construction of King Lewanika University 5 14/15 – Mumbwa Trades Training Institute 6
Ministry of Health 25/14 – Rural Health Centres with Solar Power in Mwinilunga Parliamentary Constituency 7 01/15 – Furniture for St Paul’s Mission Hospital in Nchelenge District 7 04/15 – Houses for Personnel in Sikongo District 8
Ministry of Home Affairs 28/14 – Police Post at Emusa in Chasefu Parliamentary Constituency 8 36/14 – Nakonde Police Station 8 38/14 – Expansion of Nchelenge State Prison 9 02/15 – Recruitment of Immigration Officers at all Border Posts Countrywide 9 12/15 – Construction of Police Stations and Posts in Magoye Constituency 9 15/15 – Administrative Provisions for Itemba Police Post in Milenge District 10 16/15 – Construction of office block and housing units for Police in Rufunsa District 10 19/15 – Land for Construction of Milenge Police Station 10
Ministry of Justice 27/14 – Kaputa Local Courts Staff Establishment 11 08/15 – Local Court in Chief Chisomo’s area in Muchinga 13
(i)
Ministry of Local Government and Housing 43/14 – Construction of Infrastructure in Sikongo District 13 44/14 – National Fire Service Training School 13
Ministry of Tourism and Arts 26/14 – Rehabilitation of Kabwe Venus Theatre 15
Ministry of Transport and Communication 41/14 – Construction of Communication Towers in Lubansenshi 15 09/15 – Communication Towers in Serenje 16 18/15 – Canal Dredging in Luapula and Western Provinces 17
Ministry of Works and Supply 32/14 – Construction of Lunsemfwa River Bridge in Rufunsa Constituency 20 37/14 – Rural Roads Construction 21 42/14 – Construction of Immigration Department Offices at Nsumbu Border Post 22 03/15 – Mbala-Kasaba Bay-Nsumbu Road 22 10/15 – Airstrip in Kapiri Mposhi District 23
Ministry of Youth and Sport 36/15 Ultra-modern Stadium in Mongu 23
PART II – CONSIDERATION OF THE ACTION TAKEN REPORT (ATR) ON THE COMMITTEE’S REPORT FOR THE FOURTH SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Ministry of Health 02/14 – Hospital Fast – Track Emergency Departments 25 03/14 – Dialysis Machines for Government Hospitals 25 04/14 – Completion of Ndeki Health Post in Lubansenshi Constituency 26 07/14 – Construction of Health Posts at Khulamayembe, Kamuzowole and Bayole in Chasefu Constituency 26 14/14 – Completion of Clinical Officers’ Training School in Kabwe 27
Ministry of Local Government and Housing 05/14 – Solwezi Township Roads 27 09/14 – Modern Market for Solwezi 28 13/14 – Construction of Chipili District Council Houses 28
Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection 10/14 – Installation of the Zambia Integrated Land Management Information System 29
Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs 24/13 – Construction of Palaces for Traditional Leaders in Serenje 30
Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health 20/14 – Mukabi and Luminu Farming Blocks for the Disabled 31 21/14 – Scaling up of the Social Cash Transfer Programme 32
Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development 19/14 – New Electricity Connections in Kalabo 35 23/14 – Rehabilitation of Dams in Pemba 36
(ii)
Office of the Vice President 24/14 – Review of the National Food and Nutrition Commission Act 37
Ministry of Agriculture 17/14 – Investments in Irrigation, Agro-processing and Livestock Sectors 37 18/14 – Development of Sugarcane Production and Processing 43
Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications 01/14 – Upgrading Chama/Lundazi Road to Bituminous Standard 43 16/14 – Resurfacing of Chikwa Road 44
Ministry of Tourism and Arts 08/12 – Restocking of Game Management Areas (GMAs) 45
Ministry of Defence 30/13 – Resuscitation of Mulungushi Textiles 47
PART III – LOCAL TOUR REPORT
Ministry of Health 03/14 – Dialysis Machines for Government 48 14/14 – Completion of Clinical Officers’ Training School in Kabwe 49 06/14 – Establishment for Doctors at Gwembe District Hospital 50
PART IV – CONSIDERATION OF OUTSTANDING ASSURANCES
Ministry of Health 26/13 – Health Facility Construction in Mulobezi District 51 33/10 – Measures to assist the Mentally Disturbed 52 25/13 – Health Services 53 27/13 – Health Centre at Katikulula Resettlement Scheme 55
Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications 12/09 – Lusaka-Chipata (Great East) Road 56 05/09 – Conversion of Lusaka International Airport into Air Cargo Hub 56
Ministry of Agriculture 17/14 – Investments in Irrigation, Agro-processing and Livestock Sectors 57
Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health 21/14 – Scaling up of the Social Cash Transfer Programme 60
Ministry of Home Affairs 32/06 – Developing a Border Control Computerised System throughout the Country 62
Ministry of Agriculture 20/13 – Diversification and Production 63
Ministry of General Education 03/13 – Ntatumbila and Shemu Basic Schools 64
(iii)
Ministry of Higher Education 34/13 – Construction of Chalimbana, Mukuba and Kwame Nkrumah Universities 65
Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications 04/13 – Machile Bridge 67
Ministry of Home Affairs 12/13 – Construction of Staff Houses at Chitambo Mission Police Post 68
Ministry of Energy and Water Development 14/13 – Construction of Dams in Mapatizya Constituency 69 15/13 – Requirements for Establishing Fuel Filling Stations 70 16/13 – Electrification of Rufunsa District 71 32/13 – Provincial Fuel Storage Facilities 72
Ministry of Tourism and Arts 21/13 – Mweru-Wantipa and Nsumbu National Parks 73
Ministry of Finance 01/11 – Public Financial Management 74
Ministry of Justice 09/13 – Local Courts at Nsumbu Business Centre 76 10/13 – Local Courts in Nakonde District 76
Local Tours
Ministry of Health 11/12 – Resumption of 24-Hour Services by Health Centres in Kankoyo Parliamentary Constituency 76
Ministry of Home Affairs 02/12 – Construction of Border Posts at Kalengelenge, Jimbe, Kambimba and Kamapanda 77
Committee’s General Observations and Recommendations 78 Conclusion 79
Appendix I – List of Officials 80
(iv)
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES FOR THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPOINTED ON TUESDAY, 22ND SEPTEMBER, 2015
Consisting of:
Mr A L Lufuma, MP (Chairperson); Ms P Mulasikwanda, MP; Ms V Kalima, MP; Mr M Habeenzu, MP; Mr M Z J Katambo, MP; Mr L Chabala, MP; Mr M Ndalamei, MP; and Prof G Lungwangwa, MP.
The composition of the Committee changed following the appointment of Mr B Chitafu, MP, to replace Mr M Habeenzu, MP.
The Honourable Mr Speaker National Assembly Parliament Buildings LUSAKA
Sir
Your Committee has the honour to present its Report for the Fifth Session of the Eleventh National Assembly.
Functions of the Committee
2. Under Standing Order No. 155(2), your Committee is mandated to scrutinise all assurances and undertakings made by Cabinet and Deputy Ministers on the Floor of the House with the objective of ensuring that the same are implemented. Your Committee is also mandated to comment on delays in implementation and adequacy of the action taken as well as exercise such other functions as maybe assigned to your Committee by the Speaker from time to time. As your Committee is a General Purposes Committee, its mandate is not confined to any specific Ministry, but extends to all ministries provided an assurance made on the Floor of the House relates to those ministries.
Procedure of the Committee
3. Your Committee examined all contributions made by the Executive as recorded in the Daily Parliamentary Debates and extracted statements which amounted to assurances. These were then referred to the Government ministries concerned to find out the actions taken to implement the assurances. Upon receipt of submissions from the ministries and Government departments on the assurances, your Committee then invited the respective permanent secretaries of the concerned ministries to appear before it and give updates on the implementation of the assurances under their respective portfolios.
Meetings of the Committee
4. Your Committee held thirteen meetings during the period under review to consider both outstanding assurances and new assurances made on the Floor of the House. The Report of your Committee is in three Parts: Part I deals with consideration of submissions on various new assurances identified, while Part II deals with findings from Assurances from the Action-Taken Report for the Fourth Session of the Eleventh National Assembly. Part III deals with outstanding assurances from previous sessions.
1 PART I
CONSIDERATION OF SUBMISSIONS ON NEW ASSURANCES
MINISTRY OF CHIEFS AND TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS
38/14 – 1958 Chiefdom Boundaries’ Re-Designation
On Tuesday, 2nd December, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs is still consulting with the Surveyor- General’s Office. Mr Speaker, the exercise of re-designing chiefdom boundaries is expensive. In addition, the inadequacy of funds, against other competing national needs such as the construction of palaces in the ten provinces, has caused the delay in the re-designation of the chiefdom boundaries.
Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs is currently consulting with the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection through the Surveyor- General’s Office on the issuance of a new chiefdom boundary map.”
Your Committee was informed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry that the Ministry consulted the Surveyor General with regards to printing the 1958 Chiefdom boundary map which contained narratives for distribution to all the chiefdoms. The Office of the Surveyor General advised the Ministry that this would be a costly exercise for which it requested the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs to provide funds for the exercise to be undertaken.
In view of the foregoing and considering that the estimates of expenditure of the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs for the year 2016 had already been prepared and approved by Parliament, the Ministry would make a budgetary provision in future for the printing of the 1958 boundary maps should the ceiling for the Ministry improve.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
In awaiting the progress report on the matter, your Committee observes that the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs has not shown seriousness in prioritising this exercise, given the numerous boundary disputes across the country.
Your Committee recommends that the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs must prioritise this exercise in its funding profiling regardless of the ceilings the Ministry is given. In addition, the exercise of adding the narratives to the 1958 map should be done in a phased manner in order to print maps for relevant stakeholders first then later for other stakeholders.
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
11/15 – Connection of Luena Barracks to new Water System
On Wednesday, 4th March, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Defence made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, Luena Barracks, which was initially constructed with an independent water supply system, will be connected to the Western Water Company (WWC) system in the 2016 Budget Cycle.”
2 Your Committee was informed that the Western Water Company (WWC) conducted a feasibility study of the existing water system in the Barracks to ascertain the scope of work to be done and a Bill of Quantity (BOQ) amounting to K1,355,000 had since been submitted to the Ministry. However, the connection of the water supply system would only be done upon availability of funds.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes that the Executive has made provision of K8 million for infrastructure development under the Ministry of Defence in the 2016 Budget. This includes the connection of Luena Barracks to the new water system. Your Committee hopes the releases from the Treasury will be commensurate with provisions in the budget in order to actualise this programme.
Your Committee strongly recommends that the Ministry of Defence prioritises the implementation of this programme from any releases the Treasury will make available in order to enable the over 2,300 people affected to have access to the water resource.
MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT
29/14 – Electrification of Wards in Bwacha Constituency
On Friday, 7th October, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, Munga, Chinyanja, Munyama, Muwowo West and Muwowo East wards in Bwacha Parliamentary Constituency are planned for electrification in 2016.”
Your Committee was informed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Water Development that the Wards were scheduled for electrification in 2016, but the Rural Electrification Authority was unable to implement the project in 2015, due to limited funds. However, the Authority would consider electrifying the wards whenever funds were available.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the response and awaits a progress report on the electrification of wards in Bwacha Constituency.
33/14 – Mwinilunga District Electrification
On Thursday, 9th October, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, Mwinilunga District will be connected to the national grid by August, 2015. The contractor working on the project is Eltel Networks Transmission International of Sweden. The contract sum for the project is US$163 million or K1,010,600,000. The project will be completed by August, 2015.”
Your Committee was informed that the connection of Mwinilunga District to the national grid was scheduled for August, 2015. However, due to the delay experienced in resolving the tax issues for the project, the connection of Mwinilunga was not achieved in the third quarter of 2015, as initially planned. The connection of Mwinilunga to the national grid might be achieved by August, 2016, as the major tax issues which hindered implementation of the project had since been resolved.
3 Your Committee further learnt that an application for Import Duty, Import VAT and Local VAT exemption was made to the Ministry of Finance on 24th June, 2014. However, tax exemption for Import Duty and Import Vat was only granted through Statutory Instrument number 18 of 2015, on 27th March, 2015, while Local VAT exemption was only granted on 29th June, 2015. Consequently the project was delayed because the contractor had to suspend works as of 2nd February, 2015, due to these delays in granting the tax exemptions.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee regrets that despite the project contract being signed in May 2014, it could not commence as scheduled due to poor co-ordination by the Ministry of Energy and Water Development and the Ministry of Finance. Your Committee is disappointed that nine months was lost due to the delay by the Ministry of Finance to issue a Statutory Instrument to effect tax exemptions.
Your Committee recommends that the Government must ensure that the target of June, 2017, of connecting Mwinilunga District to the National grid be followed to the latter.
MINISTRY OF FISHERIES AND LIVESTOCK
05/15 – Dip Tanks and Spray Races in Kapiri Mposhi District
On Wednesday, 25th February, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock made the following assurance:
“The construction and rehabilitation of dip tanks is being undertaken in phases, with two dip tanks namely: Kampumba and Mondake being planned for rehabilitation in Kapiri Mposhi District in 2015 at an estimated cost of K75,000 each.”
Your Committee was informed by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock that as assured, the Ministry had made progress on the rehabilitations of two dip tanks namely; Kampumba and Mondake in Kapiri Mposhi District. The contract for the works had been awarded and the contractor had moved to the sites. Construction works had since commenced at the contract sum of K147,157.54.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
In noting the progress, your Committee awaits a progress report on the full implementation of the programme which the Ministry seeks to roll out countrywide.
13/15 – Livestock Development Animal Health Project in Kapiri Mposhi District
On Friday, 6th March, 2015, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, twenty farmer groups were shortlisted as beneficiaries under the Livestock Development Animal Health Project in Kapiri Mposhi District between 2013 and 2014. Contracts are scheduled to be awarded in March, 2015. Thereafter, the disbursement of funds would commence.”
Your Committee was informed that as assured, the Ministry awarded contracts to eighteen of the twenty farmer group beneficiaries that were shortlisted. The two that were left out were non- responsive. Of the eighteen, only fourteen agreed with the terms and conditions of the grants while the other four refused to sign the contracts. The first disbursement for the fourteen farmer groups were currently being processed.
4 Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF GENERAL EDUCATION
30/14 – Construction of Nakonde Secondary School
On Friday, 7th October, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the construction of Nakonde Secondary School is planned to be completed in 2015.”
Your Committee was informed by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of General Education that the construction of Nakonde Secondary School was expected to be completed in 2015, as was assured. However, the Ministry had faced a challenge of delayed funding. In addition, the contractor also had some challenges in re-doing some roofs that did not conform to the required standards.
The current status was that this project was expected to be completed in 2016. Nonetheless, the following progress had been recorded as at December, 2015:
i. all the ten houses and a tuck shop had been roofed and plastered; ii. the home economics block, library, laboratories were at gable level waiting for roofing; iii. one of the 1 x 3 classroom blocks is roofed whilst on the other, trusses had been installed; iv. the school hall was at substructure level; and v. the ablution block has been roofed.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the progress made on the construction of Nakonde Secondary School, but awaits a progress report on the target by the Ministry to complete all the remaining works by the end of 2016. Your Committee also urges the Government to focus on the completion of schools that are already in progress as opposed to commencing the construction of new ones. The total of 118 schools under construction is a daunting task.
MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION
40/14 – Construction of King Lewanika University
On Tuesday, 2nd December, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the construction of King Lewanika University in the Western Province will commence in January, 2015. The contractor, by the name of Datong Construction Limited, has been identified. The project is estimated to cost K160 million. The project will be constructed within a period of three years.”
Your Committee was informed by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Higher Education that the contract for the construction of King Lewanika University was signed between the Ministry of Higher Education and Datong Construction Limited at a sum of K288,960,032.16 with a completion period of three years. The effective date of commencement of the project was 7th November, 2015, when the site was handed over to the contractor.
5 The Contractor would be paid 15% of the contract value when the Ministry of Finance releases the funds as mobilisation fees. This was enshrined in the contract agreement and enables the contractor to mobilise and commence works.
The project involved the construction of a public university, lecture theatres, staff houses, student hostels, a library and administration offices.
Delay to implement the project was as a result of a number of factors which included protracted re- negotiations with the contractor with regard to the total sum of the project with the Government managing to scale down the cost and works from K780 million to K290 million. Further delay was caused by the time it took the Contractor to provide relevant documentation and Bank guarantees to effectively operationalise the contract as required by the agreement.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee is concerned that that despite the commitment by the Government to commence the construction of the university, nothing much has been done. It is also regrettable that there is seemingly no concrete action by the Government on the release of funds to actualise the assurance.
Your Committee recommends that the Government should release, as a matter of urgency, the 15% mobilisation fees to enable the Contractor to commence the works. In addition, the Government must ensure that budgeted infrastructure funds are released timely in line with the Output Based Budget being piloted at the Ministry.
14/15 – Mumbwa Trades Training Institute
On Friday, 6th March, 2015, the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the construction of Mumbwa Trades Training Institute will commence in 2015.”
Your Committee was informed that the contract for the construction of the Mumbwa Trades Training Institute was signed between the Ministry and the Contractor, Speed Dragon Enterprise Limited on 28th April, 2015, at a cost of ZMW 48,535,326.84, with a completion period of twenty-four months. The handover of the project site to the Contractor was delayed pending commitment of funds by the Ministry of Finance. The site was, therefore, handed over to the Contractor on 27th July, 2015, after the Ministry of Finance committed that the funds would be released to the Ministry.
An advance payment of ZMW 9,707,065.37 was on 13th October, 2015 paid to the Contractor who commenced the process of mobilisation and was expected to commence works by 31st October, 2015. The Project involves the construction of three classroom blocks, two hostel blocks, an administration block, two workshops, one library, two high cost houses, fifteen medium cost houses, one ablution block, sewer pond and external works.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the completion of the project within the contract period of twenty-four months.
6 MINISTRY OF HEALTH
25/14- Rural Health Centres with Solar Power in Mwinilunga Parliamentary Constituency
On Wednesday, 2nd October, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, there are eighteen rural health centres with solar power in Mwinilunga Parliamentary Constituency. Sir, sixteen of the rural health centres have fully functional solar installations. Sir, Sakapoti Health Centre’s solar system will be fixed by November, 2014, while the system at Chiwoma Health Centre will be repaired by the end of 2014.
Sir, solar power will be procured for Kawiko Health Centre by the end of 2014 while Kanzinza and Ntambo Sachitolo Health Centres will be considered after the construction of new health facilities. Mr Speaker, Angelique Company has already been contracted to construct these facilities.”
Your Committee was informed by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health that the solar system at Sakapoti Health Centre was not functional due to non-availability of the correct types of batteries. The Government was, however, in the process of procuring new batteries. It was further stated that the system at Chiwoma Health Post was worked on and was in a good working condition.
The Ministry informed your Committee that Kawiko Health Centre had not been installed with solar power as assured due to lack of resources. However, the Government was in the process of sourcing the equipment.
Your Committee also learnt that Kanzenzi and Ntanbu Sachitolo Health Centres were considered under the 650 Health Post construction project and would be installed with solar power at the time of project conclusion and handover. Angelique International was undertaking the works in Mwinilunga under the 74 Health Posts Project for North Western Province.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee appreciates the efforts by the Ministry to generate a comprehensive national programme on the installation of solar power to health facilities country wide.
In light of this, your Committee awaits a progress report on the installation of solar power to other facilities in Mwinilunga and the rolling out of the national programme on solar power.
01/15 – Furniture for St Paul’s Mission Hospital in Nchelenge District
On Tuesday, 24th February, 2015, the Minister of Health made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the Government has budgeted for the procurement of medical equipment and furniture, such as patient bedside lockers, for public and mission hospitals countrywide in 2015. St Paul’s Mission Hospital is expected to benefit from that programme.”
Your Committee was informed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health that the tenders for procuring 120 hospital beds and mattresses, 120 bedside lockers, forty drip stands, forty bed side patient chairs and twenty medicine trolleys for St Paul’s Mission Hospital had been floated.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the procurement of the furniture for the Mission hospital.
7 04/15 – Houses for Personnel in Sikongo District
On Wednesday, 25th February, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Health intends to construct staff houses for health personnel in Sikongo in 2015, under its Infrastructure Operational Plan.”
Your Committee was informed that construction of staff houses in Sikongo had not commenced as the Ministry was still awaiting funding from the Treasury.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee observes that the budget ceiling for the Ministry in the 2016 budget has resulted in many projects being stalled including the construction of houses for personnel in Sikongo. Your Committee awaits a progress report on the construction of the houses in Sikongo.
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
28/14 – Police Post at Emusa in Chasefu Parliamentary Constituency
On Friday, 3rd October, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the police post at Emusa in Chasefu Parliamentary Constituency will be opened once houses for the police officers have been constructed, the building rehabilitated and the borehole sunk at the site. The delay in opening the police post is due to the lack of accommodation for police officers and water at the police post. Three houses are earmarked for construction in 2015.”
Your Committee was informed by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry that the rehabilitation of the office building, sinking of the bole hole and the construction of the three houses had not yet been done because funds for the project were not available. The post would be considered in the next phase of the construction of houses for the Zambia Police. The post would be opened after the works were complete.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the opening of the police post at Emusa in Chasefu Parliamentary Constituency.
