Second Report of the Committee of Government Assurances for the Third Session of the Tenth National...

8/14/2019 Second Report of the Committee of Government Assurances for the Third Session of the Tenth National Assembly

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SECOND REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES FOR THEFOURTH SESSION OF THE TENTH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPOINTED ON 23RDSEPTEMBER, 2009

Consisting of:

Mr C Kambwili, MP (Chairperson); Ms J Kapata, MP; Mr S Chitonge, MP; Mr J B Chongo, MP; Mr EKasoko, MP; Mr R S Mwapela, MP; Mr S Chisanga, MP; and Mr D M Syakalima, MP.

The Honourable Mr Speaker,National Assembly,Parliament Buildings,LUSAKA.

Sir, following the guidelines that your Committee should table the Report of the previous Committee forthe Third Session of the Tenth National Assembly, your Committee studied the Report in detail and, on 11 th

November, 2009, adopted it.

Your Committee, now have the honour to present the Report.

C Kambwili, MP November, 2009CHAIRPERSON LUSAKA


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SECOND REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES FOR THETHIRD SESSION OF THE TENTH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPOINTED ON 20TH JANUARY,2009

Consisting of:

Mr S Katuka, MP (Chairperson); Mr E Kasoko, MP; Mr S Chisanga, MP; Mr R S Mwapela, MP; Mr SChitonge, MP; Mrs E K Chitika-Molobeka, MP; Mr J B Chongo, MP; and Mr L J Ngoma, MP.

The Honourable Mr Speaker,National Assembly,Parliament Buildings,LUSAKA.

Sir,

Your Committee have the honour to present their Second report for the Third Session of the Tenth NationalAssembly.

FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMITTEE

2. Under the Standing Orders of the House, your Committee are mandated to scrutinise allassurances and undertakings made by Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers on the floor of the Housewith the objective of ensuring that the same were implemented.

As your Committee is a General Purposes Committee, their mandate is not confined to any specificministry as the issues that they consider are applicable to all ministries depending on situations and theissues involved.

PROCEDURE OF THE COMMITTEE

3. Your Committee examined all contributions made by Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers asrecorded in theDaily Parliamentary Debates and extracted all statements which, in their view, amounted toassurances. These were then referred to the Government ministries concerned to find out the actions takento implement the assurances

Upon receipt of submissions from the ministries and Government departments on the outstandingassurances, your Committee then invited the respective Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executives toappear before them and give updates on the implementation of the assurances under their respectiveportfolios.

MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE

4. Your Committee held twenty-three meetings during the period under review. This report dealswith the consideration of outstanding assurances.

TOURS OF THE COMMITTEE

5. In fulfillment of the programme of work, your Committee also undertook tours to inspect somemine related operations which were reported as being implemented by both new and privatized mines.


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PART 1

CONSIDERATION OF SUBMISSIONS ON VARIOUS ASSURANCES

SUBMISSION BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTAND HOUSING

01/07 Devolving of Functions to Local Authorities

On 30th November, 2007, the Hon Minister of Local Government and Housing assured the House asfollows:

Mr Speaker.... it is important we decentralize some of the functions to the local authorities andthe communities so that they can undertake such jobs as supervising contractors in an effectivemanner.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary submitted that even though the Decentralisation ImplementationPlan (DIP) had not been approved, substantial progress had been made by the Government towards thedev olv ing o f func tions t o lo cal author ities. He a lso rep ort ed that about 60% of the activities in theDIP did not need Cabinet approval and it was for that reason that Cabinet Office had advised theMinistry to pr oceed wi th the implementation of some activities in the DIP that did not require Cabinetapproval. Thus, some of the activities lined up in the DIP such as capacity building in councils hadcommenced.

In the year 2008, the Ministry, with assistance from Cooperating Partners, commissioned training in the useof Finance and Audit Manuals in all the seventy two councils. The training aimed at enhancing financialaccountability in the use of public funds by councils. In addition, the council organisational structureworkshops had been held in all the provinces. The workshops were conducted to developorganisational structures for councils b e fo re devo lution was don e in line with the decentr ali sat ionpolicy.

Committees Observations and Recommendations

Your Committee observe that there have been undue delay in the implementation plan for theDecentralisation Policy. The issue of implementing it in a piecemeal manner is not appreciated.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee urge the Government to attach great value and urgency to theimplementation of the decentralisation policy. A progress report is awaited on the matter.

04/02 Market Development

On 28th February, 2002, the Hon Minister informed the House that with funding from the European Union,three markets in Libala, Chilenje and Nyumba Yanga were being improved upon. The programme would

be extended to other markets in the city and to Kitwe and Ndola.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that Ng'ombe Market was not among the markets selected forimprovement under the European Union (EU) support to the Urban Markets Development Programme.However, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry might facilitate the construction of NgombeMarket if the same was prioritized by Lusaka City Council and funds were available. This was becauseservice delivery had been delegated to the local authorities and this included planning.


Your Committee wonder why the response on the matter has focused on Ngombe Market in Lusaka whilethe assurance is on all markets which are identified under the sponsorship of the European Union.


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In view of the foregoing, your Committee resolve to request for a progress report on all the markets underthe sponsorship of the European Union.

11/04 Empowering of Councils with Equipment such as Graders

On 29th July, 2004, the Hon Minister made the following assurance on the floor of the House:

Mr Speaker, I wish to inform this August House that the Government is determined to empowerall councils with equipment such as graders to enable them perform their duties effectively in thereconstruction and maintenance of feeder roads. Mr Speaker, the intention of my Ministry is tobudget for the procurement of at least two graders in each province for the districts to sharethemselves for a start.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Government through the Ministry of Works and Supply had procuredvarious pieces of road maintenance equipment which had already been distributed to the provincialadministrations in the country. The equipment was meant to assist all councils work on all roads in their

jurisdiction. The Government would however, continue to source for funding to acquire enoughequipment for distribution to al l local authorit ies for sustainable road maintenance.


Your Committee observe with concern that the Ministry is not effectively coordinating the usage of roadequipment which has been delivered to provincial centres for all councils to use in their respective areas.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee urge the Ministry to put in place effective coordinatingmodalities to ensure that the earth moving equipment, which has been centrally placed, is being put to gooduse.

12/04 Construction of Houses through Municipal Bonds


Mr Speaker, I would like to state that this administration is trying to construct houses by raising finances through Municipal Bonds. Our programme is to use Special Purpose Vehiclesmeaning that we will create some form of organs that, indeed will be used for purposes of

Municipal Bonds.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that the programme to construct houses in councils throughMunicipal Bonds could not kick off as originally envisaged due to difficulties in securing assets andincome streams from the local authorities. In addition, the Government had released a total sum of K7billion to selected councils that had set aside land for the construction of houses to enable them construct tenhouses in their respective districts.

In the meantime, the Government was reviewing the National Housing Bonds Trust with a view to making iteffective.


Your Committee observe with concern that the construction of houses through Municipal Bonds is takinglonger than necessary to be implemented.

Your Committee urge the Government to speed up the implementation of the project particularly to theselected councils which have received the funds for the purpose. A progress report is awaited on thematter.


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13/04 Clearance of Outstanding Councils Debts


Mr Speaker, the outstanding debts, currently in the books of the councils, we as Government,have taken note. We have planned that for a period of two years, we will try to clear all thesedebts.

The Permanent Secretary reported that the Government had cleared all retirees' benefits in the municipal councilsand one city council (Livingstone). The Ministry was currently working on an exercise of pa ying r et ireesbenefits in the remaining three city councils the following year.


Your Committee observe that the Government is doing everything possible to address the assurance as allcouncils plus one city council have cleared all the retirees benefits. The only outstanding retirees benefitsare from three city councils, namely; Lusaka, Ndola and Kitwe.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee urge the Government to pay all the outstanding retirees benefitsin the Lusaka, Ndola and Kitwe city councils. An update report is awaited on the matter.

