COLUMBIA, S.C. — Columbia residents have a new tool to register issues, complaints, or concerns to their city leaders.
It's an app called "MyColaSC," which aims to bridge the gap between city officials and the public.
Columbia Councilwoman Aditi Bussels said the app allows residents to report non-emergency issues to city staff and then track the progress of that report from submission to resolution.
"MyColaSC" will also help reassure Columbians that their issues are being addressed.
“You know, like any organization, things can fall through the cracks, and this app really helps mitigate a lot of that because multiple people can access where the request is, you can log back in [and] see if the city has read it or responded to it,” said Bussels.
Michelle Henderson, a Columbia resident who moved at the start of the year, said she will use the app to submit her concerns.
“My concerns of these highways, I moved here five months ago and they are still working on them," she said. "Also, these potholes, I have seen them doing some work, but my tires can’t take much more.”
Bussels said the app is designed to help organize the large number of requests they expect to receive.
“We really took time to ensure that there aren’t glitches, that we're able to handle all the potential requests that are going to come in, depending on the terms of what priorities we have,” she said.
Henderson said she would download the app now and appreciated that officials are creating an app that promotes inclusivity between residents and the city.
“I think it's bomb; I'm from North Carolina, and I have never heard of anything like it, and I really appreciate that," she said. "It makes me feel like I'm at home.”
The app is available on all Apple and Android devices. This video explains how to download and use the app.