MPIKA: Senior Chief Chikwanda of the Bemba speaking people in Muchinga Province has commended the New Dawn for being the first-ever Government to construct decent palaces for traditional leaders in the Bembaland.
Chief Chikwanda said he is elated to observe that since Independence, there had never been a successful Government that had invested huge to improving the livelihoods of Chiefs in the Country.
The traditional leader said the construction of palaces, in which some had already completed, is a true testament of Government’s commitment in taking care of the welfare of community leaders.
He cited the construction of his palace by the Government, that the project had neared the completion stage, and that soon he will relocate to a decent house.
“ I am very happy to state that since Independence, the New Dawn is the first-ever Government to construct decent palaces for traditional leaders not only in the Bembaland but across the Country. This is a highly commendable job towards improving our lives,” Chief Chikwanda stated.
The traditional leader was speaking when Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary (Administration ) Dr. Gabriel Pollen paid a courtesy call on him at his palace in Mpika District. The Permanent Secretary also inspected the Chief’s Palace to appreciate the construction rate.
Chief Chikwanda underscored that the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF) had become a significant empowerment fund bringing tangible development to communities, cutting across the spectrum of key sectors that include; health, education, water and sanitation, and improved feeder roads.
He commented Mpika Town Council for working with the local community to successfully implement the street lighting project in the central business District using CDF, a project that modernised the face of Mpika.
He further said the construction of new classrooms, maternity annexes in rural parts of Mpika, is a huge achievement for local people following their communal agreement in determining their own development agenda, through utilization of CDF.
Meanwhile, Dr. Pollen stated that Government is providing empowerment funds to Citizens to enable them engage in viable activities that will add value in actualizing sustainable development goals such as poverty reduction.
The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Government’s commitment in supporting development -oriented ideas from traditional recognition of their role as agents of development in communities
