President Michael Sata has opened
the Third Session of the Eleventh National Assembly with an assurance to the
Zambians that the PF Government has no intentions of turning the country into a
one party State.
Below is the full speech
Introduction
In accordance with the decorum of
this August house, I join you and the rest of the Honourable members of
parliament to officially open the third session of the eleventh national
assembly.
It is one year since I last
addressed this august house on the occasion of the official opening of the
second session of the eleventh national assembly and a number of developments
have since taken place in our country.
Obituary
Before I go any further, I note
with sadness that during the second session of the eleventh national assembly,
the house lost the Honourable member for Mansa central parliamentary
constituency, the late Mr Kennedy Sakeni, MP and former minister of information
and broadcasting services, who passed away on 5th September, 2013. May his soul
rest in peace.
May I now ask the house to stand
and observe a minute of silence in honour of our dear departed colleague.
Mr. Speaker,
This session is special in many respects. Firstly, it marks almost two years of
hard work by the Patriotic Front in
government.
The Patriotic Front government
came into power to address the many social and economic challenges facing the
Zambian people so as to restore their dignity and past glory. This is in line
with the PF vision which is enshrined in our manifesto which states and I
quote, “the citizens of this land, not only deserve better lives but are
entitled to better lives”, end of quote.
Secondly, the session also comes
against the background of Zambia having successfully co-hosted with Zimbabwe,
the highest ever attended United Nations
world tourism organization general assembly last month. The event has helped to
raise Zambia’s image as a tourist destination of choice.
Thirdly, this session sets the
stage for the commemoration of Zambia’s 50th independence anniversary, the
golden jubilee, in October next year. The theme of the celebrations is and I
quote, “commemorating God’s favour of Zambia’s 50 years of independence for
continued peace, unity, democracy, patriotism and prosperity” end of quote.
Mr. Speaker,
This is an opportunity for us as a country to reflect on our achievements and
challenges. It is equally, an occasion to motivate and energise ourselves as a
united people to face the future with resolve.
During the commemoration,
government will bestow deserving individuals who have made outstanding
contributions to the development of this country with “a special single class
independence day medal”.
Parliamentary
affairs
Mr. Speaker,
I am happy to note that, during the second session of the eleventh national
assembly, the honourable members of parliament worked together across
party-lines to deal with matters of great national importance in the interests
of our people. This was demonstrated by the number of bills passed,
parliamentary questions debated and ministerial statements presented.
I, therefore, wish to thank you, Mr
Speaker, the honourable deputy speaker, the deputy chairperson of committees of
the whole house, and the chairpersons of all the parliamentary sessional and
select committees for effectively discharging your functions. Your leadership
enabled the house to carry out its constitutional mandate and ensure that our
government was kept on track in its provision of services to the Zambian
people.
Furthermore, I would like to
thank and congratulate his honour the vice president and leader of government
business in the house, on the excellent manner in which he directed government
business. In thanking his honour the vice president, I also acknowledge the
role that party whips played in ensuring that the business of the house was
conducted smoothly. Similarly, I would like to commend the clerk of the
national assembly and her staff for the excellent services and their dedication
to duty.
Let me take this opportunity to
congratulate all the new members of parliament, who have since joined the
house. I also thank the electorate who participated in the by-elections. I,
however, regret to note that some by-elections were characterised by violence.
I wish to emphasise the need for self-restraint and tolerance before, during
and after elections so as to enable our democracy to flourish.
Socio-economic
affairs
Mr. Speaker,
Under the Patriotic Front
government, the performance of the economy has continued to be positive,
recording growth in the gross domestic product of
6.8 per cent and 7.3 per cent in 2011 and 2012 respectively.
This growth was driven by the transport, communications, construction,
agriculture, trade and manufacturing sectors.
Inflation has remained at single
digit, recorded at 7.1 per cent as at end of august 2013. Lending rates have
fallen from an average of 20 per cent in 2012 to 16.3 per cent as at June 2013.
