Construction of 13 chiefs’ palaces at a cost of over K55.7 million in North-western Province is progressing well, with ten so far completed.

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, North-Western Provincial Principal Engineer, Fonka Chalomba says the 13 palaces were being constructed at K55,787,306.31 using Constituency Development Funds.

Mr Chalomba told ZANIS in an interview in Solwezi that ten palaces were at 100 percent completion, while three were 80, 85, and 95 percent complete, respectively.

“We have three palaces being constructed in Zambezi, two in Ikelenge, and then the rest of the districts have one each. Works on the ten palaces are substantially complete, and contractors are currently working on snags and awaiting the final inspection and certification,” Mr Chalomba said.

He said the contracts include the construction of the main palace, meeting room, retainers’ houses, and the installation of a borehole and tank for water provision.

Mr Chalomba named the completed ones as being for Chief Chinyama and Nyakulenga in Zambezi district, Chikola in Mushindamo, Kapijimpanga in Solwezi, and Chief Kakoma in Mwinilunga district.

Others are Chief Ingwe’s in Kasempa, Senior Chief Sikufele’s in Manyinga district, Senior Chief Musele in Kalumbila, Chief Mwinyilamba in Mwinilunga, and Chief Kalunga in Kabompo, while the ones yet to be completed are for Chief Kucheka in Zambezi, Chieftainess Ikelenge in Ikelenge district, and Chief Chizela in Mufumbwe District.

“We still have works going on such as kitchen units, water tanks, window and door installation, painting works, ceiling installation, and septic tanks,” he said.

Mr Chalomba said works were on course, and the various contractors were working to ensure that palaces were completed and handed over to the traditional leaders.