CHIEFTAINESS Mwasemphangwe of Lumezi is on the verge of getting a new royal address, thanks to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) that is transforming mud and dust into dignity.
A majestic new palace is steadily taking shape under the hands of Zambia Correctional Service officers, who swapped uniforms for overalls to honour a presidential directive that each chiefdom must receive a K1 million boost toward building a modern Chief’s Palace.
The palace project, now 76% complete is a grand structure costing over K3 million and includes a four-bedroom high-cost house for the Chieftainess, two 2-bedroom houses for retainers, and a meeting room to host community gatherings.
Construction officially kicked off in January this year after the site was handed over to the Zambia Correctional Service.
The work is being centrally managed by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
Speaking on the progress, Lumezi Town Council assistant public relations officer Irvin Muyumbwa said the development is a long-overdue show of respect for traditional authority.
“The project once completed will uplift the welfare of the traditional leadership given the fact that they play a critical role in upholding culture, community leadership and unifying the people,” said Muyumbwa.
Traditional leaders across Zambia have for decades served their communities without decent accommodation, often operating from crumbling huts.
But the palace signals a changing tide, where preserving heritage no longer means living in neglect.
By George Musonda
Kalemba July 29, 2025
