Region Six Chairman, David Armogan, yesterday recommended that a complaints book be placed at every NDC.
The Chairman made this remark after the simple swearing in of the chairpersons and deputy chairpersons of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) in the region
Armogan added that the region will send officers to check whether the book is there and to what extent the problems are being dealt with, as he urged those sworn in to always keep close with residents.
According to the chairman, he often receives calls from residents about matters that can be handled at the level of the NDCs, but they usually say to him, “We weary with them that’s why we calling you.”
“We can’t continue to work like that and that is why I will advise that for every NDC you have a complaints book that must become necessary and essential now.” Armogan emphasised.
Additionally, the chairman said that he is expecting that the chairpersons and deputy chairpersons will work very closely with their councils, reminding them that they cannot serve the residents to the best of their abilities if they are divided. He also reminded those sworn in that local government elections are due later this year and if they do not work in the interest of residents then “most likely people will want to remove you.”
He then exhorted them not to forget that they are servants of the people and not masters of the people, “What has been happening to some of our people who are in the NDCs is that they treat these people [residents] as though they have no regard for them and that is what we have to stop,” he stressed.
He continued, “They aren’t coming to us to beg. They have a service which they are entitled to, so when they come to you they have legitimate demands even though you may not be able to satisfy all of them at least deal with them, speak to them nicely and explain to them.”
Furthermore, he advised, that they should all have contact information for regional utility entities so that they would be able to better deal with matters themselves.
