Government says it is saddened by the death of Chief Mpande of the Mambwe people of Senga Hill District.
Northern Province Minister, Leonard Mbao says the late chief who was also Mineral Economist contributed to the research and policy formulation in the country’s mining sector.
Mr. Mbao said the traditional leader was also instrumental in fostering development in his chiefdom and beyond.
ZANIS reports that Mr. Mbao said this at Mpande village during the burial of Chief Mpande who died at Maina Soko hospital in Lusaka after an illness
The Provincial Minister cited road network improvement and electrification projects as some of the developments spearheaded by the late Traditional leader.
And Chief Chitimbwa of Mpulungu describe the late chief Mpande as a peace maker and unifier of Mambwe – Lungu people.
He has since called for unity and peace to continue even at the time of looking for a successor.
Chief Mpande whose name was Mathias Musonda Mpande ascended to the throne on 23th of March 2013.
The late chief was an academician, mineral economist and served as a senior lecturer in the school of mines at the University of Zambia.
Chief Mpande also served as Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources as well as Deputy Minister of Education in the MMD government
He once served as Senga Hill law maker from 1991 to 2000 during the MMD government.
He is survived by a wife, six children and several grand children.