Mr. Speaker,
The government’s initiative of borrowing through the euro bond, resulted in
increasing the fiscal space for national development. This has enabled the
country to undertake projects such as the re-capitalisation of the nitrogen
chemicals of Zambia. The production of fertilizer locally is going to boost our
farmers’ production and subsequently increase food security and generate
employment.
Mr. Speaker,
Efforts to diversify the economy will be guided by the national vision 2030,
the revised sixth national development plan covering the period 2013 to 2016
and the decentralisation policy. The focus will be on the key areas of
agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, tourism, science and technology.
Our goal is to achieve higher and sustained economic growth in order to
alleviate poverty through rural development and job creation.
The planning framework re-affirms
our government’s commitment to coordinated planning in line with the Patriotic
Front manifesto which must be our reference document at all time. To this end,
government will soon present to this house, the 2014 national budget to support
implementation of priority programmes. I urge this august house to support the
budget.
Education
and skills development
Mr. Speaker,
I wish to restate that education and vocational skills
development is critical to our national development. It is, however, a fact
that a good number of our young people have not had access to quality education
due to limited school spaces particularly, at secondary and tertiary education
levels.
In our effort to address this challenge, I wish to inform this house that our
government is reviewing the education policy and stakeholder consultations are
about to be concluded. The policy will realign the educational system to ensure
that the academic and vocational training are harmonised from early childhood
to tertiary education levels.
The aim is to make the curricula at all levels relevant to national
development.
In my address to this house last year, I directed the minister responsible for
education to establish a regulatory body to monitor education standards in the
country. I am pleased that the higher education act was enacted. This act
provides for the establishment of the higher education authority. Government
has commenced the process of establishing the authority.
Mr. Speaker,
while steady progress has been made to expand primary school infrastructure,
government recognises the need to accelerate construction of new secondary
schools to meet the growing demand for post primary education. In this regard,
government has completed construction of 32 new secondary schools out of the
planned 84 in the country.
In 2014, government will accelerate the completion of the remaining 52 schools
currently under construction. It is our government’s policy to ensure that the
construction of school infrastructure especially, in rural areas is accompanied
by the construction of staff housing units so as to provide a conducive
teaching and learning environment.
In addition to the construction of schools, government will also accelerate the
rollout of information and communication technologies in learning institutions
to enhance both access and quality of education.
Mr. Speaker,
in my last address to this house, I announced the construction of universities
in various provinces. I am pleased to inform this house that construction of
the Chalimbana and Palabana universities in Lusaka province, and Paul Mushindo
at Lubwa mission in Muchinga province has commenced. Construction of the David Livingstone
University in southern province, king Lewanika University in western province
and Luapula University in Luapula province will commence soon.
Furthermore, the house may wish
to note that the upgrading of infrastructure at Kwame Nkrumah and Mukuba
university colleges has commenced. These measures will broaden opportunities of
access to university education and help decongest the three public
universities.
Mr. Speaker,
Government is aware that the infrastructure at the three public universities
requires urgent attention. I, therefore, direct the minister responsible for
education to address infrastructure rehabilitation at these universities so as
to improve the academic environment.
Our government expects that the quality of education that will be offered
across all levels in the coming years, will match the parent’s expectations of
good results. The minister of education must take this directive seriously.
Mr. Speaker,
Our government places high priority on vocational skills development of our
youths. This has guided our government to invest in the construction and
expansion of trades training institutions throughout the country.
I am, therefore, delighted to inform this house that construction works of
these training institutions in Kalabo and Isoka are nearing completion while those
for Mwense and Mporokoso trades training institutes will commence before the
end of this year. In addition, expansion works are under way at northern
technical college, Zambia air services training institute, Choma and Chipata
trades training institutes, and Kabwe institute of technology.
Health
Mr. Speaker,
Our government reaffirms its position that good health for our citizens is a
pre-condition for national development.
Government has continued with its
commitment to re-organise the health sector to ensure significant improvement
in service delivery in a clean, caring and competent environment as close to
the family as possible.
I am pleased to inform this
august house that government approved the national health policy in 2012. The
policy is aimed at providing an optimum package of health care. I am therefore,
directing the minister of health to ensure that health services are discharged
with the necessary efficiency and effectiveness expected by the public.
