By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, April 29, Mana: District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay, Rodgers Newa, has said government, through Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, has gazetted 350 traditional leaders in the district, who will immediately start receiving honoraria.

Newa was speaking Monday during a full council meeting, where council members deliberated on various reports from the council’s service committees.

According to Newa, the traditional leaders include 300 village heads and 50 group village heads, bringing the total number of gazetted chiefs in Nkhata Bay to 1,044 from 694.

"This entails that the leaders’ positions have been confirmed and provided with the official status. We expect that this development will motivate them in carrying out their roles in contributing to the country's development," said Newa.

In his remarks, Traditional Authority Fukamalaza commended government for placing the leaders on honoraria which he said is a step towards strengthening traditional leadership structures and promoting community development.

"I am excited because 12 of the newly gazetted leaders are from my area, out of which three are group village heads,” said Fukamalaza.