36/14 – Nakonde Police Station
On Tuesday, 14th October, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, Nakonde Central Police Station was built in 1959. The rehabilitation of Nakonde Central Police Station will be done in 2015.”
Your Committee was informed that the rehabilitation of Nakonde Police Station was underway. The construction of the Police cells was almost complete while plastering of male cells and roofing of female cells was still remaining. The contractor for the project was G M Chilekwa Agencies.
8 Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the completion of the rehabilitation works at Nakonde Police Station. In addition, your Committee urges the Government to closely supervise the contractor to complete works as scheduled.
38/14 – Expansion of Nchelenge State Prison
On Friday, 14th November, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to expand Nchelenge State Prison in 2015, as the project has been captured in the 2015 National Budget. The expansion works will start with the construction of two cells, an ablution block and a perimeter wire fence.”
Your Committee was informed that there had been no progress on the matter due to lack of funding.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the expansion of Nchelenge State Prison.
02/15 –Recruitment of Immigration Officers at all Border Posts Countrywide
On Tuesday, 24th February, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, it is the Government’s policy to increase the number of immigration officers at all border posts countrywide. This can be seen in the 2015 Budget, in which there is a provision for the recruitment of officers. So, the Government will increase the number of immigration officers at all border posts in 2015, once Treasury Authority has been granted to recruit two hundred immigration officers, as per the provision of the 2015 Budget.”
Your Committee was informed that the Department of Immigration had not recruited the 200 officers in 2015, because funds were not available and the Treasury Authority was not given for the exercise. However, ninety-one positions that were vacant due to deaths and retirements were filled.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee expresses its disappointment that despite this assurance, the recruitment has not been done and the 2016 budget has no provision for this exercise.
Your Committee recommends that the Government must prioritise the programme in the subsequent budgets and awaits a progress report.
12/15 – Construction of police stations and Posts in Magoye Constituency
On Thursday, 5th March, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the Government, through the Zambia Police Force, has plans to construct a police post in Magoye Township in 2016.”
Your Committee was informed that plans to construct a Police post in Magoye Township by the Government was still active and the construction would be done once the project was funded.
9 Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the construction of a Police Post in Magoye Parliamentary Constituency.
15/15 – Administrative Provisions for Itemba Police Post in Milenge District
On Wednesday, 11th March, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the installation of solar panels at Itemba Police Post and Staff houses in Milenge District will commence this year 2015, since the funds for the two projects have been provided for in the 2015 Budget.”
“Mr Speaker, Reuben Health Post in Luombwa Ward in Chitambo Parliamentary Constituency is expected to open to the public after its completion in September, 2015.”
The Permanent Secretary informed your Committee that the installation of the solar panels at Itemba Police Post was not undertaken, because the project was not funded by the Treasury.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the installation of solar panels at Itemba Police Post and staff houses in Milenge District.
16/15 – Construction of office block and housing units for Police in Rufunsa District
On Friday, 13th March, 2015, the Minister of Home Affairs made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government has plans to construct an office block and ten housing units in Rufunsa District in 2015. Funds for the construction of an office block and the ten staff houses have been set aside under the Ministry of Transport, Work, Supply and Communication.”
Your Committee was informed that the construction of a Police Station and ten housing units was underway and the contractor was on site. The name of the contractor was Atonement Enterprises Limited.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the construction of the office block and housing units for the Police in Rufunsa District and urges the Government to ensure that the project is completed as scheduled.
19/15 – Land for construction of Milenge Police Station
On Tuesday, 24th March, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs made the following assurance:
“Sir, as a bonus answer, I would like to inform the Hon. Member that the Government also has plans to construct a police post and three staff houses in the same area at a cost of K4 million within ten months in 2015.”
Your Committee was informed that the land for the construction of Milenge Police Station had been secured. The construction of Milenge Police Station and three cost houses was under tender process. The tender was advertised on 9th June, 2015, in the Zambia Daily Mail Newspaper. Bids closed on Friday, 31st July, 2015. A contractor was picked and handed over the site on 20th January, 2016, for works to start.
10 Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the construction of Milenge Police Station.
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
27/14 – Kaputa Local Courts staff establishment
On Wednesday, 2nd October, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Justice made the following Assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the staff establishments for the local courts and Subordinate Court in Kaputa District are as follows:
Kaputa Local Court – Grade B
Number Position Status 01 Presiding Justice filled 03 Local Court Justice 2 filled, 1 vacant 01 Assistant Court Clerk filled
Mukupa Katandula Local Court – Grade B
Number Position Status 01 Local Court Justice filled 02 Local Court Messenger 1 filled, 1 vacant 01 Assistant Court Clerk filled
Nsama Local Court – Grade B
Number Position Status 01 Presiding Justice vacant 01 Local Court Justice filled 02 Local Court Messenger 1 filled, 1 vacant 01 Assistant Court Clerk vacant
Nsumbu Local Court – Grade B
Number Position Status 01 Presiding Justice vacant 01 Local Court Justice vacant 02 Local Court Messenger vacant 01 Assistant Court Clerk vacant
Kaputa Subordinate Court
Number Position Status 01 Magistrate, Class 1 filled 01 Clerk of Court filled 01 Registry Clerk filled 01 Assistant Clerical Officer vacant 01 General Worker filled 01 Watchman filled 01 Driver filled
“Mr Speaker, eleven positions were vacant as of May, 2014. The Judiciary will consider filling them once the Ministry of Finance grants the Treasury Authority for recruitment in the
11 2015 Financial Year. Please, note that Nsumbu Local Court is non-operational as the court building collapsed”.
Your Committee was informed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice that the staff establishment for the subordinate court and local courts in Kaputa District were as follows:
Kaputa Local Court – Grade B
Number Position Status 01 Presiding Justice filled 01 Local Court Justice filled 01 Assistant Court Clerk filled 02 Local Court Messengers filled
Mukupa Katandula Local Court – Grade B
Number Position Status 01 Local Court Justice filled 01 Assistant Court Clerk filled 02 Local Court Messengers filled
Nsama Local Court – Grade B
Number Position Status 01 Local Court Justice filled 01 Assistant Court Clerk filled 02 Local Court Messengers filled
Nsumbu Local Court – Grade B
Number Position Status 01 Presiding Justice filled 01 Local Court Justice filled 01 Assistant Court Clerk filled 02 Local Court Messenger filled
Kaputa Subordinate Court
Number Position Status 01 Magistrate, Class 1 filled 01 Clerk of Court filled 01 Registry Clerk filled 01 Assistant Clerical Officer vacant 01 General Worker filled 01 Watchman vacant
The position of Assistant Clerical Officer was still vacant as it required Treasury Authority and the driver was transferred to Chinsali Subordinate Court as there was no vehicle at Kaputa Subordinate Court. All positions in the local courts were filled as Treasury Authority was granted.
Nsumbu Local Court was now operational. The Judiciary was renting a structure at Nsumbu which had been turned into a Court Room following the collapse of the Court building.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee expresses its gratitude for the progress registered in filling the vacant positions and the operationalisation of the court at Nsumbu. This will go a long way in the dispensing of Justice in the country.
12 Your Committee urges the Government to ensure that the remaining positions of Assistant Clerical Officer and Watchman at Kaputa Subordinate Court are filled up once Treasury Authority is granted.
08/15 – Local Court in Chief Chisomo’s area in Muchinga
On Friday, 27th February, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Justice made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the local court in Chief Chisomo’s area in Muchinga, which will include two low cost houses, is earmarked for construction in 2016 at a cost of K1.5 million.”
Your Committee was informed that the Judiciary was desirous to construct a Local Court in Chief Chisomo’s area in Muchinga Province which would include low cost houses. However, there was no funding in the 2016 budget for the project.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND HOUSING
43/14 – Construction of infrastructure in Sikongo District
On Wednesday, 10th December, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, as a Ministry, we have budgeted for the construction of the offices through the Local Government Equalisation Fund for 2015. We expect the construction works to start as soon as the money is released to that district.”
Your Committee was informed by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government and Housing that the construction of offices in Sikongo District was budgeted for by the Council using part of the Local Government Equalisation Fund (LGEF) monthly allocation amounting to K161,907.17. The capital component at 20% of K161,907.17 amounted to K32,381.54. However, it was found that the monthly capital allocation from LGEF was inadequate as the Council was only able to retain K32,381.54.
Further, inquiries with the Council revealed that the construction of offices was being undertaken by the Ministry of Works and Supply. The Council stated that the construction works were still on- going.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the matter.
44/14 – National Fire Service Training School
On Wednesday, 10th December, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this August House that in an effort to improve the operations and training at the National Fire Service Training School, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing has acquired land in Kafulamase in Kabwe in order to construct a modern training school that will have modern facilities. The Procurement and Supply Unit in the
13 Ministry is currently studying the terms of reference for consultancy services for the development of construction designs for the modern training school.
In addition, Sir, the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) has reviewed, improved and consolidated the courses into a three-year fire and rescue training programme. The Ministry is studying how the new programme will be implemented effectively. On the other hand, before the modern school is constructed, TEVETA has already assessed the facilities at the current school with a view to having it accredited to improve the standards of training.
Mr Speaker, it is also important to mention that training schools in developed countries have already been approached with a view of entering into partnerships so that we can groom capable fire-fighters and instructors who will provide quality services to the community.
Mr Speaker, Kabwe Municipal Council is included under the 2015 budget for allocation of a fire-tender. Through the Ministry’s 2015 budget, all the provincial headquarters will be provided with fire-tenders.”
Your Committee was informed that the process of advertising for expression of interest for consultancy work for the development designs for the construction of a modern fire service training school had commenced.
As regards the training programme, the Ministry informed your Committee that sixteen officers from various Local Authorities’ fire brigades had been identified and earmarked for assessment out of which six would be selected with a view to sending them for teaching methodology in Luanshya in 2016. Further, the Ministry have also planned to send at least three officers for specialised training abroad in 2017, to improve the standards at the training school.
Additionally, the Permanent Secretary informed your Committee that a report was still being awaited from TEVTA on the assessment conducted on the current school for it to be accredited by TEVTA.
Similarly, discussions were held between the Ministry and training academy Rural Metro Emergency Management Services (PTY) based in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa to exchange ideas and offer training to increase knowledge and improve skills of fire fighters. The Academy was yet to submit the terms of reference and the training programme tied with costs for study by the Ministry.
Your Committee was also informed that the Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Local Government and Housing was in the process of procuring forty-two fire tenders and Kabwe Municipal Council was already earmarked for allocation of a fire tender.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the progress the Government has made on the capacity building programme for officers as well as the procurement of fire tenders which includes Kabwe Municipal Council as a potential beneficiary. However, your Committee is concerned with the pace at which the construction of the new National Fire Service Training School is taking. It reckons that the construction of the school will not only attract local trainees, but also from the region.
In light of the above, your Committee recommends that the Government finds a private partner to explore the possibility of having a Public Private Partnership given that the total estimation of the project is US$40 million which the Government cannot manage to finance alone.
14 MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND ARTS
26/14 – Rehabilitation of Kabwe Venus Theatre
On Wednesday, 2nd October, 2014 the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Arts made the following assurance when responding to a question raised by the Honourable Member of Parliament for Kabwe Central, who asked for the time frame for the rehabilitation exercise for the project:
“Mr Speaker, all works are being done and will be completed in January, 2015.”
Your Committee was informed by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Arts that the rehabilitation of the theatre house had been adhoc, not based on the Bill of Quantity (BOQ). In this regard, a total sum of K100,000 was used. This amount only catered for a few renovation works such as purchase of building materials, burglar bars, 50 pieces of curtains, chip boards and payment of casual workers. While the bar and the Kitchen could start operating once the renovations are complete, the auditorium still required some major renovations before it could fully be operational. This was because the works for the auditorium required specialised personnel to work on the rooftop, ceiling boards, lighting system on the stage, terraces and fix special gadgets that were non functional.
Nonetheless, according to the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) prepared by the office of the Provincial Buildings Engineer, Central Province and submitted to the Ministry in August, 2015, the amount required to undertake all required works was K1,021,379.13. Once funds were made available, works would progress.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes that once complete, the theatre has capacity to generate the much needed revenue to finance its own operations. In light of the foregoing, your Committee recommends that while waiting for funding from the Treasury, the Government should explore the option of engaging co-operate entities to contribute towards the renovations as part of their co-operate social responsibility.
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS
41/14 – Construction of Communication towers in Lubansenshi
On Friday, 5th December, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the construction of communication towers in the mentioned areas of Lubansenshi Constituency will be done under Phase II of the programme, which is scheduled to commence in April, 2015 and end in 2016. The project profile for Phase II will involve mapping, scoping and surveys in the first quarter of 2015 and actual construction of the towers in the second quarter.”
Your Committee was informed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications that in collaboration with its Agency, the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), had responded to the question in Parliament based on the initial programme of work planned for the implementation of Phase II for constructing mobile communication towers and in adherence to the timeframe indicated.
The process of scoping and mapping of targeted areas in constituencies across the country was completed in the second quarter of 2015, through a joint effort from the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority and the three
15 Mobile Network Operators. The team performed detailed mobile network coverage simulations targeting population around settlements as well as geographical considerations across the country. The teams recommended that 469 communication towers would be adequate to cover the unconnected populations in constituencies and provide voice, data and SMS services to 92% of geographical coverage from 82%. Phase II would primarily target dense clusters of settlements and economically active areas such as farming blocks, mines and trading towns.
Your Committee further heard that Lubansenshi Parliamentary Constituency was surveyed and four areas were proposed as suitable sites for communication towers under Phase II. The towers were proposed to be constructed in the following areas with associated target communities and institutions as outlined in the table below.
No. Site Name Coordinates of Proposed Site Lat Long Province District 1 Mucheleka 30.19561 -10.37220 Northern Luwingu 2 Ndoki 30.56680 -10.97296 Northern Luwingu 3 Njoko 30.54878 -10.73284 Northern Luwingu 4. Chifwile 30.25174 -10.54229 Northern Luwingu
The Ministry was in the process of finalising the award and bidding procedure to issue the tender through a vendor financing model to a contractor who had already been identified, Huawei International Limited working through Huawei Technologies Zambia Limited. Further, the Government had appointed Zamtel, the State owned Telecommunications Company to own, manage and operate the towers that would be constructed under phase II. Once all the above tendering procedures were complete, the Ministry and Zamtel, working with Huawei, would draw up a plan that would schedule the construction of communication towers across the country. Once all the procedures mentioned above had been satisfied and adhered to, the Government would commence construction of communication towers in the Second quarter of 2016.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes with delight the initiative by the Ministry to put in place a robust national programme on the construction of towers across the country. Further, your Committee is delighted to learn that the Government has noted the shortcomings that characterised the implementation of phase I of the programme.
Your Committee awaits a progress on the implementation of the phase II national programme for the construction of the 469 towers and specifically the construction of communication towers in Lubansenshi.
09/15 – Communication Towers in Serenje
On Friday, 27th February, 2015, the Deputy Minister Transport, Works, Supply and Communication made the following assurance:
“Sir, the construction of communication towers in Kabundi, Masunga, Nganswa and Mbaswa in Serenje District will be considered in Phase II of the project which is scheduled to be implemented in the second quarter of 2015.”
Your Committee was informed that Serenje Parliamentary Constituency was equally surveyed and ten areas had been proposed to site communication towers under phase II. The towers were proposed to be constructed in the areas as outlined in the table below:
16 No. Site Name Coordinates of Proposed Site Province District Lat Long 1 Kamena 30.39325 -13.44870 Central Serenje 2 Sancha 30.22095 -13.53046 Central Serenje 3 Mukopa 30.16411 -13.74273 Central Serenje 4 Lupiya Primary School 30.11768 -13.02325 Central Serenje 5 Musangashi 29.94528 -12.88252 Central Serenje 6 Muchinda 29.88759 -13.12846 Central Serenje 7 Nganswa 30.07214 -13.62210 Central Serenje 8 Nganswa 30.23620 -12.98815 Central Serenje 9 Ibolela 30.26720 -13.37695 Central Serenje 10. Kafinda Clinic 29.02752 -14.13174 Central Serenje Extract from the final list of sites by Zamtel
Your Committee was also informed that the Ministry was in the process of finalising the award bidding procedure to issue the tender through a vendor financing model to a contractor who had already been identified, Huawei International Limited working through Huawei Technologies Zambia Limited. Further, the Government had appointed Zamtel, the State owned Telecommunications Company to own, manage and operate the towers that would be constructed under Phase II. Once all procedures had been satisfied and adhered to, the Government would commence construction of communication towers.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress on the construction of communication towers in Serenje.
18/15 – Canal dredging in Luapula and Western Provinces
On Tuesday, 24th March, 2015, the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the next phase of dredging of canals will commence as soon as funds are released by the Treasury, hopefully, by mid-April, 2015. Kalabo District will be included in the work plan for the Western Province.”
Your Committee was informed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications that the rehabilitation and maintenance of canals was an ongoing programme and was undertaken using two methods namely: human labour and mechanical method using dredgers. Manual labour method was highly encouraged because of its poverty reduction programme (PRP) component. Seasonally, the casual workers from respective local communities in the wetlands were hired and paid once the work was done.
Mechanical dredging method involved the use of dredgers to remove overgrown weeds as well as deepen and widening the canals. Procurement of diesel, hydraulic oils and operators’ allowances were some of the expected costs in this method.
To avoid clogging and chocking of the canals and waterways, dredging should be done every six months.
Funding On 14th October, 2015, the Treasury released K3,000,000.00 only for rehabilitation and maintenance of canals across the country.
17 Western Province The Provincial Administration in Mongu was allocated K1,000,000.00 for rehabilitation and maintenance of canals programme in all districts of Western Province. The K1,000,000.00 funding was allocated to the districts outline below.
No. District Amount Works done using human labour Mechanical dredging received (ZMW) 1 Kalabo 193,000 No works have been done due to lower levels of water 2 Nalolo 385,000 Canals were being cleared of the weeds 3 Limulunga 70,000 No works done due to lower levels of water 4 Sikongo 70,000 No works done due to lower levels of water 5 Mongu 70,000 No works done due to lower levels of water 6 Sioma 86,000 • Widening and deepening the pontoon crossing points(liyilelo and Sikuka) on the Zambezi River 7 162,000 • Repair and maintenance of the dredgers • Monitoring and evaluation
Rehabilitation and maintenance of canals was highly dependent on medium to high levels of water in the canals and rivers. Western Province had been experiencing a partial drought during the 2015/2016 rainy season and as such canal clearing had not commenced in Kalabo, Limulunga, Sikongo and Mongu due to very low levels of water. The four Districts were on the upper lands and did not hold a lot of water.
However, canal clearing had started in Nalolo District. This District is in the plains where water levels were slowly building up.
Dredging on the Zambezi River During the last quarter of 2015, dredging works were also undertaken to deepen some portions of the Zambezi River at Liyilelo crossing point along Mongu-Kalabo Road and Sikuka crossing point in Sioma district. This increased the rounds done by the pontoons without disturbing the bridge construction across the Zambezi River in Sioma District.
Copperbelt Province The Provincial Administration in Ndola was allocated K500, 000 for rehabilitation and maintenance of Kafubu River in Ndola District of the Copperbelt Province. The K500,000 funding was used to procure diesel, hydraulic oils for the dredger and allowances for dredger operators:
18 S/N District Waterway Amount Purpose/use Mechanical dredging works received (ZMW) 1.0 Ndola Kafubu River 400,000 Procurement of Diesel Weed removal, widening and and azolla hydraulic oils. deepening of the Kafubu river. 100,000 • Dredger operators Quality assurance exercise – to allowances ensure works are done • Monitoring and accordingly and efficiently evaluation activities
The dredging works on the Kafubu River could not start in 2015, because of the low water levels and as such the programme begun on 14th January, 2016. The works were being done and were ongoing.
Luapula Province In October, 2015, Luapula Province was allocated K1,000,000. The canal clearing and maintenance programme in Luapula was administered through Mweru and Bangweulu Water Transport Boards. The two Boards were allocated K500, 000 each and the funds were spent as outlined below.
Wetlands around Lake Bangweulu Bangweulu Water Transport Board facilitated the implementation of canal clearing and maintenance programme in three districts namely: Samfya, Chilubi and Lunga as shown in the table below.
S/N District Amount Total No. Labour based works done (ZMW) Kilometers of Canals cleared 1.0 Samfya 134,750 103 • Removal of floating obstacles in some parts of the canal. • Removal of over grown weeds in deeper channels • Removal of under growth weeds in shallow channels and where possible deepening 2.0 Chilubi 74,000 91 • Removal of floating obstacles in some parts of the canals • Removal of over grown weeds in deeper channels • Removal of under growth weeds in shallow channels and where possible deepening 3.0 Lunga 122,000 145 • Removal of floating obstacles in some parts of the canals. • Removal of over grown weeds in deeper channels • Removal of under growth weeds in shallow channels and where possible deepening 4.0 Lunga Amount Waterway/canal Mechanical Dredging activities District allocated 93,000 30 Km of • Weeding ,deepening and widening of the canal Kapamwa canal • Procurement of diesel, hydraulic oils and was cleared. allowances for dredger operators • Monitoring and evaluation
Wetlands around Lake Mweru The funding of K500, 000 was allocated to Mweru Water Transport Board to facilitate the implementation of canal clearing programme in the wetlands along the Luapula River Delta and Lake Mweru. This programme was undertaken in three districts namely Nchelenge, Kawambwa and Mwansabombwe.
