Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda has urged chiefs in Mangochi District to unite to advance the district’s development agenda.
He said this on Monday in the district during the elevation of 13 chiefs.
The chiefs include group village heads M’menyanga, Mpondamponda, Mpinganjira, Masapi and M’baluku who were promoted to sub-traditional authorities while sub-traditional authorities Mkata, Hamisi Makanjira, Luwalika, Chilawe, Mambo and Chiunda were elevated to traditional authorities (T/As).
T/As Mtelera and Mapira were promoted to senior chiefs.
During the event, Chimwendo Banda also installed Senior Chief Kapoloma of Machinga, replacing his predecessor who died in April last year.
He said: “You need to work together to develop consolidated plans that can transform your areas and the district as a whole.”
Chimwendo Banda urged the newly promoted chiefs to remain humble and respectful to their predecessors, noting that their promotions were approved following consultations with senior traditional leaders.
“The power to elevate chiefs rests with the President, but he acts after
thorough consultations. The senior chiefs you see here were part of that process and endorsed your appointments,” he said.
Paramount Chief Kawinga said the promotions will not only boost the morale of the chiefs, but also strengthen their partnership with the government in implementing development programmes.
“For a long time, chiefs have not been promoted as regularly as they should. We have seen delays of many years. But not anymore, we are grateful to the government,” he said.
In his remarks, newly elevated Senior Chief Mapira expressed joy at the recognition and pledged full support for government-led development initiatives.
Before he came to Mangochi on the same day, the minister also went to Balaka and Machinga districts where he also elevated some chiefs