Mr. Speaker,
in our quest to bring health care as close to the family as possible,
government has continued to build and upgrade health infrastructure across the
country at all levels. Government has made progress in this area and 137 health
facilities have been rehabilitated countrywide. In addition, the rehabilitation
works for 110 health facilities have commenced.
Construction of two new district
hospitals has been completed in Shang’ombo and Chadiza districts. These
hospitals are now operational. Furthermore, the construction of four new district
level hospitals in Lumwana, Lufwanyama, Chiengi and Samfya is expected to be
completed by the end of the year.
Further, twenty one new district
hospitals and 114 housing units are under construction countrywide.
Mr. Speaker,
in my address last year, I informed the house that government would commence
the construction of 650 health posts across the country and expansion of the
cancer diseases hospital.
I am pleased to inform this august house that contracts have now been signed
for the construction of the 650 health posts. The construction will be done
over a period of two years.
In addition, the construction of
a 220 bed facility at the cancer diseases hospital is expected to be completed
by the end of this year. Government has already procured specialised medical
equipment for this facility. The training of medical personnel in various
clinical fields is also underway.
Further, the government has
commenced the modernization and upgrading of the university teaching hospital, Ndola
and Kitwe central hospitals, and Livingstone general hospital by installing
specialized equipment.
These measures are aimed at affording more Zambians access to specialised
quality health care services and hence, reducing the cost associated with
treatment abroad.
Mr. Speaker,
The government is committed to improving the procurement and distribution of
essential medical supplies so that drugs are readily available in all health
institutions. This will be achieved through allocation of adequate funds for
the procurement and distribution of essential medical supplies including
anti-retroviral drugs.
In addition, the services of the
medical stores limited will be decentralised by introducing regional
distribution hubs.
Mr. Speaker,
to address the critical shortage of skilled health personnel, government will
construct, rehabilitate and expand health training and research institutions to
increase the number of graduates and promote research in health.
Agriculture
development
Mr. Speaker,
The agriculture sector is key to
assuring national food and nutritional security, mitigating high poverty levels
and creating job opportunities. To this effect, government will enhance use of
science and technology in pursuit of its policy objective of achieving a
competitive, diversified and sustainable agricultural sector.
In 2012, the sector contributed
19.2 per cent to the gross domestic product. This was on account of good
performance of the crops and livestock sub-sectors. A positive growth was
registered in crops such as wheat, barley, soya beans and rice in the 2012/2013
agricultural season. However, maize production fluctuated regionally because of
the unfavourable rain pattern experienced during the last farming season.
Mr. Speaker.
Our focus for 2014 is to continue investing in the crop diversification
programme so that we trigger the desired 6 per cent annual growth in the
sub-sector. To achieve the projected growth, government will, among other
things, continue the re-capitalisation of the nitrogen chemicals of Zambia.
In addition, government will
continue restructuring the farmer input support programme aimed at providing
access to inputs for 900,000 small scale farmers through better targeting. This
will be complemented by up-scaling the electronic voucher system.
Mr. Speaker,
to increase productivity among small scale farmers, government will focus its
efforts on modernising agriculture production through science, technology and
mechanisation. In addition government will also promote good agricultural
practices which will include conservation agriculture, use of improved seed
varieties and diversify on-farm activities. The measures will be supplemented
by enhanced extension services.
Mr. Speaker,
during my address to this august house last year, I indicated that government
would continue to make land available for agricultural development under the
farm block programme. Works at Nansanga and Luena farm blocks are progressing
well.
In Nansanga, the government has
constructed roads and dams and connected the farm block to the national
electricity grid. In Luena, construction of infrastructure is underway.
Furthermore, land has been identified for farm block development in
north-western, copper belt, western, eastern, Muchinga and Northern provinces.
Consultations to identify land for developing farm blocks with our traditional
leaders in Lusaka and southern provinces are still underway.
Mr. Speaker,
to reduce over dependence on rain-fed agriculture, the government is committed
to progressively bring 17,000 hectares of land under irrigation by 2016. I am
glad to report that over 4,500 hectares is now under irrigation as part of this
programme.
