The days where we picked up the phone to check up on our bank balances or sent an e-mail to order something from a supplier are long gone.

Nowadays, we simply install an app and click a couple of buttons to see how much money we have or when to expect delivery of whatever we ordered.

The Overstrand Citizen App offers the same functionality. The only difference is that not only can users order something (a service), but they can use the same app to report things that need fixing.

The objective here is to improve efficiency in municipal service delivery by enabling residents to log service requests and track progress online without having to call or visit a municipal office.

We appreciate that residents might be a little reluctant to cross the digital divide. That’s why a number of Citizen App Ambassadors have been attending public ward committee meetings recently to tell rate payers all about the app.

To help explain why it is advisable to go digital, Johnet van Asperen – the “brain” behind Overstrand’s customised version – was also on hand to highlight the app’s key features:

• Ease of Use (any time, any place): By using the app, you can submit a service request quickly and easily directly from your smart phone by snapping a photo, adding a description and pinpointing the exact location using GPS.
• Direct Routing: Once submitted, the app will send your service request directly to Overstrand Municipality’s 24/7 Contact Centre from where it will be routed to those responsible for delivering the service you requested without delays or miscommunication.
• Tracking and Transparency: From that point forward, you can track progress in real time with regular status updates ranging from “assigned” to “scheduled” (i.e. in progress) to “completed”.

Typically, the app is used to request tanker services, but it can just as easily be used to report a streetlight that’s on the blink or a storm-water pipe that’s blocked.

Undoubtedly, this app serves as a means to empower communities since irrespective of whether a service is requested or an issue is reported, you can now keep tabs on your local authority’s response.

Why not cross the divide? Download and install the Collab Citizen app today.

If you need help to customise the app’s settings, go to https://www.overstrand.gov.za/overstrand-collab-citizen-app/ or call Overstrand Municipality’s Contact Centre on 028 313 8000/8111.

Kindly note: Do not use the Citizen App for life-threatening Fire & Rescue or Safety & Security emergencies. In such cases, please phone our Emergency Control Room on 028 312 2400.