SENIOR Chief Chikwanda of the Bemba speaking people of Muchinga Province has commended government’s initiative to construct palaces for chiefs, stating that the decent accommodation will boost their status in communities. Chief Chikwanda says if a palace is not okay, some people may not take traditional leaders seriously. In 2022, government embarked on the construction of chief’s palaces throughout the country. The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development directed all local authorities to set aside K1 million from the 2023 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to supplement central government’s funding for the projects. The Ministry stated that its objective was to provide dignified and functional spaces where chiefs can carry out their day-to-day duties. Speaking when Ministry of Local Government...