In a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening traditional leadership and improving rural service delivery, the Government of Zambia has officially launched the distribution of 286 motorbikes to traditional chiefs across the country. The move is part of the government’s broader effort to enhance efficiency and inclusivity in development, especially in underserved communities.
During the official flag-off ceremony, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Hon. Gift Sialubalo, MP, announced that the motorbikes were procured through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to assist retainers who work under traditional leaders. Many of these individuals often travel long distances on foot to carry out their duties, limiting their ability to effectively support local governance and service delivery.
“These motorbikes will ease mobility and improve efficiency in our chiefdoms,” Hon. Sialubalo said. “They are part of a broader package that also includes the construction of chiefs’ palaces, as our government strives to ensure no one is left behind.”
The Minister acknowledged that while some palace construction projects have experienced setbacks—due to delayed site handovers, succession disputes, and difficult access routes—the government is working hand in hand with contractors to resolve these challenges and meet revised project timelines.
He further emphasized that the distributed motorbikes will remain government property, and urged traditional leaders to oversee their proper usage. To ensure safe and legal operation, the government, through local authorities, will provide free training and certification to the retainers who will be riding the motorbikes.
“This gesture is part of President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to inclusive national development,” the Minister noted, highlighting the administration’s ongoing efforts to involve all segments of society in the nation’s development journey.
Speaking on behalf of Zambia’s traditional leaders, House of Chiefs Chairperson His Royal Highness Chief Choongo expressed heartfelt appreciation to the government.
“On behalf of my fellow Royal Highnesses, I wish to extend our sincere thanks to the Republican President and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development for this remarkable gesture. These motorbikes will go a long way in supporting our retainers and enhancing the administration of our chiefdoms,” he said.
Chief Choongo also welcomed the planned training programs and pledged that the chiefs would work with local authorities to ensure responsible and effective use of the motorbikes for the benefit of the rural population.
The ceremony concluded with the official dispatch of the motorbikes to provincial centres, from where they will be distributed to chiefdoms across Zambia. This initiative marks a key milestone in the government’s rural development strategy and reflects its commitment to empowering traditional institutions as critical partners in national progress.