By MUNTANGA MALINDI –
THE Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional affairs has launched a three year strategic plan which is aimed at strengthening the chieftaincy and enhance development in various chiefdoms across the country.

. Katema

Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister, Joseph Katema who launched plan in Lusaka yesterday said it was the first time the ministry had a strategic plan.
Dr Katema said the launch was an opportunity for his ministry to critically reflect on its performance on various developments that had taken place.
Dr Katema noted that the ministry had many challenges to address arising from the persistent poverty in various chiefdoms as well as continued boundary disputes.
“The greatest challenge that the ministry will encounter is transforming the strategic plan into tangible improvement on the welfare of majority citizens within these chiefdoms,’’ he said.
Dr Katema said citizen welfare was at the core of government’s mandate and that the strategic plan called for radical adjustment in work culture and ethics.
He appealed to management and staff of the ministry to continue renewing high levels of professionalism, excellence and integrity.
‘’We must bear in mind that complacency is a cancer that retards attainment of institutional and national goals,’’ Dr Katema said.
Management Development Division (MDD) Permanent Secretary Ndashe Yumba said the launch of the strategic plan was a clear indication of the ministry’s resolve to utilise available resources.
Mr Yumba said that the plan encouraged effective participation of leadership.
“It is a testimony of the ministry to provide a favourable environment for sustainable development to our local communities,’’ he said.
He noted that the development of the strategic plan had taken into account the various challenges that were being faced within traditional establishments.
During the same event, Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Permanent Secretary, Michael Pwete said the document addressed various challenges in chiefdoms.
He said the strategic plan was a significant document which would set direction and guidance to operations and the decision making process in the ministry.
‘’This is especially with regard to the allocation and utilisation of human, financial and other resources essential for effective operations of the ministry,’’ he said.
He also noted that the ministry was set to implement various programme such as the construction of palaces as well as facilities for heritage sites and museums.
Mr Pwete thanked the Management Development Division in facilitating a dynamic and industrious implementation period.