Freedom Front Plus Proportional Representative Councillor Jean Kriek has shared a candid assessment of the City of Ekurhuleni’s municipal performance in 2024, rating each department on a scale from 1 to 10. His evaluation highlights a year marked by service delivery challenges, with several departments struggling to meet the basic needs of residents. Kriek’s critique paints a vivid picture of ongoing issues that have left many feeling underserved, while also acknowledging a few areas where improvements have been made.
The Energy Department received a particularly harsh review, with Kriek assigning it a low score of 3 out of 10. He criticized the department for neglecting its responsibilities, citing the widespread issue of illegal connections and rampant cable theft as significant contributing factors. Kriek pointed out that mini substations are often left unsecured, essentially “gift-wrapped for criminals.” He also lamented the frequent power outages, describing them as a daily gamble, and noted the lack of communication and accountability when reporting these issues. For many residents, the department’s failure to provide consistent and reliable service has become a source of constant frustration.
The Water and Sanitation Department, while not without its issues, earned a more positive rating of 7 out of 10. Kriek acknowledged the recurring problems of leaks and sewage overflows but praised the department as the city’s most reliable. He humorously compared their efforts to those of a plumber on speed dial, pointing out that while the water system might appear held together “with duct tape and hope,” at least the department was trying to keep things operational. For many residents, the Water and Sanitation team remains a vital lifeline, even though their infrastructure is clearly under strain.
In contrast, the Waste Management Department received a mixed review, with Kriek awarding it a mediocre 5 out of 10. Illegal dumping and inconsistent garbage collection were significant concerns, with Kriek noting the puzzling disappearance of wheelie bins and the increasing prevalence of illegal dumping. He joked that illegal dumping had become “the city’s hottest new landscaping trend,” but emphasized that these issues were a serious problem for residents trying to maintain clean and livable environments. Despite this, Kriek remained hopeful that waste management could be improved with more attention to detail and consistent service.
The Roads and Transport Department also received a score of 5 out of 10, with Kriek describing the city’s potholes as large enough to be mistaken for meteor craters. Traffic lights, he added, were little more than “decorative chaos,” a far cry from the well-maintained infrastructure residents need for safe and efficient travel. However, Kriek expressed optimism for the future, noting that there were signs that the department was planning improvements for 2025, including smoother roads and re-tarred surfaces. This was one of the few areas where Kriek saw some potential for progress in the coming year.
Customer care and the city’s app system, however, were another area of disappointment. Kriek rated Customer Care at a low 2 out of 10, criticising the city’s poor service and the lack of effective solutions through the CoE app. He described both as frustratingly ineffective, with residents often feeling that their concerns were ignored or handled poorly. On a more positive note, the EMPD (Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department) received a moderate score of 6 out of 10 for their efforts in managing basic policing functions like speed traps and visible enforcement. While Kriek acknowledged the department’s work despite financial constraints, he noted that they were often seen as “overachievers” when compared to other city departments.
Kriek concluded his evaluation of 2024 by lamenting the overall decline in service delivery. He pointed out that power outages had made load-shedding seem like a “nostalgic luxury,” water infrastructure was crumbling under neglect, and potholes had become some of Kempton Park’s most recognizable landmarks. Looking ahead, he emphasized the need for fundamental improvements, including reliable electricity, drivable roads, consistent waste collection, and a municipality that truly listens to its residents. Kriek’s highest praise was reserved for the people of Kempton Park, commending their resilience in the face of ongoing challenges. “You’ve kept the lights on when the power didn’t, manoeuvred through potholes, and kept laughing when crying felt more appropriate,” he said. As their representative, Kriek reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the fight for better service delivery on behalf of the community.
