HEADMEN DEMAND TO BE ON GRZ PAYROLL
MASAMBA Headman, Milner Mukonde, of Monze has reawakened calls on Government to provide Headmen with salaries, arguing that Traditional Leaders are agents of Government at the village level.
He believes that headmen are integral in maintaining peace in society, citing their role in interceding over matters in traditional courts, which he says is a full-time job.
Mukonde complains to Byta FM Zambia News that successive Governments seem to have turned a blind eye on the welfare of Headmen, questioning whether their contributions are valued.
He begs that a monthly wage be provided, saying the least government can do is provide them with transport to carry out their work.
A member of the Ward Development Committee in Hatontola Webster Chitauka acknowledged the work of Headmen, saying they work day and night in their villages and are therefore deserving of a wage.
He nonetheless encourages Traditional Leaders to explore funding under the Constituency Development Fund, saying grants and loans could be used to set up profitable businesses.
Towards the 2021 election, Patriotic Front Member of Central Committee Kebby Mbewe assured Headmen that they would receive a special package under the Farmer Input Support Program – FISP.
The promise which was not backed by the party’s manifesto, was well received by Headmen in Monze who argued that headmen feed the vulnerable in their villages in their times of need.
For more details, tune in to Byta FM 90.3/100.3/101.9 or http://radio.garden/listen/byta-fm-zambia/YsDAFNNN