Councillor Kade Guerreiro reflects on past challenges

As 2025 gains momentum, Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerreiro reflected on the challenges and achievements of the past year while outlining priorities for the months ahead.

Guerreiro commended the Klopperpark community for its resilience, particularly in preventing last year’s attempted illegal land occupation.

“The community banded together to stop the invaders,” he noted, emphasising the strength of unity.

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He also praised local initiatives, such as clean-up campaigns and soup kitchens, which have played a vital role in addressing hunger and poverty.

Guerreiro called for greater community involvement in these efforts: “We’re calling on stakeholders to partner with us. Residents need to volunteer and donate where possible.”

The councillor acknowledged pressing issues in the ward, including crime, water shortages, electricity disruptions, waste management, and structural fires.

“These challenges are not unique to our ward, but we need to do more to ensure sustainability and improved service delivery,” he told the NEWS.

Residents were urged to report issues and obtain reference numbers to hold the council accountable.

Guerreiro expressed frustration over waste collection delays, stating, “Some residents have had uncollected bins for three weeks. Taxpayers are forced to take rubbish to landfills, which is unacceptable.”

Water security remains a significant concern.

Plans for a new reservoir and water tower repairs were halted due to administrative changes.

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Guerreiro warned that ongoing leaks and burst pipes, coupled with Gauteng’s Level 1 water restrictions, demand urgent action.

Electricity issues persist, with stolen cables and vandalised substations.

Guerreiro lauded community efforts to secure some substations but raised concerns over illegal connections and the recent explosion of a substation in Elandsfontein.

Plans for the year

Guerreiro is hopeful for improvements this year, focusing on the ward’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP). Key projects include:

• Reblocking the Emabhondeni informal settlement.
• Building a multipurpose centre in Elandsfontein, incorporating a police station and safety haven.
• Addressing sewage issues at Sizwe Secondary School.
• Accelerating classroom construction at Klopperpark Primary School.
• Infrastructure upgrades are also a priority, with calls for improvements to Lazarus Mawela Road (formerly Barbara Road) and Pretoria Road, key routes connecting Germiston, Primrose, and Meadowdale.

Crime levels have decreased in some areas, thanks to security companies and the Community Policing Forum (CPF).

However, Guerreiro urged greater action against illegal mining and advocated for a new police station within the ward.

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“We need council members who don’t pretend everything is fine at meetings,” he stressed. “Transparency and accountability are key.”

Residents can contact Councillor Guerreiro via WhatsApp or phone at 071 899 8646 or email Kade.Guerreiro@ekurhuleni.gov.za