The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has dispelled reports that 11 chiefs are illegally on government payroll.
Reports have emerged on social media from a consortium of civil society organizations, alleging that 11 chiefs are illegally on government payroll without legitimate chiefdoms.
But speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Ministry Permanent Secretary for Technical Services , Nicholas Phiri said from the available information, 286 chiefs is well accounted for, and it is unlikely that there are any ‘ghost chiefs’ among them.
“The civil society organizations behind the claims are challenged to release the list of the alleged chiefs so that government can investigate and take appropriate action if necessary,” said Mr. Phiri.
Mr. Phiri added that government has no interest in engaging in what he termed as “malicious and unproductive discussions.”
By Christabel Kamunu
