•PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu (left) receives greetings from the Mwata in his palace in Mwansabombwe yesterday. Picture by SALIM HENRY

By NORMA SIAME –

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has extolled the role played by traditional leaders in highlighting the problems and needs of the people.
The President said traditional leaders were important conduits of sustaining economic development and provision of essential counsel to the Government in areas of governance and politics.
The Head of State was speaking in Mwansabombwe at the Umutomboko ceremony of the Lunda people of Luapula Province where he was the guest of honour.
He said the Government had provided a platform for traditional leaders to take a leading role in achieving economic and social development in the country.
“I, therefore, urge traditional leaders countrywide to take advantage of such available platforms to improve the lives of their people,” he said.
The President, who prior to the ceremony paid a courtesy call on Mwata Kazembe at his palace, said Government acknowledged the cordial relationship with The Mwata and other royal establishments countrywide.
Assuring The Mwata of the commitment to deliver on promises made by the Patriotic Front, Mr Lungu said Government was resolute in its efforts to uplift the living standards of the people of Luapula and Zambia as a whole.
“The creation of new districts, which include Mwansabombwe and the rapid development that has followed this strategy is testimony of a holistic development plan that is well-thought-out and calculated,” he said.
The President said traditional ceremonies were a platform for people to learn about their culture and heritage.
Praising the diversity of the local heritage, the President said the harmony in which Zambians co-existed as a nation of 73 tribes was a shining example of the characteristics that made Zambia a beacon of peace.
And the Mwata in his message of welcome to President Lungu said he was happy that the Head of State had created time to attend the ceremony.
He said if the President did not attend such ceremonies, it would create an impression that there was something wrong between the two parties.
Also present at the function were various Government officials and chiefs, that included Paramount Chief Mpezeni and Chief Madzimawe from Eastern Province.