The Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) says Constituency Development Fund (CDF) committees in the country must consider disbursing one-point five percent of CDF to the traditional leadership.
The Establishment explains that this is in order to cushion the traditional leaderships’ logistical and operational challenges experienced in their daily duties.
Barotse Royal Establishment Ngambela (Prime Minister), Manyando Mukela says his Establishment particularly seeks a share in the CDF considering the operational challenges faced on a daily basis.
The Ngambela made the proposal during CDF interactive meeting with the BRE kuta, Mongu Central, Nalolo and Nalikwanda constituencies held at Country lodge in Mongu district.
“We therefore, propose that 1.5 percent of the CDF be disbursed to each of the various constituencies in that particular province, be paid into the account to be held at the office of the Provincial Permanent Secretary. This account should be used exclusively for the support to traditional authorities in each province.
“In the case of Western province, these funds should be apportioned as follows: 0.7 percent to be used by the office of the Ngambela while a 0.7 percent to be shared equitably to the seven chiefdoms (royal courts) as determined by the prime minister,” he said.
Ngambela Mukela said the BRE has however noted with gratitude, government’s decision to prioritise the decentralisation and devolution of functions to the lower levels.
He said this has seen the disbursement of huge amounts of money to the province through constituency development fund.
Ngambela Mukela said traditional authorities in Zambia, especially under the jurisdiction of the Litunga, play both administrative and judicial roles in keeping order and peace in society.
“As an established government running long before Zambia became independent, the BRE had its own treasury that was used to smoothly run the administrative affairs of the kingdom.
“And this included the operations of the seven chiefdoms called district kutas located in its jurisdiction,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Mongu Central Constituency Member of Parliament, Oliver Amutike told the meeting that CDF interactive engagements were important so as to enable communities understand how CDF is being utilised in the constituency.
Mr Amutike said CDF is a game changer as youths have undergone skills development trainings with various institutions, desks have been purchased for different schools following the Presidential directive that no learner should sit on the floor.
“I want to implore all you to apply for grants, loans and other empowerment CDF components so that you uplift your living standards. This government means well for everyone to access the funds transparently,” he said.