Mr. Speaker
The government’s interventions in the livestock sub-sector were mainly in the
restocking and disease control programmes. This was done through the creation
of livestock centres and establishment of disease free zones.
In 2014, the government will continue promoting increased livestock production
and productivity by increasing the number and quality of various genetically
superior breeds of livestock.
To address livestock disease outbreaks, the government will continue with the
construction of dip tanks and livestock centres. The government will also
continue with countrywide vaccination of animals.
Mr. Speaker,
The current supply levels of fish from our rivers and lakes cannot meet the
national demand due to depleted fish stocks. Accordingly, the government will
continue promoting aquaculture through the establishment of fish hatcheries and
lake based nurseries across the country. In addition, the government shall
promote fish conservation and surveillance to promote sustainable exploitation
of capture fisheries resource.
Mr. Speaker,
Agricultural marketing has been facing some challenges for some time now. Our
government will prioritise the promotion of agricultural marketing with a focus
on increased private sector participation. This will be achieved through the
establishment of agribusiness centres; community crop bulking and marketing
centres; and livestock marketing centres as well as agro dealer networks
countrywide.
To comprehensively address
problems which we have encountered in agricultural marketing, the government
will review the agriculture marketing act. To this effect, I am directing the minister
responsible for agriculture to expeditiously review the act in consultation
with all stakeholders.
Mr. Speaker,
The government will, in 2014, ensure that there is sufficient food reserves at
all levels by enhancing storage capacity in order to reduce post-harvest
losses. This will be attained by increasing the storage capacity by a further
450,000 metric tonnes, bringing the total to 1.3 million metric tonnes.
Construction and rehabilitation of storage facilities will continue to bring
the required minimum national storage capacity to two million metric tonnes.
These measures in the
agricultural sector will lead to job creation and increased income generation
which will ultimately contribute to poverty reduction. Our target is to create
510,000 jobs by 2016 in this sector alone.
Local
government and housing
Mr. Speaker,
Last year, I re-affirmed our government’s commitment to the decentralisation of
functions in our local government system. To demonstrate this commitment, the
government approved the revised national decentralisation policy, which I
launched on 16th July, 2013.
Mr. Speaker,
in a country as large and sparsely populated as ours, citizen participation and
effective delivery of services in many areas remain a daunting task. In order
to address these challenges, our government has created 30 new districts out of
which 18 are already functional.
I therefore, urge, the
responsible minister to expedite the operationalisation of the remaining newly
created districts for enhanced local community governance and delivery of
services.
Mr. Speaker,
to strengthen the revenue base of the local authorities, the government is in
the process of amending the rating act.
With the decentralization policy in place, I am now directing the responsible
ministers for local government and finance to ensure that the local government
and finance acts are brought in line with the spirit of the revised national
decentralization policy. This policy must change our people’s living standards
and contribute to employment creation in all the districts.
Mr. Speaker,
The country has been experiencing a huge housing deficit, which has resulted in
scarce and expensive accommodation for our people. I am therefore, directing
the minister of local government and housing to explore various partnerships
and investment to cushion the current national housing deficit.
In addition, in 2014, government
will recapitalize the Zambia national building society in order to provide
affordable finance to our people for the construction of housing.
Social
protection
Mr. Speaker,
During my last address to this house, I committed government to developing a
social protection policy to guide the implementation of social safety nets
aimed at cushioning the poor and vulnerable groups from poverty.
I wish to inform this august
house that consultations on the development of the national social protection
policy are nearing completion.
The policy will streamline the implementation of the social safety net
programmes and rationalize the use of resources to achieve maximum impact. The
development of this policy must be expedited to compensate for the removal of
subsidies on fuel and maize by the government this year.
Mr. Speaker,
The government will continue to implement the national policy on disability to
guide programmes for persons with disabilities so as to enable them to lead
productive, fulfilled and dignified lives. The policy will ensure that
disability issues are mainstreamed in all our sector plans and programmes.
