Council first to launch issue-reporting phone app

Residents can now report issues such as overflowing rubbish bins and pot holes instantly to Christchurch City Council from their mobile phones.

The Council is the first in New Zealand to use Send Snap Solve, a smartphone application (app) which allows people to take photos of council-related issues and report them quickly and easily.

Council Information Technology Service Manager Dana Burnett, says the app is a user-friendly and efficient way for the community to communicate with the Council, and for the Council to receive detailed information to help address issues.

"Snap Send Solve is a great way for our community to let us know in under 30 seconds what things need immediate attention," Dana Burnett says.

"The app works by identifying the location the photo is taken using the phone's GPS data. It then sends an email to the Council, including the picture, which is then allocated to the relevant department. The more information the public can provide, the better we can help isolate and investigate the issue," she says.

"This allows for smaller and hard-to-find problems, such as pot holes, to be accurately located. We can also immediately understand the extent of the problem, and investigate and act upon it."

Snap Send Solve can be used to report all types of issues including graffiti, blocked drains, fallen trees, broken playground equipment, suspected pests, rubbish and more.

The app is free and can be downloaded from the Apple app store, or Android's Google Play.

ENDS

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