President Hakainde Hichilema says the government is committed to ensuring that the dignity and respect of traditional leaders across the country is preserved through the provision of decent accommodation .
President Hichilema says the chiefdom is an important institution which has been in existence even before colonial rule and should be respected.
The Head of State says this is why the government has embarked on the construction of chief’s palaces across the country to ensure that they live in a dignified and respectable manner.
ZANIS reports that the President said this when he commissioned Dr Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II newly constructed palace ahead of the Chikwela Makumbi traditional ceremony of the soli people in Chongwe District today.
He stated that it is important for all citizens across the country to recognise the importance of the chiefdoms as they are an important heritage.
” The chiefdom is a fundamental institution in fostering our country’s social and economic development and as per government’s agenda, we want to ensure our chiefs are respected through construction of official palaces and we want to continue working closely with them”, he said.
President Hichilema said the construction that is being done in three phases is earmarked to be completed in three years.
He said the government will ensure that all palaces are complete with retainers houses , sanitation facilities and alternative energy which will be an inspiration for subjects to emulate and further foster development.
President Hichilema further called for strengthened relations between government and traditional leaders in order to improve resilience and make irrigation an anchor for the agriculture sector.
He said this is why the government has for the first time increased farming inputs for chiefs to ensure they lead by example in production of their agriculture essentials.
And Chairperson for the House of Chiefs, Chief Nkambo has commended president Hichilema for delivering development in an unsegregated manner.
Chief Nkambo said it is evident that president Hichilema’s method of development and leadership is centered on delivering development regardless of region or tribe.
” We are happy with our son for this gesture, it has restored dignity to the institution of chiefs, and it shows that he does not look at someone’s face, we hope it continues. who can’t be happy with such a development?”, he said .
And Family Representative for Dr Chieftainess Mukamamboo II , Mervis Nkomeshya said the construction of palaces will reinforce the partnership between government and the royal establishments.
Ms Nkomeshya added that the construction of the palaces will take away the stress and worry of accommodation among chiefs.
Meanwhile, Chongwe Member of Parliament Sylvia Masebo who witnessed said chiefs have in the past lacked decent accommodation and lived in houses that are in a deplorable state.
” We have had chiefs living in houses where, when just a small wind comes the roof is blown off , but now looking at this development, subjects and headmen can’t even believe it,” she said.
She noted that the construction of palaces will restore dignity to the chiefdom and expressed gratitude to the Zambian people for giving President Hichilema the mandate to deliver development across the country.
