Government has elevated Group Village Heads Mwandosya and
Mwambero from Karonga to Sub Traditional Authorities in a function presided over by the Minister of Local Government Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda.

Speaking at the ceremony which was held on Sunday at Lulindo Primary School ground in Karonga, Banda said Chiefs have a crucial role to play supporting government's development agenda.

"Chiefs are very instrumental in bringing forth development because they are the custodians of the law in local communites. By ensuring that there is peace and tranquility, that's when government development projects progress impressively in the local communities," Banda said.

The Minister went on to advise the newly elevated Chiefs to ensure they protect vulnerable people especially widows and orphans from injustices may be inflicted upon them.

"Government is bringing alot of interventions in the local communites like the social cash transfer, affordable inputs programme and clunate smart enhanced public works programme so it is your duty as chiefs to ensure that people who deserve to be beneficiaries are considered without any corrupt practices,"he added.

On his part, Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga and Chitipa hailed government for elevating the two Chiefs who are both from his area.

"My appeal to these newly elevated Chiefs is that they should help maintain peace in the communities inorder for our country to develop. Chiefs have a duty to guide people on the communities and it is very important that they discharge their duties diligently whilst supporting government's development agenda," Kyungu said.

Kyungu went on to ask government to construct official houses and offices for Karonga Traditional Authorities saying this will help them discharge their duties.