19 Mweru Water Transport Board (MWTB) facilitated the implementation of canal clearing and maintenance programme as outlined in the table below.
S/N District Amount Total No. Kilometers Labour Based Works Done (ZMW) of Canals cleared 1.0 Nchelenge 331,487 244 • Removal of floating obstacles in some parts of the canals • Removal of over grown weeds in deeper channels • Removal of under growth weeds in shallow channels and where possible deepening 2.0 Kawambwa 114,437 75 • Removal of floating obstacles in some parts of the canals • Removal of over grown weeds in deeper channels • Removal of under growth weeds in shallow channels and where possible deepening 3.0 Mwansabombwe 54,077 30 • Removal of floating obstacles in some parts of the canals • Removal of over grown weeds in deeper channels • Removal of under growth weeds in shallow channels and where possible deepening 4.0 Total 349
Transportation of New Dredgers The last K500,000 of the K3,000,000 funding received, was spent on the transportation of six new dredgers to Nalolo, Shiwangandu, Ndola, Mwense, Kalabo and Kafue Districts. Part of the funds were spent on monitoring and evaluation of dredging activities across the country.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations Your Committee notes the comprehensive update and efforts being undertaken by the Government in all the affected provinces. In awaiting a progress report, your Committee urges the Government to expedite the dredging of canals in the respective provinces given that the Treasury has released the funds.
MINISTRY OF WORKS AND SUPPLY
32/14 – Construction of Lunsemfwa River Bridge in Rufunsa Constituency
On Friday, 7th October, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the Road Development Agency (RDA) has engaged Messrs Roughton International for the design, construction and supervision of the Lunsemfwa and Chipaba bridges in Old Mkushi at a combined contract sum of K5,693,309. The contract was signed on 12th August, 2013, and is expected to be completed in October, 2014. The construction of a bridge across the Lunsemfwa River, which connects the Chiefdoms of Shikabeta and Mbosha
20 in Rufunsa Parliamentary Constituency, is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2015, after the conclusion of the procurement process.”
Your Committee was informed by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Works and Supply that the works for the construction of the Lunsemfwa and Chipaba bridges were advertised. The tender closed on 10th July, 2015. The bids were evaluated and awaiting an award by the Road Development Agency Procurement Committee. The contract was expected to be awarded by mid-November, 2015. It was envisaged that works on the two bridges would commence in the First Quarter of 2016.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the construction of the Lunsemfwa River Bridge in Rufunsa Constituency, more so the assurance that works will commence in the first quarter of 2016.
37/14 – Rural Roads Construction
On Thursday, 13th November, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the RDA carries out feasibility studies and makes detailed engineering designs before rehabilitating or upgrading a road that is part of the Link Zambia 8,000 km Road Programme. This includes social and economic assessments. Further, the RDA shall review the Link Zambia 8,000 km Road Programme in the second quarter of 2015 to assess its performance.”
Your Committee was informed that the Road Development Agency reviewed the Link Zambia 8000 Road Programme in the second quarter of 2015. The Programme had so far seen a total of 469km successfully upgraded to bituminous standard and opened to traffic as at the end of the Third Quarter of 2015.
The review process saw the implementation period being adjusted to fit within the fiscal framework as stated below.
Phase Start Year End Year I 2012 2020 II 2016 2022 III 2017 2025
In light of the financial challenges experienced during the implementation of the Phase I projects thus far, the Ministry of Finance (MOF), National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) and Road Development Agency (RDA) were considering alternative financing options such as Contractor Facilitated Financing and Private Public Partnerships (PPPs). Further efforts would be made along the lines of the following alternatives:
i. Concessions and Public Private Partnerships for most economic roads; ii. Turnkey Loans; iii. Lobbying for grants e.g. from Cooperating Partners; and iv. Issuance of road bond which would be repaid over time using receipt from Road Fund as security.
21 Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee is concerned that the absence of the national road policy which is currently under review has somewhat contributed to the challenges in the implementation of the link Zambia 8000 programme. In addition, your Committee notes that the ambitious road construction programme is not commensurate with allocations from the Treasury.
In closing the matter, your Committee urges the Government to partner with the private sector under Public Private Partnerships (PPP’s) for some of these road projects in order to fully implement them. The Government must also explore and identify alternative source of funds for these road projects.
42/14 – Construction of Immigration Department Offices at Nsumbu Border Post
On Friday, 5th December, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the Immigration Department has budgeted for the construction of an Immigration office block and medium-cost house, and the sinking of a borehole and water tank at Nsumbu Border Post in Nsama District in the 2014 Budget. The procurement process for the works, which will cost K3,400,000, is in progress and construction will start in 2015, after the procurement process has been completed. ”
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Works and Supply informed your Committee that the Contractor was on site and had done some excavation works, moulded some concrete blocks and acquired 30 tons of building sand and 20 tons of crushed stones. The initial contract agreement involved the construction of an office block, a medium cost house and the sinking of a borehole with a tank stand. However, the client department decided to take out the borehole and tank stand and replaced them with the construction of a low cost house. A Variation Order No. 1 was prepared to allow omissions and additional works to be incorporated in the signed contract and documented and this Variation Order was sent to the Client Department for approval. The scope of work, therefore, changed to the construction of an office block, a medium cost house and a low cost house.
Your Committee was further informed that the project had delayed due to encroachment on site and that the settlers were waiting for compensation for them to move out. One house was demolished to pave way for construction works. In addition, the contractor had applied for an advance on his payment in April, 2015; however, the interim Payment Certificate (IPC) had not been fulfilled by the client department.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the construction of Immigration Department Offices at Nsumbu Border Post.
03/15 – Mbala-Kasaba Bay-Nsumbu Road
On Wednesday, 25th February, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, works to upgrade the road will commence after the completion of the feasibility studies and the detailed design, whose funding will be considered for inclusion in the 2016 Budget”.
Your Committee was informed by the Controlling Officer that works to upgrade approximately 180km of the Mbala to Kasaba Bay and Nsumbu Road were advertised and were currently under evaluation. The feasibility studies and detailed design component had been combined with works
22 under a design and build approach. It was envisaged that the works would commence in the First Quarter of 2016, subject to confirmation of funds from Treasury.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the construction of the Mbala-Kasaba Bay-Nsumbu Road.
10/15 – Airstrip in Kapiri Mposhi District
On Tuesday, 3rd March, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication made the following assurance:
“I wish to inform the House that the Government has plans to construct an airstrip in Kapiri Mposhi District. Therefore, the Ministry is just awaiting the allocation of land by Kapiri Mposhi District Council.
The project will be provided for in the 2016 Annual Budget. As such, implementation will commence thereafter.”
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Works and Supply informed your Committee that Government priority in terms of rehabilitation or upgrading of airstrips was based on the availability of resources. To this effect, three lots had been formed. Lot 1 consisted of: Mkushi, Serenje, Mpika and Chinsali, Lot two consisted of: Isoka, Luwingu, Mporokoso and Lot three consisted of: Chama, Nakonde and Chadiza.
Your Committee was informed that Lot three projects were under implementation and works had advanced in Chama. If resources allowed, Government planned to complete the execution of projects in Lot one, followed by those in Lot two; after which Kapiri Mposhi would be considered.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the implementation of the project.
MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORT
36/15Ultra modern stadium in Mongu
On Tuesday 3rd March, 2015, the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the construction of an ultra modern stadium will commence as soon as funds have been secured. The name of the contractor is Wang Kong Enterprises Ltd and PJP Associates Ltd Joint Venture. The estimated cost is K294,111,900. The construction period will be twenty-four months.”
Your Committee was informed by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Youth and Sport that the project of constructing an ultra-modern stadium in Mongu which involved the designing and constructing of a 20,000 seat capacity new Mongu stadium was costed at a contract sum of 301,653,191.29 with a 2.5% discount making the bid price of K294,111,861. The Government, through the Ministry, facilitated the clearing of land which was made available.
Your Committee was also informed that the ground breaking ceremony was undertaken by the late President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency, Mr Michael Chilufya Sata in April, 2013. The
23 project was advertised in the local tabloids. Six companies who responded and met the requirements of the bid had their tender documents evaluated as outlined below.
S/N Bidder Tender Sum Completion Period 1 Sogecoa (Z) Ltd 289,615,389.99 22 Months 2 Kuomboka Consortium 328.468,822.57 24 Months 3 Ngandu Consultants 295,478,100.00 24 Months 4 KounnA (Z) Ltd 248,000,000.00 24 Months 5 Wah Hong Enterprises 294,111,861.00 24 Months 6 Shanghai Construction Ltd 305,536,422.36 24 Months
Your Committee was informed that the contract was awarded to Wah Kong Enterprises Limited Joint Venture with PJP Associates and took site possession on 9th September, 2013 and issued an initial certificate of K58,822,372.31 which had not been paid due to lack of funds.
Your Committee was further informed that K300,000 was spent on the clearing of the construction site. The Contractor was reported to have collected soil samples and designed the stadium drawings. It was reported that the site was connected to the national grid and that access roads to the site were completed in October and December, 2013, respectively.
However, the construction of the ultra-modern stadium in Mongu had stalled because of financial constraints. The Government hoped to construct the facility using local resources, but it had been difficult for the national Treasury to put the required funds together for the project due to many competing needs. However, the Ministry remained committed to the implementation of the project and was exploring other possible alternatives of securing funds for the project including the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee is concerned that despite the contract being signed, the Ministry has not released any funds to the Contractor. Given the volatility of the Kwacha, the total cost of the project will skyrocket following the period that has passed after the signing of the contract.
Your Committee recommends that in the interim, the Government should seek the option of partnering with the private sector or opt for the Build Operate Transfer (BOT) option given the huge cost of the project.
Your Committee also urges the Government to stick to planned projects as opposed to initiating projects without consultations with technocrats and due diligence to the financial ramifications of certain pronouncements.
24 PART II
CONSIDERATION OF THE ACTION-TAKEN REPORT ON THE COMMITTEE’S REPORT FOR THE FOURTH SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
02/14 – Hospital Fast – Track Emergency Departments
On Friday, 21st February, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Health assured the House as follows:
“Mr Speaker, in line with the Government policy of improving health service delivery, the Government has already commenced the establishment of the emergency and trauma centres in all major health facilities.”
Your previous Committee was informed by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health that in its quest to improve the provision of emergency health services, the Government had initiated the establishment of comprehensive emergency centres in its various health facilities. These health facilities where the centres would be established include the provincial hospitals, central hospitals and hospitals along major highways such as Nyimba, Mazabuka and Serenje just to mention a few.
He added that the emergency centres listed hereunder were already under construction.
1. The adult medical emergency unit was under construction at the University Teaching Hospital. This project was funded through the Eurobond and was on course. 2. Kabwe General Hospital Emergency Centre was nearing completion and medical equipment was in the final stage of procurement. 3. The tender for the construction of Liteta District Hospital Emergency Centre, had been floated.
In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that trauma centres were being constructed at Kabwe General and University Teaching Hospitals. The one to be constructed in Liteta was still at procurement stage. Nyimba would have an emergency/trauma unit at the District Hospital under construction. The construction of trauma centres in Serenje and Mazabuka was going to depend on the availability of funds.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
In noting the submission, your Committee awaits a progress report, since emergency and trauma centres were not established in the other hospitals earmarked for such facilities.
03/14 – Dialysis Machines for Government Hospitals
On Tuesday, 25th February, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Health made the following assurance on the floor of the House:
“Mr Speaker, under the hospitals' modernisation programme that my Ministry is undertaking, the Government has plans to have dialysis machines in all ten provinces.”
Your previous Committee had been informed by the Permanent Secretary that the Government had plans under the hospitals’ modernisation programme to provide dialysis machines in all the ten provinces. However, the procurement and installation of the dialysis machines was being done in a phased approach. The first phase had reached a very advanced stage with installation of the dialysis machines at Kitwe Central Hospital and University Teaching Hospital. This also included training of doctors and nurses.
25 The second phase would consist of Livingstone and Ndola Central Hospitals while the University Teaching Hospital would also be provided with additional machines. The Government through the Ministry of Health had already signed a contract with the supplier of the dialysis machines to be installed in the three hospitals under the second phase. The doctors and nurses in the three hospitals had already been trained and arrangements were already in place for the procurement of consumables.
The Executive in its update to your Committee stated that the Government through the Ministry of Health was making progress in rolling out this service to other provinces. Installation of dialysis machines at Livingstone and Ndola Central Hospitals and additional dialysis machines to the University Teaching Hospital was to begin in the last quarter of 2015. After operationalising these centres, then the roll out to the other provincial centres would commence depending on the readiness of each provincial centre in terms of human resource and infrastructure.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee observes that other hospitals were not yet provided with dialysis machines. Your Committee awaits a progress report on the matter.
04/14 – Completion of Ndeki Health Post in Lubansenshi Constituency
On Tuesday, 25th February, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Health made the following assurance on the floor of the House:
“Mr Speaker, the construction works at Ndeki Health Post stalled after the termination of the previous contract. The completion is on course. The evaluation was done and an appropriate contractor was picked.”
Your previous Committee had been informed that the construction of Ndeki Health Post was underway and had been contracted out to Sicrwa Enterprises. The Contractor was currently doing the finishes to the building and it was anticipated that construction works should be completed before the end of the first quarter of 2015.
In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that the scope of works at Ndeki Health Post involved the construction of a maternity Ward/Annex as well as construction of a staff house. Significant progress had been made with completing the works. The new contractor was currently on site and works were expected to be completed within the month of September. The contractor was currently undertaking final finishing works on both structures.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the completion of works.
07/14 – Construction of Health Posts at Khulamayembe, Kamuzowole and Bayole in Chasefu Constituency
On Wednesday, 26th February, 2014, the Minister of Health assured the House as follows:
“Mr Speaker, the Government has plans to construct health posts at the named places in Chasefu.”
The Permanent Secretary had informed your previous Committee that the construction of the above health posts in Chasefu Constituency was being done as part of the programme towards construction of 650 Health Posts in Zambia. The Contractor, Jaguar Overseas Limited, was currently working in
26 Chadiza, Nyimba, Chipata and Katete Districts and was expected to commence construction of health posts in Lundazi District in March/April, 2015, after the rainy season.
In the update to your Committee, the Executive stated that the construction of three health posts in Chasefu Parliamentary Constituency in Lundazi District at Khulamayembe, Kamuzowole and Bayole was to be done through the project to establish 650 health posts in the country through the India Line of Credit. The project was being undertaken over a two year period that was from April 2014 to April, 2016. The health posts in Chasefu were expected to be handed to the Government not later than April, 2015.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
In noting the update, your Committee awaits a progress report on the completion of the construction of the health posts.
14/14 – Completion of Clinical Officers’ Training School in Kabwe
On Tuesday, 6th March, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Health assured the House as follows:
“Mr Speaker, the completion is earmarked for 2014.”
Your previous Committee had been informed that the rehabilitation of the proposed Clinical Officers Training School in Kabwe was completed in June, 2014.
The Executive in its update to your Committee indicated that the Chainama College of Health Sciences Kabwe Campus was completed and handed over to Chainama Hills College Hospital in October, 2013, by the Department of Defense of the United States of America. The Minister of Health officially commissioned the training school on 17th March, 2015. Sixty students were enrolled for the July, 2015, intake and were currently learning. In July, 2015, Management Development Division at Cabinet Office approved an establishment of forty-four staff (both academic and support staff) and at the same time Treasury Authority was granted. Recruitment of these forty-four staff was ongoing.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee is delighted to learn that the construction of the school is complete. In closing the matter, your Committee urges the Government to ensure that the school is opened to the public for training, as soon as it is reasonably practicable.
MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND HOUSING
05/14 – Solwezi Township Roads
On Tuesday 25th February, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the Government has got money to work on those roads.”
The Permanent Secretary had informed your previous Committee that the Government had completed the procurement process for Solwezi Township roads and the contractor was selected. However, the road works were unable to commence due to budgetary constraints
In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that whereas the Government had made the undertaking to provide funding for carrying out road works in the country, due to unforeseen circumstances, funding to go towards all planned road works became constrained. However, the
27 Government made provision for funding to commence works on the Solwezi township roads. The contractor commenced on mobilisation of equipment and personnel which stood at 90%. The surveys and setting out of road profiles also commenced.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee observes with concern that when the assurance was made on the Floor of the House, it was stated that the Government had the money at the time. In the response to your Committee, the Permanent Secretary informed your Committee that there were budgetary constraints. Your Committee, therefore, requests that this position be clarified. A progress report is being awaited.
09/14 – Modern Market for Solwezi
On Wednesday, 26th February, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing made the following assurance on the Floor of the House:
“Sir, the Ministry intends to construct a multi-storey market in Solwezi District.”
Your previous Committee had been informed that the Government had completed the procurement process for the construction of the modern market in Solwezi and the contractor had been selected. The Ministry was currently sourcing for funds for the project to start.
In addition, the Executive indicated that the Government had commenced the tendering process for consultancy for the design of a multi-storey market in Solwezi in June, 2013 and not construction of the market. The procurement process for the design of the market in Solwezi had been completed in February, 2015 and the consultancy contract had been awarded to PJP Associate at ZMW 2, 010,529.26. The delay in commencement of the contract was due to budgetary constraints. The consultant had since commenced the designs and had so far submitted the preliminary report.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes that the project was yet to commence and, therefore, awaits a progress report on the matter.
13/14 – Construction of Chipili District Council Houses
On Tuesday, 6th March, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing assured the House as follows:
“Mr Speaker, the construction of staff houses for Chipili District Council is earmarked for completion in September, 2014.”
It was reported to your previous Committee that progress on the construction of the houses currently stood at 30 per cent with the super structure being worked on. The untimely release of funds had contributed largely to delay in the execution of works although on the other hand, there had also been a variation to the initial scope of works which led to an extension of time of performance.
In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that the contract commenced in September, 2013, in which Almut Zambia Limited was awarded the construction contract at a total cost of ZMW 3, 467,617.02. 30% of the works were done with only ZMW 1.06 Million spent by the Government on the project. The project was earmarked for completion in September, 2014, but delayed due to delayed disbursement of funds and slow execution of works. However, the release of funds was based on the availability of an interim payment certificate or a claim by the contractor, of which there was none. To this effect, the local authority and provincial offices requested for termination of the contract
28 to allow another contractor complete the works citing the contractor’s lack of seriousness as major contributing factor. The Ministry was in the process of terminating the contract.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
The update is noted and your Committee awaits a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF LANDS, NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
10/14 – Installation of the Zambia Integrated Land Management Information System (ZILMIS)
On Tuesday, 6th March, 2014, the Minister of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection assured the House as follows:
“Mr Speaker, in June, 2014, my Ministry will complete the implementation of the ZILMIS.”
Your previous Committee was informed by the Permanent Secretary that on 24th January, 2013, the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection commenced the development of a new robust computerised land information system called the Zambia Integrated Land Management Information System (ZILMIS).
The need to develop a new system arose due to weaknesses in security, reliability, integrity and efficiency in the old land administration system called the Land Information Management System (LIMS), which was predominantly manual with all its attendant deficiencies. Therefore, the new system once fully operational was meant to address the shortcomings and fully computerise the land administration system processes.
Your previous Committee was also informed that the implementation of the ZILMIS commenced on 21st July, 2014. Currently, all transactions were being performed on the new system. The old system (LIMS) had since been shut down. However, other activities were still on-going such as data cleaning and fine-tuning of the new system. Further, the Ministry was currently in the process of rolling out the system to Provincial Centres. Two Provincial Centres namely Ndola and Chipata had been piloted to test the ability for remote access and transaction processing. Once these Centres were fully operational, the Government would decentralise the processing and issuance of land related documents such as the Certificates of Title.
Your previous Committee was further informed that the Ministry was also in the process of interfacing and integrating ZILMIS with other relevant Government information systems such as IFMIS at the Ministry of Finance, Ascuda World at Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) and INRIS at the Department of National Registration in the Ministry of Home Affairs. ZILMIS was expected to be officially commissioned within the first quarter of 2015.
In the update, the Executive indicated to your Committee that the Government through the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection had rolled out the Zambia Integrated Land Management Information System (ZILMIS) to all provincial offices except for Muchinga Province as the Ministry had not yet established offices there. However, ZILMIS would be rolled out to Muchinga Province once office space was found. Further, the decentralisation of the functions of the Ministry would commence in 2016, in line with the Governments Decentralisation Plan. In this case, functions such as issuance of certificates of title would be decentralised.
With Regards to data cleaning, this would be an on-going exercise, which the Ministry was undertaking. The Ministry also embarked on scanning of all land records as part of the enhanced
29 Document Management System in ZILMIS. Industrial scanners were procured by the Ministry to ensure that over 500,000 files were scanned within two years.
As regards to the interfacing of ZILMIS with other relevant Government Information Systems, this had not yet been done, as those systems were not yet ready to interface with ZILMIS. This was in line with Governments efforts through Cabinet Office to establish an e-governance system, which would create a platform for the interface of various Government Management Information Systems. Interfacing of ZILMIS with other systems would be done once the other systems were ready.
It was reported that ZILMIS was in operation. However, the official date of commissioning of the system was scheduled to be held before the end of 2015. The commissioning would not be held in the first quarter of 2015, as the developer was still fine-tuning the system at the request of the ministry.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
In noting the progress made, your Committee awaits a progress report on the full implementation of the programme.
