In a 100 day period, ending on Tuesday 25 April, residents in the Ward 60 basin had logged 1 191 municipal service requests.
While this may seem like a large number, it is but a drop in the ocean compared to the 3 422 requests made by Ward 59 residents.
While many complaints are received about the levels of service carried out in the “leafy suburbs” across the way, this is actually as a result of a more proactive reporting culture, says officials.
At a recent meeting held at the Lansdowne Civic Centre, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis encouraged residents to use the correct platforms when reporting matters for the City’s attention.
Of the requests logged during this period, 626 calls were logged by residents, 97 C3 requests were logged and 468 calls were logged though proactive City initiatives. These calls are monitored and tracked through a City-wide online platform.
Of these calls, the majority of complaints received were as a result of the Lansdowne Bridge invasion (“Homelessness addressed”, People’s Post, 16 May).
The official representing the City’s safety and security directorate says around 63 C3 calls were logged for illegal land invasions in progress.
While a C3 is a tool for reporting, officials encouraged residents to make use of the correct reporting methods, instead of WhatsApp reporting.
“I can guarantee you the officials are not on these WhatsApp groups (where things are reported). The best way to report anything is through the City’s call centre and platforms,” says Hill-Lewis.
He adds that the residents should not rely on a central person to report, but rather take the initiative to report matters themselves. This is the way to speed up service delivery, he says.
A C3 is the name given to official service requests and should not be used in an emergency, such as traffic accidents, land invasions in progress, need for emergency services or crime. These requests, including police and crime requests can be made through 107 or 0214807700, says Hill-Lewis.
He adds the City’s call centre has assisted with requests for the South African Police Service where residents are unable to reach a station or the CrimeStop number on 08600 10111.
A C3 is useful in ensuring effective service delivery throughout Cape Town.
These include electrical faults, street lights, removal of animal carcass, blocked drains, dumping, problem buildings, graffiti and stolen or vandalised City property, uncollected refuse or waste, tree removal and cutting, maintenance of open spaces and more.
- Log a C3 via the customer call centre at 0860 103 089 or online at www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests
