By RABECCA CHIPANTA –

CHIEFS and Traditional Affairs Deputy Minister, John Kufuna has given contractors engaged to build three chiefs’ places on the Copperbelt up to April to complete the works.

Mr Kufuna, who inspected the projects, was shocked to find that the three palaces were still at foundation level despite funds being released in 2014.

The palaces are for Chief Nkambo III of Masaiti, Chief Mwinuna of Mpongwe and Chief Shumukunami of Lufwanyama.

Mr Kufuna said Government respected traditional leaders as they were in direct contact with the people hence the need to improve their welfare.

He said it was disappointing to note that the construction of the traditional leaders’ palaces was not moving according to Government’s expectations.

Mr Kufuna has since given all those involved in the construction of chief’s palaces in the region up to the end of April to complete all the projects stating that Government was in a hurry to start construction of more palaces in other chiefdoms.

“I am very sad and annoyed to note that the process of constructing their highnesses’ palaces here on the Copperbelt is still at box level, I am not happy with what I have seen here. I was expecting to find these palaces finished and furnished because Government released funds in April 2014.

At least if the structures were at roof level, these guys are not doing a good job here,” he said.

Mr Kufuna further revealed that all structures in Luapula Province had reached roof level and wondered why Copperbelt had lagged behind.

He described the stalling of works as a setback as there were 288 chiefs that were waiting to have their palaces constructed and only 33 had been captured in the first phase.

Mr Kufuna expressed concern at why the provincial office had not notified his office if there were any setbacks in the process.

Chief Mwinuna of Mpongwe said he had lost hope in the project due to the delays to construct his palace.

The traditional leader said it was disheartening to note that late Michaela Sata’s vision of constructing chief’s palaces was gradually stalling.

Chieftainess Shimukunami of Lufwanyama District has assured Government of her patience despite the delays in the construction of her new palace whose works had stalled after workers had downed tools claiming that they had not been paid their dues by the contractors engaged since October, 2015.

She observed that each development comes with its own challenges hence the need to exercise patience.

Copperbelt provincial chiefs officer Clement Phiri said the delays were because of rigid procurement procedures.