41/05 Building Modern Markets in all Provincial Centres

On 30th March, 2005, the Hon Minister of Local Government and Housing made the following assuranceon the floor of the House:

Mr Speaker, it is the intention of the Government to build markets like the new Soweto Market inall Provincial Centres and, also in big cities like Livingstone, Kitwe and Ndola.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Government had notcommenced the construction of modern markets in all provincial centres because of inadequate budgetprovision to undertake the programme. He further reported that the exercise was a long term undertakingbecause of the huge sums of money required. Each provincial centre would require between K1.5billion and K2 billion.


Your Committee observe that it is taking too long to implement the assurance. They further observe thatthe request to close the matter, as advised by the Permanent Secretary, is premature and untimely asnothing has been achieved to warrant the closure of the assurance.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee urge the Government to urgently find the money to kick start this

project of constructing modern markets in all provincial centres. Only when this is done will yourCommittee consider closing the assurance. A progress report is awaited on the matter.

42/05 Welfare of Chiefs

On 23rd February, 2005, the Hon Minister of Local Government and Housing made the following assuranceon the floor of the House:

Mr Speaker, currently, we are working on a policy of Chiefs Affairs and this policy will take intoaccount issues such as the building and maintenance of Chiefs Palaces and whether or notchiefdoms that were abolished in the past should be resuscitated.


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In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Chiefs Policy had not yet beenapproved by Cabinet. Your Committee would be in forme d when the Policy was approved.


Your Committee observe with concern that the response on the matter is the same as that of last year. TheMinistry needs to pressurise Government to present the Chiefs Policy before Cabinet for approval.

An update report is awaited on the matter.

SUBMISSION BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, PUBLIC SERVICE MANAGEMENTDIVISION (PSMD)

25/05 Formulation of a Comprehensive Pay Reform Strategy

On 23rd March, 2005, His Honour the Vice President made the following assurance on the floor of theHouse:

Mr Speaker, the Medium Term Pay Reform Strategy is the first step towards the formulation of acomprehensive pay policy that will address all aspects of attraction motivation and regainingcompetent and qualified personnel in the public service.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that in the previous submission, the Division reported thatthe consultant had conducted diagnostic studies which included both Public Service and Grant AidedInstitutions and had since submitted a synthesis report which would form the basis for the development of acomprehensive pay policy.

The Pay Policy

Further, the Permanent Secretary reported progress on the formulation of the comprehensive pay policy that

the consultant had submitted the final diagnostic studies syntheses report.

The consultant had also submitted a draft copy of the comprehensive pay policy for the Public service.

He pointed out that the next steps would include the appointment of a Government Committee ofPermanent Secretaries to consider the draft policy and submit the proposed the Government position toCabinet for approval and when adopted, implementation would commence.


Your Committee observe that the formulation of a comprehensive pay policy has reached an advancedstage as it is awaiting due consideration by the Government Committee of Permanent Secretaries and theeventual Cabinet approval and adoption before being implemented.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee resolve to await a progress report on the matter while urging theGovernment to expedite the process.

66/05 Teaching Service Commission

On 15th February, 2005, his Honour the Vice President assured the house as follows:

Mr Chairman, the Commission intends to do the following programmes:

(i) conduct interviews and selection of candidates to fill vacant positions in high schools ofthe restructured Ministry of Education. These interviews will, if necessary, bedecentralized to provinces and districts in order to expedite the process;


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(ii) undertaken tours to provinces to resolve Outstanding cases related to appointment onprobations, confirmations in appointments, promotions, retirements, discipline and so onand general sensitisation of teaching; and

(iii)

restructure the Commission under the Public Service Reform Programme.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Teaching Service Commission toured the centralProvince from June to July, 2008, where they processed 4, 102 cases of appointments, confirmations,retirements and regradings.

During the same year, the Teaching Service Commission also toured North-Western and Southernprovinces where they processed 3, 143 and 4, 171 cases respectively between August and December, 2008.

As regards the restructuring of the Teaching Service Commission, the Permanent Secretary reported that inthe previous submission, the Governments intention was to await the outcome of the National ConstitutionConference before it could proceed with the restructuring process.

The Permanent Secretary reiterated that the Government was still committed to the restructuring of theTeaching Service Commission in order to re-focus and improve its operations.


Your Committee observe with satisfaction that the Commission managed to tour the remaining province toconsider the pending appointments, confirmations, retirements and regradings. However, with regard torestructuring of the Commission, your Committee observe that the exercise has been halted pending theoutcome of the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) which will determine how commissions like theTeaching Service Commission will operate.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee resolve to rest the matter on tours of the Teaching ServiceCommission to all provincial centres countrywide and to await a progress report on the restructuring ofservice commissions.

SUBMISSION BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

164/193 Soldiers Accommodation

On 15th July, 2005, the Hon Minister informed the House that the programme of constructing houses forofficers and servicemen was underway in Lusaka West while architectural drawings in Mufulira had beencompleted although construction work had not yet commenced.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that in 2008, the Ministry of Works and Supply budgetedK20 billion for the construction of housing units for the Defence Services. However, the Ministry ofFinance and National Planning only released a total of K6, 090, 000, 000.00 for the purpose.

On 18th

July, 2008, the Ministry of Works and Supply submitted a list of thirty contractors for securityclearance with the Ministry of Defence. By November, 2008, only eleven contractors had been cleared.The Ministry of Works and Supply went ahead and requested the Zambia National Tender Board to floatthe tenders. In the first week of December, 2008, only five from the eleven cleared contractors hadresponded to the tender. Therefore, Zambia National Tender Board responded with documents from thefive contractors. The Ministry of Works and Supply evaluated the tender documents on the 24 th and 26thDecember, 2008. None of the contractors, among the five, was responsive. Nevertheless, the closest bidwas identified and forwarded to Tender Board for negotiations. Tender Board rejected the request anddirected that the works be re-tendered in January, 2009.

Further, the Permanent Secretary reported that in the meantime, the Ministry of Defence was makingefforts to hasten the process and avoid returning the funds back to the treasury. At this point, the threeServices were asked to find houses they could readily purchase, ZAF identified a block of nine flats around


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Natural Resources Development College (NRDC) area and expressed interest to purchase the nine units.The authority was granted and the transaction was carried out at the sum of K3.950 billion. This meant thatfrom the amount of K6.090 billion that was received, a balance of K2.140 billion was returned to the

Treasury.

However, construction works for Zambia Army and Zambia National Service for the 2009 budgetallocation of K20 billion had not yet commenced due to ongoing tender procedures.


Your Committee observe that the shortage of accommodation for service men is still critical in the DefenceForces. They wonder why the Ministry has to return K6 billion to the Treasury at the end of the fiscal year2008 when no much construction works for the houses was done.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee urge the Government to release funding for the construction ofsoldier accommodation early enough in the fiscal year to ensure its maximum usage for the intendedpurpose. A progress report is awaited on the matter.

03/05 Transport Problem

On 19th January, 2005, the Hon Deputy Minister made the following assurance on the floor of the House:

Sir, with regard to transport, the Government, through the Ministry of Defence, is addressingthis problem seriously. We have so far procured a number of vehicles from Germany and we arealso expecting some more.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that the lack of adequate and reliable transport in theDefence Services continued to be a source of grave concern. Owing to inadequate annual budgetaryallocations, the services were not able to procure vehicles to meet their transport needs. This had adverselyaffected their operations.

i) On July 14, 2008, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with ACMAT of France for thesupply and delivery of Gun Towers (trucks) to Zambia Army.

Following the signing of this contract, the Government paid about a third of the contract value ofthis procurement. Unfortunately, the Ministry had since fallen behind in payment of the secondinstallment which should have necessitated commencement of the delivery of the gun towers.With this default in payment, delivery of this consignment of vehicles had delayed.

ii) The Zambia Air Force during the year 2008 procured an assortment of vehicles tabulated below:- eight Scania Marcopolo buses;- seven Nissan Cedric Saloon cars;- sixteen Toyota Camry Saloon cars;- six Toyota Hiace Ambulances;- one Nissan Minibus;- nine Tata Vans (4 x 4);- thirteen Land Cruiser pick-ups;- four Tata buses 65 seater; and- two Tata buses 30 seater.

