Govt Constructs 13 Houses for Traditional Leaders Since 2019
Senior chief Nchiramwela's house
- pic by Luka Beston
Government has cited price escalation of construction materials and a 25 percent devaluation of the Kwacha as some of the factors that have delayed the completion of 70 houses for paramount and senior chiefs in the country.
Last year in July, Treasury committed K2 billion towards the project, but now Ministry of Local Government spokesperson, Anjoya Mwanza said 13 houses have so far been completed with others at various stages of implementation.
"The project has delayed due to procurement challenges faced mainly because of escalation of prices and the 25 percent Kwacha devaluation," she said.
Mwanza added: "The other challenge is the capacity of contractors to quickly construct the houses as certificates are paid after they have completed a particular task".
Speaking to Zodiak Online Saturday, Senior chief Nchiramwela of Thyolo whose house has been completed, has hailed the government, but called for a quick fix to the challenges, saying many chiefs are staying in dilapidated houses.
"Government should ensure that funds are available for the completion of the houses like they have done with mine," he said.
Reports show that the project initially commenced in 2013.
It was among others aimed at improving the welfare of chiefs in the country.
