By RABECCA CHIPANTA –
SEVEN sub-chiefs from Luapula Province are appealing to Government for recognition so that they can foster development in their respective areas.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Chief Kunda mfumu of the Ushi speaking people of Chembe District said that lack of recognition from Government had stalled development in their respective chiefdoms.
The traditional leader was speaking on behalf of sub-chiefs Kapwepwe, Sonkontwe, Chansa, Chama, Kale and Mabo of Chembe and Mansa districts.
He said following a meeting, it was resolved that they seek President Edgar Lungu’s intervention to allow them berecognised as Chiefs.
The sub-chiefs further requested that Government should recognise and allow them as sub-chiefs to succeed a deceased traditional leader.
“Our appeal is for Government is to recognise us so that we can also start enjoying the benefits other Chiefs enjoy. Even when it comes to issues of fostering development it has been difficult for us as we cannot make decisions on our own but have to seek authority from a recognised traditional leader,” he said.
Chief Kundamfumu said his area was endowed with manganese and that it has been impossible to bring in investors to mine on the traditional land as he had no authority to issue permits as he was not recognised by Government.
He added that by not recognising them, their chiefdoms were lagging behind especially in the area of development.