By Aliko Munde

Chitipa, February 22, Mana: Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, has emphasized the need for oneness amongst Malawians to foster peace and unity in the country.

Banda said this on Saturday in Chitipa during the elevation of Sub Traditional Authority Lwangwa to Traditional Authority and six other Group Village Heads to Sub Traditional Authorities.

Banda applauded Paramount Chief Kyungu and Senior Chief Mwabulambya for demonstrating unity during the function.

“These sub chiefs have been working very hard as Group Village Heads hence their elevation. And we want to thank Paramount Chief Kyungu and Senior Chief Mwabulambya for the unity that has been demonstrated here because that is what we need. We want Malawi to continue to live in peace and harmony,” Banda said.

He said that the elevated Traditional Authority and Sub Chiefs will help the government in making sure development is sustainable.

On developmental projects in Chitipa district, the minister said that the country has had challenges with revenue but the projects are progressing.

“We have not abandoned any project. All the roads that we started here are continuing and we believe we are going to finish them. But for Rumphi-Nyika-Nthalire Road, one contractor is not enough because Plem Construction Company is doing it from Rumphi but we want another contractor or two contractors to join from Chitipa side, going all the way to Rumphi.

"If we take the pace Plem Construction Company has taken, we may even take five years before finishing this road,” he said

Paramount Chief Kyungu thanked the government for endorsing the names of the elevated chiefs, which he said is a bonus to Chitipa District.

He appealed to the elevated chiefs not to be arrogant but to respect their subjects.

“Chiefs should not be arrogant but humble. If you are arrogant then you are not supposed to be a leader,” Paramount Chief Kyungu said.

Sub Traditional Authorities Mwenefumbo, Mwenechendo, Mkombanyama, Mlambya and Mwamkumbwa have been elevated under Senior Chief Mwabulambya and Sub Traditional Authority Mwandisi and Traditional Authority Lwangwa have been elevated under Senior Chief Mwenemisuku.

President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera elevated the seven chief on 3rd February 2025.