Minister cautions chiefs on corruption

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Kondwani Nankhumwa says corrupt chiefs delay socio-economic development of the country.

The minister made the remarks on Sunday at Senior Chief Mlumbe headquarters in Zomba during the crowning of sub-Traditional Authority Nkapita.

Nankhumwa said chiefs are cornerstones of development as they are mandated to lead their subjects in various cultural and socio-economic developments in their communities.

“Government and other service providers depend on chiefs in the sustainability of developments. Therefore, we urge the newly-crowned chief and other chiefs to live above reproach by executing their services with integrity for the benefit of their subjects as corruption ruins development,” he said.

Nankhumwa advised senior chiefs and traditional authorities to desist from choosing people into chieftaincies as well as elevating village heads to group village heads.

Senior Chief Mlumbe appealed to government to improve the welfare of chiefs by providing them decent housing and a good road network to enable them discharge their duties with ease.

Zomba district commissioner Emmanuel Bambe pledged continued mutual working relationship between district council officials and chiefs for smooth implementation of projects in the district.

The new chief has succeeded his predecessor who passed away in November 2016. n