Chiradzulu chiefs demand vehicle, bikes from MP

Traditional leaders in Chiradzulu District have asked Chiradzulu Central member of Parliament (MP) Mahomed Hanif Osman to buy a vehicle for Traditional Authority (T/A) Likoswe.
The leaders, comprising group village heads (GVHs) under T/A Likoswe, also want Osman, popularly known as OG Issa, to buy them motorcycles to ease their mobility around the constituency.
Speaking during an Area Development Committee (ADC) meeting at Chisombezi Hall last week, GVH Kusawali said GVHs face transport problems; hence, the need to provide them with motorcycles and the vehicle for their T/A.

Said Kusawali: “Our honourable MP, I would like to let you know that we the village heads have transport challenges, therefore, we ask you to buy us motorcycles to ease the transportation problems.
“When considering our request, we would also like to ask you to consider buying a motor vehicle for Traditional Authority Likoswe as he is also facing the same problems.”
But National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust Chiradzulu district assistant district civic education officer Rodgers Chapsinja, whose organisation enlightens people about the roles of MPs, councillors and ADCs, has condemned the chiefs for their request. He described the demand to the MP as greed and selfishness.
Chapsinja said the role of the MP is not to buy gifts for traditional leaders, but work hand in hand with ward councillors to initiate development projects in an area.
In recent years, commentators have been condemning both politicians and voters for abusing the role of an MP. In some cases, MPs are asked to pay school fees for children of their constituents whereas in others legislators buy coffins and meet funeral expenses.