PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has assured traditional leaders that they will be fully consulted and involved in ongoing constitutional amendments, especially on matters such as the delimitation of constituencies.
Speaking during a meeting with members of the House of Chiefs at State House yesterday, President Hichilema stated that chiefs were key stakeholders in national governance and their input was vital in the processes as it directly affects their communities.
“We take your advice seriously, and you will be consulted. Delimitation, for example, requires your involvement because sometimes splitting constituencies cuts right through the middle of a village,” stated President Hichilema.
He added that government will work closely with the House of Chiefs to ensure that constitutional amendment processes are conducted without creating conflicts.
The Head of State assured the country that his administration meant no harm in wanting the constitution amended.
The President said the amending of the constitution should never be used as a source of fighting among leaders.
President Hichilema also noted that according to the law, delimitation is supposed to happen every 10 years but it has not been done in over a decade.
He said government was focusing on both population size and geographical considerations in undertaking the exercise.
The President also reiterated his administration’s commitment to decentralisation stating that more public funds are now being directed away from Lusaka into rural areas.
“Before the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), most of the money was just sitting in Lusaka, even money for education. But now we are seeing that money flow into your chiefdoms,” President Hichilema told the chiefs.
“We want to put more money away from Lusaka into your areas. Lusaka has been getting a lion share of the money since independence.“
He called on traditional leaders to help calm tensions and educate citizens that not every issue should result in conflict especially one regarding the constitution.
Meanwhile, newly installed House of Chiefs chairperson Chief Choongo of Monze district in Southern Province revealed that chiefs were interested in the constitutional amendment process and would soon submit their views.
Chief Choongo further thanked President Hichilema and his administration for the policies implemented so far.
“We wish to applaud government for cash for work, it has been a life saver for many people whose lives depend on crops. Thanks for providing farming inputs for all the chiefs. All chiefs received inputs. We also commend government for fuel funds to make use of the equipment bought under CDF. The grading of feeder roads became difficult because there was no fuel but the budget now allowed us to have that fuel for which we are grateful,” he said.
Chief Choongo also expressed concern over the slow pace at which palaces are being built and urged the President to look into the matter so chiefs can have decent homes.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, April 14, 2025