The procurement of the vehicles had been a positive step in addressing the transport problems inZambia Air Force.

iii) The Permanent Secretary reported that there were no vehicles purchased for the Zambia NationalService as there was no funding for that during the period under discussion.


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iv) On 10th March, 2000, the Ministry of Defence entered into a contract with Inter-Commerz ofGerman for the supply and delivery of an assortment of second hand military vehicles andassociated equipment valued at USD 5,760,204.25. The Government remitted USD 3,500,000.00

in 2003 but only assorted vehicles worth USD 1,193,987.00 were delivered. To date the GermanCompany had not supplied vehicles and equipment worth USD 2,306,013.00. The Governmentthrough the Ministry of Justice engaged Messrs Massman and Schroder, German Lawyers, to sueInter-Commerz in Germany.

Further, the Permanent Secretary reported that in September, 2008, the Solicitor General and PrincipalState Advocate from the Ministry of Justice traveled to Germany to meet the lawyers. A meeting was heldand instructions were issued to proceed with legal action against Inter-Commerz. The case was currentlybefore the Courts in Germany and the Ministry of Justice was in touch with the Embassy in Germany andthe Ministry of Defence.


Your Committee observe that the buying of gun towers will not necessarily address the critical shortage oftransport in the Defence Forces.

They contend that there is need to followup on the breached contracts between the Government of Zambiaand the German company Inter-Commerz, which never delivered the vehicles to Zambia.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee urge the Government to improve on the fleet of vehicles in theDefence Forces to ease their transport problems and to make a follow-up on the breached contract with theGerman company which matter is before the courts of law in German to ensure that the company deliversthe vehicles bought for the Zambian Government Defence Forces.

A progress report is awaited on the matter.

SUBMISSION BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HEALTH

25/06 Engagement of Countries in Receipt of Zambian Health Workers, Particularly the BritishGovernment

On 23rd March, 2006, the Hon Minister of Health made the following assurance on the floor of the House:

Mr Speaker, yes, Zambia has actually began to engage some of the countries that are receivingsome of our health workers, in particular, the British Government.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that significant progress had been made in implementingGovernment Assurance item No. 25/06. He reported that the situation in the public health sector wascritical because of the shortage of Professional Health Care Workers. The shortage had almost crippled theMinistry of Health's goal of providing health care service delivery to where it was needed most, namely, the

rural and remote areas of the country.

In order to curtail the high attrition rate and to attract and retain key medical professionals, the Ministry ofHealth in 2007 launched the "Zambian Health Workers Retention Scheme Scale-up Plan" for the Zambiancitizens employed by the Ministry of Health. The Plan, which offered incentives at personal and facilitylevel was divided into different phases, which were as set out below:

Phase 1: The Permanent Secretary reported that phase 1 commenced in September, 2007 and coveredMedical Officers in Health Centers and District Hospitals in district category C and D and MedicalConsultants in Provincial Hospitals in district category A, B and C1.


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Under this scheme, Zambian consultants working in district category A, B and C were entitled to amongother things a one-off housing rehabilitation and a car loan. At the facility level, the Ministry had providedmodern medical equipment to replace obsolete items in order to ensure the workplace was conducive.

Medical officers working in Health centres and district hospitals in district category C and D received grossmonthly remuneration which is slightly lower than the Zambian consultants. In addition, like Zambianconsultants, officers in this category were also entitled to a one-off housing rehabilitation and a car loan.

For Zambian Medical Consultants and Senior Registrars working in urban health facilities in Lusaka, Kitweand Ndola accommodation based support was provided under the Plan in terms of upgrading of availableaccommodation and/or construction of new accommodation and other benefits such as free uniforms.

Phase 2: The Permanent Secretary submitted that phase 2 commenced in July, 2007 and covered thefollowing cadre of Health Workers: Nurses, Tutors, Medical Licentiates, Clinical Officers, ZEN/ZEM,Environmental Health Technologists, and Resident Medical Doctors.

Zambian Nurse Tutors working in Nurse Training Institutions and Schools in district category A, B and Cwere reasonably well paid. In addition, there were facility incentives in terms of rehabilitation andrefurbishment of schools that were reopened in 2007 and 2008 through provision of new medicalequipment learning materials and transport. In addition, there was upgrading of selected staffaccommodation in phases.

Further, the Permanent Secretary reported that Zambian Medical Licentiates working in Health Centers andDistrict Hospitals in district category C and D received a gross monthly remuneration which was slightlylower than the medical officers in the same category. In addition, there was a one-off housingrehabilitation, vehicle loan, provision of new medical equipment, improved water reticulation systems andprovision of solar panels for the clinics and each of the staff houses and also installation of radiocommunication and interconnectivity.

Clinical officers, ZEN/ZEM/ and Environmental Technologists working in Health Posts, Clinics and Rural

Health Centers in district category A, B, C and D had also their own attractive remuneration package. Inaddition, there was under the Plan rehabilitation of the clinics and staff houses, one motor bike per healthcentre, new medical equipment to replace obsolete items at health centre, improved water reticulationsystems through sinking of boreholes with hand pumps and provision of solar panels for the clinic and eachof the staff houses and also installation of radio communication and interconnectivity.

For Zambian Resident Doctors working in Lusaka, Kitwe and Ndola Hospitals, there was accommodationbased support in terms of upgrading of available and/or construction of new accommodation and provisionof free uniforms.

Phase 3: The Permanent Secretary reported that phase 3 would have commenced in January 2009 to coverZambian lecturers at the School of Medicine, University of Zambia in district category A. In addition, therewas provision of rehabilitation of housing and new medical equipment to replace, obsolete items at the

School of Medicine. All the necessary documentation had been put in place and an action plan for itsimplementation had been drawn. The Ministry still awaited the Global Fund to release the money for thepurpose and it was hoped that this would be effected by end of May, 2009.

For Zambian Nursing Services Managers, Principal Nursing Officers, Senior Nursing Officers, TheatreSuperintendents, Night Superintendents Pharmacists, Biomedical Scientists and Principal Physiotherapistsin Lusaka Kitwe and Ndola there would be accommodation based support in terms of upgrading ofavailable and/or construction of new accommodation and provision of free uniforms.

Phase 4: As for phase 4, the Permanent Secretary reported that it would commence in July, 2009 andwould cover Pharmacists, Laboratory Technologists, Biomedical Scientists, Radiographers,Physiotherapists and other designated paramedical staff.


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For Zambians Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses, Enrolled Midwives, Radiographers, Physiotherapists,Laboratory Technicians and Pharmacy Technicians in Lusaka, Kitwe and Ndola, there would beaccommodation based support in terms of upgrading of available and/or construction of new

accommodation and provision of free uniforms.

The Permanent Secretary reported that the scheme was fully operational and all members signed for a threeyear period on the scheme and were subject to performance assessments. Members were paid a monthlyamount for the duration of the scheme, and on completion of the three year contract were eligible for anend-of-contract bonus to the value of nine months of the allowance paid during the contract. Theallowances and bonuses were subject to taxation. The scheme was administered from Lusaka andpayments were made directly into the bank accounts of the individual members.

Phase 5: With regard to phase 5, the Permanent Secretary reported that it would include MedicalPersonnel (Allied Health Professionals) working in Provincial Hospitals and the benefits for this cadre wasyet to be determined. However, the Plan was intended to cover all cadres in the health sector.Currently, there were 643 members on the Zambian Health Workers Retention Scheme broken down asfollows: 97 Medical Officers, 146 Tutors and Lecturers and 400 Clinical Officers, Zambian EnrolledNurses, Zambia Enrolled Midwives and Environmental Technologists.


