In a significant move aimed at empowering traditional authorities and improving service delivery in rural areas, the government has officially launched the distribution of 286 motorbikes to traditional chiefs across Zambia.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Hon. Gift Sialubalo MP, announced that the motorbikes procured through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) are intended to support retainers who serve under traditional leaders, many of whom walk long distances to fulfill their daily duties.
โThese motorbikes will ease mobility and improve efficiency in our chiefdoms,โ the Minister said. โThey are part of a broader package that also includes the construction of chiefs’ palaces, as our government strives to ensure no one is left behind.โ
Hon. Sialubalo highlighted challenges in the construction of palaces, including delayed site handovers, succession disputes, and access issues. However, the government is working closely with contractors to speed up progress and meet revised deadlines.
The Minister further emphasized that the motorbikes remain government property and urged traditional leaders to ensure their proper use. Government, through local authorities, will also facilitate training for retainers to acquire the necessary certification to operate the motorbikes, at no cost to the individuals.
โThis gesture is part of President Hakainde Hichilemaโs commitment to inclusive national development,โ he added.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional leaders, House of Chiefs Chairperson His Royal Highness Chief Choongo expressed deep gratitude to the government for the support.
โOn behalf of my fellow Royal Highnesses, I wish to extend our sincere thanks to the Republican President and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development for this remarkable gesture. These motorbikes will go a long way in supporting our retainers and enhancing the administration of our chiefdoms,โ he said.
Chief Choongo assured the government of the chiefsโ commitment to safeguarding the motorbikes and supporting broader development efforts.
โWe welcome the training initiative and pledge to work with local authorities to ensure the motorbikes are used responsibly for the benefit of our people,โ he concluded.
The ceremony ended with the official flagging off of the motorbikes to provincial centres for onward distribution to the respective chiefdoms across the country.