Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda has called upon chiefs to foster development by being accountable and transparent.
Chimwendo was speaking at Chipoka 2 primary school ground in Salima where he presided over the ceremony of chieftaincy installation of Traditional Authority (T/A) Maganga and elevation of T/A’s Pemba, Ndindi and Kambalame to Senior Chiefs.
He said development starts at the grassroots’ level citing that for a country to develop it depends on chiefs.
“Chiefs play a significant role in as far as development in concerned, they are the eyes of government, they help the government see where there is need hence should be in the forefront in fostering development for Malawi,” said Chimwendo.
He further said for development to be possible, it depends on how unified the people are in their community, he therefore expressed concern over areas where there are chieftaincy wrangles saying this causes development to lag behind.
He therefore advised such areas to seek dialogue and end their misunderstandings amicably because government can not endorse chiefs with unresolved disputes.
Chimwendo also pointed out that chiefs should be good examples in promoting good morals (culture) and other chiefs should learn from the elevated chiefs because it is their performance and character that has taken them to the new level.
On his part, the newly elevated Senior chief Ndindi said he will continue to work with the government in promoting development in his area.