Your Committee observe that the Government, through the Ministry of Health, launched in 2007, theZambian Health Workers Retention Scheme Scale-Up Plan for the Zambian citizens employed by theMinistry of Health. They further observe that this will help in retaining Zambian health workers.However, your Committee observe that there is no mention of engaging countries which have employedZambian health workers, particularly the British Government, to contribute something to the ZambianGovernment.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee resolve to, first and foremost, commend the Government for thelaunch of the Zambian Health Workers Retention Scheme Scale-Up Plan and secondly, to urge

Government to engage all countries which have recruited Zambia health workers to pay the ZambianGovernment some form of token and remit part of the tax Zambian in their countries pay to the ZambianGovernment.


14/07 Expansion of Chainama Hills Hospital into Second Level Provincial Hospital

On 13th July, 2007, the Hon Deputy Minister of Health made the following undertaking on the floor of theHouse:

Mr Speaker, Government..will instead expand some other urban clinics like Chawama,Chilenje, Kanyama and Matero to mini hospitals which will provide laboratory, x-ray, dental, in-

patient, theatre and blood transfusion services.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that progress had been made in implementing GovernmentAssurance item 14/07. The Provincial Hospital to be constructed in Lusaka would be constructed atChainama Hospital grounds and would be undertaken with the support of the People's Republic of China.The ground breaking ceremony was done by the late President, Dr Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, SC. InSeptember 2008, a team comprising officers from the Ministries of Works and Supply and Health travelledto China where the preliminary design and equipment for the provincial hospital to be constructed wasapproved. The Chinese Government was currently working on the detailed drawings for the ProvincialHospital. Upon completion of the drawings, the Chinese Government was expected to procure a contractorto carry out the works. Though the Chinese Government had earlier assured that construction work wouldstart within the first quarter of 2009, confirmation from the Chinese Government was still being awaited asto when the works would commence given that there were now in the second quarter of the year.


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Your Committee observe that the project is still on the drawing board. There is no tangible progress

observed on the ground.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee urge the Government to speed up the process of constructing andexpanding Chainama Hills Hospital into a second level provincial hospital. A progress report is awaited onthe matter.

05/01 Rehabilitation of Chipata, Kasama, Kabwe and Livingstone Nurses Training Schools

The Hon Deputy Minister made the following assurance on the floor of the House on 20 th February, 2001:

Also we have some money to improve Chipata, Kasama, Kabwe and Livingstone Nurses TrainingSchools. We are going to rehabilitate these training schools and buy new equipment.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that considerable amount of work had bee done towardsimplementation of an assurance item no 05/1. The rehabilitation of the above schools were undertakenwith supported funding from the Africa Development Bank under a project loan.

The Rehabilitation works of the Chipata, Kabwe and Livingstone Nursing Schools was completed bycontractors that were awarded contracts for those works.

The Rehabilitation of Kasama Nursing School was disrupted due to termination of the contract betweenMinistry of Health and Tommorrow/Emsworth J.V. However, expansion of the school was currently underway through initiatives being made by the Ministry of Health.

Other than those Rehabilitation works, Mini buses and Training manuals had been procured for the fourSchools.


Your Committee observe that the rehabilitation of all nurses training schools as contained in the assurancehave been done and completed except for Kasama Nursing School.

In view of the above, your Committee urge the Government to find a credible contractor to undertake theremaining works for Kasama Nursing School. A progress report is being awaited on the matter.

SUBMISSION BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

28/97 Establishment of Police Air Wing

In reply to a question on when the Police Force would establish an Air Wing, the Hon Minister

had informed the House that when the money became available, his Ministry would establish theWing.

In her update, the Permanent Secretary reported that plans to establish a Zambia Police Force Air Wing wasstill underway. At least K10 billion was needed for the project which included purchase of aircrafts,training of pilots and engineers and other incidentals.

However, due to competing priorities, the 2009 budget ceiling could not allow the project to be factored in.The competing priorities included procurement of riot kit, transport and uniform and dismantling ofoutstanding utility bills and rentals.

The Ministry was hopeful that the 2010 budget ceiling allowing, the project would eventually take off.


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Your Committee express disappointment that the Government is not attaching importance and urgency to

the establishment of a Police Air Wing.

They advise the Minister to come back to the House and issue a ministerial statement over the delayedimplementation of the assurance.


27/05 Use of Live Ammunition in Crowd Control

On 11th February, 2005 the Hon. Deputy Minister of Home Affairs assured the House as follows: -

"Mr Speaker, we are very concerned about the use of live ammunition and all efforts will bemade to ensure that we have non-lethal mechanisms of dealing with crowd control.Therefore, we are looking into this issue. "

In her update, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Zambia Police Force was as committed as ever tonon-use of live ammunition in crowd control. Police officers had no intention of using live ammunitionunless their lives were in danger. Currently, the Police Force was in the process of procuring rubber bulletsand water cannons which were effective non-lethal means of crowd control.

In addition, the Police Force was also in the process of restocking its armoury by procuring more non-lethalriot kit constituting tear smoke, shield, helmets and long buttons. Furthermore, the Police Force has alsoretrained 750 officers in effective crowd control.


Your Committee observe with concern that stopping the use of live ammunition in crowd control and

obtaining non-lethal mechanisms to deal with crowd control is merely being given lip service as the matterin reality is not being taken seriously.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee urge the Government to seriously implement this assurance asinnocent lives will continue to be lost through irresponsible and careless conduct of overzealous policeofficers. They further urge the Government to urgently acquire crowd control riot kits as opposed to use oflive ammunition on unarmed unruly mobs like worker and student protests.

13/06 Establishment of Forensic Laboratory

On 6th

February, 2006, the Hon. Deputy Minister of Home Affairs assured the house as follows:

"It is the intention of the Zambia Police Force to establish a modern fully equipped

forensic laboratory to train officers, both locally and abroad so as to prosecute such casessuccessfully.

In her update, the Permanent Secretary reported that a line had been created in the 2009 budget for theconstruction of the Forensic Laboratory in Lusaka West. K2 billion had been set aside for thecommencement of the project.


Your Committee observe with concern that the establishment of the Forensic Laboratory is not yet inplace. They, however, take note of the fact that K2 billion has been set aside for the project.


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They impress upon the Government the importance of implementing such as important project withoutfurther delay. They further advise the Government to provide a breakdown of the required K2 billion forthe commencement of the project.

45/87 - Renovation of Police Camps

On 8 th December 1987 the Hon. Minister assured the house that his Ministry was making every effort tosecure funds to carry out necessary renovations of Police Camps through out the country.

Construction of Ablution Blocks in Solwezi Police Camps 1, 2 and 3

The Permanent Secretary reported that even if the principal matter of the assurance had been closed, areport had to be given on the construction works of the ablution blocks in Solwezi Police Camps 1, 2 and 3.Your previous Committee was privileged to tour those police camps and as such, there was need to updateyour Committee on the progress made so far.

The Permanent Secretary reported that building plans had already been done by the Ministry of Works andSupply and were currently doing the Bill of Quantity. The total cost of the project would be determinedfrom the Bill of Quantity.

The department was also in the process of procuring an electronic ballistic microscope for which tenderprocedures had been done.


Your Committee observe with dissatisfaction that Choice Build (Z) Limited has not completed theremaining works as instructed by your previous Committee. The Contractor has not done the extra workswhich was as a result of variation costs and the challenges which arose due to vandalized works.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee advise the Government to revisit the extra works which have

emerged as a result of delays by the contractor in order to enter into a cost sharing deal with him. Aprogress report is awaited on the matter.

17/03 Completion of Mwembeshi State Prison

On 4th November 2003, the Hon Minister informed the house as follows:

"We are trying to make all efforts to slot this requirement of Mwembeshi Prison in the next

year's budget and should that be approved, we are going to commence the works."

In her update, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry was committed to the completion of theMwembeshi State Prison. So far, a dormitory containing four cells which could hold up to 200 prisonershad been completed.

A kitchen and dining hall had been constructed and ZESCO had been paid K110, 550, 000 for theconnection of power to the institution.

The tender process had been completed and the contractor had been identified to start the next phase for theconstruction of the security wall, administration block and a second dormitory respectively. The contractorhad moved on site.

It was estimated that if adequately funded, K20 billion per year was required to complete the project in aperiod of five years.


