Davison looks back at tumultous 2022
“We faced many obstacles throughout the year, such as the heartbreaking and almost complete demise of our refuse collection service.”
Kempton Park Ward 15 Clr Amanda Davison said last year was filled with highs and lows.
“I would say that 2022 was tough, bleak, and sometimes dark, with many political curveballs. We faced many obstacles, such as the heartbreaking and almost complete demise of our refuse collection service.
“Load-shedding was also at its worse last year, with more than 459 hours being experienced across the country. This destroyed our ailing infrastructure, affected the health of our residents on oxygen machines, the poor and elderly,” she said.
Davison explained that the fleet was also a major issue facing the city.
“Most of the fleet 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 diversion of funds to stabilise the grid.
“However, as the challenges grow, so does 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 reaffirm my commitment to you, residents 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 making 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 country. Do not give up hope. We will persevere, overcome and restore Kempton Park to its former glory,” assured Davison
