KABULONGA Ward councillor Mulenga Sata has been elected Lusaka Deputy Mayor after going through unopposed.

Returning officer Andrew Mwanakulanga declared Mr Sata as duly elected to serve in the position until 2014 at the Lusaka City Council (LCC)

Mr Mwanakulanga, who is Town Clerk, said he only received one valid nomination from Mr Sata, son of the Head of State.

Mr Sata thanked councillors for showing confidence in him and pledged to work for the betterment of the city.

The position fell vacant following the resignation of Theresa Funga who has taken up a job in Foreign Service.

And speaking in an interview, Mr Sata said he would concentrate on improving drainage, road network, and water and sanitation.

Mr Sata noted that Lusaka residents were highly expectant of seeing the Patriotic Front-controlled council deliver according to their expectations.

Local Government and Housing Minister Emerine Kabanshi who officiated at the ceremony reminded Mr Sata that he had a daunting task ahead as Lusaka was faced numerous challenges.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let me speak to the deputy mayor of Lusaka. The city needs a lot of improvement to make it compete with other developed cities internationally. I have no doubt that you will make your maximum contribution in your capacity as deputy mayor," she said.

Ms Kabanshi said the councillors' decision to elect Mr Sata was an indication of the leadership qualities they had seen in him.

The Minister extended her appeal to other councillors to ensure that they delivered according to the people's expectations in their respective localities.

She said her Ministry had released K1.8 billion a few weeks ago for clearing of drainage facilities and garbage collection.

Lusaka Mayor Daniel Chisenga emphasised the need for councillors to remain united.

"We don't want any disunity because disunity is what gives us failure to deliver services to the people of Lusaka. We will have no excuse whatsoever to the people of Lusaka. Therefore let's work hard," he said.

Home Affairs Minister Edgar Lungu, Northern Province Minister Gerry Chanda, Community Development, Mother and Child Health Deputy Minister Jean Kapata and Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkandu Luo were among people who witnessed the ceremony.

Mr Sata's contender Joyce Banda, who pulled out of the race, was also on hand to congratulate the new deputy Mayor.