Maravi

Mpezeni should consult over renaming of institutions - chief Chanje

Mpezeni should consult over renaming of institutions - chief Chanje
By Christopher Miti in Chipata
Sat 03 Mar. 2012, 11:57 CAT

CHIEF Chanje of the Chewa people in Chipata says Ngoni Paramount Chief Mpezeni should have consulted his colleague Paramount Chief Kalonga Gawa Undi before making his request for the renaming of Chipata General Hospital and other institutions. And chief Chanje says he is worried with the government's delay to open the tobacco market.

Commenting on chief Mpezeni's suggestions to rename Chipata General Hospital as Zwangendaba Hospital, Mwami Adventist Hospital and Mwami border post after him, chief Chanje said what should be appreciated is that there were two paramount chiefs in the province and that matters such as the suggested renaming of big institutions required consultation.

"The two paramount chiefs can share ideas on such matters. We should carry a research to find out who were the first ones to come between Chewas and Ngonis. So Paramount Chief Mpezeni should ensure he has an audience with his colleague and chart the way forward…," chief Chanje said.

He said the government should also realise that there were two paramount chiefs in Eastern Province.

Chief Chanje also said the delay to open the tobacco market had also delayed his annual consultative meeting with out-grower companies.

"Every year, I normally call for a meeting with out-grower companies especially end of February. The purpose of this meeting is look at the marketing season; how are these companies going to buy the crops? What about payments? How is the loan payment system? What will happen to defaulters and other issues are normally discussed at the meeting," he said.

Chief Chanje said it was worrying that the institutions that would run the tobacco floors had not yet been known.

He said he had instructed his indunas not to allow tobacco vendors in the area because the consultative meeting had not yet been held.

Chief Chanje said the delay to open the tobacco market might also give room to vendors who had taken advantage of the hunger situation in the area to exploit farmers.

Labels: CHIEF MPEZENI, CHIEFS, KALONGA GAWA UNDI

posted by MrK @ 10:28 PM