Sata urges more input from traditional leaders in national development
By Masuzyo Chakwe
Fri 26 July 2013, 14:00 CAT

PRESIDENT Michael Sata has called for increased participation of traditional leaders in national development in order to accelerate poverty reduction and ultimately improve the living standards of their people.

Over 30 traditional leaders from across the country including Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province presented a report on development and the welfare of chiefs to the Head of State yesterday morning.

During a closed-door meeting held at State House, the chiefs, who spoke through the chairperson of the House of Chiefs Senior chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II thanked the President for inviting them to State House to discuss developmental issues and for creating the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs.

Chieftainess Nkomeshya also expressed gratitude to the Head of State for increasing their allowances from the time the PF government came into power.

In response, President Sata advised the chiefs to take keen interest in issues of water, sanitation and public health as these issues affect the wellbeing of their subjects and chiefdoms.

He urged the chiefs to constantly tour villages under their chiefdoms in order for them to understand the challenges their subjects were facing.

President Sata emphasised the need for constant engagements to enable the government and the traditional leadership arrive at best ways of implementing various programmes and projects.

He also directed the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs to speed up the construction of chiefs palaces and effectively collaborate with other ministries in order to accelerate delivery of services.

Among the chiefs that attended the meeting include Senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya Lusaka Province, chief Ntambu North Western, chief Chipepo Lusaka Province, Senior Chief Chiwala Copperbelt, chieftainess Shimukunami Copperbelt, chief Lumpuma Copperbelt, Senior Chief Shakumbila Central, chief Liteta Central, chief Chitina Central, chief Madzimawe Eastern, chief Jumbe Eastern, chief Mbang'ombe Eastern Province, Senior Chief Mwewa Luapula and chief Mibenge Luapula.

Others are chief Mphuka Lusaka Province, chief Chibesakunda Muchinga, chief Kabinga Muchinga, chief Katyetye Muchinga, Senior Chieftainess Chungu Northern, chief Mumporokoso Northern, chief Chitimbwa Northern, chief Mpidi North Western, chieftainess Mwenda Southern, chief Macha Southern, chief Chikanta Southern, Litunga la-Mboela, chief Kandala and Mwene Kahare.

This is according to a statement by the President's special assistant for press and public relations George Chellah.