MINISTRY OF CHIEFS AND TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS
24/13 – Construction of Palaces for Traditional Leaders in Serenje
On 1st March, 2013, the Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs made the following undertaking:
“Mr Speaker, the construction of palaces will commence this year, 2013, after the completion of preparatory work. As we all know in this August House, there is a provision in the 2013 Budget for the construction and rehabilitation of palaces in amounts totalling to K11,215,500. The Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication has submitted the plans for palaces which will be discussed by the House of Chiefs as it convenes on 18th March, 2013.
Let me also take this opportunity, Mr Speaker, to say to this August House that our assessment around the country depicts that we do not have many palaces as per the English Dictionary. What we have are just little huts in some places or just what would be a house. So, I think we have a lot of work to do to construct these palaces. We have decided, as a Ministry, to do a lot of preparatory work of assessments, proper drawings, and to listen to histories of particular chiefdoms so that the palaces depict this history. We also want to add value to the palaces so that, like everywhere else in the world, they are part of our tourist attractions.
The Chiefs in Serenje District were as follows:
1. Senior Chief Muchinda; 2. Chief Kabamba; 3. Chief Chisomo; 4. Chief Chitambo; 5. Chief Mailo; 6. Chieftainess Serenje; 7. Chief Muchinka; and 8. Chief Chibale.”
30 Your previous Committee had stated that from the list of Chiefs above, the Ministry had earmarked to construct Chieftainess Serenje’s Palace in the first phase of the programme. A total of K1,228,540.50 was disbursed to the Provincial Administration, Central Province as at December, 2014, for the construction of three Chiefs Palaces in the Province, including Chieftainess Serenje’s Palace.
Construction of palaces for the other Chiefs in Serenje District would be done in the next phases which were yet to be determined by the Ministry.
The Executive in its update to your Committee indicated that the Provincial Administration – Central Province had so far received the total sum of K1,228,540.50 for construction of three chiefs’ palaces in the province in phase one of the programme. The palace to be constructed in Serenje District under phase one was for Chieftainess Serenje.
The local community in Chieftainess Serenje’s Chiefdom was sensitized on the guidelines governing the construction of chiefs’ palaces in the province in relation to community participation. A Palace Construction Committee was formed in the Chiefdom and is operational.
The advertisement for bids to construct the palace in Serenje was made public on 3rd April, 2015. A supplier was hired and materials were delivered to the site of Chieftainess Serenje’s Palace. The verification exercise of building materials supplied was conducted by a team of technocrats from Central Province. Further, the Provincial Tender Committee at its sitting of 26th May 2015 awarded a contract for building and civil works to MSM AGRO Solutions and the cost of the contract was K116, 000.00. The site was handed over to the Contractor and works were expected to commence.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the progress made on the construction of the three palaces, but awaits a progress report on the status of works for the other palaces.
MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, MOTHER AND CHILD HEALTH
20/14 – Mukabi and Luminu Farming Blocks for the Disabled
On Tuesday, 17th June, 2014, the Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health assured the House as follows:
“Mr Speaker, plans are underway to develop the Luminu and Mukabi farming blocks.”
The Permanent Secretary submitted to your previous Committee that the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD), disbursed funds to Luminu and Mukabi Farming Blocks through the Provincial ZAPD office in the first week of December, 2014. The disbursed funds amounted to K18,000 broken down as follows; K13,000 for the purchase of chickens and goats and K5,000 for training.
The disbursed funds to Luapula Province were for training of persons with disabilities in chicken and goat rearing. The other funds were for purchasing of the chickens and goats to be given to the trained persons with disabilities as capital. The number of persons with disabilities trained in chicken and goat rearing was as follows; Mukabi Farm block, nineteen and Luminu Farm block, fifteen.
The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities had grown ten hectares of maize in Mukabi farm block in the 2014-2015 farming season. The amount disbursed for this activity amounted to K47,760.00 and was disbursed in late October, 2014.
31 It was further planned that the Agency procures a tractor to service farm blocks in 2015. This would increase the scale of production and lead to trickledown effect to persons with disabilities within and outside the farm blocks. Furthermore, consultations were on-going with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Luapula Province) on how Mukabi farming block could be turned into a breeding centre for sheep and goats in 2016.
The Executive, in its update to your Committee, indicated that the Ministry noted your Committees position, and would advise in due course what recommendations would be adopted and actioned upon.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the matter.
21/14 – Scaling up of the Social Cash Transfer Programme
On Tuesday, 24th June, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health made the following assurance on the Floor of the House:
“The Government has been implementing the programme in selected districts since 2003 and this year, a decision was reached to scale it up to the rest of the districts not served.”
Your previous Committee was informed that the Government had been implementing the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) Programme since 2003. The programme was started as a pilot in Kalomo District and had been scaled up to other districts in a phased manner and was until 2013, being implemented in nineteen realigned districts as shown in Table 01 below.
TABLE 1: 2003 TO 2013 – DISTRICTS S/N District No. of Beneficiaries Province 1 Kalomo 3,128 Southern 2 Zimba 1,349 Southern 3 Kazungula 2,578 Southern 4 Monze 3,936 Southern 5 Chipata 5,825 Eastern 6 Katete 5,298 Eastern 7 Sinda 3,934 Eastern 8 Kaputa 7,605 Northern 9 Nsama 5,733 Northern 10 Shang’ombo 4,178 Western 11 Sioma 3,003 Western 12 Kalabo 9,204 Western 13 Sikongo 4,251 Western 14 Luwingu 5,974 Northern 15 Serenje 3,216 Central 16 Chitambo 2,472 Central 17 Zambezi 6,072 North-Western 18 Milenge 2,843 Luapula 19 Chiengi 3,285 Luapula
32
At the end of 2013, the Government made a decision to increase the funding to the programme from K17,500, 000.00 to K150,000, 000.00 for the year 2014. With this increment in funding, the Ministry embarked on a rapid scale up and in 2014, added thirty-one new districts bringing the total number of districts implementing the programme to fifty. The thirty-one new districts added are shown in Table 2.
S/N District No. of Beneficiaries Province 1 Chilubi 2,096 Northern 2 Senanga 2,994 Western 3 Nalolo 1,812 Western 4 Chinsali 3,034 Muchinga 5 Lufyanyama 2,251 Copperbelt 6 Luangwa 1,415 Lusaka 7 Lunga 1,451 Luapula 8 Shiwang’angu 1,875 Muchinga 9 Lukulu 4,451 Western 10 Mitete 1,078 Western 11 Chavuma 959 North-Western 12 Mporokoso 2,245 Northern 13 Mwense 1,499 Luapula 14 Chipili 1,636 Luapula 15 Nchelenge 2,487 Luapula 16 Kawambwa 1,962 Luapula 17 Mwansabombwe 1,701 Luapula 18 Itezhi-Tezhi 1,936 Central 19 Isoka 1,752 Muchinga 20 Mafinga 1,868 Muchinga 21 Mufumbwe 1,725 North-Western 22 Mungwi 2,601 Northern 23 Mambwe 2,588 Eastern 24 Petauke 6,698 Eastern 25 Gwembe 2,588 Southern 26 Luanshya 492 Copperbelt 27 Livingstone 532 Southern 28 Ndola 654 Copperbelt 29 Kitwe 791 Copperbelt 30 Lusaka 870 Lusaka 31 Samfya 2,552 Luapula
The Ministry had planned to reach full country coverage by 2016, in a phased manner. However, this target might not be met as the amount of K150,000,000.00 allocated in 2014, had been maintained in 2015, which would make scaling up to the planned twenty-seven districts in 2015 difficult. The Ministry could only scale up to the twenty-seven districts planned for 2015, if additional funding was made available from the Treasury.
Table 3 and Table 4 show districts planned for scale up plan for 2015 and 2016, respectively.
TABLE 3: DISTRICTS PLANNED FOR 2015 S/N District Projected No. of Beneficiaries Province 1 Nyimba 3,401 Eastern 2 Chama 4,040 Muchinga 3 Lundazi 12,535 Eastern
33 4 Chadiza 2,399 Eastern 5 Vubwi 1,705 Eastern 6 Limulunga 2,067 Western 7 Nakonde 5,143 Muchinga 8 Kaoma 2,429 Western 9 Luampa 1,823 Western 10 Nkeyama 3,618 Western 11 Sinazongwe 4,215 Southern 12 Mongu 5,249 Western 13 Mpulungu 3,678 Northern 14 Namwala 3,734 Southern 15 Kabompo 1,599 North-Western 16 Manyinga 1,743 North-Western 17 Kapiri-Mposhi 11,841 Central 18 Mazabuka 5,750 Southern 19 Chikankata 2,014 Southern 20 Mbala 6,771 Northern 21 Mansa 7,659 Luapula 22 Chembe 1,359 Luapula 23 Mpika 6,403 Muchinga 24 Chibombo 9,471 Central 25 Chisamba 3,429 Central 26 Chongwe 4,223 Lusaka 27 Rufunsa 1,503 Lusaka
TABLE 4: DISTRICTS PLANNED FOR 2016 S/N District Projected No. of Beneficiaries Province 1 Sesheke 1,328 Western 2 Mulobezi 923 Western 3 Mwandi 759 Western 4 Siavonga 2,690 Southern 5 Kasempa 1,876 North-Western 6 Solwezi 6,644 North-Western 7 Choma 4,517 Southern 8 Pemba 1,680 Southern 9 Mpongwe 2,209 Copperbelt 10 Kasama 5,302 Northern 11 Masaiti 2,164 Copperbelt 12 Mkushi 3,064 Central 13 Luano 558 Central 14 Mumbwa 3,409 Central 15 Sibuyunji 954 Central 16 Chingola 3,307 Copperbelt 17 Kafue 3,075 Lusaka 18 Chilanga 1,446 Lusaka 19 Kabwe 2,586 Central 20 Mwinilunga 1,380 North-Western 21 Ikelenge 420 North-Western 22 Chililabombwe 746 Copperbelt 23 Kalulushi 730 Copperbelt 23 Mufulira 1,122 Copperbelt 25 Chirundu 1,513 Lusaka
34 The Executive, in its update to your Committee, indicated that the Social Cash Transfer Programme had reached 145,698 households on the scheme in the 50 districts. A second round of enrolment for potential beneficiaries in the same districts was undertaken to deal with exclusion errors. This was expected to add an additional 50,000 households and would bring the total number of beneficiary households to about 195,698 by the end of 2015.
The Ministry’s plans to scale up the scheme to additional twenty-seven districts this year were not implemented due to limited fiscal space. The Ministry still had plans to scale up the scheme to the rest of the country depending on the available resources. The amount allocated to the scheme each year would determine the rate of scale up.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee observes that due to inadequate funds, the Social Cash Transfer programme would not be scaled up at the pace planned by the Ministry.
Your Committee urges the Government to find ways and means of sufficiently funding this programme so that more vulnerable people can be reached. Your Committee seeks a progress report on the rolling-out of the programme.
MINISTRY OF MINES, ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT
19/14 – New Electricity Connections in Kalabo
On Tuesday, 1st July, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development made the following assurance on the Floor of the House:
“A solution has now been found. ZESCO has signed annual running contracts with suppliers to ensure a steady flow of the materials.”
Your previous Committee was informed that as at 6th February, 2015, a total of 330 wood poles, 48 km of 100mmsq of conductor and other line construction accessories had been delivered to Kalabo in an attempt to clear the pending backlog. As a result of these deliveries, some works had been done.
Subsequent to the Government Assurance, a total of 154 works were pending under Kalabo. Out of these works, a total of 117 works had so far been completed and commissioned giving a balance of thirty-seven pending works as at 6th February, 2015. However, ZESCO had received a total of ninety- eight new applications for construction works giving the latest backlog of 135 works.
The outsourced contractor, EPL Contractors, who was, in July, 2014, assigned the construction works in the area, declined to execute the works citing challenges with the water logged terrain in Kalabo and proposed revised labour rates to undertake the same works. ZESCO declined to review the rates upwards and the contract had since been terminated. ZESCO was currently working with local contractors to carry out construction works in various districts to reduce the backlog of pending jobs.
In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that all materials that were delivered in Kalabo had been exhausted by October, 2014. Between February to date 139 applications for connections were received out of which fifty-eight had been connected, leaving the current number of connections at 216.137 of these connections were related to the newly launched subsidy connection under the GPOBA scheme and the other seventy-one were related to the just concluded Increased Access to Electricity connection (IAES) scheme.
Materials, especially poles, were being delivered to Western Province after a contract was concluded, with those for Kalabo expected to be delivered by early August, 2015, after which the pending
35 connections would be put in hand.
A contractor would be assigned to do these works, as the situation regarding the water logging was no longer an issue at that time of the year, as soon as all the materials were on site. It was projected to clear the current backlog for new electricity connections by November, 2015.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the matter.
23/14 – Rehabilitation of Dams in Pemba
On 1st July, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development assured the House as follows:
“Mr Speaker, the Ministry is in the process of disbursing funds to the Provincial Water Officer (PWO) to come up with a detailed assessment, design and bill of quantities for Munyama, Ndondi and Nadubinga dams and K250,000 has already been put aside for the purpose. So anytime soon, we will start the process.”
Your previous Committee was informed as set out hereunder.
(i) Munyama Dam Funds to carryout detailed designs were disbursed to the Provincial Water Officer in Southern Province and a report on the detailed design and bill of quantities for Munyama Dam had since been done. Funds amounting to K520,000 were disbursed in December, 2014, for the rehabilitation of Munyama Dam. The Ministry through the Southern Province Water Office was in the process of preparing Bid Documents and the works would be advertised so that a contractor could be awarded in order to start the works after the rainy season in 2015.
In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that the Procurement Officer carried out a tender inquiry on 7th July, 2015. The tender was closed on 22nd May, 2015. Bid evaluations were done and two contractors were shortlisted. On 30th June, 2015, the Tender Committee awarded the contract to Mixjer General Dealers at a contract sum of K457,648.00 with a completion period of 8 weeks. The contract was submitted to the Ministry of Justice on 2nd July, 2015 and the Ministry was awaiting feedback.
(ii) Ndondi Dam The Ministry had sent a team of officers to inspect the dam. The dam was in good condition except for the sill which had a crack and was allowing water to pass under it. An assessment would be carried out after the rainy season to ascertain the cost of repairing the crack.
The Executive, in its update to your Committee, indicated that Drawings and Bill of Quantities for Ndondi dam were prepared in February, 2015. The works were to be included in the 2016 rehabilitation programme.
(iii) Nachibanga Dam Nadubinga (Nachibanaga) dam was inspected and it was observed that the spillway had developed a deep gully (spill way is eroded) which needed urgent attention. To this effect, a detailed assessment was yet to be done in 2015.
In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that Drawings and Bill of Quantities for
36 Nachibanga dam were prepared in February, 2015. The works were to be included in the 2016 rehabilitation programme.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on these matter. OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
24/14 – Review of the National Food and Nutrition Commission Act
On Wednesday 15th June, 2014, the Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice-President assured the House as follows:
“The review of the National Food and Nutritional Commission Act has been included in the Ministry of Health 2014 Policy. Therefore, the exercise will commence in 2014.”
Your previous Committee had been informed that the Ministry of Health was committed to improving the legal frame-work that related to food and nutrition in the country. To this effect, the Ministry of Health was working in close consultations with key stakeholders. In 2014, the Ministry commenced the review process of the current National Food and Nutrition Commission Act, Chapter 308 of 1975.
So far, two consultative meetings with stakeholders had been held and the first layman’s draft Bill had been developed. The legislative approval process was expected to commence by the end of the 1st quarter of 2015, after completion of the Regulatory Impact Assessment and upon building consensus on the final layman’s draft. The proposed Bill was aimed at promoting the attainment of optimal nutritional status for the Nation and also to enhance the operations of the National Food and Nutrition Commission.
In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that the processes for the review of the NFNC Act (Cap 308 of the laws of Zambia) were initiated with the guidance of the Ministry of Health. Two consultative meetings with relevant agencies were held culminating into proposals for the draft Bill which was currently being reviewed. In addition, consultations on Regulatory Impact Assessment were initiated. The process would be expedited further in the remaining half of the year and the Bill would be presented to Parliament in the first quarter of 2016.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee observes that the National Food and Nutrition Commission Act is obsolete and requires immediate review. Your Committee awaits a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK
17/14 – Investments in Irrigation, Agro-processing and Livestock Sectors
On Tuesday, 17th June, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock made the following assurance:
“Sir, the Government has made significant investments in the development of farming blocks, irrigation schemes, agro-processing, livestock and animal health services ...”
Your Committee was informed as set out hereunder.
37 (a) Farm Blocks
(i) Luena Farm Block A total of 816 farms were demarcated in Luena Farm Block in Kawambwa District, Luapula Province. Further, construction of Milindu and Kasumba Dams within the same Farm Block was completed in 2014. In addition, upgrading to bituminous standard of a 112 km main road through the Farm Block was under way as part of the Link Zambia 8000. A 40 km all weather gravel road off Chisembe turn off passing through Chibote and Kota Kota to Chief Chama’s Palace was near completion. ZESCO had also conducted some preliminary assessment of the power distribution network of the Farm Block.
(ii) Nansanga Farm Block A total of 353 medium and smallholder plots were allocated to Zambian citizens in 2013. Most farms were not active as they were depending on the establishment of an out-grower scheme with the core venture investor who had not yet been allocated following the withdrawal of the first investor who was selected.
A 2.5 km irrigation furrow was rehabilitated, whilst a 23 km road was graded. Infrastructure in the Farm Block was on care and maintenance and this included a 151 km trunk road, three bridges, thirty-three boreholes, 103 km of 33 kv power line and 66 km of 11 kv power line, three irrigation dams, and a 4 km irrigation canal at Saasa Dam.
(iii) Luswishi Farm Block A 7 km access road out of the targeted 21 km was graveled in Luswishi Farm Block in Lufwanyama District. Further, a total of 5,000 hectares of land of the Core Venture was offered to Global Plantation Limited. The company had cleared the land for intensive agricultural production. 250 hectares of soy beans and 100 hectares of sunflower were under production. The production had created 500 jobs for the local community. The production from the farm was used as feed in the processing of oil products such as cooking oil and soap in Ndola. Further, a 2 km power distribution line had been constructed to supply power to the core venture.
In its update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that the process of identifying a Core Venture investor for Nansanga Farming Block through competitive bidding had reached an advanced stage. Four companies were shortlisted to prepare full project proposals. The project proposals were expected to be evaluated by the end of August, 2015 and the award of the contract as the ‘Core Venture’ was expected to be concluded by the end of September after all the legal requirements were fulfilled.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the matter.
(b) Irrigation Schemes Your previous Committee was informed that the Government intended to put over 17,500 hectares under irrigation by 2016. This was being carried out through five projects namely: Small Scale Irrigation (SIP); Irrigation Development Support Project (IDSP); Agriculture Productivity and Market Enhancement Project (APMEP); Finland Government Expanded SIP; and JICA-COBSSI-T Project. Through these interventions, the Government would put 12,952 hectares of land under irrigation targeting 9,300 beneficiaries in thirty-three formal identified sites.
(i) Small Scale Irrigation Project (SIP) was funded by the Government of Finland and through the African Development Bank (AfDB). This project had completed
38 construction of Neganega Irrigation Scheme (495 hectares), Nzenga Irrigation Scheme (98 hectares) and Muleyabulima Irrigation Scheme (100 hectares). Land leveling had been completed and the farms were ready to commence production.
(ii) The Irrigation Development Support Project (IDSP) has detailed design of the 65 million cubic meter capacity dam to be put up in Mwomboshi, Chisamba District was complete. Pre-qualification tendering process to select a company to construct the three Schemes had been completed. About 3,200 hectares at Mwomboshi site, 300 hectares at Lusitu site and 1,200 hectares at Musakashi site had been targeted to be put under irrigation.
(iii) The Community Based Smallholder Irrigation (T-COBSI) Project jointly funded by the Government of Japan through JICA and GRZ would contribute 950 hectares of irrigated land in Northern, Luapula and Muchinga Provinces.
(iv) The Agriculture Productivity and Market Enhancement Project (APMEP) funded through a grant from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme (GAFSP) has set aside US$19 million for irrigation development. The targeted districts were Gwembe, Sinazongwe, Rufunsa, Chongwe, Chitambo and Serenje where ten irrigation schemes would be developed covering 2,032 hectares and targeting 4,115 farmers.
(v) Prefeasibility studies were being conducted under the Government of Finland support for expanded small scale irrigation projects in Eastern (Petauke, Lundazi, Chipata and Chadiza), Northern (Kasama, Mbala, Luwingu) and Muchinga (Isoka, Chinsali and Shiwang’andu). In 2015, the project intended to embark on full feasibility and other related studies.
The Executive, in its update to your Committee indicated that under the Small-scale Irrigation Project, irrigation schemes in Neganega, Nzenga and Sinazongwe were completed. Board members to manage the schemes were appointed. Further, Manyonyo Irrigation Company Limited and Nzenga Irrigation Company Limited were established.
Under the Irrigation Development Support Project, three sites namely, Lusitu in Chirundu District, Mwomboshi in Chibombo District and Musakashi in Mufulira District were being developed. This was part of the first phase of the project. Overall, project implementation was at an advanced stage with the following activities taking place:
(i) concluding the procurement for the construction of dwelling houses for the resettlement programme for affected households; (ii) procurement for the construction of the Mwomboshi dam was underway; (iii) ZESCO was contracted to electrify the sites; (iv) the Rural Roads Unit opened up access roads in all sites; and (v) procurement for the construction of irrigation schemes and installation of pumping stations were underway.
