President Dr Lazarus Chakwera on Tuesday had an audience with chiefs from the southern region at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre.

Minister of Local Government, Unity, and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, said that the meeting underscores the value that the government places on the role that traditional leaders play in development activities and the sustainability of development projects in the country.

He emphasized that being custodians of the people, traditional leaders are well-placed to highlight the challenges that their communities are facing.

Chimwendo Banda also disclosed that the meeting is a continuation of in-person discussions President Chakwera has been having with chiefs on a wide range of developmental issues, which provide chiefs in the country a platform to share their communities’ experiences and challenges with the president.

Senior Chief Chikumbu expressed her gratitude for the opportunity given to traditional leaders through the meeting to share and discuss with President Chakwera the state of development in their communities as well as the challenges they are facing.