Rural
development
Mr. Speaker,
Government will scale up interventions aimed at accelerating rural development
in order to improve the people’s living standards. To ensure that the rural
areas are connected to electricity supply, government is constructing
mini-hydro power stations. To this effect, construction of the mini-hydro power
station in Shiwan’gandu has been completed. Construction of chanda falls
mini-hydro power station in Chavuma is expected to commence soon.
Our government will continue supporting the rural electrification programme which
is aimed at connecting rural communities such as chiefs' palaces, schools and
health centres to the power grid.
This is being complemented by
solar projects. In 2014, the focus of the programme will be to electrify new
districts in line with the government’s policy of decentralisation.
Further, the government has
commenced an extension programme of mobile communication services to cover
chiefdoms and other previously un-serviced rural areas. By the end of 2014, we
expect that more than 60 per cent of the country will be covered by mobile
communication services.
Mr. Speaker,
In order to boost access to financial services in the rural areas, government
will in 2014 recapitalize the national savings and credit bank to provide
affordable finance to our people.
Furthermore, consultations with
relevant stakeholders across the country, including the house of chiefs on the
introduction of legislation to govern customary land have been undertaken.
Accordingly, a bill will be tabled before this house in due course.
Labour and social security
Mr. Speaker,
The government has commenced a comprehensive labour law review programme to
update the laws in light of changes in work places. This is aimed at addressing
bad labour practices, such as casualisation and unfavourable conditions of
service.
Once reviewed, the labour laws
will facilitate the improvement of conditions of service in all the sectors of
the economy and protect the rights of both employers and employees.
Mr. Speaker,
to address concerns of occupational safety and health, our government is
currently formulating a national policy.
The policy will promote the
workers’ safety and address the occupational diseases, accidents and deaths at
places of work. To this effect, I am directing the minister in charge of labour
to expedite the review process. This must be done in consultation with
concerned stakeholders.
Mr. Speaker,
The Patriotic Front government is concerned with the plight of pensioners most
of whom end up as destitutes, after having diligently served their country. The
government has, therefore, embarked on pension reforms that seek to reduce
destitution among pensioners in line with our government’s pro-poor policies.
The reforms will, among other interventions, enhance private sector
participation in the pensions fund management.
The government is also committed
to restoring the dignity of the retirees by dismantling the outstanding
terminal benefits arrears to alleviate their suffering.
Mr. Speaker,
Government continues to fulfil its promise of more money in people’s pockets.
In this regard, our government has recently honoured its pledge to increase
salaries for public service workers, making their conditions of service
competitive both locally and regionally. This has never happened in the history
of this country.
Employment
creation
Mr. Speaker,
Government attaches great importance to employment creation as the top most
strategy for ensuring the stability of society and overall growth of the
economy in all sectors.
I wish to inform this august
house that government is implementing the national industrialization and job
creation strategy which entails the coordinated development of the primary,
secondary and tertiary industries.
The strategy outlines our focus
in exploiting advantages in labour and natural resources, and actively
developing labour-intensive industries and enterprises that have huge
employment capacity.
In this regard, government is
continuing with the development of the multi-facility economic zones,
technology and industrial parks which are expected to create over 110,000 jobs
once fully operational.
Further, government has commenced
the implementation of the pave Zambia 2,000 project. In this regard, the
government has procured road construction equipment to be utilized in paving
public roads and public places across the country. This road project is
expected to create over 20,000 jobs for the youth as well as impart them with
skills in road paving construction.
Mr. Speaker,
For the first time in the history
of our country, government has commenced the auctioning of gemstones in Zambia
to enable small scale mines generate sufficient revenue.
In this regard, the government
will continue to support the local auctioning of gemstones and also promote value
addition through cutting, polishing and jewellery making in this sub sector
thereby, contribute to employment creation and revenue generation.
Furthermore, our government has,
through the euro bond, mobilized 20 million United States dollars for onward financing
by the development bank of Zambia to small and medium enterprises at low
interest rates. I therefore call upon the small and medium entrepreneurs to
develop bankable project proposals to access these funds.
Other initiatives by the
government to address employment creation include construction of eight youth
vocational training centers across the country. The government’s intention is
to establish at least one youth vocational training centre in each district in
line with the PF manifesto.
