Some Chiefs in the country have expressed worry over the continued delay by government to pay them honorarium for 19 months now.

Concerned Chiefs from Dedza and Chikwawa for example have told Zodiak Online that the delay is affecting their livelihood.

"We have not received our honorarium for 19 months, they are not telling us what is causing the delay, this has affected us, we depend on this money to get our basic needs."

"It is unfortunate that despite the money we receive being very little, government is also delaying to pay us," said the chiefs.

The Concerned Chiefs in Dedza and Chikwawa for example told Zodiak online that village headmen receive K5000 and group Village Headmen K10,000 only per month but they are yet to receive their money for months.

The Chiefs said they feel under-appreciated despite undertaking a crucial role in the country's villages.

The Chiefs have also faulted government for paying chiefs through banks saying, the little money they receive is used for transport to and from the banks.

"We are worried as chiefs, we are paid honorarium through banks, for us to travel to and from the bank, we spend a lot of money for transport," said the chiefs.

Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Halima Daudi attributed the delay to failure by some Chiefs to open bank accounts.

"Some Chiefs have not opened bank accounts that is why they are not receiving honorarium but their money is available."

"As government, we are considering to start paying chiefs through Airtel money or Mpamba," said the chiefs.

Meanwhile, the chiefs have faulted Government for introducing a system of paying their honorarium through banks before consulting them.