Published: 2 hours ago

Motorists in Bulawayo and across Zimbabwe will have to wait before benefiting from the Government's announced 50 percent reduction in parking fees, as the Statutory Instrument (SI) formalising the new rates has not yet been published.

The fee reduction, intended to ease the cost of doing business and streamline regulatory processes, applies to parking, clamping, and towing charges in all local authorities. In Bulawayo, motorists have frequently clashed with Tendy Three Investments (TTI), the company managing the city's parking system, over the US$1 per hour charges.

Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart said the city council cannot implement the new fees until official communication is received from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. "Council stands guided by the line ministry. We have not received official communication, so motorists cannot yet start paying the new parking fees," he said.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the Government's review of transport-related fees, including vehicle registration, licensing, and ownership transfers, aims to eliminate unnecessary costs and improve sector efficiency. Cabinet also removed the US$23 000 duty on transit fuel, expected to ease operations in the transport industry.

Local businesspeople welcomed the fee cuts, citing benefits for commerce in the central business district (CBD). Ilanga Mall proprietor Nkosilathi Dube said high parking fees had previously driven motorists to park on the city's outskirts, reducing foot traffic and affecting sales. "The slashing of parking fees means people will spend more time in the city centre, which is good for business because more human traffic translates to more spending," he said.

Shop owner Methuseli Sibanda echoed the sentiment, noting that two hours of parking under the new rates would cost just US$1 or R20. Residents' groups also praised the move, highlighting the financial relief for families already burdened by rising living costs.

The Government has further rationalised licences, permits, and levies across passenger transport, haulage, taxi services, tobacco transportation, and boating services, aiming to reduce unnecessary charges and regulatory duplication. While motorists await formal implementation, stakeholders remain optimistic that the reforms will ease costs and boost city centre activity.
- The Chronicle

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