Under the Irrigation Support Fund, US$15 million was provided to support public institutions and small and medium scale farmers set up irrigation schemes under phase 1. The public institutions were the Zambia National Service, the Zambia Police Service, the Zambia Prisons Service, and the Zambia Centre for Horticulture Training in Chapula, Lufwanyama District and the Zambia College Of Agriculture in Mpika. The procurement process for the supply and installation of on-farm irrigation equipment for the ZNS, ZPS and ZP were near completion. Further, twenty-five project concept notes for the small and medium scale community farmers were being reviewed.
39 Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the matter.
(c) Livestock and Animal Health Services
(i) Livestock Production Under livestock, the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure, stocking and restocking of livestock in the following breeding and production centers was done:
• Mukulaikwa in Shibuyunji; • Mbesuma in Chinsali; • Kanchindu in Sinazongwe; • Chishinga in Kawambwa; • Kanyama in Mwinilunga; • Jiwundu in Solwezi; • Kalungwishi in Mporokoso; • Chief Mwase in Lundazi; and • Senanga in Shang’ombo.
The Executive, in its update to your Committee, indicated that the Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, had an on-going programme of establishing Livestock Breeding Centres country-wide, in order to help farmers access quality, traceable improved breeding stock at various levels of completion. Nine of the fifteen breeding centers were stocked with different livestock types and were operational.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the matter.
(ii) Regional Laboratories To reduce the work at the Central Veterinary Research Institute (CVRI) and the time farmers have to wait to get their results for their samples, the Ministry was constructing regional laboratories. Progress that has been made in the rehabilitation and construction of regional diagnostic laboratories was as follows:
§ the construction of the Choma Regional Diagnostic Laboratory was completed except for the fittings (benches, sinks etc) which were not budgeted for in the initial bill of quantities; § Chipata Regional Diagnostic Laboratory was rehabilitated and was 100 per cent completed; § the construction of the new laboratory in Mongu District was on-going and was 85 per cent completed; § the construction of the new laboratory in Solwezi District was on-going and was 95 per cent completed; and § the construction of the new laboratory in Kasama District was on-going.
In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that the regional laboratories were not functional as they were not equipped with laboratory equipment. Construction of Mongu and Solwezi laboratories was not yet completed. The contractor for the Mongu laboratory failed to meet the 30th June, 2015 deadline for completion of works. The Buildings Department was in the process of giving him a final fourteen days notice, failure to which the contract would be cancelled. The contractor for the Solwezi laboratory was
40 putting up final touches to the building and was remaining with installing the water reticulation system.
The contract for the construction of the Choma laboratory was terminated and the process for awarding the contract to a different contractor to finish off the remaining works had commenced. The Chipata laboratory was completed, whilst the contract for the Kasama laboratory was recommended for termination. It would be advertised and awarded to a different contractor.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the matter.
(iii) Dip Tanks To control tick borne diseases in the country, the Government was rehabilitating and constructing dip tanks throughout the country. By dipping the animals, the disease prevalence would be reduced. Work that had been done so far was as follows:
§ contracts have been awarded for rehabilitation and construction of 230 dip tanks. Of these, twelve had been completed as follows; - two in Lufwanyama, two in Kitwe, one in Mumbwa, one in Isoka District, one in Monze, one in Mpongwe and one in Choma. In 2013, twenty dip tanks were rehabilitated.
132 dip tanks were at various stages of construction or rehabilitation.
Tenders for the construction of eight-six dip tanks had been awarded and contractors were in the process of moving to the sites.
In the 2013 budget, one dip tank was constructed at Mwase in Lundazi. Twenty dip tanks were rehabilitated (eleven in Mazabuka, three in Nakonde, two in Isoka, one in Kazungula, one in Mafinga, one in Kalomo and one in Serenje).
In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that contracts were awarded for the rehabilitation and construction of 239 dip tanks. Out of these, 145 dip tanks were under various stages of construction, whilst for the remaining ninety-four, contractors were in the process of mobilising to the sites.
Further, forty-eight dip tanks were completed countrywide. These were in the following areas:
(i) Central province – six completed (two in Chibombo and one each in Kabwe, Chisamba, Mumbwa and Serenje); (ii) Copperbelt Province – nine completed (three each in Kitwe and Lufwanyama, and one each in Masaiti, Mpongwe and Ndola); (iii) Eastern Province – four completed (two in Sinda and one each in Lundazi and Katete); (iv) North-Western Province – five completed (four in Zambezi and one in Mufumbwe); (v) Northern Province – one completed (Mporokoso); and (vi) Southern Province – twenty-three completed (seventeen in Mazabuka, three in Monze and one each in Kazungula, Livingstone and Choma).
The Executive, in its update to your Committee, indicated that with regards to the control of animal
41 movement and vaccination against livestock diseases, the first round of foot and mouth disease vaccinations was conducted in May, 2015 and the next round would be conducted in March/April, 2015 and the next round would be conducted in July/August, 2015. The first round of East Coast Fever vaccinations was scheduled to be conducted in Eastern and Southern Provinces in July/August, 2015.
It was further reported that the control of animal movements was done through the issuance of Stock Movement Permits and inspections at various check points countrywide.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee observes that the construction of dip tanks country wide is in progress. Your Committee, therefore, awaits a progress report on the matter.
(iv) Check Points To control the movement of animals from one area to the other, check points were mounted at strategic positions along the main routes in the country. These helped in controlling the spread of diseases. During the 2014 period, one check point was constructed at Nalusanga in Mumbwa District.
(v) Cattle Vaccination To reduce prevalence of the major disease in the country, the Ministry vaccinated cattle against East Coast Fever, Foot and Mouth Disease and Contagious Bovine Pleuropnuemonia (CBPP).
(vi) Aerial Spraying In 2014, the Department of Veterinary Services undertook tsetse control activities in parts of Sesheke, Mulobezi and Mwandi Districts of Western Province. The area covered was about 500 km². This was done to control tsetse flies, the vectors that transmit the parasites that cause trypanosomiasis.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the update and commends the Government for the efforts put in place to control movement of animals and vaccinate livestock against various diseases. Your Committee awaits a progress report on the matter.
(d) Agro Processing: Some private sector players had over the last few years invested in the following areas:
(i) expansion of beef and poultry processing, for example, Southern and Copperbelt, chicken and real meat company; (ii) maize milling in Kapiri-Mposhi (Chinese company), Solwezi (APG Milling and Simba Milling), Kasama and Chipata (Simba Milling); (iii) milk processing by Varum Limited; and (iv) stock feed production by Pembe Milling Company.
In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that the Ministry through the Agriculture Productivity and Market Enhancement Project planned to establish two small-scale maize and feed mills and two small-scale cassava mills with management entities. Additionally, the Ministry planned to procure community level equipment namely, forty honey presses and seventy solar dryers for the rural women and youth groups. Support would also be given to sixty existing agro-dealers through matching grants.
The APMEP project was launched at the beginning of the year (2015) and had since commenced start-up activities to mobilize and create awareness among communities and stakeholders on agro-
42 processing in the beneficiary districts. Site selection for the small-scale maize and feed mills and small-scale cassava mills was in progress. In the meantime, the Ministry was in the process of developing modalities of ownership for the processing mills. Further, modalities for the procurement and distribution of other processing equipment such as solar dries and honey processors were also being developed.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the investments in the agro-processing sector and awaits a progress report.
18/14 – Development of Sugarcane Production and Processing
On Tuesday, 17th June, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock assured the House as follows:
“Mr Speaker, there are also plans to facilitate the development of sugarcane production and processing.”
Your previous Committee was informed by the Permanent Secretary that not much had taken place in this area except for plans which were in place for investment in the Luena Farm Block for sugar production and processing as well as plans for sugarcane production in Shang’ombo district.
In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that the Ministry through the Small Scale Irrigation Project was facilitating the development of a sugarcane production and processing scheme at Neganega in Mazabuka. The project aims to bring 495 hectares of land under small scale irrigation. Currently 95.5 hectares was planted with sugar cane at Nega-Nega and the contractor for land preparation was mobilized following the end of the rains, to prepare and extend from 95.5 hectares to 210 hectares for planting. There were also plans for investment in sugar production and processing in Luena Farm Block in Kawambwa District, as well as sugarcane production in Shang’ombo District.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the implementation of the programme.
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT, WORKS, SUPPLY AND COMMUNICATION
01/14 – Upgrading Chama/Lundazi Road to Bituminous Standard
On Friday, 21st February, 2014, the Deputy Minister made the following assurance on the Floor of the House:
“Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the upgrading to bituminous standard of the Chama/Lundazi Road shall be procured this year now that the feasibility studies have been completed.”
Your previous Committee had been informed that the upgrading of the Chama Lundazi Road to bituminous standard was part of the Link Zambia 8000 phase II road project. Your Committee had also been informed that the techo-economic feasibility and detailed engineering designs for the Isoka to Muyombe to Chama and on to Lundazi were finalised in 2011. However, due to financial constraints, construction works to upgrade the roads had not commenced. The Government was, however, discussing with Shanghai Construction which expressed interest to finance and construct the above mentioned road through the Exim Bank of China.
43 In the update to your Committee, the Executive stated that the road from Chama to Lundazi was divided into three lots as described below:
(a) Contract No. TB/CE/012/12: The upgrading and re-alignment of D301 from Muyombe junction to Chama (32km) and road from Chama to Luangwa River (42km) including 12km of Urban Roads in Chama in Muchinga Province of Zambia-Lot1. The upgrading of this road to bituminous standard under lot1 would cover a total distance of 86km. The road start point from Muyombe junction to Chama (32km) and road from Chama to Luangwa river (42km) including 12km of urban road roads in Chama. The contract was awarded to Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (Zambia) Limited at a contract sum of K371, 478,275.799. Works commenced on 10th January, 2013 and the completion date was 10th January, 2016. The physical progress of works to date stood at 85% whilst the amount certified to date was K298, 098,353.45.
(b) The Upgrading of Isoka-Muyombe-Chama-Lundazi road to bituminous standard in Eastern Province of Zambia: Lot4: Chama (Muyombe Road Junction)-Lundazi (km40+000 on D103) – (84km). The upgrading of Lot4 of the Isoka to Muyombe to Chama to Lundazi road covered a total distance of 84km. The contractor China Civil Engineering Construction corporation (Zambia) Limited was single sourced to carry out works on Lot4 of the Chama-Lundazi road. The works would be carried out using a contractor financed type of a contract. The procurement process had reached an advanced stage. The pre-contract negotiation meeting was held on Friday, July 31st, 2015 and preparation of the contract was on-going.
(c) Upgrading of Isoka-Muyombe-Chama-Lundazi road to Bituminous standard in Eastern Province of Zambia: Lot5:Lundazi (D103/D109 junction to Km 40 on D103) and 16km of Lusuntha Border road (D109) – (56Km). The upgrading of Lot5 of the Isoka to Muyombe to Chama to Lundazi road covered a total distance of 56Km. The contractor Sable Transport Limited was single sourced to carry out works on Lot5 of the Chama-Lundazi Road. The work would be carried out using a contractor financed type of a contract. The procurement process had reached an advanced stage. The pre-contract negotiation meeting was held on Friday, July 31, 2015 and preparation of the contract was ongoing.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the matter.
16/14 – Resurfacing of Chikwa Road
On Wednesday, 17th June, 2014, the Deputy Minister assured the House in the following words:
“Mr Speaker, the Road Development Agency through the Local Roads Authority is considering the reconstruction of this section of the road under the Lusaka Urban Roads Programme.”
Your previous Committee had been informed that the resurfacing of the Chikwa Road in Lusaka would be prioritised and included in the 2017 Road Sector Annual Work Plan.
The Executive, in its update to your Committee, indicated that the resurfacing of the Chikwa road would be considered for inclusion in the 2016 Road Sector Annual Work Plan (RSAWP) subject to availability of funds. Works on Chikwa Road could not be included in the 2015 Road Sector Annual Work Plan due to limited fiscal space.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee observes that despite the assurance being made in 2014, resurfacing of Chikwa Road
44 was only prioritised in the 2017 Road Sector Work Plan. Your Committee, therefore, awaits a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND ARTS
08/12 – Restocking of Game Management Areas (GMAs)
On Friday, 16th March, 2013, the Minister of Tourism and Arts made the following assurance on the Floor of the House:
“Mr Speaker, all GMAs whose stocks are depleted are being considered for restocking.”
Your Committee was updated as set out hereunder.
Translocation of animals was planned in the following areas:
i. Nsumbu National Park; ii. Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park; iii. Lusenga Plains Park; iv. Lochinvar National Park; v. Lower Zambezi National Park; and vi. Lusaka National Park.
However, translocations of animals were conducted in the national parks as set out below.
Lusaka National Park (2010 to 2013)
The National Park required an attractive stock of game for it to be opened to the public for tourism purposes. Animal species translocated were: Blesbok, Nyala, Wildebeest, Eland, Warthog, Impala, Sable, Kudu, White Rhino and Zebra.
Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park (2011 to 2013)
The park required restocking to boost tourism. The United Nations World Tourism Organisation was targeted and the following animal species were translocated into the park: Impala, Sable, Zebra, Wildebeest and Kudu.
Nsumbu National Park
The planned translocations were never conducted because it was decided that the park protection needed to be enhanced before animals were translocated into the park. The infrastructure to enhance the park protection had not been funded and, therefore, the translocation had not yet taken place. Translocations for Lochinvar and Lower Zambezi National Parks were yet to be funded. No translocation for Game Management Areas had been planned until when concrete partnerships were made.
The Executive, in its update to your Committee, indicated that one of the activities to help the restocking of the GMAs (Game Management Areas) was the allocation of hunting blocks to the Hunting Safari Operators. In this regard, a Public Tender was done. Therefore, out of the twenty-one hunting blocks that were tendered, only eleven were offered because they met the required criteria. It was hoped that the hunting blocks that were offered would enhance security and provide a conducive atmosphere for the animals to breed. In addition, the Government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Arts was working hard to ensure that the remaining hunting blocks were offered through the Public Tender. While restocking was meant to improve animal population which was depleted,
45 controlling or reducing pressure arising from poaching and legalized hunting in these GMAs was another way of increasing the animal numbers. It must be noted that the actual translocations required that these areas were secured from poaching activities through increased numbers of Wildlife Police Officers.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the update and recommends that the Government should prioritise the wildlife sector by committing to such activities as translocation of animals to areas which are depleted. Your Committee, therefore, awaits a progress report on the matter.
Mweru-Wa-Ntipa National Park Your Committee was updated that Mweru-Wa-Ntipa National Park was declared a national park in 1971. It was approximately 3,134 km² (313,400 hectares) in size. The park was haven to vast herds of elephant and a large population of crocodiles. Currently, the national park was under-stocked in terms of wildlife and fish population due to human activities resulting from illegal settlements.
At an inter-ministerial meeting held at the House of Chiefs in 2014, two options were identified concerning the encroachment in the park:
(i) to resettle the communities and give them an alternative land; or (ii) excising-off the encroached portions of Mweru-Wa-Ntipa National Park by degazetting and re-gazetting the remaining extent of the national park.
It was later decided at another meeting held in Lusaka that part of the encroached portions of the Mweru-Wa-Ntipa National Park be excised-off by de-gazetting and re-gazetting the remaining extent of the National Park.
In view of the anticipated negative impact of the proposed degazetting of the portion of Mweru-Wa- Ntipa National Park and the associated tourism activities, ZAWA advised the Ministry of Tourism and Arts against allowing the proposal of degazetting part of the national park, but to consider the option of resettling the people to other areas outside the park because degazetting part of the National Park would:
(i) destroy the whole national park and all the future opportunities for the development of sustainable nature based tourism; (ii) leave a number of people currently engaged in tourism activities jobless and the current revenue accruing to the local community would also be lost thereby increasing poverty levels; and (iii) set a bad precedent for other encroached areas like Mumbwa Game Management Area, Lukusuzi, Lower Zambezi where efforts to resettle people were beginning to bear fruit.
With regard to increasing fish stock, your Committee was informed that the Government should de- silt the Mofwe canal to tap water from Kalungwishi River and increase water levels in Lake Mweru- Wa-Ntipa. Kalungwishi River flowed all year round and the water just flowed to Congo DRC through Lake Mweru-Wa-Ntipa. After the water levels had increased in Mweru-Wa-Ntipa, an arrangement could be made with the Department of Fisheries for fingerlings to be released in Lake Mweru-Wa-Ntipa.
In the update to your Committee, the Executive stated that the upgrading of Mweru-Wa-Ntipa National Park mainly required curtailing encroachments of the Park through human habitation; restocking of the Park with animals; building capacity through human habitation; restocking of the Park with animals; building capacity through increased staff numbers; construction of staff houses; and improvement of access roads for management and tourism activities. In this regard, since the Zambia Wildlife Authority was reverted to a Government department, this entailed that there would
46 be access to direct Government funding. This would result into recruitment of more staff, infrastructure development (access roads, housing and communication). In terms of removal of illegal settlers, the Government was liaising with relevant departments such as the Department of Re- settlement under the Office of the Vice President to find the communities alternative land for resettlement.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
30/13 – Resuscitation of Mulungushi Textiles
On Friday, 7th December, 2012, His Honour the Vice-President made the following undertaking:
“Mr Speaker, my understanding of the PF policy position on selling cotton in the Eastern Province is not to withhold the cotton from the out-grower operators. That, obviously, was not feasible and I am sure the President did not actually say that. The project to get Mulungushi Textiles working again is underway. There are negotiations between the Ministry of Defence, which happens to have a chunk of that, does not own the majority, but it owns a significant chunk of about 30 per cent or 34 per cent. We are expecting it to be open, again, as a textile factory, and not as a dairy or piggery, within the next year.”
Your previous Committee had been informed that the current status was that the Lease Agreement was signed between the Zambia China Mulungushi Textiles Joint Venture Limited and Mohammed Enterprise Tanzania Limited (METL) on 30th July, 2014, in order to revamp operations.
In accordance with the roadmap between the parties, the assets of the company were handed over on Thursday, 11th December, 2014. It was envisaged that operations would start soon after the METL had attended to mobilisation and administrative arrangements. The foregoing notwithstanding, the METL did make a presentation before the Tax Policy Review Commission (TPRC) at the Ministry of Finance wherein, the company had been advised about the nature and principle of VAT in Zambia and also the relief provided for all investors under the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Act tax incentives framework.
In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that following protracted discussion between the parties over contractual issues among them the timely operationalisation of the Textiles Factory and the demand by the investor for tax concessions. The Zambia China Mulungushi Textiles Joint venture Limited (ZCNT), after consultations with the office of the Attorney General, had made a final demand notice to the investor so that the investor cures the default relating to timely operationalisation of the plant in accordance with the contract provisions. The notice period ran up to the end of the second week of August, 2015.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the matter.
47 PART III
LOCAL TOUR REPORT
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
03/14 – Dialysis Machines for Government Hospitals
On Tuesday, 25th February, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Health made the following assurance on the floor of the House:
“Mr Speaker, under the hospitals' modernisation programme that my Ministry is undertaking, the Government has plans to have dialysis machines in all ten provinces.”
In line with the above assurance, your previous Committee undertook an on-the-spot-check of the Dialysis Unit at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH). Your Committee was informed that there were only two such units in the entire country, namely; UTH and Kitwe Central Hospital.
At the time of the visit, your previous Committee was informed that the Unit had seventeen machines, ten of which were donated. Your Committee learnt that kidney disease or renal failure was on the increase in the entire country and, therefore, the demand for dialysis machines was also high. Your Committee learnt that the budget for the Unit was meant to cater for twenty patients, but the Unit always exceeded its budget due to high demand. At the time of the visit, for instance, there were thirty-one patients with acute renal failure who required three sessions per week lasting four hours each. Your Committee was also informed that the consumables for the dialysis machines were very expensive to the extent that each patient was required to pay K400 per session. However, the Government was hugely subsiding the patients to the extent that a patient was only required to pay either K100 or K50 depending on the type of treatment required.
Your previous Committee had also been informed that in terms of staffing, the Department had three doctors and twelve nurses who were specifically trained to handle renal patients and dialysis machines. Further, it was anticipated that in the course of September, 2015, the University Teaching Hospital would conduct the first kidney transplant procedure with the assistance of the University of Birmingham, where one Zambian doctor had already been trained.
Your previous Committee had learnt that dialysis treatment was life-long and, therefore, very costly in the long term. Kidney transplants on the other hand, were costly on actual operation, but were meant to cure kidney disease somewhat permanently and, therefore, cheaper over-time.
(i) Rolling Out of Dialysis Machines to Provinces In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that the Government, through the Ministry of Health, was rolling out the service to other provinces. Installation of dialysis machines at Livingstone and Ndola Central Hospitals and additional dialysis machines to the University Teaching Hospital would begin in August. After operationalising these centres, then the roll out to other provincial centres would commence depending on the readiness of each provincial centre in terms of human resource and infrastructure.
(ii) Sensitisation Programmes on Renal Diseases The Executive, in its update to your Committee, stated that the Government appreciated the recommendation and would ensure that all diseases including kidney diseases were given adequate public sensitisation.
48 (iii) Establishment of Kidney Transplants Locally The Executive, in its update to your Committee stated that preparatory works for starting kidney transplant services within Zambia were already underway and advanced. The first cases were slated to be done by the fourth quarter of 2015.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Rolling out of Dialysis Machines to Provinces Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the rolling out of this programme.
