KDM, take a leaf from Sembcorp’s book

During all the frustrations of the recent water shortages in Ballito, one thing was done impeccably – Sembcorp Siza water maintained regular contact with consumers via SMS to inform them of the problems and the likely duration of any water cut-offs.
Well done, Sembcorp! The challenge for the water company is to now extend this customer-friendly approach into other areas of its administration – for example to encourage easy and cheap bill payments via cheque card.
The exemplary Sembcorp customer communication begged comparison with the total lack of customer communication that is shown by the KwaDukuza municipality during electricity cut-offs.  For example, during the eight hour plus electricity cut off on a recent Friday, it proved impossible to get information via advertised phone numbers.
It occurs to me that the KwaDukuza Municipality could take a leaf out of the Sembcorp book and build up a customer cellphone number base.
Modern technology would then allow them, as it allows Sembcorp, to send out SMS notices to all , or a specified section, of customers on the base.
BRIAN McKENDRICK
Ballito