In addition, the government
provided k19.14 million in the 2013 budget to support youth enterprises
development. The funds have since been accessed by over 700 youth-led
enterprises countrywide, creating 2,300 employment opportunities for the
youths.
Mr. Speaker,
The implementation of these measures among others, has created over 316,000
jobs in the various sectors of our economy.
Investment
and state owned enterprises
Mr. Speaker,
Our government will continue to implement programmes and activities aimed at
attracting and promoting investment into the country. In addition, government
will also streamline business registration, licencing and granting of
incentives in order to create a competitive business environment and maximise
economic growth activities.
In 2013, the government targeted to attract foreign direct investment amounting
to 3 billion United States dollars. I am pleased to inform the house that, as
at 30th June 2013, approved projects were above the target and amounted to 3.56
billion United States dollars.
This performance was against the
prevailing slow growth in the global economy. This is a re-affirmation of the
country’s investment attractiveness and position as a top investment
destination by foreign investors.
Mr. Speaker,
The state has not been able to maximise the revenue potential of numerous state
owned enterprises and assets. In addition, there still remain many parastatals
and partnerships in Zambian companies that are not adding sufficient value due
to lack of efficient and effective management.
In this regard, government shall
reorganise and reform the system for overseeing and managing state owned
enterprises, assets and parastatals to ensure the state maximises their
contribution to job creation and economic development.
Tourism
and arts
Mr. Speaker,
I am pleased that the tourism and arts sector continues to play a key role in
the attraction of investment and creation of employment. The government will
continue to pay special attention to enhancing tourism product diversification
and infrastructure development in the northern circuit, lower Zambezi and the
greater Kafue national park, in order for them to contribute to economic
development.
Mr. Speaker,
The house may wish to recall that on 30th may 2012, Zambia and Zimbabwe signed
the co-hosting agreement of the 20th session of the United Nations world
tourism organisation general assembly (UNWTO). We must congratulate ourselves
on the successful co-hosting of the event which attracted over 4,000delegates
from across the globe.
This will result in improved
tourist visits and thereby raising the revenues for economic development. The
co-hosting of the event improved the infrastructure and general outlook of Livingstone
as our tourist capital.
I wish to thank everyone for
their contribution and support to the successful co-hosting of this event. The
experience gained will go a long way in assisting the country to host events of
a similar magnitude in future. It has also provided a model which can be
replicated for accelerated development of our infrastructure across the
country.
Mining
Mr. Speaker,
Mining has continued to be a
major contributor to foreign exchange earnings and employment. Government will
continue creating an enabling environment for mines development activities so
as to attract investment for both large and small scale mines in 2014.
To ensure continued investment and maximum economic benefits from the mining
sector, government has completed the revision of the mining policy.
The policy is aimed at
facilitating mineral diversification from copper and cobalt to other minerals
like nickel, gold, manganese, iron, emerald and uranium. To this effect,
government will recapitalize the ZCCM-IH to promote value addition in the
mining industry.
Mr. Speaker,
Let me state here that government
is committed to making the mining industry more transparent and accountable in
mineral production, extraction and export declarations.
In this regard, government is reviewing various pieces of legislation to
facilitate increased exploration activities and strengthen the declaration
monitoring mechanism. This will contribute to increased revenue collection by
the government.
Infrastructure
development
Mr. Speaker,
Our government has prioritised infrastructure development, such as, roads,
airports and rail as key to national development.
Accordingly, government is heavily investing in the construction,
rehabilitation and upgrading of the transport infrastructure.
Our commitment is demonstrated by
the implementation of the link Zambia 8000 project under which over 1,500
kilometres of road works are being constructed in phase one, while over 2,700
kilometres of roads will be upgraded to bituminous standard under phase two.
Further, government has launched the Lusaka 400 road project which involves
rehabilitation and construction of selected urban roads.
With respect to airport
infrastructure, the government has completed the up-grading and modernisation
of the Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula international airport in Livingstone to
international standards. This contributed to the successful hosting of the United
Nations world tourism organisation general assembly last month.
