Village creation mess rocks Local Govt
The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is yet to come up with a lasting solution over the mess where Traditional Authorities (T/As) are being accused of creating villages.
The development shows that there is still lack of coherence in the administration of chiefs in the country.
The latest case involves wrangles between T/A Chapananga and his subjects in Chikwawa. The subjects accuse the T/A of creating over 600 chiefs in a space of two years.
But in an interview on Wednesday T/A Chapananga dismissed the claims saying they are works of jealousy people who are not happy with his progress.
Said Chapananga: “What these people are saying are all but lies aimed at tarnishing my image. The village heads that I have put in place are just ceremonial in the sense that they are not recognised by government.”
One of the chiefs who asked for anonymity for fear of reprisals alleged that T/A Chapananga who was installed in 2013 had developed a reputation of installing subordinate chiefs among his cronies whom they alleged had no people to rule.
The source further alleged that while his predecessor had created 173 chiefs in 17 years the current T/A Chapananga has created more mess as subordinate chiefs are scrambling for authority in the area.
The issue under T/A Chapananga comes amidst growing debate on how the ministry has been handling the administration of chiefs in the country.
Some few weeks ago President Mutharika dethroned T/A Chekucheku of Neno who had suspended for two years on similar issues.
When asked whether the ministry allows T/As to create as many chiefs as they can so long as they do not put a strain on government budget, spokesperson for the ministry Muhlabase Mughogho said government does not entertain such practices.
Said Mughogho: “The answer is no. In fact, we circulated a press release on the same. But with regard to procedures for removing chiefs, that varies from area to area and culture to culture and agreements are made amongst the chieftaincy lines.”
