By George Mponda

Karonga, February 24, Mana: Government has elevated Group Village Heads Mwandosya and Mwambero from Karonga to Sub Traditional Authorities at a function presided over by the Minister of Local Government Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda.

Speaking at Lulindo Primary School Ground in Karonga on Sunday, Banda said chiefs have a crucial role to play in supporting government's development agenda.

"Chiefs are instrumental in bringing forth development because they are custodians of the law in local communities. By ensuring that there is peace and tranquility, that's when government development projects progress impressively in the local communities," Banda said.

"Government is bringing a lot of interventions in the local communities like Social Cash Transfer, Affordable Inputs Programme and Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme. So, it is your duty as chiefs to ensure that people who deserve to be beneficiaries are considered without any corrupt practices," he said.

Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga and Chitipa hailed government for elevating the two chiefs who are both from his area.

"My appeal to these newly elevated Chiefs is that they should help maintain peace in the communities for our country to develop.

“Chiefs have a duty to guide people in their communities hence it is important that they discharge their duties diligently whilst supporting government's development agenda," Kyungu said.

Kyungu asked government to construct official houses and offices for Karonga Traditional Authorities to help them discharge their duties effectively.