The City’s recently launched mobile application is steadily gaining popularity as a convenient means for residents to access Municipal services. The eThekwini Mobile App was introduced as an alternative method to ensure that residents receive services without having to physically visit the City’s Sizakala Centres. With more than 18 000 downloads, the new app has proven to be a valuable tool with over 5,000 cases logged to date. Of these logged cases, more than 3,600 have been successfully resolved. The app’s user report shows that most users are registering complaints related to electricity and water issues, while a smaller percentage are reporting cases involving pollution and traffic.
The acting Head for Sizakala Centres Mpucu Skweyiya is pleased with the City’s progress in the digital age. “We are ambitious about becoming a smart city and the new app will make it easy and faster for customers to get the information they need without having to visit our walk-in centres,” said Skweyiya. Activations will soon be commencing at Sizakala Centres where customers will be assisted to download the new app and be shown how to maximise using it.
Although the app is currently not compatible with Huawei devices, the issue is being attended to during the second phase of the app launch. Municipal employees, who are also ratepayers, have praised the effectiveness of the app. Russel Stow said: “I have downloaded the app and use the meter reading function which I find useful.” Kemeshni Govender agreed saying she has been using the app for two weeks and finds it “user-friendly and informative.”
The mobile application falls under the Chairperson of Governance and Human Resources Committee Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala.
Metro Ezasegagasini 22September – 5 October 2023
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