Attended by more than 2000 residents as well as a number of politicians, MPs, city councillors and civil society leaders, the conference urged transparency and accountability on the part of service providers – as well as commitment to those they were supposed to serve.
Issues raised included: disconnection of TelOne lines and an unclear billing system, failure of BCC to stick to its refuse collection schedule, ownership of houses for Mabuthweni and Pelandaba residents, harassment of informal traders, overcharging of maternity fees at council clinics, corruption among ZESA officials and the flawed billing system.
Service providers gave an undertaking to address the residents’ concerns and BPRA was tasked with following up all promises and monitoring progress.