OUTGOING Solwezi Mayor, Peter Kikatula has called for a new beginning and restoration of confidence to the general public in the allocation of plots in the booming district.

Mr Kikatula said during the last full council meeting for the civic year ending 2010 that the plans, works and development committee should ensure procedure was followed in Kifubwa area of the North-Western Province district, where Kansanshi Mine has acquired some plots.

He called for a new beginning in building confidence in the general public and more efforts to re-create a fresh image devoid of corruption allegations.

"I say this because some senior officers are currently in court facing corruption charges which emanated from plots and land acquisition," Mr Kikatula, who is standing down as mayor after serving two mandatory terms, said.

He reiterated that the council would go ahead to release the ward development fund to communities despite opposition from some quarters, including the North-Western Council of Elders.

"As we disburse the funds as councillors, we should not involve ourselves but we should monitor to ensure projects in or various wards are funded as budgeted," he said.

And announcing mayoral elections today, he urged the councillors to elect someone who would continue to build on the foundation which he and predecessor, Emmanuel Chihili had led.

"Don't vote for a person who will fail to rise above board and cause this council to be suspended.

"My word to you is that we know each other very well both in our leadership qualities and failures," Mr Kikatula said.