Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Chief Chisunka of the Aushi speaking people in Mansa District in Luapula Province has demanded for an apology from Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkandu Luo for making alleged derogatory remarks during the “Ukutuna Impanga Traditional Ceremony” early this month.
This came to light today during the Global Hand washing day and Open Defecation Free (ODF) celebrations in his Chiefdoms this afternoon under the theme “Chose Hand washing, chose health”.
Chief Chisunka sternly warned all the speakers at the event not to use the event to insult him and his subjects.
The Traditional Leader recalled that Professor Luo on 3rd October, 2014 during the “Ukutuna Impanga ceremony” told the people in his chiefdom that the girls do not know how to dance which she blaming the chief and parents in public for that.
He says Professor Luo was out of order to issue such negative remarks in public which he deemed insulting to him as traditional Leader.
Chief Chisunka says he is still hurt that since then, Professor Luo has not returned to his palace to apologize for such remarks, accusing her of lacking leadership qualities.
Chief Chisunka says Professor Luo should begin to respect traditional leaders in the country as they are the custodians of the traditions.
Meanwhile Chief Chisunka has encouraged his subjects to continue promoting improved sanitation and hygiene stating that their survival depends on that gesture.
Chief Chisunka has also praised donors promoting the use of sanitation such as UNICEF, Water Aid and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the same event, UNICEF WASH Advisor Phillipa crooks says her organization will continue complementing government’s efforts in improving sanitation in the country.
Ms Crooks is hopeful that by 2015, over three million people in Zambia will be using handwashing facilities in a bid to reduce diarrhoea diseases in the country.
And Water Aid Luapula Provincial Projects Manager Michael Ngoma says his organization will continue supporting initiatives aimed at ending the spread of diarrhoea diseases in the country to help the dying of children under the age of five.
Meanwhile, Luapula Province Minister Brigadier General Benson Kapaya says it is worrying that Luapula province despite being endowed with abundant water, sanitation remains a challenge in the province.