It’s difficult to believe my call really is that important to them

CAN someone please answer the phone?

In answer to the question posed by Pink Floyd from The Wall — ‘‘Is anybody out there’’? — I often have my doubts.

When it comes to government departments, local bodies, a lot of major businesses, Inland Revenue, banks and of course anything that is offering any kind of social service, I have come to the conclusion that there is literally noone home.

Of course there is the automated voice telling me the seven different options I can key into so that I can listen to even more options — all of which are never quite what I am calling about.

Yet I am reassured by their constant refrain telling me that my call is very important to them. Really? If it was, they’d answer the phone.

I’m just wondering if the amount of time that we spend waiting on the phone to be answered these days is akin to the lost efficiency experienced by Auckland with its gridlocked motorways? If that is the case, then you’d think we would want to fix it, just maybe, by employing more people to actually answer the telephone.

Or is that an inefficient solution to this problem?

Can someone really tell me whether my phone call is really that important. Or are they just pulling my leg? Graeme Wall

Port Chalmers

Underwater parking

AFTER reading about the many visionary ideas emerging from Dunedin, including the waterfront development with its grand bridge and giant clamshell, I became so entranced with visions that I accidentally fell into one of the giant potholes at the city counciloperated Ward St car park while returning to my vehicle.

Fortunately it was one of the shallower lakes, and I only sank chest deep in the mud before being rescued by a fellow motorist.

This situation could be resolved with some gravel. This would prevent further accidents befalling ratepayers, who will be needed in good working condition to pay for the upcoming rates increases.

Victor Billot

Dunedin