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Your Committee express happiness that the Government is implementing the project.

They urge the Government to expedite the remaining works. A progress report is awaited on the matter.

05/99 Building of Two Juvenile Centres

On 26th

November, 1999, the Hon Minister made the following assurance on the floor of the House:

"We are also discussing the issue of building two juvenile detention centers. Hon Members

are aware that we have only one juvenile reform school, Katombora, which is for males.Those juveniles who are jailed for less than four years go to ordinary prisons. We believethat building of juvenile centers for younger males will carter for that. At the same time, weare looking at another one for females."

In her update, the Permanent Secretary reported that the lack of female juvenile detention centres had beena source of concern to the Ministry. Currently, there was only one juvenile centre in the country, whichwas exclusively for male juvenile offenders. The centre is Katombora Reformatory School, which wasbuilt in 1954 and is located sixty-two kilometres from Livingstone, in Kazungula.

The two juvenile centres to be built would be located in Lusaka and Kabwe which were centrally located.Plots had been reserved for those two centres.

The cooperating partners under the Access to Justice had created a basket fund for the Criminal JusticeInstitutions. The Ministry had been advised that the Funds would become available in the financial yearstarting June, 2009.

The building department in charge of the Government building had already been furnished with all thenecessary specifications required regarding the project.


Your Committee observe that the juvenile centres to be located in Lusaka and Kabwe have not yet beenbuilt.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee urge the Government to embark on these projects with dueseriousness and urgency. A progress report is awaited on the matter.

06/03 Nsumbu Immigration Office

On 31st

July 2003, the Hon Deputy Minister gave the following response to a question raised on the

floor of the House:

"A new immigration office will be built at Nsumbu Border Post as soon as funds are made

available. The Nsumbu Immigration Post will soon benefit from the fleet of vehicles which

the Immigration Department will be sourcing soon."

In her update, the Permanent Secretary commenced her submission by first of all referring to a point ofclarification of the office block at Nsumbu Border Control. She reported that there had been noconstruction of a standard office block at Nsumbu contrary to what was reported in your CommitteesReport. She sincerely apologised for the misinformation.

However, she reported that what was put up was a temporary wooden make-shift office structure as theinitiative of the officer at the border control on a self-help basis coupled with some support from the


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Regional Immigration Office, which was given in the form of provision of some pockets of cement andiron sheets.

It was worth noting that the structure was indeed temporal and built at the already secured land where thepermanent structure should be erected once resources were made available.

With regard to the allocation of a vehicle to Nsumbu Border Control, the Permanent Secretary reported thatthe ideal transport requirement for the border control was mainly water transport as the border controlneeded to carry out a lot of patrols on the long stretch of the lake shores. A speed boat was alreadyavailable for the operations. The Ministry took note of the need for land transport and it was committed toproviding motor vehicle transport immediately the financial position improved.


Your Committee observe with concern that it has taken quite long to build a permanent structure atNsumbu Border Post. Further, your Committee are of the view that land transport was equally required forthe border post.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee urge the Government to urgently put up a permanent borderstructure and provide at least a motor vehicle to service the border post.

SUBMISSION BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

19/05 Funding of Newly Opened Missions: Tripoli, Paris, Rome and Ottawa

On 3rd March, 2005, the Minister of Foreign Affairs assured the House as follows:

Mr Chairman, as the Ministry intensifies efforts to operationalise the creation of the careerdiplomatic service, there is need to increase the Ministrys allocation to meet operational costs on

RDCs for missions abroad, particularly, the re-opened areas. This will include purchasing new

chanceries and residences to cut down on the huge costs incurred through rentals.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported as set out below.

Progress report on Budget Allocations for these Missions was as follows:

Mission 2007 2008Tripoli 5,095,213,216 5,427,189,426Paris 4,495,461,940 6,294,738,951

Rome 4,040,312,167 5,472,121,191

Ottawa 3,239,020,013 6,747,496,911

With regard to the properties in those Missions, the status was reported as set out below:

a. TripoliThe Mission was offered to purchase a Chancery at a total cost of US$1, 800, 000.00 in 2008. Thiswas to be factored into 2009 budget. However, the treasury allocated only K5 billion for therehabilitation of properties in Missions in the 2009 budget. Meanwhile the Mission was spending atotal of US$364, 067.80 per annum in rentals broken down as follows: Chancery US$66, 101.69,Residence US$52, 881.36 and staff houses US$245, 084.70.

b. ParisThe Mission had since purchased both the Residence and the Chancery.


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c. RomeThe Residence was rehabilitated in 2008 and it was in perfect condition except for the swimming pool,

which was scheduled for rehabilitation in 2009 budget. A total of K122, 000, 000 (US$30, 500) hadbeen allocated. So far, K20, 33, 334 was released in March, 2009.

d. OttawaIt was one of the seven Missions that benefited from K10 billion allocated for rehabilitation works in2008 budget. A total of K1, 200, 000, 000 was allocated and K756, 467, 074 was released leaving abalance of K434, 532, 926. Rehabilitation works were still in progress.


Your Committee observe with concern that funding to the above missions is not adequate for their smoothoperations.

In view of the above, they recommend to the Government that funding be increased to the Missions Abroadas poorly funded missions reflect badly on the countrys economic and political wellbeing. An updatereport is awaited on the matter.

22/05 Renovations of Some Missions

On 3rd

March, 2005, the Hon Minister of Foreign Affairs assured the House as follows:

Mr Chairman, some chanceries and residences in missions abroad such as Gaborone, Windhoek,Dar-es-salaam and Washington DC are in a deplorable state and need urgent renovations. Sir, itis imperative that these embassies meet international standards so that they reflect a positiveimage of Zambia.

Progress on Washington DC

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that following the release of K2, 580, 000, 000 in 2007 bythe Treasury, rehabilitation works at 1915 Spruce Drive in Washington DC were completed in August,2008 and the house had since been occupied by the Minister Counsellor. Warranty was also given as percorrespondence.

With regard to rehabilitation of the Residence Chancery and other houses in Washington DC, thePermanent Secretary submitted that the Mission submitted quotations and recommended that MessrsDecortage Inc performed the works at a total cost of US$1, 129, 600.00 (approximately K4, 518, 400, 000)broken down as follows:

i) Official Residence US$ 850, 000ii) Chancery US$ 223, 000iii) 5208 Linnean Drive US$ 28, 000iv) 8355 East Beach Drive US$ 28, 000

TOTAL US$ 1, 129, 000

The Permanent Secretary further stated that it should be noted that the cost of the works were to be factoredinto the 2009 budget. However, the Treasury allocated only K5 billion for rehabilitation of Missionproperties in the 2009 budget.


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Your Committee observe that rehabilitation of the Washington DC mission is progressing at a steady pace

despite the meager allocation of funds for the works.

Therefore, your Committee commend the Government for taking seriously the rehabilitation works of theMission. They further urge Government to provide adequate funding to speed up the rehabilitation worksthe Mission.

Tour of the Maputo Mission in Mozambique

Regarding the tour of the Maputo Mission by the previous Committee in 2008, the Permanent Secretaryreported as follows:

Issuance of Title Deeds

The matter was being pursued at the highest levels of both Governments.

Renovation Works

The Mission had a total of K683, 891, 483 (US$189, 612) meant for the commencement of works as soonas the Title Deeds were issued.

The monies sent for completion of construction works of the nine storey building were maintained in aseparate account and were not to be utilized in any way without authority from Headquarters.


Your Committee express disappointment that nothing of substance has been done so far to follow-up theissue of the Title Deeds for the nine storey building donated by the Government of Mozambique to the

Zambian Government situated in Maputo.

Your Committee urge the Government to take this matter seriously by reporting action in real terms not asif they were merely theorizing. There is need to report who is involved in pursuing the matter at the highestlevel in getting the Title Deeds. A progress report is awaited on the matter.

