A lifelong Kempton Park resident has expressed growing frustration over deteriorating service delivery, saying the city she once took pride in has become almost unrecognisable.

Annette, a resident of Kempton Park Extension 4 who was born at the Isabella Clinic, said years of neglected infrastructure and poor municipal services have left residents feeling frustrated and disillusioned.

Speaking ahead of the November 4 local government elections, she said she had registered to vote in the hope of seeing meaningful change.

“I have registered to vote, praying and hoping for change. Our city has deteriorated beyond recognition,” she said.

Annette highlighted several ongoing service delivery challenges affecting communities across Kempton Park, including potholes, sinkholes, faulty traffic lights, non-functioning streetlights, neglected parks and inconsistent refuse collection.

She said residents were becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of action despite repeatedly reporting these problems.

“It is frustrating, and hope fades when you keep on reporting issues and problems and there is absolutely no improvement.

“The only response we get is that there is no money for tar, there are no trucks to pick up bins and, for the rest, just silence,” she said.

According to Annette, the ongoing deterioration of municipal services is affecting residents’ daily lives and livelihoods.

“It is affecting everyone’s livelihoods. Too often we are without water and electricity, there is no service delivery, and we are watching our surroundings deteriorate beyond repair.”

She said residents were looking to the upcoming elections for renewed hope, accountability and improved service delivery.

“We wish to see honesty, improvement, a hardworking party, hope and a better future for our people and our once working, clean and beautiful city,” she said.

Reflecting on how Kempton Park has changed over the years, Annette recalled a time when residents took pride in their surroundings.

“Kempton Park used to be a clean, well-managed and working city that we used to be proud of. Now you are embarrassed to say you are a Kempton Park resident.”

Despite her disappointment, Annette said she had not lost hope that the city could be restored to its former state.

She urged fellow residents to use their votes to demand accountability and meaningful improvements.

“Each and every one of the residents has experienced, and is experiencing, the same neglect and issues, and we are tired of empty promises. Make the right choice when casting your vote,” she said.

“But we cannot give up on our people and our once beautiful city. Let us take hands and make the right choices for ourselves, our families and friends, and our fellow Kempton Park residents. We love you, Kempton Park.”

The Kempton Express sent an enquiry to the City of Ekurhuleni on October 23, requesting comment by October 26.

No response had been received by the time of publication on October 29.