FreeCall lines, which allow residents to call on the City for help, are conveniently located within easy reach of communities in municipal buildings, housing offices, cash offices, libraries, clinics, and in community facilities throughout the city.

 

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services and Compliance, Councillor Xanthea Limberg, unveiled the latest FreeCall line, situated in the Dunoon Community Hall.

 

‘While many residents have access to cellphones, they do have a knack of running out of airtime or having a flat battery when we need them most. In addition, the high cost of cellphone calls often makes it difficult for residents to reach out to the City for services.

 

'This free service can be seen as a lifeline that makes the City more accessible to communities. FreeCall lines can be used to contact the City for various enquiries and service requests relating to, for example, account enquiries, refuse collection, illegal dumping, water leaks, sewer blockages, street lights that are not working, potholes and damaged roads.

 

‘Our commitment to redress drives our desire to connect communities so that service delivery can be improved. When a resident uses the FreeCall line, the phone automatically connects to the City’s call centre as the caller lifts the receiver. A call centre agent answers the phone in the language of the caller’s choice, logs the service request, and gives the caller a reference number,’ said Councillor Limberg.

 

By reporting faults, complaints, vandalism and theft of City property, residents can play their part in helping us build a well-run city, together. The City is aware of the limited landline availability and the high costs of cellphone calls. This led the Corporate Services Directorate to install FreeCall lines in public amenities which residents can use to contact the City.

 

The pilot phase of this project was launched in July 2009 when four FreeCall lines were installed in City facilities in Strand, Lwandle and Khayelitsha.

 

‘FreeCall lines is an important tool for our residents, empowering them to contact the City directly at no cost and without having to pass all individual requests through their ward councillor,’ added Councillor Limberg.

 

In line with our commitment to building a caring city, more FreeCall lines will be installed in communities across the city during this financial year.