Senior Chief Mburuma denounces early marriages

—-Senior Chief Mburuma of the Nsenga-Luzi people in Luangwa district has denounced early marriages in his chiefdom, saying the practice infringes on the welfare of women in the country.

Senior Chief Mburuma said perpetrators of early marriages need to be brought to book and quickly dealt with as an example to others who may want to engage in early marriages.

The senior chief said it was through concerted efforts that early marriages and young girls falling pregnant could be properly addressed.

The Chief was speaking in Luangwa today when Gender and Child Development Deputy Minister, Josephine Limata, paid a courtesy call on him at his palace.

He said the move by government to empower women in his area with funds will go a long way in improving the living conditions of people.

Senior Chief Mburuma has since pledged his support to government, saying the Patriotic Front (PF) has done well in his area and should be commended by all well-meaning Zambians.

He said for a long time, Luangwa has lagged behind in terms of development but with the PF ascending to power several projects are earmarked in the district, among them road infrastructure.

The senior chief, however, called on government to set up a police post and filling station in his area to secure the safety of people and create employment in Luangwa.

Meanwhile, Gender and Child Development Deputy Minister, Josephine Limata, said the PF government under the leadership of President Michael Sata places a lot of importance to women in the country.

Ms Limata is in Luangwa to inspect women clubs and to hand over cheques worth KR69,000 to selected groups of women meant to support their activities.

Ms Limata said under the PF government her ministry has become more pronounced and was doing a lot of activities aimed at meeting the needs of women in the country.