MATHEWS MALAZIKA
Lusaka
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says his administration will work with traditional leaders to address issues pertaining to chiefdom boundaries countrywide.
President Hichilema said the 1958 boundary map, designed by the colonial administration, is causing problems that require attention.
Speaking yesterday when he paid a courtesy call on Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo ll of Chongwe District, the head of State directed the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and the Lusaka provincial leadership to establish a process of traditional boundary resolution.
President Hichilema said his administration’s focus is development as opposed to traditional leaders having misunderstandings over demarcation issues.
“This 1958 boundary map is not solving problems. Actually, it’s causing a lot of problems.
“Did we expect anything different? No! Because who drew those boundaries? It’s a colonial government, depending on who they spoke to in an area. Here, they would have spoken to one or two people at the time, who may have had no full understanding of the boundaries,” he said.
Mr Hichilema said traditional boundary issues have been a long-standing problem, citing Chief Bunda Bunda, Chief Shakumbila and Chief Chiawa’s areas.
“Instead of ignoring this long-standing issue, we must address it.”
The head of State is hopeful that the matter can be resolved amicably so that the country can move forward.
And in a post on his Facebook page, the President said Chieftainess Nkomeshya has long been a passionate advocate of development, having served as a member of the central committee of the United National Independence Party (UNIP) and as Member of Parliament for Chongwe. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
