The Billing System - rates and other services

Mr Albertus from the Debt Management division, City of Cape Town gave a presentation.  He concentrated on the City's strategy to assist those who want to pay but cannot, and to secure payment from those who can afford to pay, but will not.  The full text of the presentation is available here.

After a useful question and answer session, Colleen introduced Developmental Local Government - looking at Chapter 7 of the Constitution, the Objectives of Local Government, as well as “Democracy – Roles, Rights and Responsibilities" - emphasizing the need for not only communities to be responsible for becoming active citizens and paying their bills timeously but also for Councillors and Officials to allow community members to access their rights by asking questions, by allowing them a platform to voice their concerns and to be listened to. She also highlighted Chapter 2 of our Constituion, The Bill of Rights.

 Councilors and Municipal staff are encouraged to take cognizance of the fact that not everyone understands the Public Participation Process and that not everyone receives the community newspapers. It is wrong for officials to assume that everyone has access to information freely, especially in areas of Sub Council 19. Councillors and Officials should find ways of building bridges with the Community. A top down approach is not the solution - more communication and tolerance by all parties is necessary.