2013 Nkombalyanga traditional ceremony postponement

–The Nkombalyanga traditional ceremony of the Soli speaking people of Chieftainess Shikabeta of Rufunsa District in Lusaka Province has been postponed until next year due to bereavement in the royal family.

ZANIS reports that Rufunsa District Commissioner Paul Kasongo announced the postponement of the ceremony in an interview in Rufunsa District, today.

The ceremony was scheduled for July 27^th, 2013 following the death of Headwoman Shikabeta last week.

He explained that the decision was arrived at after extensive consultation with the royal establishment and family who felt the ceremony couldn’t be held as a mark of respect for the last Headwoman.

The District Commissioner  ( DC ) however explained that the fundraising committee will continue mobilising funds for the construction of permanent structures at the main arena.

“ I wish to inform all invited guests and others that the Nkombalyanga traditional ceremony has been cancelled due to a bereavement in the royal family. However, the ceremony will be held next year on a date to be announced”, he said.

Mr. Kasongo implored the business community and other well wishers to contribute towards the construction of permanent structures at the main arena.

And Mr. Kasongo has expressed disappointment with the conduct of a named Lusaka based group that he said is allegedly trying to inciting Rufunsa residents to make government to re-locate the construction of the district administration to another place.

The DC explained that the group today allegedly held a meeting with unsuspecting residents with the aim of inciting them to reject the present site for the district to other place called “ Ndambwe” within Rufunsa.

He explained that the present site was agreed upon by all key stakeholders and was approved by the Lusaka Province Planning Authority (LPPA).

The DC said following this development, his administration  was just awaiting approval of district plans to be approved.

Mr. Kasongo noted that the group seems to be hell bent in frustrating government programmes of bringing services closer to the people.

President Michael Sata  declared Rufunsa, Shibuyunji, Chirundu and Chilanga as districts in Lusaka Province as a way of improving service delivery in the country.