2022 may have been filled with highs and extreme lows, but there is light at the end of the tunnel

by Cllr. Amanda Davison — DA Ward Councillor, Ward 15

Date: 12 December 2022

Release: Immediate

Type: Media Statement

As we come to the end of what can only be described as an unexpected year in service delivery, I would like to wish all residents of Ward 15 a peaceful and joyous festive season.

When reflecting on the past year, from my perspective as a ward councillor and politician, I would say that 2022 was a year filled with highs and extreme lows, tough, bleak, and sometimes dark with many political curveballs.

We faced many obstacles throughout the year, such as the heartbreaking and almost complete demise of our refuse collection service. Loadshedding was also at its worse this year, with over 459 hours of load-shedding being experienced across the country, resulting in the destruction of our already ailing infrastructure and affecting the health of our residents on oxygen machines and the poor and elderly.

Fleet has also been a major issue facing the City. Most of the fleet in the City is over 15 years old, has not been maintained by the previous administration, is continuously breaking down, and is in desperate need of replacement. Acts of sabotage at different depots also resulted in service delivery challenges piling up. Although many of the Issues and problems were resolved with new systems and repairs; cable theft, illegal connections, and crime derailed many of these efforts, resulting in increased costs and the diverting of funds to stabilize the grid.

However, as the challenges grow, so do our resilience and dedication to not give up.

We are South Africans.

We face problems and overcome them with determination.

There is light at the end of the tunnel and things are finally looking up, waste removal is slowly returning to normal with the efforts of the MMC for Waste Management, parks and cemeteries are being cleaned and maintained, and potholes and streetlights are receiving attention across the City.

I look forward to 2023 and would like to reaffirm my commitment to you, resident of ward 15, to continue the fight for better service delivery in this City. I look forward to working together as a community, to make positive strides in the right direction to make this city work for all of us who live within it.

The stormy waters in which we find ourselves will not last. It is only through the efforts and commitment of not only Councillors and the Mayoral Committee, but each resident, that we can change the trajectory of our City and our country. Do not give up hope, we will persevere and overcome and restore Kempton Park to its former Glory.

I wish to thank all residents for your continued support.

A big thank you to all CoE officials who are still doing their utmost in these challenging times.

Media Enquiries

Cllr. Amanda Davison

DA Ward Councillor, Ward 15

072 517 4121