Re-elected Ward 39 councillor outlines 5-year service delivery priorities

Re-elected Ward 39 councillor Jean Ingram says her priorities over the next five years will centre on addressing ageing infrastructure, improving basic service delivery and strengthening community safety.

Ingram, who returns to her role following the 2026 Local Government Elections, says the ward faces three major challenges: energy infrastructure, water infrastructure and safety. She believes addressing these challenges will require sustained investment, closer co-operation with municipal departments and greater accountability to residents.

On infrastructure, Ingram said her focus will be on securing continued investment in ageing networks, completing major projects already underway and identifying recurring failures that require permanent solutions.

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“We cannot keep repairing the same failures. Recurring problems must be used to motivate for proper maintenance, rehabilitation and capital investment,” said Ingram.

She said reliable water and electricity, regular refuse collection and maintained roads are basic services residents pay for and should receive.

Community safety is another priority, with Ingram highlighting the need for stronger co-operation between the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, SAPS, Community Policing Forums, private security companies, businesses and residents.

She intends to continue addressing problem properties, illegal buildings and connections, cable theft, vandalism and illegal dumping, while advocating for stronger by-law enforcement and coordinated law enforcement operations.

Ingram said communication with residents will remain central to her approach. Her WhatsApp Channel will serve as the primary platform for service delivery updates, notices and important ward information, while community WhatsApp groups will be used to report and monitor municipal issues.

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She also wants to strengthen community participation through regular engagement, ensuring residents have an opportunity to influence decisions affecting their neighbourhoods.

With Ward 39 having a significant industrial and commercial presence, Ingram said supporting local businesses and protecting employment opportunities will also require attention to infrastructure.

“Businesses cannot grow or create jobs without reliable electricity, water, roads and municipal services. I plan to continue engaging with businesses, raising infrastructure concerns and advocating for investment that supports economic growth,” said Ingram.

On infrastructure-related complaints such as potholes, sewage spills, faulty streetlights and illegal dumping, her approach is to report, monitor, escalate and follow up until issues are addressed. However, she said the bigger challenge is moving away from temporary repairs towards lasting solutions.

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When GCN asked how she intends to ensure municipal funds are spent transparently and effectively, Ingram said she will monitor budgets, implementation and actual delivery.

She intends to scrutinise projects affecting the ward and question delays, poor workmanship and abandoned projects.

“Municipal money is public money, and there must be accountability for how it is spent,” she said.

Her plans also extend to young people, women and vulnerable residents.

She wants to engage local businesses, non-profit organisations and non-governmental organisations to establish a database connecting organisations willing to assist with residents in need.

While acknowledging that not everyone can be helped, she believes partnerships can make a difference to individuals and families. Looking back at the past five years, Ingram said sustained petitions and pressure from the community have helped drive progress on major infrastructure projects.

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She points to the completion of the Russell Substation, the Russell Reservoir nearing completion, and the Atom and second input substations, which she says are approximately 60% complete.

She also credits improved working relationships with municipal officials for significantly reducing response times from the energy department in most cases.

Looking ahead, Ingram is developing an initiative called Ward 39 Connect, which she hopes will give residents a more structured way to monitor ward-specific issues, identify recurring infrastructure failures and track progress.

The initiative will also help identify capital projects needed in the ward and provide a platform for residents to make suggestions and engage with the councillor and ward committee members.

GCN asked her how the community should measure her in the next five years, and she said the next five years should be measured by tangible improvements rather than political promises.

“Measure me by progress, not promises,” she said.

Ingram can be reached on 065 808 8151.