President Hakainde Hichilema held a high-level interactive meeting on Sunday afternoon with the House of Chiefs, reinforcing the government’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with traditional leaders in driving national development. The dialogue, chaired by the newly elected Chairperson of the House of Chiefs, Chief Choongo of Monze, focused on strengthening collaboration between the government and traditional authorities, especially within the ongoing decentralisation agenda.
Central to the discussions was the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which President Hichilema highlighted as a key tool for inclusive development at the grassroots level. He emphasized the critical role traditional leaders play in governance, stating, “As custodians of our traditions and culture, traditional leaders play a critical role in the governance of our country. Their collaboration is essential to the success of our development programs, especially at the grassroots level.”
The President reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to improving the welfare of traditional leaders. He pledged to fast-track the construction of chiefs’ palaces and ensure the timely provision of farming inputs ahead of the 2024/2025 agricultural season. This, he noted, would empower traditional leaders to set the pace in food security efforts across Zambia.
Another key issue discussed was the responsible use and management of Zambia’s natural resources. President Hichilema underscored the importance of conservation and sustainability, reminding the House of Chiefs that these resources belong to all Zambians and must be protected for future generations.
“We are grateful to Their Royal Highnesses for their support during the recent severe drought,” the President said. “We urge you to educate your communities on the importance of safeguarding harvests and ensuring household food security.”
He further encouraged traditional leaders to consider allocating land for irrigation-based agriculture as a proactive strategy to boost food production and resilience in the face of climate change.
On constitutional reforms, President Hichilema sought to allay concerns by assuring the chiefs that the process would be conducted transparently and inclusively. “There are no hidden agendas. We want to ensure that all citizens, including our traditional leaders, are fully engaged in shaping the future of our nation,” he said.
As the meeting concluded, President Hichilema urged traditional leaders to continue promoting peace and unity within their communities, pledging that the government would remain a dependable partner in advancing inclusive national development.
“Together, we will ensure that no region or community is left behind,” he declared.