SUBMISSION BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND WATERDEVELOPMENT

47/88 TAZAMA Rehabilitation Programme

On 8thDecember 1998, the Hon Minister assured the house that a complete survey of the pipeline and essential repairshad been carried out and that major rehabilitation of the pipeline was underway.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that from 1998 to 2000, Government managed to acquire aloan amounting to US$22.0 million from the World Bank (WB) and US$20.0 million from the EuropeanInvestment Bank (EIB) for use on the rehabilitation of the TAZAMA Pipeline. Some of those funds were disbursedand works were carried out. However, the rehabilitation works could not be completed due to the fact that thefinanciers withdrew their funding as a result of Zambia's inability to meet certain World Bank conditionalities.At the time of cancellation, 21% of the funds from the World Bank were utilized and 87% from the EIB. Due to thisdevelopment, TAZAMA had therefore, resorted to carrying out the rehabilitation works using its ownresources.

So far major portions of the pipeline including pumping stations had been worked on. However, a stretchof about 10 kilometres of pipeline on the Tanzanian side still needed to be replaced and new pipes had already beenprocured for the purpose. Further, the Government had provided funds to the tune of US$2.3 million for


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the completion of the 40,000 metric ton diesel tank in Ndola whose works were also halted as a resultof the withdrawa l of the financing under the petroleum rehabilitation project.


Your Committee note the submission and resolve to request for a progress report on the matter.

26/93 Mini Hydropower Stations

The Hon. Minister assured the house on 7th February, 1995, that depending on the availability of funds, his Ministryintended to develop more hydro power stations.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the Ministry was facilitating the development ofmini-hydropower plants through Public Private Partnership (PPPs) and the private sector. To thiseffect, the Ministry had developed a strategy to ensure that the abundant hydropower potential in thecountry was developed for the sector to contribute effectively to the national economy. Thedevelopment of the sites which was more than 10MW would be spearheaded by the Office for PromotingPrivate Power Investment (OPPPI) while sites which hada capacity of less than 10MW would be spearheaded byRural Electrification Authority (REA).

The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) had since developed an implementation schedule for thedevelopment of mini hydropower sites. As part of the implementation plan, in the Rural ElectrificationProgramme for 2009, REA had identified three mini hydro sites where feasibility studies will beconducted to help package the projects for development. The mini hydro projects sites included Chavuma (2.5MW), Chikata (3.5 MW) and Mumbotuta (1MW) projects.

In addition, the Government was also working in collaboration with the Cooperating Partners to develop someof the mini hydro sites. These include Munjila (1MW) in Mwinilunga and Shiwangandu (1MW) in ChinsaliDistricts. The project in Chinsali was expected to be developed by 2010 while the project in Mwinilunga wasexpected to be completed by 2012.


Your Committee note the submission and observe with disappointment the slow pace at which this matteris being addressed and resolve to request for a progress report on the current status on the matter.

52/05 Strategic Oil Reserves

On 11th February, 2005, the Hon Minister of Energy and Water Development made the following assurance onthe floor of the House.

Mr Chairman, on the issue of petroleum, this is a start. The Government is contemplating onintroducing strategic oil reserves in the country.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary submitted that as part of the introduction of national oil strategic reserves,the Government provided funds to Tazama amounting to US$2.3 million to use for the completion of the 40,000MT Diesel Tank at Bwana Mkubwa. The tank was expected to be commissioned within the second quarter of2009 and it was expected to hold approximately twenty-five days of diesel strategic stock.


Your Committee observe that the 40, 000 MT Diesel Tank at Bwana Mkubwa was expected to becommissioned within the second quarter of 2009 and it was expected to hold approximately twenty-fivedays of diesel strategic stock.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee resolve to request for an update report on the matter.


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56/05 Electrification of Kaputa District

On 17th February, 2005, the Hon Minister of Energy and Water Development made the following assurance on the floor of

the House:

We have purchased a brand new generator for Kaputa. We have also as a Government paid K3 billion toZESCO to connect Kaputa to the National Grid.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary submitted that under the 2009 Rural Electrification Programme, Government throughthe Rural Electrification Authority (REA) hadprovided the remaining balance of approximately K10.0 billion forthe connection of Kaputa District to the National Grid. The project was expected to be completed by 2010.


Your Committee express hope that soon Kaputa District will be connected to the national Grid with theprovision of K10 billion.

Therefore, your Committee resolve to await a progress report on the matter.

50/97 Commercialisation of ZESCO

The Hon Minister assured the House as follows:

To improve the commercial position of the company (ZESCO), the Government has setout key objectives one of which is the commercialisation of ZESCO. This will make thecompany financially viable. As part of the commercialisation, the Company will beencouraged to make all divisions operate as separate business entities such asgeneration, transmission and d istribution.

Your previous Committee had resolved to await the completion of the commercialisation

process. They reiterated their earlier caution that the matter was quite sensitive and should behandled with utmost prudence.

In his update on the assurance, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the commercialisation ofZESCO was on schedule. As at September, 2004, what remained was the post evaluation ofZESCOs business plan, which has been sent to the World bank after incorporating theirconcerns. The final response was being awaited. The engagement of a Regulatory Expert toprovide consultancy services was on a course and the process would be finalised be finalisedbefore the end of December, 2005.


Your Committee note the submission and resolve to await a progress report on the matter.

SUBMISSION BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENTDIVISION

65/05 Development and Implementation of Citizens Charters

On 15th February 2005, the Hon. Deputy Minister in the office of the Vice President made the followingassurance on the floor of the House.

Mr Chairman, having undertaken study tours on this subject, the Division intends to use thismoney on developing and implementing citizens charters in selected Ministries and institutionsbefore covering the rest of the civil services.


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In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported progress to the Committee as set out below:

a. The Service Delivery Charters (the name of the Charters had been modified to correspond tocurrent international best practice) for the Public Service Management Division, Ministry ofTourism, Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of National Registration,Passports and citizenship had been developed and finalised;

b. The Service Delivery Charter for the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development had not beenfinalised as staff from the Ministry could not meet the Consultant to provide the requisite input,due to commitments arising from recent developments in the Mining Sector. The Charter wasnow expected to be finalised before 30th April 2009;

c. The process of printing of the finalised Service Delivery Charters in preparation for their launchhad been commenced and would be completed by the 30th April, 2009;

d. A mechanism/strategy for sensitising the general public about the Charters had been developed. Themechanism/strategy spelt out among other things, the media and type of messages to be used fordifferent types of audiences. As part of the strategy, the public would be sensitized about the Chartersthrough launch meetings thatwould be attended by a cross section of the public and through mediadiscussions that would precede the launch. Once launched, the Charters would also be placedon the web sites of the respective institutions for the general public to download or view thecontents of the Charters online;

e. MDD was currently in the process of agreeing the launch dates with the four institutions. All the Charterswere expected to be launched by 30th June 2009; and

f. MDD had commenced planning for the development of Service Delivery Charters for an additional fourinstitutions within the year 2009.

In conclusion, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the Government was confident that in light of theprogress that had been made, the Science Delivery Charters for Public Service Management Division,Ministry of Tourism, environment and Natural Resources, Ministry of Mines and Minerals Developmentand the Department of National Registration Passport and Citizenship would be launched by 30 th June,2009.


In noting the submission, your Committee observe that tremendous progress on the matter has been made.Your Committee urge the Ministry to ensure that the programme continued to its logical conclusion.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee resolve to have the matter closed but wish to advise the Divisionnot to stop implementing the programme in the remaining Ministries.

SUBMISSION BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF COMMERCE, TRADEAND INDUSTRY

14/98 Normalisation of Border Trade between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo

On 14th

July 1998, the Hon. Minister informed the House that in order to ease cross-border smugglingbetween Zambia and the former Zaire, the two countries had held consultations on the normalization

of trade between them.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remainedZambias important bilateral trading partner and it was in the Ministrys interest to conclude the agreement.To this end, the Ministry had initiated the process of organising a bilateral meeting with Congo DR throughthe Ministry of Foreign Affairs by requesting them to set a date for the meeting.


