GOVERNMENT through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has cautioned local authorities in the country to desist from disobeying government’s policies, or they risk facing consequences that comes with such acts.
According to the ministry’s Permanent Secretary in Charge of Technical Services, Nicholas Phiri, it was discovered that the Lwangeni Town Council did not put aside funds towards the construction of the Chief’s house from the 2023-2024 Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
This is contrary to government’s directive through cabinet which passed an order that all Chief’s houses must be reconstructed with modern features and must include office spaces, conference halls, including staff houses for palace employees.
The PS said this yesterday when he paid a courtesy call to the Paramount Chief Mphezeni of the Ngoni speaking people at his Ekuphendukeni Palace in Chipata, Eastern Province.
“Local authorities here did not adhere to the cabinets instruction on the construction of chief’s Palace. The money should be allocated through the CDF. When building public projects, such as schools, everything must be added in the package including staff houses.”
“So Chief, we want to assure you that we heard this complaint and will follow it up. And from this time onwards, there will be consequences to the local authorities for deliberately neglecting government’s policies,” said Phiri.
Meanwhile, the Paramount Chief expressed concern over government’s non payment of returners’ allowances adding that the situation has also increased allegations of theft among returners.
He also complained that chiefs have experienced delays in their allowances payments, with instances where payments are delayed for up to three months.
While mourning his guard’s house, the Chief also appealed for a modern house which must be constructed by local contractors stating that his current structure was not planned well.
“If our sons (local contactors) build our house, they will build it with care because they are building it for their father. This house was not well planned because the contractors did not care. The first palace house which was built in 1963 is even better than this one. My guard’s house is in its worst dilapidated state too, “ said Mphezeni.
And in response, Phiri assured that government will in two weeks time allocate money for the construction of the chief’s palace and all it’s supporting infrastructures.
By Buumba Mwitumwa in Chipata
Kalemba September 23, 2024
