KEEPING the community clean and safe requires a combined effort from all residents, says ward 31 councillor, Chris Pappas, who feels the motto should be “if you see it, report it.”
“Don’t wait for someone else to report issues in your community. As councillors we cannot be everywhere all the time and we rely on the public to assist us by being our eyes and ears in the community. The municipality also relies on citizens to report issues so that they can attend to them. Remember, if they don’t know about it they can’t attend to it,” said Pappas.
He said this is mainly applicable to things such as water leaks, potholes, fallen trees or electrical cables and dumping.
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“When reporting issues it is crucial for you to get a reference number. This can be used to follow up where necessary. Metro Police are not in the habit of giving references. Please insist on a reference,” he said.
Pappas said if an issue is not resolved within a reasonable amount of time residents should contact the ward councillor for assistance. Send your councillor a short message with the details of your issue and include the reference number.
The community is also encouraged to download the Active Citizen App, which was launched to assist residents in reporting issues in the area.
“There are currently more than 500 residents in the city using the App. The Bluff is leading as the most active community in terms of reporting issues but I am confident that Berea residents will soon take this title,” he said.
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The App is directly linked to local ward councillors and to the correct municipal department. Pappas said the updated version of the App is set for launch at the end of this week with new features for residents. You can download the App by searching “Active Citizen” on the Google Play store.
“Let’s build a beautiful, safe and clean Berea for all,” he said.
Some important contacts:
Illegal dumping:
dsw@durban.gov.za
Water leaks and water outages:
Eservices@durban.gov.za
0801313013
Whatsapp – 073 148 3477
Electricity faults:
0801313111
custocare@elec.durban.gov.za
Billing issues:
revline@durban.gov.za
By-law enforcement (This includes things like traffic offences, noise, and loitering)
031 361 0000
Environmental and health:
Eservices@durban.gov.za
Potholes and sink holes:
Eservices@durban.gov.za
0801313013
Parks-related issues including verges and trees:
Eservices@durban.gov.za
Councillors’ details:
Musgrave and Overport
Councillor Chris Pappas
ward31@ethekwini.org
Morningside and Greyville
Councillor Martin Meyer
ward27@ethekwini.org
Glenwood and Umbilo
Councillor Mmabatho Tembe
ward33@ethekwini.org
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