Sensitisation Programmes on Renal Diseases Your Committee awaits a programme on the sensitisation on kidney diseases.
Establishment of Kidney Transplants Locally Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the matter. Your Committee also urges the Government to seriously support the option of kidney transplants locally as this will save the Government resources currently being spent on treatment abroad.
14/14 – Completion of Clinical Officers’ Training School in Kabwe
On Tuesday, 6th March, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Health assured the House as follows:
“Mr Speaker, the completion is earmarked for 2014.”
Your previous Committee had visited the Clinical Officers’ Training School in Kabwe which had been completed and was awaiting enrolment of sixty non-resident students before the end of 2015. The College would be offering a clinical officers’ general course and was essentially an annex of Chainama Hospital in Lusaka. The College had already been equipped with relevant learning aids and students would undertake their practical work at Kabwe General Hospital.
Your previous Committee learnt that the Institution was not built from scratch, but it was a rehabilitation of a Government building that had been rundown over a period of more than ten years. Your Committee, however, learnt that the Institution intended to build hostels for its students at a nearby plot, which was being solicited from Kabwe Municipal Council.
Your Committee was, however, impressed to learn that the Institution had four staff houses built from scratch situated in the precincts of the College.
The Executive, in its update to your Committee, indicated that the Chainama Hills College Hospital applied for the piece of land from the local council for the construction of student accommodation. Kabwe Municipal Council was considering the application as evidenced by a site visit by the Council’s Municipal Councillors in July, 2015. A final response was still being awaited.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report.
49 06/14 – Establishment for Doctors at Gwembe District Hospital
On Tuesday, 25th February, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Health assured the House as follows:
“Mr Speaker, the staff establishment for doctors at Gwembe District Hospital is five. There should be two general medical officers, one medical officer in-charge and two senior resident medical officers ...”
Sir, the filling of positions in the establishment is an ongoing process. Therefore, the Government will send more doctors to fill the vacancies within the course of the year.”
In line with this assurance, your previous Committee had undertaken a visit to Gwembe District Hospital to establish whether the Hospital had the required number of Doctors. Your Committee found that the Hospital had an establishment of six Doctors out of which three were currently stationed at the Hospital. Out of the remaining three, one had been transferred to Pemba while two were on study leave and it was highly unlikely they would return to Gwembe after specialisation.
Your previous Committee had learnt that the District currently had one Hospital which was situated on the plateau. People from the Valley had to cover long distances on bad roads, to access medical facilities. The Government had also embarked on the construction of a modern hospital in the Valley and phase I of the project was almost complete. Your Committee visited the hospital construction site and was impressed with the quality of works.
With regard to the day-to-day operations of the District Hospital, your Committee found that there were a number of challenges which included; low staff levels, especially midwives, given the high number of maternity cases the Hospital was handling; defunct cold chain equipment for storage of vaccines; breakdown of vehicles; motor bikes and radios; which affected outreach services; low voltage in the x-ray department and lack of an automatic processor to process x-ray films.
Other challenges included; the breakdown of the Hospital generator which required about K40,000 to repair; non availability of cervical cancer screening equipment; non installation of dryers and roller iron in the laundry despite the same being purchased; as well as the dilapidated state of staff houses in the Hospital compound. Replacement of Electricity Generator In the update to your Committee, the Executive stated that the electricity standby generator was not yet repaired or replaced. However, lamps were secured which were used in the night to assist with visibility in the wards. The Ministry would consider engaging the private sector to assist in the replacement of the Generator.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Replacement of electricity generator Your Committee seeks an update on the replacement of the electricity generator. It is inconceivable for the Hospital to use lamps in the wards.
50 PART IV
CONSIDERATION OF OUTSTANDING ASSURANCES
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
26/13 – Health Facility Construction in Mulobezi District
On 19th February, 2013, the Deputy Minister of Health made the following assurance:
“However, in 2013, the Government has planned to construct four health posts at the following places in Mulobezi District:
(i) Kamanga; (ii) Kasompa; (iii) Namakombwe; and (iv) Kasimu.
The four health posts to be constructed in Mulobezi District will be part of the 650 health posts to be built countrywide by the Government through the line of credit of US$50 million from the Government of India.”
Your previous Committee undertook a visit to Mulobezi District to check on the implementation of the assurance above.
Your previous Committee interacted with the Acting District Commissioner as well as Heads of various Government departments. Your Committee was informed that Mulobezi was declared a District on 13th January, 2013. As a consequence of that declaration, your Committee was informed that a number of capital projects were underway and had reached advanced levels. In the health sector, your Committee visited the construction site of the Mulobezi District Hospital. The construction of the Hospital started in February, 2014, at the contract sum of K13,504,289.48. Your previous Committee found that the entire building had been roofed, the administration block had been fully tiled and the ceiling put, while for the rest of the building, tiling and ceiling was in progress. The contractor, however, bemoaned the general poor state of the roads which made ferrying of materials to site a nightmare. There was also a lack of water and electricity at the site which had tremendously delayed the completion of the project.
Your Committee was informed that five health posts were earmarked for construction in Mulobezi District at the following places: Kasompa, Kamanga, Namuzingu, Namakombwe and Kasimu. Funds for these projects were not yet available. Therefore, construction had not yet commenced.
Access Roads to the District Hospital The Executive in its submission to your Committee, stated that the matter would be dealt with by Road Development Agency. The Ministry of Health had provided for access roads within the hospital boundaries.
Water and Electricity at the Hospital In the submission to your Committee, the Executive stated that construction of phase 1 of Mulobezi Hospital involving the Outpatients Department and Administration Block was complete. The scope of works also involved drilling of a borehole and water reticulation to the facilities as well as supply of electricity to the Hospital. The Ministry of Health was currently sourcing equipment to put in the hospital.
51 Personnel at Hospital The Executive, in its update to your Committee, indicated that Mulobezi District had been assigned two positions of Community Health Assistant, Nutritionist, two Registered Nurses and one Medical Laboratory Technologist to be based at the new hospital once it was completed as the Ministry requested for a structure from Cabinet office.
Construction of Health Posts In the update to your Committee, the Executive stated that the construction of four Health Posts in Mulobezi District were at the following places:
(i) Kamanga; (ii) Kasompa; (iii) Namakombwe; and (iv) Kasimu was to be done through the project to establish 650 Health Posts in the country through the India Line of Credit. The project was being undertaken over a two year period, that is from April, 2014, to April, 2016. The Health Posts in Mulobezi were expected to be handed over to the Government not later than April, 2016.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Access roads to the District Hospital Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the matter. Your Committee urges the Road Development Agency to prioritise the construction of the roads to the health facility.
Water and electricity at the Hospital Your Committee notes the update on water and electricity at the hospital and awaits a progress report on the matter.
Personnel at Hospital Your Committee notes the update on personnel to work at the hospital and awaits a progress report on the matter.
Construction of health posts Your Committee awaits a progress report on the matter and urges the Government to conduct a national assessment on the status of the construction of the 650 health posts.
33/10 – Measures to assist the Mentally Disturbed
On 21st July, 2010, the Minister of Health assured the House that:
“The Government had put in place measures to effectively address the problem of mental illness in the country.”
In line with the assurance, your Committee visited Livingstone General Hospital to familiarise itself with the extent to which mental health services were being provided. Your Committee had visited Livingstone General Hospital in 2012 and made a number of recommendations. Your Committee was, therefore, gratified to note that apart from the Hospital being very clean, a number of improvements had been made including, the installation of elevators, new laundry and kitchen equipment etc.
52 Your Committee was taken on a conducted tour of the Psychiatric Department which was renovated and reopened in 2013. The Department provided service to the entire Southern Province and parts of Western Province. It had six bed spaces in each male and female wards although most of its patients were male.
The Department did not have a trained Psychiatrist or new equipment to attend to acute psychiatric disorders. In this regard, patients with serious problems were still being referred to Chainama Hospital in Lusaka.
Upgrade of Livingstone General Hospital In the update to your Committee, the Executive stated that the Ministry had taken into account the upgrading of the Livingstone General Hospital to Central Hospital as it embarked on the restructuring for the Health Sector. Your Committee was informed that the Ministry of Health with its stakeholders which included; Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health, Health Sector Trade Unions, Cabinet Office (Management Development Division) and the Public Service Management Division conducted an institution assessment for selected Health Facilities as a first step in the restructuring process. The exercise was done in order to establish the required staff needs and ensure that the appropriate establishments were implemented during the restructuring process of the Health Sector of which all the upgraded facilities, including Livingstone Central Hospital would be considered for an appropriate structure commensurate to the level of care they were providing.
Psychiatry Doctor at the Hospital The Executive, in its submission to your Committee, stated that the Mental Health Unit at Livingstone Central Hospital had eleven Clinical Officers-Psychiatry and five Registered Mental Health Nurses who were running the unit. The approved structure for hospitals, apart from Chainama Hills College Hospital, had no provision for a Medical Doctor-Psychiatry hence, any complicated cases were referred to the designated facility where psychiatry specialists were situated i.e. Chainama Hills College Hospital.
However, the Ministry had taken note of the various submissions to include a position for a Medical Officer-Psychiatry in the Hospitals in order to ensure all mental health patients were treated at facility level as opposed to referring all complications to Chainama Hills College Hospital. Hence, the inclusion would be considered during the ongoing restructuring of the Health Sector that the Ministry had embarked under the guidance of Management Development Division, Cabinet Office.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the upgrading and restructuring of Livingstone General Hospital.
25/13 – Health Services
On 11th November, 2011, the Minister of Finance, during the Budget presentation for 2012, made the following assurance:
“Sir, a provision of K77.9 billion has been made for the net recruitment of 2,500 front line medical personnel, while K389.3 billion has been provided for infrastructure and medical equipment. Key programmes under infrastructure development will include the completion of eight district hospitals and the construction of five new district hospitals including the requisite housing for medical personnel.”
Your previous Committee had resolved to await a progress report.
53 It was reported in the Action-Taken Report that the status of the three out of the eight hospitals target for construction was as shown below.
Province District Status
North-Western Solwezi (Lumwana) ZESCO had installed a transformer, but power had not been connected yet.
Eastern Chama Construction works on phase III were 60 per cent complete. It was expected that phase III would be completed before the 4th Quarter of 2014.
Luapula Chiengi Phase III had been completed and the hospital was commissioned in July, 2014.
The progress on the construction of the six District Hospitals was as follows:
Province District Status
Southern Kalomo The construction of phase I of the hospital, commenced on 25th January, 2013. Works were currently in progress although behind schedule. Phase II of construction of the hospital had been advertised and works were expected to commence in the 4th quarter of 2014.
Southern Gwembe The construction of phase I of the hospital, commenced on 24th January, 2013. Works were currently in progress and the contractor was doing finishing touches. Phase II of construction of the hospital had been advertised and expected to commence in the 4th quarter of 2014. Western Lukulu The construction of phase I of the hospital, commenced on 24th January, 2013. Works were currently in progress and were approximately 92 per cent complete. The contractor was finalising works on the buildings. Phase II of construction of the hospital had been advertised and was expected to commence in the 4th quarter of 2014.
Eastern Nyimba The initial contract, for construction of the hospital was awarded to Yashab Contractors Limited. The contract was terminated for non- performance and re-awarded in April, 2014. Work on phase I commenced on 1st June, 2014 and was in progress. Excavations had been completed, while backfilling and compaction of the substructure was underway.
Northern Chilubi The construction of phase I of the hospital commenced on 24th January, 2013. Works were currently in progress and were approximately 97 per cent complete. The contractor was attending to snags on the buildings. Phase II of construction of the hospital had been advertised and was expected to commence in the 4th quarter of 2014.
Muchinga Mpika The construction of phase I of the hospital commenced on 24th January, 2013. Works were currently in progress and were approximately 90 per cent complete. The contractor was finalising works on the buildings. Phase II of construction of the hospital had been advertised and was expected to commence in the 4th quarter.
54 The Executive, in its statement to Your Committee, indicated that the Government was constructing 650 Health Posts countrywide through the India Line of Credit at a total cost of US$55.9 million dollars. Of the amount, US$50 million was from the credit facility whilst the Government would provide US$5.9 million. The construction of the health posts commenced in April, 2014, following a no objection from the Indian Government to commence works. In accordance with the contract signed with three Indian Companies, the works were to be undertaken in two years and thus the facilities were to be handed over to the Government in April, 2016.
In the current update, your Committee was informed that the Government was currently constructing 650 Health Posts countrywide though the India Line of Credit at a total cost of US$55.9 million dollars. Of the amount, USD 50 million was from the credit facility whilst the Government would provide USD5.9 million.
The construction of the Health Posts commenced in April, 2014, following a No Objection from the Indian Government to commence works. In accordance with the contract signed with three Indian companies, the works were to be undertaken in two years and thus the facilities were to be handed over to the Government in April, 2016.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the matter.
27/13 – Health Centre at Katikulula Resettlement Scheme
On 19th February, 2013, the Deputy Minister of Health made the following undertaking:
“Mr Speaker, the Katikulula Resettlement Scheme already has a health post that is under construction. The health post building is completed. For it to commence operations, it requires a staff house. The staff house and ventilated improved pit latrines (VIP) are planned for construction this year, 2013.
The construction of the staff house and four VIP latrines are expected to cost about K100 million or KR100,000. The time frame for their construction is six months and this depends on the availability of funds.”
It was reported in the Action-Taken Report that as per the 2013 Ministry of Health Infrastructure Operational Plan, funds were remitted in the amount of K110,000.00 towards the construction of staff houses and ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrine at Katikulula.
Construction of the staff house was in progress and works were currently at roof level while construction of the VIP latrine had also commenced.
In the latest update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that the Health Centre at Katikula Resettlement Scheme competed construction of its Outpatient Department in 2009. In order for it to be operational, the Ministry of Health had since constructed a Staff House, drilled a borehole and was now finalising the VIP Latrines. An additional staff house was planned for construction in 2016. The facility was expected to be opened this year, as soon as the VIP Latrines were completed.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the matter.
55 MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT, WORKS, SUPPLY AND COMMUNICATION
12/09 – Lusaka-Chipata (Great East) Road
On 27th February, 2009, the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications assured the House as follows:
"I wish to confirm to this August House that this particular project will receive my Ministry's immediate review and at a later date, I will be able to come back to this House and give you the action taken so far."
In line with the assurance to refurbish and expand the Great East Road from Lusaka to Chipata, your Committee had decided to carry out an on-the-spot-check of construction works on the portion of the Road between Arcades roundabout and Airport roundabout.
Your Committee was met on site with officials from Road Development Agency (RDA), the Consultants for the project as well as the Contractor, Stefanautti Construction Company.
Your Committee had learnt that the previous road surface had failed resulting in waves appearing on the said portion. This was attributed to seepage of water, over a prolonged period from an old water supply pipe which runs parallel to the road. The initial scope of works was pegged at K65 million and involved the refurbishing of the road surface. However, after the consultant was brought on board, the scope of works changed to construction of the entire portion.
Your Committee learnt that after change of scope of works, more detailed designs had to be undertaken as well as a trial or test of the strength of materials on site.
A portion of the road was, therefore, scrapped off after being done because the materials were not suitable for the portion after being tested. This was done at the contractor’s cost. After further tests, the three stakeholders found suitable asphalt which would resist conditions that were responsible for the failure of the previous road. The nature of the material required to be laid in layers hence the current undulating surface of the road.
Your Committee learnt, however, that the road works had stalled due to insufficient funds in the Road Fund. The contractor had only been paid about 50 percent of the certified works and had been compelled to meet some costs using his own funds. After the contractor ran out of finances, he abandoned site stalling the works which were ideally supposed to be completed by 15th May, 2015.
Replacement of Waterpipes on Great East Road The Executive, in its update to your Committee, indicated that the previous road surface had developed waves on the surfacing as a result of seepage of water over a prolonged period from an old water supply pipe which runs parallel to the road. Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company had been given a grant under the Millennium Challenge Account which they would use to replace the broken underground pipe. The works would commence once the financing arrangement was completed.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Replacement of Water-pipes on Great East Road Your Committee awaits an update on the matter.
05/09 – Conversion of Lusaka International Airport into Air Cargo Hub
On 11th March, 2009, the Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication made the following assurance on the Floor of the House:
56 "Mr Speaker, there are also plans to turn Lusaka International Airport into an air cargo hub to cater for the anticipated traffic from the economic zones."
In line with the assurance, your Committee had visited the site office of the contractor, China Jianxzhi in the company of the Zambia National Airports Corporation Limited. Your Committee had been shown and appreciated an artist’s impression of the proposed Airport buildings. Your Committee had been informed that the project would be financed through a loan obtained from the Chinese Exim Bank with a thirty-five years repayment period and a seven year grace period.
Your Committee had been informed that the funds were available and the project would commence at the end of April, 2015. The construction would be in phases starting with the construction of the fire station and control tower. The project period was fifty-four months from the date of commencement.
The Executive, in its update to your Committee, indicated that in line with the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) vision to convert Kenneth Kaunda International Airport into an Air Cargo Hub, significant progress had since been registered with the sourcing of USD$360 million loan from Export and Import (EXIM) Bank of China for the construction of a 4 million terminal building with ancillary facilities. The contractor, China Jiangxi International Corporation for Economic and Technical Cooperation had commenced construction of the Rescue and Fire Services Station, Air Traffic Control Tower and Terminal Building. Further, the design of the other facilities like Presidential Pavilion, Business and Office Park, Airport Hotel and Cargo Terminal had since advanced.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee urges the Government to ensure that there is speedy implementation of the project to meet the completion period. Your Committee, therefore, awaits a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK
17/14 – Investments in Irrigation, Agro-processing and Livestock Sectors
On Tuesday, 17th June, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock made the following assurance:
“Sir, the Government has made significant investments in the development of farming blocks, irrigation schemes, agro-processing, livestock and animal health services.”
In line with the assurance, your Committee had undertaken visits to various districts in Southern Province to check on development in the Livestock sector. The districts visited were Mazabuka, Monze, Namwala and Choma. Below are your Committee’s findings.
(a) Namwala Your Committee during its tour of Namwala as an agricultural district had learnt that according to the 2014 statistics, Namwala had about 135,000 cattle. However, the District experienced a tremendous number of cattle movements to other places through purchases. The District has Veterinary Camps to provide livestock health services to farmers. The District also has benefitted from rehabilitation of some livestock service centres which have been handed over to communities to be run by them. Milk collection centres run by Cooperatives have also been introduced and in 2014, the Government budgeted for the construction of an Artificial Insemination Centre, but to date funds had not yet been released.
57 Your Committee had been informed that the District Agriculture Office had no office space or sufficient transport to carryout field work. Out of nineteen motorcycles only four were runners. The DACO too had no official vehicle and in some instances used personal transport or borrowed from other departments.
Your Committee had learnt that the veterinary camps houses were dilapidated or had collapsed and there was no budget line for their rehabilitation. With regard to the Milk Collection Centres, the Government had provided extension services and training, but no support for infrastructure. However, all animals which were being milked were tested and/or treated for disease.
Tour of Namwala Central Livestock Service Centre Your Committee had visited Namwala Central Livestock Service Centre and interacted with several farmers who were the users of the facility. Your Committee had learnt that the Centre was also used as a despatch centre where the Police were present to scrutinise animals before sell, a measure put in place to curb stock theft.
While the farmers were appreciative of the services being provided especially that the disease burden had greatly reduced, they complained that their animals had to cover long distances to get to the centre of dipping, once per week. They requested for more livestock service centres to be established in view of the vastness of the District. The farmers also complained of the various levies which they had to pay to the Police, Council, Village Headmen and Veterinary Department. The farmers also bemoaned the inadequacy of water for animals especially in the dry season. They appealed for creation of more dams especially in the upper lands where water shortage was more critical. The farmers also complained of high levels of stock theft and the seemingly light punishment which was imposed on perpetrators.
Your Committee had also visited one Dairy Cooperative Society which started operating in 2014 and had a current membership of 120. The Cooperative had been operating well thus far and managed to buy 104,000 litres of milk in 2014, which feat would be surpassed in 2015, due to the increase in dairy animals and provision of animal diseases control facilities.
Challenges at District Office The Executive, in its update to your Committee, indicated that increasing funding to the district office in Namwala would be considered in the Ministry’s 2016 budget. The Ministry had also recruited extension officers who would be deployed in districts that were in need of further extension services. Namwala District would be considered for additional staffing.
Rehabilitation of Livestock Centres In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that there were plans to construct livestock service centres across the country in areas where they were needed.
Water Harvesting The Executive, in its update to your Committee, stated that the Government had been increasing access to water for livestock through the various irrigation schemes that were going on across the country. In addition, farmers who required access to water were encouraged to submit applications for the construction of small multi-purpose dams, which should be demand driven.
Stock Thefts In the update to your Committee, the Executive stated that they would urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to allocate more resources to Namwala in order to increase policing in the District, which would assist in curbing vices such as stock theft.
58 Sensitisation on Dairy Cooperatives The Executive, in its update to your Committee, indicated that the Zambian Government, in collaboration with the Italian Government, was establishing a Livestock Identification and Traceability System, in order to ensure proper identification of livestock by individual farmers. In accordance with the Animal Identification Act No.28 of 2010 (Repeal of Brands Act of 1913), Cap 244 of the Laws of Zambia, every animal owner was required to acquire a brand for his or her animals. Animal branding was compulsory and all livestock owners were required to brand their animals.
