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Allow chiefs to meet HH – Chanje

…blocking them will just derail development in rural areas

By SIMON MUNTEMBA

IT will be difficult for the new government to deliver development in rural areas if traditional leaders are blocked from meeting the President, Chief Chanje of the Chewa people in Chipangali has said.

In an interview, Chief Chanje said Presidential aides should not block traditional leaders when they want to meet the Head of State because they were key development partners.

Reacting to reports that Bemba chiefs in Muchinga Province were furious after their attempts to meet with President Hakainde Hichilema had been repeatedly blocked, Chief Chanje warned that the move would derail development in rural areas.

“The President is a father of the nation and he should be allowed to meet traditional leaders to exchange notes. We are told that this new dawn government wants chiefs to be involved in the utilisation of CDF which has been increased. But if chiefs are blocked from meeting the President, how will development take place in rural areas because chiefs are in charge?” he noted. The traditional ruler said State House should be open for all chiefs to enable them interact with the President for the sake of development.

In a recent interview, Chief Katyetye heaped the blame on presidential handlers, whom he said, were blocking Muchinga chiefs from meeting the President.

Chief Katyetye said President Hichilema’s aides will be the source of his downfall if he does not act now.`

Repeated attempts to get a comment from Presidential spokesperson, Anthony Bwalya proved futile by press time.

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