As 2024 draws to a close, Councillor Simon Lapping reflects on a year marked by persistent challenges, many of which show little sign of resolution as the new year approaches. One of the most pressing issues that continues to plague the community is the delayed and disjointed implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. Despite being a key element in the city’s infrastructure development, the project’s stop-start nature has left commuters in Kempton Park frustrated and businesses grappling with the consequences of unfinished work. Lapping’s frustration is palpable, as he emphasizes that the project’s slow pace has not only disrupted daily life but has compounded the difficulties faced by local businesses, which must contend with an incomplete and often hazardous environment.
Reflecting on the broader performance of municipal departments, Lapping strikes a note of disappointment, particularly with the roads department. “The roads department has been the biggest disappointment,” he says, citing the ongoing struggle to address even basic road repairs. The city’s aging infrastructure, coupled with a lack of urgency in addressing pressing maintenance needs, has left residents dealing with deteriorating roads that undermine both safety and quality of life. Lapping’s concerns are further compounded by the apparent inability of the local government to keep pace with the demands of a growing population and an increasingly strained infrastructure network.
Beyond the state of physical infrastructure, Lapping also voices concerns about the erosion of civic order, particularly regarding the enforcement of by-laws. He notes that the enforcement of regulations has become almost nonexistent, with certain residents acting as though they are exempt from the law. This lack of accountability has led to a disregard for the rights of fellow citizens, contributing to a growing sense of frustration among law-abiding residents. Lapping argues that this lapse in governance only exacerbates the challenges already faced by the community, creating an environment where civil order is increasingly difficult to maintain.
Another issue that continues to generate concern for Lapping is the alarming state of streetlights and traffic signal repairs. He points out that these essential services, which play a crucial role in ensuring safety on the roads, are at an all-time low. The lack of timely repairs has not only made certain areas of the city more dangerous but has also hindered efforts to improve public safety. Lapping’s frustration with the system is clear, as he highlights that essential services such as streetlight functioning and traffic signal operations should be among the city’s top priorities, especially given the daily risks faced by commuters and pedestrians.
Lapping’s concerns also extend to the local railway system, which became the backdrop for a tragic incident earlier in the year. A teenager tragically lost her life after being struck by a train in Rhodesfield, an event that prompted Lapping to write to the Minister of Transport, urging the government to take stronger action to prevent pedestrians from accessing railway tracks. Lapping has long advocated for the installation of better safety measures around train stations to safeguard against such tragedies, but despite his efforts, the lack of a swift response from authorities has left the issue unresolved.
As the year comes to an end, Lapping remains cautiously optimistic about the future. While his reflections on 2024 are tempered by frustration with slow-moving bureaucratic processes and the persistence of critical infrastructure problems, he still holds hope for improvement in 2025. “Let’s hope for a more productive year,” he says, expressing his wish that the new year brings about positive changes for the community. Lapping concludes by sending his best wishes to residents, hoping that 2025 will usher in success, progress, and the resolution of longstanding issues. His words, though tinged with disappointment, reflect a continued commitment to advocating for the people of Kempton Park, even in the face of ongoing challenges.