Stock theft, like any other kind of theft of property, meant that the affected individual lost business and hence suffered from loss of productive resources and income. The farming activity of the affected farmer was disturbed, thereby having a negative impact on their ability to purchase food, pay bills, i.e. school fees, as well as grow their business. There were no measures that were taken to alleviate poverty among farmers who had lost their cattle through thefts. It was the responsibility of each individual farmer to ensure that their animals were enclosed or herded in order to prevent stock theft.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Challenges at district office Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the matter.
Rehabilitation of livestock centres Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the matter.
Water harvesting Your Committee awaits a progress report on the matter.
Stock thefts Your Committee notes the update and urges the Government to come up with an animal tracing device (Livestock Identification and Traceability System) in conjunction with the Italian Government. Your Committee, therefore, awaits a progress report.
Sensitisation on dairy cooperatives Your Committees notes the initiative and awaits a progress report on the implementation of this programme.
(b) Choma With regard to challenges in disease control, your Committee as they toured Choma was informed that there were little resources allocated to the control of East Coast Fever (ECF) because unlike CBPP or Foot and Mouth Disease, ECF was classified as a management disease rather than an economic disease. The Government policy was to provide sufficient funds for diseases classified as economic and leave the farmer to meet most of the costs in controlling management diseases such as ECF. Your Committee had learnt that ECF was very difficult to control because it was tick-borne. While ticks could be controlled in livestock, there were no tick control systems in wildlife where most of the ticks came from. Spraying against ticks in wildlife was discouraged because it could disturb the eco-systems therein.
Tour of the Provincial Veterinary Laboratory Your Committee had also undertaken a visit to the Provincial Veterinary Laboratory under construction. Your Committee had learnt that the Laboratory had been under construction since 2012 and at the time of the visit, the contractor had abandoned the construction site.
59 Your Committee was informed that the initial contract sum was K3.2 million of which K2.9 million had been paid. Attempts to contact the contractor by the client (Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock) had proved futile. The client reached a decision to terminate the contract, but this could not be carried into effect because it had to go through the Provincial Procurement Committee which was chaired by the Permanent Secretary. Unfortunately, Southern Province had experienced a high turnover of Permanent Secretaries since 2011, which had negatively affected procurement processes and matters incidental thereto. Currently, the Provincial Permanent Secretary was on suspension, meaning that the Provincial Procurement Committee was also in abeyance. Furthermore and most importantly, your Committee had discovered that the Provincial Buildings Department had lamentably failed to provide supervision on the Laboratory Construction Project as well as on the dip- tank construction in the District.
Classification of East Coast Fever In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that the Ministry was in the process of reclassifying diseases. East Coast Fever was one of the diseases being considered for reclassification.
Supervision of Government Projects The Executive, in its update to your Committee, stated that the Ministry would ensure that if there were any erring officers, the matter would be dealt with the seriousness that it deserved.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Classification of east coast fever Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the matter.
Supervision of Government projects Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, MOTHER AND CHILD HEALTH
21/14 – Scaling up of the Social Cash Transfer Programme
On Tuesday, 24th June, 2014, the Deputy Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health made the following assurance on the Floor of the House:
“The Government has been implementing the programme in selected districts since 2003 and this year, a decision was reached to scale it up to the rest of the districts not served.”
In line with the assurance, your Committee had visited two Social Cash Transfer programmes: one in Gwembe and the other in Kazungula.
• Gwembe District In Gwembe, your Committee had interacted with the Department of Social Welfare where it learnt that the Scheme was introduced in December, 2013. The target case load was 2,058 beneficiaries, but currently 1,093 were on the scheme. Your Committee had been informed that due to the vastness of the District, the Scheme had been divided into two phases. In the first round of enumeration, of the sixty-eight Community Welfare Assistance Committees (CWACS), thirty-four were picked who in turn identified the current 1,093 beneficiaries.
60 Your Committee was informed that the Department at District level had a ten member – District Welfare Assistance Committees (DWAC), fourteen Area Coordinating Committees (ACC) at ward level and sixty-eight CWACS at community level.
The CWACS were responsible for identifying the beneficiary households and worked in collaboration with the enumerators in conducting the interviews and filling registration forms. The CWACS also undertook awareness campaigns about the scheme, monitored any inclusion or omission errors which were reported to the ACCs and witnessed payments as well as received complaints if any, from the beneficiaries. Beneficiaries were entitled to a K70 cash transfer per month, which was paid bi- monthly.
The Department faced a couple of challenges which included: difficulties in communication to the pay points and the CWACs due to lack of network in the valley, poor road network, which made it very challenging to access the beneficiaries, vastness of the district which made movements a challenge and the lack of banking and fuel facilities.
Your Committee had also visited Nakanjele CWAC and interacted with some beneficiaries. The beneficiaries spoken to expressed gratitude over the introduction of the Scheme, albeit some were of the view that the money being paid was little. Your Committee had learnt that beneficiaries were generally characterised as the aged, the disabled, the terminally ill and care givers to orphans. Your Committee had observed that some beneficiaries were ingenious enough to use the money to buy some domestic animals such as chickens and goats and engaged in other small businesses whose returns were enough to pay school fees and support the home-stead.
Rolling-out of the SCT Programme to remaining Districts In the update to your Committee, the Executive stated that the Ministry had taken note of the recommendation to scale up the programme. However, the scale up depended on the amounts allocated to the programme each year. Additionally, the Ministry was currently exploring the possibility of increasing the transfer amount.
Erratic Release of Funds The Executive, in its update to your Committee, indicated that the timely release of funds to the beneficiaries depended on a number of factors such as the release of funds from the Ministry of Finance and logistical challenges faced in some hard to reach areas the scheme was operating in. However, the Ministry would continue to engage Ministry of Finance in order to further improve the situation.
Road Networks in Gwembe In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that the Government through the Ministry had taken note of the recommendation and the same had been communicated to the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication for consideration.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Rolling out of the SCT programme to remaining Districts Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the rolling out of the Social Cash Transfer programme to other districts.
Erratic release of funds Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the matter.
61 Road networks in Gwembe Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the matter.
(a) Kazungula Your Committee as they toured had learnt that the office is housed in Livingstone due to lack of office space in Kazungula. Kazungula being the second largest District in Southern Province had twenty- four Area Coordinating Committees (ACCs) and 136 Community Welfare Assistance Committees (CWACS). About 2,578 households were under the scheme although this was not enough given the increase in the number of vulnerable people, who also required Government assistance to sustain their lives.
Your Committee had been informed that just like in the case of Gwembe, some CWACs were difficult to contact due to lack of network in some areas. This made it very difficult to inform the beneficiaries as and when finances were available. Beneficiaries were entitled to K70 per month which was paid bi-monthly although release of funds from Government was not consistent.
Your Committee had also interacted with some beneficiaries on the Scheme who attested to the benefits they had derived from the funds being paid to them. Some of the activities being done by some beneficiaries included, the rearing of goats and chickens, making of door mats, knitting and tailoring.
Release of Funds for the Programme In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that the Ministry had taken note of the recommendation and would provide an update on what recommendations would have been implemented.
Phone Network in Kazungula District In the response to your Committee, the Executive indicated that the Ministry had taken note of the recommendations and the same would be communicated to the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Release of funds for the programme Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the matter.
Phone network in Kazungula District Your Committee awaits a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
32/06 – Developing a Border Control Computerised System throughout the Country
On 28th February, 2006, the Minister of Home Affairs made the following assurance on the Floor of the House:
“The Department is in the process of developing a border control computerised system aimed at enhancing and monitoring of movement of persons. As a pilot project, the Lusaka International Airport is being computerised with the assistance of the International Organisation for Migration.”
62 In line with the assurance, your Committee had undertaken visits to Kazungula and Livingstone border posts. Your Committee learnt that both border posts were connected to the new system called New Zambia Immigration Management System, which was interlinked with other borders and was monitored from Lusaka at the Immigration Headquarters. The system had enhanced the speed with which travellers were being attended to. Furthermore, the system had enhanced security because it was interlinked with other border controls such as Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Airport, among others.
Your Committee had, however, learnt that with the introduction of the Universal VISA system which was being piloted between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it was highly likely that revenue collections might be affected. Preliminary investigations showed that revenues at Livingstone Border had drastically reduced after introduction of UNI-VISA. It would, therefore, be prudent to investigate revenue benefits or the lack thereof of the UNI-VISA regime when it comes under review in July, 2015.
Improving Accessibility to Tourism Sites In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that the Department was currently assessing and reviewing the benefits of the UNI-VISA in relation to revenue collection for the country.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
20/13 – Diversification and Production
On 11th November, 2011, the Minister of Finance during the Budget presentation for 2012, made the following assurance:
“Sir, in the agricultural sector, we will extend support to crops beyond maize, strengthen research and extension services, invest in irrigation, develop and rehabilitate livestock infrastructure and promote disease free zones. In addition, the Government will reform the agricultural marketing system, promote agro-processing and forward linkages including the development of farm blocks. Other strategies will include technological transfer and land development.”
It was reported in the Action-Taken Report that the legal opinion on the Agricultural Marketing Bill had already been sought from the Ministry of Justice. The next step was the preparation of a Cabinet Memorandum in order to get comments from other Ministries and thereafter, the Bill would be submitted to Cabinet for approval. Once approved by Cabinet, it would be tabled on the Floor of the House.
With regard to the review of the National Irrigation Policy, the process had already begun. The process of procuring a consultant to carry out the review and updating of the current policy was under way.
Nzenga Irrigation Scheme was complete, while the Sinazongwe Irrigation Scheme was 80 per cent complete. The canal had been constructed and the pipes had been procured.
Your Committee was updated that the Agricultural Marketing Bill had not been cleared by the Ministry of Justice. Consultations were still on going to make changes to the Bill. The Bill was found to be over-lapping with the Warehouse Receipts System under the Agricultural Credit Act. It was also found to be over-lapping with the current functions of the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI), the Agribusiness and Marketing Department, the Seed Control
63 and Certification Institute (SCCI), the Department of Veterinary Services and the Department of Livestock Development. The Cabinet Liaison Committee, therefore, resolved that the Bill should not proceed to the next stage until these issues were ironed out.
With regard to the review of the National Irrigation Policy, the process had already began. The process of procuring a consultant to carry out the review had reached an advanced stage with the Terms of Reference prepared and contracts being reviewed by the Ministry of Justice. A consultant was expected to be selected by the end of August, 2015.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF GENERAL EDUCATION
03/13 – Ntatumbila and Shemu Basic Schools
On Thursday, 21st February, 2013, the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education made the following assurance:
“The Provincial Education Officer (PEO) for Muchinga Province has been tasked to identify schools in the Province which could be transformed into secondary schools. This process of identification and transformation has already started in Muchinga Province and the Honourable Member of Parliament will be informed in due course.”
Having requested for a progress report, your Committee had been informed that the list of proposed schools for upgrading was submitted by the Province and officers at that level prioritised based on the needs and other factors such as population of children out of school and distances to the nearest secondary school. However, the inclusion of Ntatumbila School among the twenty-two schools to be upgraded will be undertaken in 2015.
The Executive, in their submission to your Committee, indicated that Ntalumbila and Shemu basic schools were included on the 2014/15 infrastructure plan.
For Shemu Basic School, funds for upgrading of the school into a secondary school were released in November, 2014. In view of this, the construction of six classroom blocks, a toilet block and three teachers houses commenced in 2015. Ntalumbila Basic School was included in the 2015/16 infrastructure development plan which was yet to be operationalised. Your Committee would also be duly updated once the upgrading of Ntalumbila commences as currently, the Ministry was dealing with the backlog of basic schools that were earmarked for upgrading in the 2014 Infrastructure Development Plan.
The Executive in its update indicated that the Ministry took note of your Committee’s observation that the two (Ntalumbila and Shemu Basic Schools) were included on the 2014/15 Infrastructure Plan.
For Shemu Basic School, funds for upgrading of the school into a secondary school were released in November, 2014. In view of this, the construction of six classroom blocks, a toilet block and three Teachers’ houses commenced in 2015. The Committee would be updated as the project progresses
Ntalumbila basic school was included in the 2015/16 Infrastructure Development Plan which was yet to be operationalised. Your Committee would also be duly updated once the upgrading of Ntalumbila commences as currently, the Ministry was dealing with the backlog of basic schools that were earmarked for upgrading in the 2014 Infrastructure Development Plan.
64 Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the updates and awaits a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION
34/13 – Construction of Chalimbana, Mukuba and Kwame Nkrumah Universities
On Friday, 22nd February, 2013, the Vice-President assured the House as follows:
“Mr Speaker, according to the latest information I have, and it is very hot-off-the-press, I think, this morning, in fact, the progress in the construction of Chalimbana, Mukuba and Nkrumah Universities is good. They will open as universities this year, 2013.”
It was reported in the Action-Taken Report that the Government had allocated a total sum of K79, 900,000 in the 2014 budget earmarked for the continued construction activities at various universities pursuant to the Presidential directive. The Ministry issued a Statutory Instrument No. 110: The Chalimbana University (Declaration) Order, 2013. However, the opening of the University would only be undertaken once the following additional infrastructure was constructed:
(i) two double storey lecture rooms; (ii) two four storey hostels; (iii) one lecture theatre; and (iv) ten staff houses.
The Government issued Statutory Instrument No. 108 of 2013: The Mukuba University (Declaration) Order, 2013. In the 2014 budget, the Ministry had earmarked the construction of the following at the Mukuba University:
Phase I (ongoing) (i) two double storey lecture rooms; (ii) two four storey hostels; (iii) two lecture theatres; and (iv) one library.
Phase II (ongoing) (i) two double storey lecture rooms; (ii) two four storey hostels; (iii) one lecture theatre; and (iv) ten staff houses.
The Government further issued Statutory Instrument No. 107 of 2013: The Education (Kwame Nkrumah Teachers’ College Board) (Dissolution) Regulations, 2013.
It further earmarked the construction of the following structures at the University:
Phase I (Completed) (i) two double storey lecture rooms; (ii) two four storey hostels; (iii) two lecture theatres; and (iv) one library.
65 Phase II (ongoing) (i) two double storey lecture rooms; (ii) two four storey hostels; (iii) one lecture theatre; and (iv) ten staff houses.
The Government had put in place a road map for the full transformation of the institution into a fully- fledged university. So far, the Councils of the three declared Universities (Chalimbana, Mukuba and Kwame Nkrumah) had been approved by Cabinet and were now being constituted. The Councils were to be inaugurated during the first two weeks of September, 2014.
In the current update, the Ministry informed your Committee that it issued Statutory Instrument No. 110: The Chalimbana University (Declaration) Order, 2013. However, the opening of the University would only be undertaken once the following additional infrastructure was constructed:
Description of Works Progress Achieved Two double storey lecture rooms Ground floor slabs and columns had been erected. Two four storey hostels Ground floor slabs and columns had been erected. One lecture theater of 500 capacity At substructure level. Ten staff houses All the houses were at finishes level.
The Government issued Statutory Instrument No. 108 of 2013: The Mukuba University (Declaration) Order, 2013. In the 2014 budget, the Ministry had earmarked the construction of the following at Mukuba University:
Phase I Description of Works Progress Achieved Two double storey lecture rooms. Finishes were being done and these were; construction of ceiling boards, second fix electrical, and plumbing installation. Two four storey hostels. Finishes were being done and these were; construction of ceiling boards, second fix electrical, and plumbing installation. One Lecture Theater. Finishes were being done and these were; construction of ceiling boards, second fix electrical, and plumbing installation. One double storey library. Finishes were being done and these were; construction of ceiling boards, second fix electrical, and plumbing installation.
Phase II Description of Works Progress Achieved Two double storey lecture rooms. No.1 excavations of foundations complete. No. 1 works had not commenced. Two four storey hostels. Casting of first floor slab underway. One Lecture Theater. Work had not commenced. Ten staff houses. All houses were at gable level.
The Government further issued Statutory Instrument No. 107 of 2013: The Education (Kwame Nkruma Teachers’ College Board) (Dissolution) Regulations, 2013.
66 It further earmarked the construction of the following structures at Kwame Nkrumah University:
Phase I Description of Works Progress Achieved Two double storey lecture rooms. Finishes were being done and these were; construction of ceiling boards, second fix electrical, and plumbing installation. Two four storey hostels. Finishes were being done and these were; construction of ceiling boards, second fix electrical, and plumbing installation. Two lecture theaters. Finishes were being done and these were; construction of ceiling boards, second fix electrical, and plumbing installation. One library. Finishes were being done and these were; construction of ceiling boards, second fix electrical, and plumbing installation.
Phase II Description of Works Progress Achieved Two double storey lecture rooms. No. 1 at slab level. No. 1 awaiting casting of concrete slab. Two four storey hostels. Excavation works for concrete pad foundations completed One Lecture Theater Setting out done.
Ten staff houses. Setting out done
In view of the above, your Committee would be updated on the progress that would be achieved as and when funds to complete the projects were released.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the response and awaits a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT, WORKS, SUPPLY AND COMMUNICATION
04/13 – Machile Bridge
On Friday, 22nd February, 2013, the Deputy Minister in the Vice-President’s Office made the following assurance:
“Sir, the report obtained from the Road Development Agency (RDA) indicates that permanent works will only be undertaken after the rainy season. However, as an interim measure, my office, through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), has released a boat to ease the movement of people and goods. This will alleviate the hardships being experienced by the travelling public in the short term.”
Your previous Committee had asked for a progress report and was informed that no additional permanent works had been carried out on the Machile Embankment since the last rehabilitation works which were completed in December, 2013, by Force Account of the Road Development Agency (RDA). Currently, the embankment was in good working condition allowing for the free flow of goods and services. The RDA was, however, planning for maintenance works on the remaining 92 km of Simungoma to Mulobezi D787 in the 2015 Road Sector Annual Work Plan.
67 In the update to your Committee, the Executive stated that the Road Development Agency rehabilitated the Machile Crossing point in December, 2013. The works included installation of culverts on the crossing point. The point was currently in a good working condition allowing the smooth flow of traffic.
The RDA had plans in the 2015 Road Sector Annual Work Plan to carry out Feasibility and Detailed Designs and Tender Documents preparation for the upgrading of the D787 Simungoma to Mulobezi Road.
The procurement of the consultant was currently ongoing. It was anticipated that the consultancy service would commence in the first quarter of 2016 upon finalisation of the procurement process and signing of the service contract.
In the current update, the Road Development Agency (RDA) reported that the Machile Crossing point was rehabilitated in December, 2013. The works included installation of culverts on the crossing point. The point was in a good working condition allowing the smooth flow of traffic.
The RDA had plans in the 2015 Road Sector Annual Work Plan (RSAWP) to carry out Feasibility & Detailed Designs & Tender Documents preparation for the upgrading of the D787 Simungoma to Mulobezi Road.
The procurement of the consultant was currently on going. It was anticipated that the consultancy service would commence in the first quarter of 2016, upon finalisation of the procurement process and signing of the service contract.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
12/13 – Construction of Staff Houses at Chitambo Mission Police Post
On 21st February, 2013, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the Government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, has plans to construct staff houses at Chitambo Mission Police Post, which is going to be upgraded as part of the on-going Infrastructure Development Plans which are scheduled to commence in the course of 2013.”
Your previous Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the assurance. It was reported that the Government had planned to construct 10,000 housing units for the Zambia Police Service, Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), Immigration and Zambia Prisons Service. The tender procedures were currently underway for the first 3000 houses and was expected to close on 15th September, 2014. Chitambo Mission Police Post was one of the expected beneficiaries.
The Executive, in its update to your Committee indicated that the Government through the Ministry of Transport, works and Supply tendered for the construction of District Administration Blocks and Associated External works, High Cost houses, and Medium Cost houses, Low Cost Houses, Police Stations and Post Offices in the twenty-six newly created Districts. Chitambo District in Central Province was one of the beneficiaries.
The police station, two medium cost houses and eight low cost houses with associated external works were part of the packaged for the Zambia Police Service.
68 However, the construction of the police station and houses had not yet taken off as there were some challenges of where the district should be located. The construction would commence once the lay out plans were finalised.
The Zambia Police Service was still operating from the structure belonging to Chitambo Mission Hospital.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT
14/13 – Construction of Dams in Mapatizya Constituency
On Friday, 22nd February, 2013, the Deputy Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the Government through the Department of Water Affairs plans to rehabilitate the mentioned dams in 2013. This will be done after the rainy season.”
Your previous Committee having resolved to await an updated report on the matter was appraised that the study reviewed that only three out of the six sites were found to be suitable for dam construction and these were Tambana, Siambelele and Chundwe.
The detailed topographical survey and design for Tambana had been done. According to the engineer’s estimates, Tambana proposed dam would cost K2,432,565.19 to construct. The design, bill of quantities and tender documentation were available for verification. Tambana Proposed dam would be included in the 2015 budget for construction of dams. Siambelele and Chundwe sites would be subjected to screening for possible inclusion in the National Dams Development Plan which the Ministry was embarking on. The feasibility studies were not conducted in April, 2014, as planned due to the non-availability of funds. They would be done as soon as funds for maintenance of dams were made available.
In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that a feasibility study for the six sites was done in 2014. Three dams were chosen for possible construction namely Tambana, Chuundwe and Siambele dams in order of priority. Tambana was surveyed, designed and bill of quantities were prepared. Tambana was included in the 2015 budget and the Province was given authority to start the tendering process.
Chuundwe and Siambele new dam Chuundwe and Siambele dams would be included in the national dam development plan in 2016.
