Maravi

(DAILY MAIL) State to probe chiefs’ family trees

State to probe chiefs’ family trees
By ANGELA CHISHIMBA

GOVERNMENT will embark on the scrutiny of family trees in royal establishments so that it can come up with factual data for use when recognising chiefs in the country to end succession disputes. And Government has appealed to traditional leaders to be working with local authorities in making land available for development projects.

Minister of Local Government and Housing, Sylvia Masebo, said this yesterday in Lusaka when she handed over 150 vehicles procured for traditional leaders.
Ms Masebo handed over the vehicle which cost Government K6.3 billion on behalf of President Mwanawasa. She said Government was concerned about traditional succession disputes.

“It’s like everyone wants to become a chief, even those who don’t deserve to be chiefs. It’s sad to note that even those chiefdoms recognised by President Mwanawasa are involved in succession disputes,” Ms Masebo said.

She said the ministry had decided to scrutinise family trees and chiefdom boundaries with the current traditional leaders to try and end disputes. Ms Masebo urged traditional leaders to fully participate in national development. Ms Masebo said it was unfortunate that some chiefs were resisting making land available to investors.

“We know of some chiefs and their subjects who have been frustrating Government efforts to bring investment. We even know of some who have been asking for money,” she said.

Ms Masebo said President Mwanawasa had powers to take over land on behalf of the Zambians but had restrained himself out of respect for traditional leaders.

Presenting the vehicles to the chiefs, Ms Masebo said the remaining 136 traditional leaders would receive theirs soon. Mr Masebo said the vehicles had been loaned to chiefs at a recovery rate of 50 per cent of their monthly subsidies. She said the loan would attract an interest rate of five per cent per annum. President Mwanawasa approved motor vehicle loan scheme to all chiefs in 2007.

Initially, Government wanted to procure four motor vehicles per province for use by chiefs in the execution of their functions. The vehicles were to be controlled by provincial permanent secretaries.

However, the House of Chiefs raised concerns on the control of vehicles by the provincial permanent secretaries and Government decided to establish a motor vehicle loan scheme for chiefs.

“Many of you have not been visiting some parts of your chiefdoms for lack of transport. The new deal government has provided your royal highnesses value that will make your movement easier,”Ms Masebo said.

She said the vehicles would remain Government property until the loans were redeemed. Ms Masebo said fuel cost would be met by the chiefs unless when they were on official assignments. The chiefs who were told to choose their own types of vehicles opted for 4X4’s and trucks.

Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people chose a jeep Cherokee while several others went for Toyota Pajero vehicles. And chairman of the House of Chiefs Chief Mumena commended Government for the vehicles.

“For the first time since independence, chiefs have been empowered with vehicles. The chiefs realise that these vehicles are not gifts but provided on loan,” he said.

Clerk of the House of Chiefs Coillard Chibbonta said people would want to see development taking place in chiefdoms. He urged traditional leaders to provide quality leadership to their people by visiting their areas.

Transport Aid Japan Limited Director, Leigh Berg, urged the traditional leaders to ensure the vehicles were regularly serviced for them to have a long life.

Labels: CARS, CHIEFS, SYLVIA MASEBO

posted by MrK @ 12:18 PM