By BRIAN HATYOKA –
LIVINGSTONE Town Clerk, Vivian Chikoti has been elected as the first president of the Society for Local Authorities Chief Executives (SOLACE) while George Mulenga went through unopposed as vice president.
Ms Chikoti got 56 votes, defeating Mazabuka Town Clerk, Wisdom Bwalya who polled 37 votes at the just ended first general assembly for SOLACE at the David Livingstone Safari Lodge in Livingstone.
The meeting attracted town clerks, council secretaries and local government officers from around Zambia.
Namukolo Kalufyanya was elected SOLACE honorary secretary after she beat Venture Kafula with 21 votes.
Moses Mwila was elected as the SOLACE legal advisor, while George Musumali was elected as treasurer.
Patrick Kambita was elected as the vice secretary, while Mulowa Kashumba was elected as SOLACE editor.
The general assembly also elected provincial coordinators for all the 10 provinces.
Local Government and Housing Permanent Secretary Amon Malupenga urged the new office holders to strive for excellence in their leadership and avoid settling for mediocrity.
Addressing the elected leaders, Mr Malupenga said members of the SOLACE expected only the best from their leaders in championing matters of local governance.