“Traditional leaders play vital role in rural development”

ZANIS -President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA says traditional leaders play a vital role towards expediting rural development.

President HICHILEMA says the government’s developmental agenda can only be achieved through collaboration with traditional leaders in their various chiefdoms.

The President said the government will firmly remain committed to promoting the dignity of traditional leaders.

He said this in a speech read on his behalf by Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, CHIPOKA MULENGA, during the Chinamanongo traditional ceremony of the Bisa people of Kanchibiya District under Senior Chief Kopa.

President HICHILEMA also said the construction of Chiefs palaces under phase 1 is a true testimony of the importance that government attaches to the contribution traditional leaders play in governing the country.

The Head of State further observed that Chief Kopa’s Chiefdom has been facing a lot of developmental challenges, stressing that through the increased Constituency Development Fund, the chiefdom is expected to improve soon.

And Senior Chief KOPA who spoke through the Chinamanongo Traditional Ceremony Chairperson, ABBY MUMA, appreciated the government for considering his chiefdom in developmental projects.

Senior Chief KOPA stated that he is one of the beneficiaries of a new palace under construction in phase 1 of the project.

He, however, emphasised that there is need to expedite works on the construction of the palace, adding that continued monitoring should also be enhanced on the project.

Meanwhile, Muchinga Province Minister, HENRY SIKAZWE, said Kanchibiya is one of the good performing districts in terms of agriculture production.