Your Committee observe that the issue of normalizing border trade between Zambia and the DemocraticRepublic of Congo (DRC) is beyond the means and competence of the Ministry. Consequently, your


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Committee wonder why the Minister issued such an assurance when he knew that the Ministry had nomeans and competence to push for such an undertaking.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee urge the Minister to issue a ministerial statement on the matterso that the nation is informed that the undertaking is after all not within the means and competence of theMinistry.

An update report is awaited on the matter.

14/05 Zambia Malawi Mozambique Growth Triangle

On 17th

February, 2005, the Hon. Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry made the following

assurance on the floor of the House:

Mr Chairman, this is a joint study among Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, on the growth

triangle that was signed about two years ago in Nacala. The programme has been attracting

adequate donor financing to create activities in the growth triangle. I agree with Hon Kapita

that the money is most sufficient but at least, will get our work started.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and industrywas makin g efforts to resuscitate the operationalisation of the Zambia Malawi Mozambique growthTriangle (ZMMGT).

The Zambia Malawi Growth Triangle Secretariat in collaboration with the private sector forum weremandated to come up with a detailed Report outlining the current status of the ZMMGTand recommendations on the way forward. T h e r e p o r t a n d recommendations hadsince beensubmitted to the Ministry.

Further, the Permanent Secretary submitted that on 13th July, 2008, the Minister of Commerce,Trade and Industry along with his counterpart from Mozambique and the Malawian High

Commissioner accredited to Zambia, held a side meeting during the Southern African DevelopmentCommunity (SADC) summit held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre to discuss theZambia Malawi Mozambique Growth Triangle Project. The meeting resolved that a follow upministerial meeting be convened in the margins of the SADC Summit in order to rejuvenate theoperations of the ZMMGT.

In this regard, the Ministry had scheduled an internal consultative meeting on Wednesday, 20thMay, 2009. The meeting would work towards consolidating Zambias position. The areas ofdiscussion would include among others:

a. discussion on the ZMM-GT Financial Statements and Status Report;b. recommendations on the ZMM-GT Secretariat;c. areas of cooperation;d. procedure of redeveloping the MoU; ande. development of Agenda for technical and ministerial Meeting.

The Permanent Secretary stressed on the fact that the Ministry was trying hard to come up with anappropriate period, preferably in July, 2009, for the three Ministers and other stakeholders toconvene a meeting.


Your Committee observe that there are noticeable strides which are being made to realise the assurance.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee resolve to await a progress report on the outcome of the variousinterventions which the Ministry was involved in regarding the realisation of the assurance.


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06/07 The Rural Development Policy

On 13th November, 2007, the Hon Deputy Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry assured the

House as follows:

Sir, my Ministry is working on the rural development policy, that we have decided that it isimportant to address the supply constraint first and this means that we must provide

infrastructure.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that the Ministry of Commerce, Trade andIndustry was working with the Capacity Building for Private Sector Development (CBPSD)of the European Union to develop the rural industrialisation policy.

The Permanent Secretary went on to state that a consultant was engaged to undertake a ruralAssessment Study and a report had since been submitted to the Ministry. Subsequently, theMinistry made comments, which were yet to be incorporated into the report. The RuralAssessment study was pertinent for the development of the policy.

He further submitted that similarly, the Ministry was awaiting the completion of the NationalEconomic Census by Ministry of Finance and National Planning through the Central StatisticalOffice as the information would provide an input in the Policy. The Economic Census list ingwhich was conducted at the end of 2007 to early 2008 was an important input into the RuralIndustrialisation Policy, as it would provide comprehensive statistics that would add value to theprocess.

The Permanent Secretary also reported that, so far, the Central Statistical (CSO) had finished dataentry of the Economic Census data collected and validation of the data op-going. Preliminaryresults were expected soon.

It was expected that as soon as the preliminary results werereleased, the Ministry would be able to get the

much needed and awaited input into the Rural Industrialisation Policy.

In addition, the Ministry was scheduled to undertake a countrywide stakeholder consultation inthe third quarter of 2009 in order to develop a Rural Industrialisation Implementation Strategy.


Your Committee observe that the Ministry is doing everything possible to address the assurance.

In view of the foregoing, you Committee resolve to await a progress report on the matter.

SUBMISSION BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF INFORMATION ANDBROADCASTING SERVICES

14/96 Decentralisation of Printing Presses

On 3 rd February, 1996, the Hon Minister assured the House that plans were underway to decentralize theprinting presses in provincial centres for publishing of vernacular newspapers fortnightly.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that the printing press for Chipata had beenpurchased and would be set up as soon as the construction of the building to house it wascompleted.

In the 2009 budget, K6 billion had been set aside for the purchase of the second printing pressearmarked for Kasama Northern Province. However, the allocation was not adequate as part ofthe money had been used for constructing the building in Chipata as well as Kasama.


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Your Committee observe that only Chipata and Kasama as Provincial Centres have been cited in the

submission by the Permanent Secretary. They wonder when other provincial centres will be provided withprinting presses for publishing vernacular newspapers fortnightly.

In view of the forgoing, your Committee await a progress report on the matter.

08/95 Establishment of Press Liaison Network

On 3rd February, 1995, the Hon Minister assured the House as follows:

It is also the intention of my Ministry to establish a Press Liaison Network which will linkministries by computer to my Ministry for dissemination of information to the general publicthrough the media.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that the establishment of the Press Liaison Networkhad not worked because the same was dependent on line ministries appointing the officers. Thiscould work if the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services was the one to provideofficers in line ministries the same way the Ministry of Finance and National Planning appointedaccountants to other ministries. However, this would call for the expansion of the Ministrysestablishment, which could not be done at the time due to financial constraints, which had led tosuspension of recruitments.


Your Committee observe with concern that the Press Liaison Network between the Ministries and theMinistry of Information and Broadcasting is not yet established due to financial constraints.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee resolve to urge Government to provide adequate funds to the

Ministry to urgently establish the Press Liaison Network between Ministries and the Ministry ofInformation and Broadcasting Services. A progress report is awaited on the matter.

08/98 Press Attaches for Zambian Missions Abroad

On 18th February, 1998, the Hon Minister assured the House as follows:

It is my Ministrys intention to station properly qualified, professional, and experienced journalists as Press Attaches at Zambians High Commissions and Embassies strategically allover the world.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that it was the Ministry of Informations plan to andin consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, support press attaches in all important

missions abroad. However, there would be no press attaches sent in 2009 due to lack of funds.


Your Committee express sadness that the Ministry is failing to send press attaches to all Zambian Missionsabroad due to lack of funds.

You Committee urge the Government to attach great importance to this exercise as the press attaches assistgreatly in portraying a positive image of our country. Therefore, such a noble exercise should be adequatelyfunded.



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05/05 (26/93) Poor Television Reception in Chipata

On 19th January, 2005, the Hon Deputy Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services made the

following undertaking on the floor of the House:

Lusaka/Chipata Microwave Link was digitalised and problems were being experienced with thesystem. This has affected the signal delivery for re-broadcasting to the Zambia National

Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Television transmission in Chipata. The problem is, therefore,temporary as ZAMTEL technicians are working hard to solve it. Zambia National BroadcastingCorporation (ZNCB) on the other hand has continued to invest in the rehabilitation ofinfrastructure in order to ensure the delivery of good quality programme to viewers.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that the governing geographical terrain of Chipata wasmountainous. The television transmitter was located at a lower point, where the hills are higherthan the ZNBC mast. This meant that the hills were blocking the signal from being transmitted toa wider area, thereby resulting in poor reception. ZNBC was working on that and the options wereto either have two different transmitters at different places or simply move the transmitter to ahigher point the way ZAIN had done it. That had its own costs, which at the moment were notcatered for in the 2009 budget.


Your Committee observe with satisfaction that Chipata town television reception has improvedtremendously. The area which has bad reception currently is Chadiza.

Your Committee resolve to have the matter closed as the assurance has essentially been addressed

SUBMISSION BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF WORKS AND SUPPLY

16/07 Replacing Pontoons with Bridges

On 20th November, 2007, the Hon Minister of Works and Supply made the following assurance on the floorof the House.

