CHIEF BLAMES DELAYED PROGRESS ON POLITICIANS

POLITICIANS are blocking development efforts in Kasenengwa and Chipangali constituencies, a traditional leader of Eastern Province has charged.

Chief Chanje of the Chewa people stated that he had on many occasions engaged political leaders and Members of Parliament in the two constituencies over the matter but to no avail. He said the unavailability of the MPs to attend to people’s problems, had triggered concerns on who they were representing in Parliament. People in the two constituencies including sub chiefs were complaining they had been neglected and that they were merely experiencing empty promises. Speaking in Chikuve village, Chief Chanje appealed to MPs and political leaders in the two constituencies to respect the people who supported their political quest by brining development to the areas, saying they owed it to the people. “As things are politicians are deterring development meant to improve people’s lives. It would be important that they live to the expectations of the people who voted for them into office. “What pains most is that they are failing to help facilitate and ensure people have access to basic needs such as water,” the chief said. The traditional ruler said his kingdom was in a state of disarray as people were now spending most of their productive time looking for food and water. “Our people in the communities are preoccupied with issues of bread and butter putting on hold to more prominent issues. And sub chief Ackson Zulu said a number of bridges were in a bad state as they had gone for a long time without maintenance even after people had they had presented their concerns to their MPs. “Chisato and Kafushi 1 and 2 bridges were washed away during the rainy season and it has now become a challenge for communities to transport their farm produce. And sub chief, Lestus Mwenda, in Chikuve central said in some place people had continued to share water sources with animals in Kasenengwa constituency. Mr Mwenda said this posed a serious health hazard and urged government to intervene. Efforts to contact Kasenengwa MP Victoria Kalima and Vincent Mwale MP for Chipangali constituencies proved futile by press time.