As the new year begins, Ward 15 councillor Amanda Davison reflected on 2025 during a discussion with the Kempton Express, acknowledging that progress was often difficult under challenging city conditions.

Davison said one of the major projects in the ward during the past year was the Beukes Stormwater Project (Beukes GAT), which faced serious difficulties and was overshadowed by the tragic loss of a life.

Despite these challenges, she said the completed work is already showing positive results.

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“A further phase of the project, aimed at improving stormwater flow, is planned to continue in 2026, and there is cautious optimism about its long-term benefits,” said Davison.

Another ongoing concern remains the Elgin Road low bridge, where trucks continue to crash almost daily.

“Significant funding has been secured through the IDP process. I will continue applying pressure on all relevant departments to improve visible warning signage and, critically, ensure that this low bridge is accurately loaded onto all GPS navigation platforms,” she said.

Davison also addressed the situation at the Old Kempton Hospital, saying the site has received much-needed renewed attention with the assistance of provincial colleagues and investigative reporting by Carte Blanche.

“We will continue to hold the Department of Health accountable until meaningful progress is achieved,” she said.

At city level, Davison said ongoing service delivery challenges had a direct impact on Ward 15. Problems within waste management, water and sanitation, roads and stormwater and electricity caused delays to many planned projects.

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“Even with these difficulties, efforts continued to keep community priorities on the agenda and to demand accountability from City departments,” she said.

“Some work was done on potholes and streetlights, but the level of service is still not good enough. Traffic light failures and ongoing outages remain a major concern and pose safety risks to residents.”

Illegal dumping also remains a problem in Ward 15.

Davison said she plans to strengthen engagement with the Environmental and Waste Management Department to improve law enforcement and ensure that bylaws are enforced.

She added that better cooperation between city departments will also be pushed, as poor coordination often leads to service delivery failures.

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Billing problems, incorrect meter readings and property valuations continue to frustrate residents.

“These issues are made worse by repeated failures of the city’s call centre and prepaid electricity systems, especially during busy periods. These ICT-related problems will continue to be escalated to the city manager until lasting solutions are found,” said Davison.

She thanked city officials who continue to work under difficult, financially constrained conditions, and also expressed appreciation to the Ward 15 community for their patience, support, and engagement.

Davison wished residents a happy and successful 2026 and encouraged continued cooperation.

“As we enter an election year, let us continue working together to make Ward 15, Kempton Park and Ekurhuleni the great city it once was and can be again,” she said.