Local Government Minister, Prof. Blessings Chinsinga says government is currently spending K3.2 billion in paying 42, 450 chiefs their honouraria every year.
He adds there are 9 thousand approved chiefs waiting to be on payroll which would increase the number of chiefs to 51, 450.
“On another hand, the country has 20, 000 chiefs, who are working but not approved (non-gazetted). This means in total, the nation has 71, 450 chiefs who must be on payroll,” writes Chinsinga on his official Facebook page.
With this number, the country’s budget on chiefs will have almost doubled to K7 billion every year.
Chinsinga stresses it is government’s wish to decentralise the responsibility of paying chiefs honouraria to Councils.
“This can only be achieved, if the Councils have sustainable revenue generation mechanisms. If this materialises, the chiefs will be instrumental in supporting efforts of the Councils, knowing they will benefit,” says Chinsinga.
