Ward 109 councillor urges more community involvement ahead of 2026 local government elections
Despite ongoing water, road, and service delivery challenges, Ward 109 councillor Lori Coogan says resident-driven initiatives are making a difference and calls for greater community participation ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
As residents stepped into the new year after the festive season, many took time to reflect, reconnect with loved ones, and reset their hopes for the months ahead.
For Ward 109, this period of renewal also brings a renewed call for community involvement, as councillor Lori Coogan emphasised that meaningful progress depends on active and engaged residents.
Looking back at 2025, Coogan acknowledged that the year was marked by significant service delivery challenges across the city, particularly around critical infrastructure. Persistent water leaks, repeated water supply interruptions, sewage spillages, and inadequate by-law enforcement placed ongoing strain on communities. “These challenges have a direct impact on residents’ daily lives. The strain on our infrastructure is not just a technical issue; it affects health, safety, and dignity.”
Read more: Pristine streets for guests, chaos for Ward 109 residents
She added that the hosting of G20-related events further highlighted inequalities in service delivery. “While certain routes benefited from targeted upgrades ahead of the summit, many residents experienced inconvenience due to traffic restrictions and heightened security, without seeing lasting improvements in their own neighbourhoods.”
Despite these obstacles, Ward 109 has recorded notable progress. Several public facility projects have advanced substantially, with more detailed updates expected to be shared with residents in the near future.
Coogan said these developments demonstrate what can be achieved when communities remain engaged and informed. Community-driven initiatives have been particularly successful. Streetlight repairs, pothole maintenance, and intersection traffic light repairs have shown positive results, largely due to residents consistently logging faults and providing follow-up feedback.
She added that these efforts will continue throughout 2026, despite seasonal rainfall complicating road maintenance and requiring repeated work. “We are deeply grateful to residents who take the time to report issues and keep us updated. Your involvement is vital to sustaining improvements and ensuring problems are addressed.”
Also read: G20 Summit showcase leaves Ward 109 behind, says councillor Lori Coogan
As 2026 unfolds, Coogan is calling for a more involved and organised community. She is encouraging residents to join local community organisations and advocacy groups that work towards improved service delivery and neighbourhood upgrades. “Community participation is key. A more involved community strengthens our voice and helps us create a cleaner, safer, and more functional environment for everyone.”
Residents are also reminded to prepare for upcoming ward demarcation changes ahead of the local government elections, expected in November 2026. Coogan urged residents to ensure they are registered at the correct ward and voting station to avoid confusion during the election period.
Looking ahead, Coogan remains optimistic. “If we continue to collaborate and expand the reach of improvements in our ward, we can make meaningful progress that benefits every resident. As we move through 2026, let us work collectively toward a brighter future built on hope, progress, and unity.”
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
