City to conduct sanitation survey

THE CITY of Cape Town yesterday said its annual Water and Sanitation Customer Satisfaction Survey would begin this week.

“Residents should therefore be aware of the possibility of a visit from a Water and Sanitation Department representative in the coming months,” said the department’s communication officer, Farouk Robertson.

Those living in the following randomly selected areas could expect a visit from a department representative: Ocean View (Fish Hoek), Retreat, San Michel, Wallacedene, Marinda Heights, Kleinbron, Khayelitsha (Graceland and Bongweni areas), Mitchells Plain (Woodlands and Colorado areas), Strandfontein, Saxonsea, Richwood, Milnerton Ridge, Bishop Lavis, Epping Forest, Thornton, New Rest, Belgravia (Athlone) and Surrey.

In addition, eight commercial areas would be randomly chosen.

“The city would like to remind residents that it is in their best interest to participate in the survey as these results will help inform future spending,” said Robertson.

The aim of the annual survey, which consists of 25 questions, is to gain insight into customer requirements and gauge their satisfaction in terms of what is expected by the customer service charter.

In the charter, the department declares its commitment to consistently and continuously providing the highest quality water and sanitation services that meet and exceed the requirements and expectations of the consumers.

From the results of the survey, the department would be assisted in “forward planning”.

Robertson said this was to ascertain “an acceptable level of service satisfaction which needs to be achieved and/or maintained”, identifying “any areas needing improvement”, uncovering “any needs not currently being addressed, especially in informal and in business areas”, and interrogating and evaluating “effectiveness of marketing campaigns”.

Assisting in informing communication strategies was another result.

The surveyors will be wearing white shirts and black pants and carry a City of Cape Town identification card.

“If in any doubt about a person claiming to be from or working on behalf of the city for this survey, residents should please contact the city’s call centre on 0860 103 089 to confirm the person’s identity.” – ANA

THE AIM OF THE ANNUAL SURVEY IS TO GAIN AN INSIGHT INTO CUSTOMER SATISFACTION