Consumer ProtectionCP2CDevelop accessible communication channels to receive consumer complaints

Collecting consumer feedback and relevant data about service provision usually requires appropriate mechanisms to receive complaints.

Since the resolution of potential conflicts between consumers and operators lies primarily with regulators, such mechanisms become their most important tool when protecting consumer interests.

Generally conceived as online platforms, this process allows regulators to conduct an initial analysis of submitted complaints, and where it is considered necessary, request clarification from operators or from claimants to better understand the situation. Regulators should also establish clear and transparent procedures to deal with complaints, including later analysis.

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Objective: There are mechanisms to monitor and review information received about consumer protection rights
Area:
Consumer Protection
Cost:
Medium
Frequency:
One time
Target group:
Regulators, Service operators, Consumers
Region:
Eastern Africa
Date:
Oct 23, 2022
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Expected outcomes

  • There is a clear and transparent procedure for consumer complaints.
  • There is a database for regulators that is easy to manage and administer.
  • There is a knowledge base for policy decisions.

Example

In Tanzania, the regulator ZURA (Zanzibar Utilities Regulatory Authority) established an online mechanism to receive complaints, which must be submitted with a specified time limit to enable service providers to be accountable.

The main reason for setting a time limit is to enable the authority to collect evidence which will help in resolving the matter with integrity. The authority issues guidelines to consumers on how to initiate a complaint, the rights, obligations of consumers, and how to complete a complaint form. The authority also maintains a complaints register for all regulated sectors. A similar model is used nationally in Zambia by its regulator NWASCO (see figure).

Internal capacities needed and the role of partners

The establishment of consumer complaints mechanisms require regulators to have solid IT, administrative, and procurement abilities. Whereas consumer associations, research institutions, operators and national ombudsmen could play roles in supporting this action, the required capacity building training could be sustained by development actors.

Regulators’ staff must be trained on how to manage an online platform, how to inquire about complaints, and how to proceed with regulatory steps.