By Nangamso Mabindla
10 September 2004

IN an effort to improve its lines of communication with King William's Town residents, Buffalo City's directorate of finance opened their refurbished King William's Town credit control offices on Friday, 10 September.

In the past residents had to report queries to the office in East London.

According to finance portfolio head, John Badenhorst, residents would now be able to take enquiries and complaints to the offices in the municipality's civic centre in King William's Town.

"We're happy that you'll be able to walk into these offices with your queries. This will definitely improve our relationship with our customers," he said. "I also commend the department's commitment in improving relations with the public. It shows the teamwork prevalent in the finance department."

The offices will also provide comfortable seating, private cubicles and a customer-friendly atmosphere for the city's customers.

"We spent R300 000 improving conditions here. We put in new chairs and we'll have around five people assisting customers," Badenhorst said.

Buffalo City's executive mayor Sindisile Maclean commended the department of finance on their efforts to improve relations with its citizens. "We're not only about people paying services to the municipality. With this centre people will come and tell us their problems," said Maclean, assuring King William's Town residents that the centre would be a success.

The mayor also used the occasion to announce the winners of the Pay 'n Win competition, which was set up to encourage residents to pay for basic municipal services.

"With the success of the Pay 'n Win competition, we were able to exceed our revenue collection targets. Our working relations with our people have indeed improved," he added.