CONSTRUCTION OF PALACES TO CONTINUE - LUO

By Daliya Manda and Mwape Chimba in Chama
CHIEFS and traditional affairs minister Nkandu Luo says the government will  not abandon its earlier plan to construct palaces for traditional leaders across the country. 
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for senior chief Kambombo’s palace in Chama, Professor Luo said not abandoning the construction of palaces will be the best way to honour late president Michael Sata’s legacy of improving the livelihoods of traditional leaders. 

Prof Luo also urged parents to ensure their girl children are in school so that  they also acquire education to enable them lead a meaningful life. 
And earlier when she paid a courtesy call on chief Kambombo, Prof Luo said basic needs such as water  and sanitation are cardinal and that the government would ensure every village has access to them. 
Prof Luo also assured chief Kambombo that the Chama-Kambombo road will be brought to the attention of Rural Roads Unit (RRU) for rehabilitation. 
"Because at national level, the focus is on linking Matumbo-Chama Road whose works are already  in progress, alongside a bridge to be constructed at Luangwa in Muchinga Province,” she said. 
And Prof Luo said her ministry would ensure chiefdoms follow right procedures before the chiefs are gazzetted. She was referring to chief Lundu’s chiefdom, which is currently facing challenges as two brothers were fighting over the chieftaincy. 
“Although the issues are to be decided traditionally, there is need to involve relevant government institutions so that they observe the selection process and send reports to the ministry before a chief is gazzetted,” said Prof Luo who could not comment further as the matter is currently before the courts. 
Prof Luo also paid a courtesy call on Paramount Chief Mpezeni at his Ependukeni Palace where  she said Mpezeni and Gawa Undi would be among the first beneficiaries of the modern palaces for chiefs. 
CREDIT SOURCE: http://www.postzambia.com/news.php?id=5056#sthash.rEl0oWPC.dpuf