We have gathered important contact numbers and emails to help you report problems to your local municipality. If you can't get through or feel your report isn’t being logged, try reaching out to your ward councillor or community groups. Stay patient, be polite and always ask for a reference number.

You can make sure our city services work well. It's important to report issues like polluted rivers, potholes, power cuts, water leaks or fallen trees. Following up and taking more steps if needed can help fix these issues.

General reporting

Contact National Environmental Crimes & Incidents Hotline
Call toll free: 0800 205 005 (24 hours)

Air pollution issues you can report

• Factories or businesses with visible air pollution

Contact Buffalo City Environmental Management
Call: 043 705 9000
Twitter: @OfficialBCMM
Email: enviro@buffalocity.gov.za

Environmental pollution issues you can report

• Chemical dumping
• Construction material dumping
• Sewage leaks
• Water pollution
• Litter
• Refuse dumping

Contact Buffalo City Environmental Health
Call: 043 705 9000
Twitter: @OfficialBCMM
Email: enviro@buffalocity.gov.za

Noise pollution issues you can report

• Late-night music
• Noise that disturbs well-being

Contact Buffalo City Environmental Health
Call: 043 705 9000
Twitter: @OfficialBCMM
Email: enviro@buffalocity.gov.za

Pest infestation issues you can report

• Mice and rats
• Cockroaches and termites
• Bed bugs and ants

Contact Buffalo City Environmental Health
Call: 043 705 9000
Twitter: @OfficialBCMM
Email: enviro@buffalocity.gov.za

When reporting an issue, make sure you get a reference number, let your neighbourhood group know that you have reported the problem and share the reference number with the group.

Remember that if the issue is not fixed, then you and your neighbours should follow up. The more you follow up, the more likely it is to get fixed.

Reported and still no luck? Click here to see what you can do next.

Source: Buffalo City Municipality

Get your community involved

Is there a community-driven group or caring business in your area? A dedicated group of committed people can effectively solve local problems.

Think about starting or joining community groups like a street WhatsApp group, residents' association, or community policing forum (CPF) to get help and to stay informed and involved in local issues.

How to set up a community group

How to start a WhatsApp group

How to start a residents' association

How to set up a community policing forum

How to set up a neighbourhood watch

How to organise community action

How to use media to create pressure for change

Know your rights – how local government works

It’s important to understand how your local government works so that you can work with them to support what they are doing while your community continues to keep them accountable and deliver services on time. Remember you have a constitutional right to many of the services provided by local government, as well as to accountability and transparency, wherever you live and regardless of how.