Saturday 16 / November / 2024
Muscat: Sur Municipality has responded to more than 70 complaints and suggestions this year through its account on WhatsApp, the popular messaging app.
During the first half of 2016, the municipality received 72 notes on its WhatsApp account, which is dedicated to solving the issues facing people in Sur, according to Khamis Al Sa’di, assistant director of the Municipality. “Our teams respond immediately to the messages,” he said, adding that this initiative is seen as a link between the authorities and civilians.
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Of the 72 messages received, 49 were about health issues, 16 technical, two regarding water issues and five others were suggestions.
Responding to people’s suggestions, the municipality has recently changed closing hours of public parks from 10:30 pm to 12:00 am.
However, an official at the municipality told the Times of Oman that expatriates and tourists have raised some issues about the Municipality’s WhatsApp number.
While such 24/7 services are only available in the eastern wilayat, Al Sa’di recommended other municipalities also introduce the initiative in their areas, explaining that WhatsApp chats are “better and quicker” than hotline services.
“We try to fix any error within an hour from receiving a complaint. However, some issues require more time, but we do our best to solve any problem in the shortest time possible,” he added.
The WhatsApp account of number 97905163 received inquiries about the Crimean Congo disease, with regards to the Eid-Al-Fitr slaughters.
