Keith Blake, Ottery
A few days ago I was updated with voice notes and messages from community members and leaders regarding issues of the electricity meter boxes and the alleged unfair allocation to the community in regards to the Expanded Public Works (EPWP) programme and as I received these messages, directed them to City of Cape Town officials.
I then made a general WhatsApp voice message which was distributed to the community and I told them to stop sitting, complaining. Stand up, go in groups to your Sub-council offices and register yourselves on the EPWP database and for any other issues, go to your Sub-council offices where there will be officials who must entertain and serve you in line of service delivery and their role as public servants.
The message went viral and then Freedom Park informal settlement residents went to Sub-council 18 offices in Lotus River and I supplied this address.
A few days later I received a message which I also shared with City officials and Chantal Hendricks.
She said when they came to the Sub-council 18 offices they were stopped by security. They were not allowed to enter a community service facility but their EPWP issues were handled by the security officer at the gate.
I was shocked at this treatment and a question comes to mind: are the officials of the City of Cape Town so important that they do not have personal contact or interviews with their residents.
Allegedly this is the norm. I could not help but go back into my police career where I as a captain had an open door policy for anyone who had a police issue or crime issues. I entertained no matter their status, that is how I was taught, trained and expected as a public servant to communicate with the public .
I see now the Human Settlements Department is expanding via the media their offices for better and quicker service delivery to the public but with the above alleged attitude the question is, is it meant for the public or more comfortable office situation for the staff and can you blame me for such a question?
Kevin Southgate, Sub-council 18 chairman, responds: Firstly I wish to thank you for encouraging people to register on the Sub-council database for EPWP work opportunities.
As we have experienced that people complain about not getting opportunities but then we discover that they are not on the database and if they are that their contact details are outdated. It is the responsibility of individuals who are serious about finding work to ensure that their details are up to date.
Furthermore: 1. No one is barred from visiting the Sub-council 18 offices to do business or seek assistance.
2. Councillors are not based at the Sub-council office and hence any resident who needs to see their ward councillor is provided with the relevant information. Should they want to meet the councillor at the Sub-council office then such arrangements must be made.
3. Residents wanting to see the Sub-council manager are welcome to do so and are received at reception.
4. The table at the security is to accommodate the EPWP applicants only as the Sub-council reception is very small this alleviates any congestion in the reception area.
5. Should the applicants require copies or documents to be certified the service is provided.
I trust that the above adequately responds to your concerns. Please feel free to communicate with our offices should you have concerns and before you forward them to all and sundry as they simply get referred to us for a response. Let’s work together for the advancement of our local communities.
