What are Councillors paid for?

I have been struggling to get a utilities account out of BCM for ten months. My rates were increased by 18% with no consultation by BCM with the residents of Ward 27 as required under the Municipalities act. My road has not been maintained for 14 years and the municipality borrow pit on the adjoining property is encroaching on my land due to BCM not rehabilitating it. I have written to BCM and had no response. I have written to the councillor for this ward who simply said he would pass on my complaints to the municipal manager. I e-mailed the DA in Port Elizabeth and got no response. Is a DA government going to be the same as the ANC who ignore ratepayers and taxpayers?