Engage chiefs in subsidy sensitization-Madzimawe

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Chief Madzimawe of the Ngoni people in

eastern province has called on government to involve traditional

leaders in explaining the removal of subsidies on fuel and maize.

 

Chief Madzimawe said traditional leaders should be asked to assist in

explaining the long term benefits of the removal of subsidies on maize

and fuel to their subjects.

 

He was speaking when eastern province permanent secretary, Bert

Mushala, paid a courtesy call on him at his palace in Chipata

yesterday.

 

The traditional leader noted that people in rural areas were not clear

about government’s decision to remove the subsidies on fuel and maize

because they were receiving half baked information.

 

He said the villagers who were going to benefit more from the

resources after the removal of subsidies, were being confused by

disgruntled politicians who did not have the heart for people

especially those in rural areas.

 

“ These political leaders should have the heart for the country first

by coming up with policies that will benefit all Zambians like what

this government has done,’’ Chief Madzimawe said.

 

He said the office of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs in the district

was not being utilized fully, adding that, officers in the department

should work closely with chiefs in helping to explain government

policies that will benefit the majority of Zambians.

 

Chief Madzimawe said some farmers had wrong misconceptions that

government had completely removed the subsidy on agricultural inputs

when it was not the case.

 

“What it means is that farmers will pay 50 percent and government will

also pay 50 percent on the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP). I

think this is what I know because it is one way of making farmers

start thinking about standing on their own,’’ he said.

 

The traditional leader also urged government to provide transport to

the Department of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs so that the officers

can address issues affecting chiefs and their subjects in the district.

 

And Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, Bert Mushala, said

government offices were open to traditional leaders and urged them to

call when they needed help.

 

 

Mr. Mushala noted that government and traditional leaders had one

common goal of looking after the welfare of their people.

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