Other three dams The other three dam sites were found not to be feasible hence they would not be constructed.
In its current update, the Executive informed your Committee as follows:
Tambana New Dam A feasibility study for the six sites was done in 2014.Three dams were chosen for possible construction namely Tambana, Chuundwe and Siambele dams in order of priority. Tambana was surveyed, designed and bill of quantities were prepared. Tambana was included in the 2015 budget and the Province was given authority to start the tendering process.
69 Chuundwe and Siambele New Dams Chuundwe and Siambele dams would be included in the national dam development plan in 2016.
Other three dams The other three dam sites were found not to be feasible hence they would not be constructed.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the matter.
15/13 – Requirements for Establishing Fuel Filling Stations
On Friday, 22nd February, 2013, the Deputy Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development made the following undertaking:
“Mr Speaker, the Government has a programme to construct, at least, two filling stations per year. However, it is also up to the Hon Members of Parliament to talk to oil marketing companies (OMCs) and encourage them to invest in their areas.”
It was reported in the Action-Taken Report that the consultant CM Architects finalised the design of new filling stations in July, 2014 and the designs had since been submitted to the Ministry and were considered by the Ministerial Tender Committee on 8th August, 2014.
A Ministerial Tender Committee Paper had since been prepared in order to allow for advertisement in order to engage contractors to begin the construction of the filling stations in Mporokoso and Luwingu.
Luwingu Filling Station The Executive in its current update to your Committee indicated that the Construction of a filing station in Luwingu had started after the down payment of K836,682.00 to mobilise was paid. The payment was made on 21st May, 2015 and actual works on the site began in June, 2015. The contractor had so far done the cultivation trenches where tanks would be buried. The contractor had already paid for the tanks and was waiting for them to be delivered.
The contractor had also started construction of a quick shop which had reached window level.
The total contract price for the filling station is K4,123,779.75. The period of construction was six months.
Overall project completion was about 30 percent while the remaining 70% accounting for competition of block on the main building, finishes, fittings, first fix and second fix electrical, plumbing and installations and general external works.
Mporokoso filling Station Construction of the filling station had not yet commenced because the contractor had not yet been paid the initial amount of K848, 607.79 to mobilise to site. The total contract price for the filling station was K4,243,038.95.
Once the project starts, the period of construction of the filling station was six months.
70 Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the progress on the filling station at Liwungu, but awaits a progress report on the filling station in Mporokoso.
16/13 – Electrification of Rufunsa District
On Thursday, 21st February, 2013, the Deputy Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development made the following undertaking:
“Mr Speaker, the delay in connecting Rufunsa District to the national electricity grid was caused by a lack of political will. This is not the case now, as the Government is committed to having the District connected. In this regard, implementation of the project started in December, 2012, and is expected to be completed by December, 2013. I am sure the Honourable Member for Rufunsa was there when we conducted groundbreaking ceremony two to three months ago.”
Your Committee was informed through the Action-Taken Report that the electrification of Rufunsa was part of the project to connect Luangwa District to the national grid. The project objective was to replace the expensive and unreliable diesel generation supply at Luangwa with hydropower from the grid and to increase access to electricity in Luangwa District.
The works were a complete electrification package covering construction of 211 km of 132kV transmission line, two 132/33kV substations, 130 km of 33kV distribution lines, 33/0.4kV Pole Mounted Transformers and low voltage lines, 750 by 400/230V service connections and two new ZESCO offices and twelve staff houses.
The project was funded through a loan facility from the Export Import (EXIM) Bank of India. The Engineering Procurement and Construction contract was signed with PME Solutions of India on 20th June, 2011, with a project implementation time of 18 months and at a contract price of US$63 million. The contract start and completion dates were 13th December, 2012 and 12th June, 2014, respectively.
Additional works at Leopards Hill involving the extension of the 330kV and 132kV switchyards were added to the contract and agreed at a meeting between ZESCO and PME in June, 2013.
Further works were added to the contract as follows:
§ extension of the optic fibre network to Luangwa Boma by installing 60 km of ADSS optic fibre cable on the 33kV line to Luangwa Boma; and
§ installation of ADSS optic fibre cable between the 132/33kV substations and the proposed offices at Mpanshya and Chitope in order to connect these new offices to the ZESCO Business Information System.
The contract expired on 12th June, 2014, with only about 10 per cent of the works done. PME had, however, delivered approximately 85 per cent of the materials required for execution of the project. The company had evidently failed so far to meet the requirements of the project and ZESCO Management was currently reviewing the project to decide on the way forward. PME had been requested to provide its proposal on how it would complete the project in the shortest possible time, ZESCO Management had also invoked the maximum penalties as dictated in the contract.
The Executive, in its update to your Committee, stated that the initial contract expired on 12th June, 2014, with only about 10 percent of the works done. The contract period was then renewed and extended to 30th August 2015, an extension of 14 months. As at July, 2015, the overall progress of the project was at 50%.
71 It was however observed that with only 50 percent of the overall works done and another 50% to go, the contractor would not complete the electrification of Rufunsa within the contract completion time of 30th August 2015.
To mitigate the adverse impact of this, ZESCO would instruct the contractor to focus on and complete the minimum works necessary for ZESCO to takeover and begin to operate the facilities. This measure was expected to ensure that by December, 2015, Rufunsa would be powered.
Current Status Item Works %Work Done Comments 1 Leopards Hill 132kV line bay 65
2 210km long 132kV line 45 3 Mpanshya 132/33kV substation 60 Civil works are 80 percent done 4 Mpanshya ZESCO Office 10 At Box level 5 6 x Mpanshya Staff Houses 70 6 Rufunsa/Mpanshya distribution network 50 33kV lines constructed; comprising 30km x 33kV lines, 6 PMTs, Quality unaccepted and 7km x 400V ABC lines and 167service rectification of defects to connections start. 7 Approximate Overall Progress 50
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the matter.
32/13 – Provincial Fuel Storage Facilities
On Friday, 30th November, 2012, His Honour the Vice-President made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, well, at the risk of giving a Government assurance, let me say that, in the next two or three months, that programme should be completed.”
After your previous Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter, the status was submitted in the Action-Taken Report as follows:
§ Lusaka Depot: (25 million ltrs) – The depot was operational;
§ Mongu Depot: (6.5 million ltrs) – The works had not yet commenced since the contract to construct the access road to the site had not yet been finalised. The contract was submitted to the Ministry of Justice in June, 2014, for clearance;
§ Mpika Depot: (6.5 million ltrs) – 100 per cent complete and waiting commissioning on 5th September, 2014; and
§ Solwezi Depot – (12.5 million ltrs) – Overall progress was at 51 per cent complete.
The works on the depot included civil works which were 36.40 per cent complete and mechanical woks at 25.96 per cent complete. The status of the works is set out hereunder.
72 Solwezi Fuel Depot The Executive, in its update to your Committee, stated that the construction of Solwezi fuel depot was being carried out by Dalbit International Limited and Construction works commenced in November, 2013. All installation and construction works in the initial contract was completed in May, 2015.
The remaining works were pre-commissioning tests which were underway together with other pre- commissioning works being done by TAZAMA pipelines Limited. The overall work progress for the entire facility currently stood at 99 percent complete.
Mongu Fuel Depot In its update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that the construction of the Mongu fuel depot was being carried out by Dalbit International Limited and construction works commenced in November, 2014. Construction and installation works were on-going mostly civil and building works which stood at 70 percent complete. The overall work progress for the entire facility currently stood at 46 percent.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the progress on the other fuel depots and with regard to Mongu fuel depot, it awaits a progress report on the matter.
MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND ARTS
21/13 – Mweru-Wantipa and Nsumbu National Parks
On 21st February, 2013, the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Arts made the following assurance:
“Furthermore, ZAWA plans to recruit 800 more wildlife police officers between 2013 and 2020 and this will enable Nsumbu and Mweru-Wantipa National Parks to have adequate ZAWA field officers, hence the CRB village scouts will not conduct patrols in these parks, but concentrate their patrol efforts in the Game Management Areas (GMAs).”
Your previous Committee had resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
It was reported in the Action-Taken Report that the issue of recruiting about 800 Wildlife Police Officers (WPOs) had been actively pursued by the Ministry of Tourism and Arts with the Ministry of Finance. However, the Ministry of Finance informed the Ministry of Tourism and Arts that that Government could not authorise the recruitment of 800 WPOs because the Government had suspended the recruitment of staff in the public service. Therefore, going ahead with recruitment of WPOs would undermine Government’s policy to suspend recruitment of staff in the public sector. In this regard, the Ministry was advised to defer the exercise in line with Government policy to suspend all recruitments in 2014.
In the update to your Committee, the Executive indicated that the Government was committed to ensure that ZAWA had adequate numbers of Wildlife Police Officers to ensure that the country’s natural heritage in National Parks and Game Management Areas were safeguarded from environmental criminals, poachers in particular. To ensure an increase of the wildlife police officers, the Government through ZAWA had taken the following measures:
(a) an assessment for the wildlife police officers was undertaken and the results showed that recruiting 800 wildlife police officers would still be below the minimum numbers of 2,700 required for the whole country;
73 (b) since ZAWA had now been reverted to a department in the Ministry of Tourism and Arts, plans were being made to budget for the recapitalisation of the department where recruitment of the wildlife police officers would be addressed. Once the budget was approved and treasury authority granted, the Ministry had devised a system of recruiting 500 police officers every year starting with 2016. The plan was to recruit and train them at Chunga and Nyamaluma in-service wildlife training schools. it was hoped that by 2020 about 2,700 wildlife police officers would have been recruited and trained in the anti-poaching techniques; and
(c) by law, village scouts were employed by community resource boards (CRBs) and work under the supervision of a senior wildlife police officer who managed the usage of fire arm. The village scouts were mandated to protect the wildlife resources within the jurisdiction of their chiefdoms or GMAs not in the National Parks.
However, the challenge was that there were no fences between GMAs which were customary land and National Parks. This poses an operational problem whereby if poachers were spotted in GMA and run into the National Park, village scouts under wildlife police officers’ supervision still crossed the boundaries of the GMA into the National Park as this was done to ensure that poachers were arrested. The same was the case with the wildlife police officers. Therefore, village scouts patrolling National Parks were not intentional even if the Government employed enough wildlife police officers rather, it was an operational challenge. Communities in GMAs with viable Safari hunting also benefited from wildlife resources from the National Parks once they crossed into GMAs where they were hunted.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your committee notes the update and awaits a progress report on the recruitment of wildlife police officers.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
01/11 – Public Financial Management
On Friday, 11th November, 2011, the Minister of Finance during the Budget presentation for 2012, made the following assurance:
“Sir, to this effect in 2012, the Government will finalise and begin to implement a revised PFM strategy that practically integrates these core principles into its PFM practices. Further, the Government will bring to this House a Planning and Budgeting Bill and an amendment to the Public Finance Act to place these cardinal PFM principles on a legal footing.”
Having received the submission, your previous Committee had resolved to request for a progress report on the matter. Your Committee was appraised as follows:
Enactment of the Planning and Budgeting Bill
The Planning and Budgeting Policy Document was approved by Cabinet at its 11th meeting on 24th March, 2014, following the consultative programmes which was concluded in three stages as listed below. a. A wider circulation of the Policy Document in the media was to avail the documents to the public in order to allow for broader citizen’s participation. Through this process comments and contributions on the documents were elicited from the citizenry.
74 b. Special Provincial Coordinating Committee (PDCC) meetings were held to solicit comments from District and Provincial Structures involving State and Non-State Actors. c. A National Stakeholders Consultative meeting was also held in Lusaka for umbrella organisations including cooperating partners as the final process of soliciting comments from stakeholders.
The objectives of the Policy which would also be reflected in the Bill were to: i. integrate National Planning and Budgeting processes with the greater results orientation; ii. strengthen synergies in the various planning processes; iii. facilitate more participative/decentralised development planning and budgeting processes; iv. align the National Development Cycle with the Electoral Cycle; v. enhance budget credibility; and vi. facilitate greater evidence based decision making in development planning and budgeting.
The National Planning and Budgeting Policy was officially launched by the Minister of Finance on 30th July, 2014. The Ministry had proceeded to formulating the Planning and Budgeting Bill in accordance with the Amended Constitution Article 118 of 2009, that “Parliament shall enact the Budgeting and Planning Legislation which shall provide for matters that relate to the annual budget and to medium and long term development plans.”
Upon the launch of the policy, the Ministry of Finance had proceeded to initiate and finalise a Draft Bill which would be handed over to the Ministry of Justice for further technical scrutiny prior to finally tabling it before Cabinet for approval. However, this would only be done after a wider process of consultations to reach consensus with all stakeholders.
Revision of the Public Finance Act
The Treasury had since identified areas which required revision and was currently in the process of engaging a Consultant. The Consultant to be engaged was required to ensure that the revised Public Finance Act and Financial Regulations embraced modern ways of doing business to effectively and efficiently improve service delivery with regard to the administration of public finances.
The review would also address the challenges faced in the implementation of the current Public Finance Act, 2004 and the Financial Regulations, 2006, as highlighted by the Auditor General in her Annual Reports.
The Executive, in its update to your Committee, indicated that currently, the Government had developed a draft layman’s Bill. The Bill was presented to stakeholders for further consultations who included among others the Parliamentary Committee on Estimates for comments before the Ministry submitted it to Ministry of Justice. It was envisaged that the Bill would be presented to Parliament in the next Session of Parliament in September, 2015.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the two Bills which are long overdue.
75 MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
09/13 – Local Courts at Nsumbu Business Centre
On Thursday, 21st February, 2013, the Minister of Justice made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the Government is committed to constructing the Nsumbu Local Court in Nsama District in 2013, in accordance with the strategic plan of the Judiciary and subject to the availability of funds.”
Having requested for a progress report, your Committee was updated that there had been no construction of buildings in Nsumbu area due to inadequate funding towards the Infrastructure Development Fund. Nsumbu Local Court was initially earmarked for construction in the 2013 Plan, but works could not commerce due to insufficient funds.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report.
10/13 – Local Courts in Nakonde District
On Wednesday, 19th February, 2013, the Minister of Justice made the following undertaking:
“Mr Speaker, in accordance with the strategic plan for the Judiciary, the local court at Ntolondo in Nakonde District is earmarked for construction this year, 2013.”
Your previous Committee had resolved to await for a progress report on the assurance.
It was reported in the Action-Taken Report that there had been no construction of buildings in Ntolondo area due to inadequate funding to the Infrastructure Development Fund. Construction of a court at Ntolondo in Nakonde District shall be considered in the future budgets when funds permit.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee notes the update and awaits a progress report.
LOCAL TOUR
Having undertaken a local tour to various Government projects, your previous Committee made several observations and recommendations on various assurances below.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
11/12 – Resumption of 24-Hour Services by Health Centres in Kankoyo Parliamentary Constituency
On Tuesday, 20th March, 2012, the Deputy Minister of Health made the following assurance:
“Mr Speaker, the Government will recruit health workers based on the K77.8 billion allocated for recruitment in the 2012 National Budget. The health centres in Kankoyo Parliamentary Constituency, under the Ministry of Health, will resume operating for 24 hours when more health workers are recruited.”
76 Having resolved to await a progress report, it was reported in the Action-Taken Report that the existing Kankoyo establishment was twenty-eight staff and minimum required was fifteen for the centre to operate for 24 hours. Currently nine were in post and six had been identified for recruitment, therefore, the centre would be operational for 24 hours before the end of September, 2014.
The Executive, in its update to your Committee, indicated that Kankoyo Clinic commenced operations on a 24-hours basis last September, 2014 with ten nurses; six of whom were midwives. The clinic was still waiting for recruitment of staff as the new establishment was being created for the twenty-eight members of staff. The current establishment for the clinic was full, as such, a new establishment would need to be created to include the twenty-eight new positions.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
The Committee awaits a progress report on the recruitment of more health workers at the health facility.
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
02/12 – Construction of Border Posts at Kalengelenge, Jimbe, Kambimba and Kamapanda
On Tuesday, 13th March, 2012, the Deputy Minister of Finance assured the House as follows:
“Mr Speaker, the Government will, in due course, advise this House and the public on the Government’s development plans for Kalengelenge entry point. A modern border post is planned to be constructed in the near future at Jimbe Border and the Government is currently exploring various funding options. On Kambimba, the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Buildings Department prepared tender documents on behalf of the Ministry of Home Affairs for the construction of a new border post and the contract was awarded. The same situation applies to Kamapanda Border.’’
Your previous Committee had noted the progress made so far and requested for an update on the completion of all these projects.
Kambimba Border Post – Mwinilunga Your previous Committee had urged the Government to sink the borehole, install the solar power as soon as possible and also work on the road and bridges on the road. Your Committee resolved to await a progress report on the matter.
It was reported in the Action-Taken Report that Kambimba border post was currently under construction and works were expected to be completed by September, 2014. Sinking of the borehole, installation of solar panels and upgrading of the road would commence after the completion of the border post.
In the submission to your Committee, the Executive stated that for Jimbe border control, plans for rehabilitation works had been included in the 2016 infrastructure budget. And construction of Kalengelenge border post was awaiting recommendations from Provincial Joint Operational Committee on establishment of the border controls.
Kambimba border post was commissioned in September, 2014. Solar power was installed. However, the buildings department wrote to Ministry of Home Affairs to inform the contractor to procure and install the solar panel as well as sinking a borehole. The contractor had since bought the solar panels awaiting Ministry of Home Affairs to give a go ahead to install the solar panel. The poor
77 workmanship on the road had since been worked on. The bridges would be worked on by the local government in the rural roads projects.
Kamapanda Border Post – Mwinilunga In line with the Executive’s submission in the Action-Taken Report regarding the status of the works, your Committee had observed that the border post was substantially complete. Your Committee had further noted that the border post was commissioned in 2013, although it had no water and electricity. Your Committee had also observed that the borehole which was sunk five km away from the border post was dry. Further, the border post had no transport and communication facilities and also needed an entry road from Angola and a parking lot.
Having received a submission from the Executive, your Committee had recommended that in order to provide adequate water supply to the border post as well as houses, there was need to sink a borehole close to the border post building. Your Committee had also implored the Government to urgently provide communication and transport facilities, office furniture, construct an entry road from Angola as well as a parking lot.
The Executive, in its update to your Committee, indicated that the road had since been graded, two solar panels had been installed, water was found five kilometres from the border post and a borehole was sunk but unfortunately, it collapsed. Explorations for sinking a borehole at the border post itself had been planned for the year 2015. There was adequate accommodation for the officers. As for transport, two motor bikes had been procured for Kambimba and Kamapanda owing to the harsh terrain as opposed to procuring motor vehicles and the motor bikes were delivered to the border posts.
Committee’s Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee awaits a progress report on the matter.
Committee’s General Observations and Recommendations
Your Committee observes that there seems to be a disconnect between the assurances made on the Floor of the House and the resource allocations in the budgets of various Ministries. In addition, your Committee is concerned with the low releases of funds from the Treasury to Ministries over the years despite allocations being made. It is disheartening to note that Ministries received an average of 40 percent of releases from the Treasury by the end of the 2015 financial year.
In light of the above, your Committee makes the following general observations and recommendations stated hereunder.
i. Your Committee observes that the ambitious infrastructure projects that the Government has embarked on require not only discipline but also commitment to ensure the timely completion of the projects.
Your Committee therefore, strongly recommends that the Government must suspend the construction of new infrastructure projects until all the existing ones are completed. ii. Your Committee observes that the piloting of the Output Based Budget (OBB) in selected ministries will only be meaningful if releases from the Treasury are commensurate with the budgetary allocations.
Your Committee thus implores the Government to ensure that funds for the ministries currently piloting the Output Based Budget be released in full and on time. This will by and
78 large result in assessing the effectiveness of the programme. In addition, the Government must roll-out the programme to all line ministries and spending agencies.
iii. Your Committee is concerned with the responses contained in the Action-Taken Report by various ministries. In some instances, the responses do not address the observations made by your Committee as verifications of the projects are not being conducted prior to giving updates to your Committee.
Your Committee therefore, urges the Government to carefully study your Committee’s observations and recommendations in order to avail your Committee with more practical interventions by the Executive. In addition, controlling officers are encouraged to undertake verifications before giving responses to your Committee.
iv. Your Committee observes that some of the assurances contained in your Report, do not necessarily require funds to be addressed, but affirmative administrative action by the Government in most instances.
Your Committee therefore, recommends that the Government seriously addresses the assurances that require simple administrative procedures without any further delay. It is inconceivable how some assurances can be outstanding for a long time yet all that is needed are follow- ups by the Executive.
CONCLUSION
Your Committee wishes to express its sincere appreciation to you Mr Speaker, for the guidance rendered to it during the Session. Your Committee further wishes to extend its gratitude to all the stakeholders who appeared before it and made both written and oral submissions. Your Committee also wishes to thank the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly for the advice and services rendered to it throughout its deliberations.
L A Lufuma, MP March, 2016 CHAIRPERSON LUSAKA
79 APPENDIX I
List of Officials
Mr S C Kawimbe, Principal Clerk of Committees Ms M K Sampa, Deputy Principal Clerk of Committees Mr F Nabulyato, Committee Clerk (Social Committees) Mr S C Samuwika, Assistant Committee Clerk Mrs M H Mweele, Stenographer Mr R Mumba, Committee Assistant Mr C Bulaya, Committee Assistant Mr M Chikome, Parliamentary Messenger
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