Further, the government is in the
process of upgrading and modernising the Kenneth Kaunda, Mfuwe and Simon Mwansa
Kapwepwe international airports and provincial aerodromes.
Mr. Speaker,
I wish to re-affirm our government’s commitment to reactivate the railway
infrastructure in the country. This is evidenced by the government’s allocation
of 120 million United States dollars of the euro bond to Zambia railways
limited.
Our vision is to create a
competitive and efficient railway system which will ensure that all bulky and
heavy cargo is offloaded from the roads. This will guarantee our road network a
longer lifespan and also reduce the national budget on road rehabilitation and
maintenance.
Mr. Speaker,
in my address to this house last year, I committed government to ensuring
security in supply of petroleum products through the construction of provincial
fuel depots. I am happy to inform this house that the government has made
progress in this area.
The Lusaka fuel depot has been
completed and commissioned, while construction of the Mpika and Solwezi fuel
depots are scheduled to be completed soon. In addition, construction works for
the Mongu fuel depot are expected to commence next year.
Looking into the future,
government is committed to the development of renewable energy. In this regard,
I am directing the minister responsible, to proceed with the revision of
legislation in order to attract investment in the renewable energy sector.
Mr. Speaker,
The government will continue implementing projects aimed at increasing
electricity generation capacity through construction, refurbishment and
upgrading of hydro-power stations across the country. To this effect, the
government is extending the Kariba North Bank power station. Once the extension
is completed in 2014, the power station is expected to generate an additional
360 megawatts.
With regard to water supply and sanitation, the government will continue with
the construction and rehabilitation of the water supply and sanitation
infrastructure across the country.
To demonstrate this commitment,
the government has increased investments in infrastructure development from 90
million kwacha in 2011 to 250 million in 2013.
Environmental
protection
Mr. Speaker,
Environmental protection is key to sustainable socio-economic development. In
this regard, government has put in place a policy and legal framework to
safeguard the environment.
With regard to the ecological balance, I am glad to inform this august house
that the government has established 11 large scale forest nurseries across the
country.
These nurseries will raise 1.5
million seedlings each of different tree species for plantation establishment
and replenishing of degraded areas.
Governance
and the administration of the state
Mr. Speaker,
The government is fully committed to upholding the rule of law including
separation of powers among the three arms of government. In this regard, I want
to assure the Zambian people that our government has no intentions whatsoever
to turn this country into a one party state.
With regard to the constitutional making process, the government remains
committed to delivering a people-driven constitution. The consultative process
has been completed and the final draft constitution is expected by the end of
this year. Thereafter, the government in collaboration with other stakeholders
will guide the process accordingly.
Mr. Speaker,
The fight against corruption remains one of the top priorities on our good
governance agenda. Government will, therefore, strengthen and decentralise the
operations of the anti-corruption commission to enable it to effectively
execute its mandate. To this end, the government has established a special
investigations unit in the commission to deal with complex financial crimes.
Media
reforms
Mr. Speaker,
in the last address to this house, I committed the government to establishing
the independent broadcasting authority to ensure accountability and level the
playing field in the broadcasting industry. I am pleased to inform this house
that our government has fulfilled its promise and the authority is now
operational.
Foreign relations
Mr. Speaker,
The government will continue to uphold the fundamental principles of sovereign
equality and mutual respect. The government will, therefore, strive to ensure
that Zambia continues to play an active role in international organisations for
the benefit of the country.
Our foreign policy is aimed at repositioning
our country so that it derives maximum benefits from international relations.
To this effect, the government will continue to maintain friendly diplomatic
and trade relations with other countries. Priority will be given to economic
diplomacy as a means to promoting the revitalisation of the Zambian economy.
Conclusion
Mr. Speaker,
as I conclude my address to this august house, I wish to reaffirm our
government’s determination to create a better Zambia for all in line with the PF
manifesto.
This is the basis upon which, the
PF government was overwhelmingly elected into office on 20th September, 2011.
It is now my singular honour and
privilege to declare the third session of the eleventh national assembly
officially open.
May God bless us all and our
great nation Zambia.
Mr. Speaker, I thank you.
