Strengthening Ties: President Hakainde Hichilema Meets Traditional Leaders to Foster National Development
In a significant move toward inclusive governance, President Hakainde Hichilema hosted a high-level interactive meeting with the House of Chiefs this past Sunday afternoon. This gathering underscored the Zambian government’s commitment to collaborating with traditional leaders to boost national development initiatives.
The meeting was presided over by Chief Choongo of Monze, the newly elected Chairperson of the House of Chiefs. The discussions primarily focused on enhancing collaboration between government entities and traditional authorities, particularly concerning the ongoing decentralization efforts under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
President Hichilema emphasized the crucial role that traditional leaders play in nurturing Zambia’s heritage and culture. “As custodians of our traditions and culture, traditional leaders play a critical role in the governance of our country,” he remarked. “Their collaboration is essential to the success of our development programs, especially at the grassroots level.”
In an effort to enhance the welfare of traditional leaders, the President pledged to accelerate the construction of their palaces and to facilitate access to farming inputs before the upcoming 2024/2025 agricultural season. He underscored that empowering traditional leaders to lead by example will significantly contribute to food security initiatives across the nation.
During the productive dialogue, President Hichilema also highlighted the importance of responsible natural resource management, reminding participants that these resources are vital for all citizens and should be preserved for future generations. He expressed gratitude towards the chiefs for their pivotal support during recent challenges, including a severe drought, and urged them to promote awareness around harvest safety and household food security within their communities.
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen agricultural resilience amid climate change, the President called for the allocation of land dedicated to irrigation-based food production. Addressing any apprehensions surrounding proposed constitutional reforms, he reassured the traditional leaders that the process would be conducted transparently, with full participation from all citizens, including the chiefs.
In a powerful closing statement, President Hichilema urged traditional leaders to continue fostering a spirit of peace and unity throughout the country. “Together, we will ensure that no region or community is left behind,” he concluded, reinforcing the government’s dedication to partnering with the House of Chiefs for inclusive national development.
This meeting marks a pivotal step towards effective collaboration between the government and traditional authorities, highlighting a forward-thinking approach that promises to enrich Zambian society as a whole.
Tags: #Zambia #WorldNews #Politics #Development #Agriculture
