Docrra is tapping into the vast skill base of the community in its mission to improve municipal services and the environment.

Volunteer experts in the legal, electrical, civil, environmental, town planning and information technology fields will be intermittently called on to provide insight on communication with the KwaDukuza municipality and other government bodies. The Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (Docrra) Expert Advisory Panel, as it is officially known, was launched at the Salt Rock Country Club last Friday.

Members of the panel will not be asked to attend meetings, engage with officials or write lengthy reports. Rather, they will be approached as needed to briefly comment on technical issues and reports arising from municipal processes that may require public response.

“The honourable mayor Gumede and new acting municipal manager, Siyabonga Khanyile have publicly acknowledged the challenges facing our municipality and have committed to working with civil society to make things better,” said Docrra vice-chairman and panel convenor Brian Pottinger.

“The establishment of the Expert Advisory Panel is part of our continuing effort to ensure that an informed voice from our community is heard in the places that matter.”

Pottinger said the ad hoc structure of the panel is designed to ensure experts are not overloaded with additional obligations.

“We are aiming at a 30-member panel and after Friday’s launch we are well on the way to that target. There is, however, still a need for help in the legal and IT clusters, so I urge anybody with the interest and skill to put up their hand,” he said.

Those willing to assist can email Stephanie Walker at admin@docrra.co.za with a brief synopsis of their area of interest and skills background.