VICE-PRESIDENT WK. Mutale-Nalumango says the Government will continue to uphold cordial relations with traditional leaders in spearheading the country’s development.
Ms Mutale-Nalumango said the New Dawn administration recognised chiefs as strategic partners in national building and peace.
“The New Dawn administration regards our traditional leaders as key partners in promoting peace and national building,” she said.
She added that the Government was aware of the many challenges affecting chiefdoms and the country at large, such as poor road networks, lack of infrastructure, as well as a lack of proper accommodation for the chiefs.
Ms Mutale-Nalumango assured the traditional leaders that the Government was working towards improving the quality of life for all Zambians, and traditional leaders were no exception.
“Government is resolved to address these challenges without any further delays,” she said.
She said this in a speech read on her behalf by Science and Technology Minister Felix Mutati during the installation of Enock Musonda as Chief Mukupa Kaoma of Lunte district at the weekend.
She praised the Lungu Royal Establishment for holding a successful installation ceremony without any succession disputes.
And the Lungu Royal Establishment praised President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration for strengthening the crusade against corruption and the recovery of stolen public resources.
Senior Chief Tafuna of the Lungu people said calls by some sections of society that the fight against corruption was a merely witch-hunt targeted at some people from certain regions did not any evidence.
He noted that the issue of tribal witch-hunt did not arise in this case as people given the responsibility of managing public resources should be ready to account for them.
The traditional leader added that corruption was a cancer which should not be entertained in the country as it is detrimental to the development of the nation.
“There is nothing strange about the UPND administration trying to recover stolen resources as this has happened even in the previous governments,” he said.
Chief Tafuna called on Zambians to support President Hichilema’s stance on corruption and desist from tribal talks which could lead to further divisions in the country.
The traditional ruler also hailed the United Party for National Development administration for recording positive goals since assuming office, citing the teacher and health recruitments, the free education policy, the increased Constituency Development Fund allocation and clearing arrears for retirees.
Earlier Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba speaking people urged the traditional leadership to work with the Government of the day saying this was one way of ensuring that development was attained.
He was represented by Senior Chief Mwamba. And Northern Province
Permanent Secretary Bernard Mpundu also hailed the Lungu Royal Establishment for observing the traditional values during the appointment of a new chief.
Mr Mpundu appealed to the establishment to expedite the processing of documents to enable the Government to gazette the newly installed chief. – ZANIS
TRADITIONAL LEADERS GOVT’S KEY PARTNERS – VEEP
