By Martha Simchimba

Lilongwe, January 25, Mana: Minister of Local government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda has urged traditional leaders in the country to spearhead government development projects in their jurisdictions that are aimed at uplifting their subjects living conditions.

Chimwendo Banda was speaking on Wednesday at Malembo ground during the elevation ceremony of Sub-Traditional Authority Msinde to Traditional Authority(TA), Sub-Traditional Authority Chiwaula to Traditional Authority (TA) Chiwaula and Group Village headman Malembo to Sub-Traditional Authority.

He said government is committed to support all traditional leaders across the country who are determined to support the government in its developmental agendas by giving them the much required resources.

“President Chakwera acknowledges the critical role traditional leaders play in spearheading social and economic development in the country. It is therefore important for the traditional leaders to give the president the much needed support as he is developing this country.

Chiefs are the custodians of development, social cohesion and cultural heritage preservation,” he said.

He then condemned some traditional leaders who engage themselves in corruption that have potential to destroy the much needed development their subjects are in need of.

“Government will not tolerate leaders who engage themselves in corruption by denying their subjects development projects that may help them to be uplifted from poverty,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of other traditional leaders, Senior Chief Khongoni thanked government for elevating traditional leaders across the country regardless of the region or tribe they are coming from.

Khongoni further thanked the government for various development projects that are taking place in the district and promised to take a leading role in supporting government development agenda.

He then urged the newly elevated chiefs to be exemplary to their subjects in preserving Chewa cultural values.