THE eThekwini Municipality brought its Batho Pele outreach programme to the Austerville Community Hall in Wentworth on July 18. This event, held in collaboration with the Church Based Community Organisation (CBCO) KZN, was designed to bring municipal services directly to residents. 

Also read: Batho Pele Outreach Programme brings services closer to the people

Catering to different issues

Agnes Zulu, manager of customer services within the revenue management directorate, said that the goal was to bring services to the community and boost resident involvement. 

“The team addressed client accounts and questions, aiming to offer municipal services directly to residents. Residents received help with account questions and explanations on their bills. The team helped with the 50% off debt relief programme and the municipality also helped update rates rebates for senior citizens and tried to connect with the elderly people in the area,” she said

Promoting e-services

The programme also encouraged residents to sign up for e-services, a system that facilitates the direct delivery of municipal statements via email. Zulu acknowledged the difficulties associated with the postal service, and said the municipality is promoting e-services as a reliable method for receiving bills.

The outreach event also promoted the municipal app, which allows residents to view past statements, report service disruptions, submit meter readings and submit enquiries about services. 

The Batho Pele programme in Wentworth was well received and motivated the municipality to continue their work in the area. 

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