Alberton councillors reflect on their term in office

Member of Parliament and DA Alberton political head Tsholofelo Bodlani says DA ward councillors in Alberton remain committed to turning the fortunes of service delivery.

This follows a year during which the multi-party coalition reportedly soldiered on to address the ‘years of neglect’ under the previous administrations.

Across all four wards where the DA has ward councillors in Alberton, some of the constant issues include non-functioning streetlights as well as potholes.

In the later months of the year, Bodlani said the city grappled with the issue of irregular waste removal.

Despite these many challenges, she reiterated that the DA ward councillors remained committed to ensuring services are delivered in the respective wards.

Ward 37

“We join the Executive Mayor, Alderman Tania Campbell who in her maiden State of the City Address (SOCA) recognised the Alberton North Business Forum, who installed alarms at three different substations to mitigate asset pilfering assisting the City to secure the infrastructure. The DA believes that it is such patriotism that will take Alberton forward,” said Bodlani.

Since the new administration had its budget approved in July, she stated that the allocation of funds for maintenance has been evident in that street lights in Alberton are starting to be repaired.

“While there is still a lot to do with regards to repairing the streetlights as a result of the previous underinvestment in the maintenance budget for the electricity department, ward councillors continue to address all shortfalls with relevant council stakeholders,” she explained.

Ward 38 and 94

In Ward 38, through the work of Clr Thavha Maifala-Masebe, she said they are pleased to see the great progress made in terms of road infrastructure upgrades.

“Other wards in the area are also receiving much-needed attention in terms of road infrastructure upgrades including Wards 37 and 94. Just as is the case with Ward 38, in Ward 94 under Clr Samantha Nair, there is progress being made in terms of sewer infrastructure upgrades,” Bodlani said.

The DA also welcomes the next phase of the sewer department’s undertaking to employ consultants to carry out design work in upgrading the system.

Ward 106

In Ward 106, according to Bodlani, the DA continues to be at the forefront of showing that it is committed to assisting residents of Alberton.

“This is evident from the work the DA has done to assist flood victims in South Crest and Raceview during the November 25, 2021 floods. Not only has the DA stood in the service delivery gap through its elected ward councillors, but the DA has also taken up issues of residents in the National Assembly through parliamentary processes,” she said.

Among issues raised by the DA in parliament is the issue of the new building that has been built to accommodate the Alberton North Police Station, which is currently standing vacant and vandalised.

The DA says it has also addressed the issue of long queues at the Alberton Home Affairs through parliamentary processes.

“Two petitions were submitted to the National Assembly for attention, these are the issue of the then ongoing power outages in Alrode as well as a request for a permanent police station in Brackendowns,” explained Bodlani.

She reiterated that they remain committed to serving the residents of Alberton diligently and making sure services are accessible to all.

“The first year since the start of the 2021 to 2026 term started with many challenges, however, through the dedication of DA public representatives, the residents of Alberton can be assured that it is only the DA that can address all outstanding issues that affect the residents,” said Bodlani.