Mr Speaker, it is the Governments policy that all pontoons must be replaced with bridgeseventually. At the moment, with limited resources, we are replacing them and one example isChembe.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that the progress made on the replacement of pontoons withbridges was that, the consultant, Messrs. Egis BCEOM was appointed to carry out the feasibilitystudy and detailed engineering design for the construction of the bridge across the Zambezi River atKazungula and the contract was signed on 24 th July, 2008. The consultant started to mobilise andcommenced the assignment on 22nd September, 2008. The duration of the contract was twelve months.

The preparation of the tender document would immediately follow the completion of the design stage.Zambia and Botswana were the only parties to the bridge construction since Zimbabwe withdrew from theproject.

Further, the Permanent Secretary reported that the consultant, Messrs. Sheladia Associates Inc, who werecarrying out the detailed engineering design for the construction of the bridge across Kafue river at Chiawa,had carried out and completed the design change of the type of bridge deck to the pre-stressed box girderfrom reinforced concrete deck. The change in the design was being issued as Addendum No 02 to theconsultancy service contract. The additional expenditure to the consultancy service contract wasUS$48,500.00 more and above the original contract sum of US$299,100.00 and ZMK17, 400,000.00 for theforeign and local components respectively. The construction works were expected to commence in June,2009.


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The letter of award for the contract to provide services for carrying out detailed engineering des ign and tenderdocument preparation for the construction of the bridge across Kafue River at Mufuchani in Kitwe wasawarded to Messrs. Arab Consulting Engineers in Association with Civilstrut Consulting Engineers at a

sum of US$342,000.00 with a contract duration of seven months. The contract was signed in December,2008.The consultant started providing services in January, 2009. The Consultant had so far submitted theinception report for comments by the Road Development Agency and World Bank.

The evaluation of the bids for the tender for the construction of the bridge across the ChambeshiRiver at Mbesuma commenced on 17th November, 2008. The contract had been awarded to Messrs SableTransport at the contract sum of ZMK49, 000,000,000.00 for the duration of fifteen months from April2009. There was a provision in the 2009 Annual Work Plan (AWP) for the construction of theMbesuma Bridge.

Further, the Permanent Secretary submitted that the Ministry of Works and Supply through the RoadDevelopment Agency (RDA) had advertised a tender for the provision of consultancy services to carry out afeasibility study and detailed engineering design for the construction of the bridge across Zambezi River inZambezi district. The tender closed on 9

thJanuary, 2009 and would be followed by tender evaluation leading

to the award of the consultancy contract by May, 2009.


Your Committee observe that all the earmarked bridges intended to replace the pontoons are still on thedrawing board.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee resolve to await a progress report on the matter.

Further, your Committee observe that there have been protracted discussions and negotiations on theconstruction of Livingstone Kazungula four ways bridge.

Your Committee hope that Zambia and Botswana being the only parties remaining to construct the bridge

will go ahead without further delay. The issue of designing over and over again should now come to an endand commence the implementation part. The construction of the bridge should now commence as it hasbeen long over due.


18/04 Kasempa Turn-Off Zambezi Chavuma Road

On 16th July, 2004, the Hon Deputy Minister of Finance and National Planning made the followingassurance on the floor of the House:

The estimated total cost of Kasempa Turn-off/Zambezi/Chavuma road is US $80 million, whichis approximately K383 billion. Efforts are being made to seek support from co-operating

partners.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that the implementation of the improvement of the KasempaTurn Off - Zambezi - Chavuma road was divided into two separate contracts. The first one involved theupgrading to bitumen standard of the road from Kasempa Turn Off up to Kabompo. The contract wasawarded to Messrs. Belga Construction Limited in 2001 at a contract sum of US46.40 million withduration of 42 months. Due to erratic and inadequate funding resulting in very slow rate of progress onsite, a contract to carry out rehabilitation and maintenance of the section of the road between Mufumbweand Zambezi was awarded in July, 2006 to Messrs. China Geo Corporation. The intention was to ensurethat the project road, that is, the Kasempa Turn Off - Mufumbwe - Kabompo - Zambezi road, was kept ingood condition as the upgrading to bitumen standard of the road proceeded towards Kabompo. TheMufumbwe - Zambezi road has been fully rehabilitated to gravel standard. The rehabilitation was,completed in February, 2007. The road was now under regular maintenance until July, 2010. The


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funds for rehabilitation were provided by the European Union. The funds for maintenance wereprovided by the Road Fund.

The construction to bitumen standard of the entire project road was being carried out in phases. It was hopedthat the section up to Kabompo might be completed in 2010. Coincidentally, the maintenance contract wouldexpire on 25th July, 2010.

The Permanent Secretary reported that to date, the contractor had completed a total of 91.5Km of the roadwhich was open to traffic and had been handed over to the RDA. An impressive 38Km against the targeted22Km of tarred road was constructed during 2008. The contractor had now set up camp atMu fu mb we an d wo ul d co mm en ce construction of the remaining stretch early next year.


Your Committee observe that the works on the road are on-going. They also note that the road has beendivided into two separate contracts from Kasempa Turn-off to Kabompo to be upgraded to bitumen standardand from Kabompo to Zambezi to be subjected to rehabilitation and maintenance of gravel road.

In the circumstances, your Committee wish to urge the Government to urgently source for adequate fundingto upgrade to bitumen standard the phase two project of the road as well. Further, the assurance does not endat road works in Zambezi but go further to mention Chavuma. For this reason, the Ministry is urged toinclude the entire road project up to Chavuma.


69/93 Choma Namwala Road

On 16th July, 1993, the Hon Minister informed the House that the Choma/Namwala road would be tarred inphases as soon as the initial K90 million was released. He further stated that the project would beimplemented by the end of 1993.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that the section between Namwala and Chitongo wasupgraded to bitumen standard by December, 1999. The section between Choma and Chitongo wasawarded to Messrs. Basil Reed in 1998. However, works did not commence until July 2000 when it waseventually suspended due to lack of funds.

The Ministry through the Road Development Agency engaged Messrs . Basil Reed in negotiation aboutthe future implementation of the project. However, Messrs. Basil Reed was not willing to cooperate andeventually it was mutually agreed by both parties to terminate the contract.

The Permanent Secretary further reported that a fresh tender for the construction of Choma - Chitongoroad was prepared and advertised in 2007. The contract was awarded to Messrs. China Geo Corporation ata sum of ZMK164, 112, 514, 556.00 for the duration of twenty-four months. The works commenced on 1st

August, 2008. The works were going on well. The expected date of completion was 31st

July, 2010. TheContractor had so far worked on and completed 3.58Km. A diversion road 40km, had also beencarried out. Thirty box culverts had been constructed.


Your Committee observe with happiness that the section of the road between Namwala and Chitongo hasbeen upgraded to bitumen standard. However, only 3.58 km has been upgraded to bitumen standardbetween Choma and Chitongo.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee urge the Government to continue being committed to complete theentire road works by 31st July, 2009.


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41/97 Hostels Accommodation in Mansa and Kasama

The Hon Minister on 27th February, 1997, assured the House that:

During the 1997 period, my Ministry will try to provide hostel accommodation in Mansa andKasama by completing and officially opening or commissioning the Mansa and Kasama Hostel.

In his update, the Permanent Secretary reported that the tender process for the rehabilitation of Mansa Lodgewas completed and a contract was awarded to Messrs Hua Jiang Investments Limited. The Contractorbegan the works on the 1st March 2008. The project was expected to last thirty weeks. As of 30thJanuary, 2009, the contractor had completed 75% of the works. The block-work for the two main buildingshad been completed and the buildings had been roofed. The contract sum for the works was K2, 736, 610,250.00 and K1, 124, 672 , 548.00 had so far been p aid on the comp letion certificates presented.


Your Committee observe that the rehabilitation works for the Mansa Lodge has reached 75% of completion.

In view of the foregoing, your Committee urge the Government to release the remaining amount of thecontract to enable the contractor complete the works.


12/09 Lusaka Chipata (Great East Road)

On 27th February, 1997, the Hon Mini

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