CHIEF Ndake of the Nsenga people, Nyimba District has commended government for the design and progress of his new palace which is currently being constructed under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
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Speaking when Local Government and Rural Development Minister Gift Sialubalo paid a courtesy on him at his palace yesterday, Chief Ndake described the CDF palace as habitable, impressive and a symbol of government’s commitment to chiefs’ welfare.
Sialubalo toured the palace to assess progress made on the palace and other ongoing CDF projects in the chiefdom.
Chief Ndake expressed appreciation for government’s initiative to construct palaces for traditional leaders across the country, noting that 288 chiefs will eventually benefit from similar residences.
“I love the design for my palace. I think the government wanted to make sure that chiefs are in habitable places. The idea for constructing palaces for us was brilliant and we greatly appreciate what has been done so far,” he said.
The chief also noted the positive impact of other development projects under CDF.
He cited the construction of several schools and health posts, many equipped with maternity annexes, which have brought essential services closer to the community.
He noted that most facilities were now within six kilometers of residents, reducing the challenges posed by distance.
However, Chief Ndake appealed for staff accommodation for teachers, stating that this challenge has affected learning for pupils during the rain season because teachers fail to report due to distance.
“Our chiefdom has benefited from several CDF projects, especially schools and health posts. The workmanship is commendable. But we need accommodation for teachers. During the rains, some don’t come and our pupils suffer,” he said.
And Sialubalo directed the handlers of CDF in the district to ensure that staff houses are always included when an education or health facility is being constructed.
He also explained that the palace project has taken time because it is a government-funded property and stated the need to evaluate engineers to avoid delays.
The minister said the visit to the chiefdom was government’s commitment to improving traditional leadership infrastructure while advancing local development projects that enhance education, health and water access in rural areas.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, September 6, 2025
