BCC’s new parking system generates $30m
THE new parking system implemented by the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) in partnership with the privately-owned Tendy Three Investments (TTI) has generated a combined $30 million in parking and clamping fees.
The revenue was raised between February and July and the local authority gets 30 percent of the revenue collected.
TTI started collecting fees under the first phase of the arrangement on 18 February amid resistance from motorists.
During a recent dialogue hosted by the Public Policy Research Institute of Zimbabwe (PPRIZ) in collaboration with other non-governmental organisations, participants said the parking fee of US$1 per hour was too high and was negatively affecting businesses in the central business district (CBD).
The Bulawayo Progressive Residents’ Association (BPRA), Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA), BCC, TTI, Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce, Simbisa Brands and researchers attended the indaba.
The local authority’s schedule of income generated indicates that in US dollars, a huge part of revenue generated is from clamping fees.
Between February and July, US$19 798 was raised in clamping fees compared to US$16 003, 60 for parking fees.
In the South African rand, R9 455 and R8 368 was collected for parking and clamping fees respectively.
In local currency, $20 676 468 and $8 543 589 was generated in parking and clamping fees respectively.
The Botswana pula has only generated 169 pula and motorists only began paying using the currency in May.
Transgressions include parking on yellow lines, on taxi and disabled parking bays or parking in the middle of the road.
Paid parking is from 8AM to 5PM from Monday to Friday and 9AM to 1PM on Saturday. There is free parking on Sundays and public holidays.
The area under the prime parking zone is where major supermarkets, restaurants, fast-food outlets, banks, clothing stores and hair salons are situated.
Residents have accused local councillors of “rubber stamping” any decision made by the council management while ignoring genuine grievances from the people they represent.
They said Bulawayo is increasingly becoming one of the most expensive cities in the country. The residents cited the recent decision to benchmark rates against the US dollars.
In August, a group of residents including those operating businesses in the city centre converged at the City Hall Car Park to present a petition to the city council over the new parking system.-chronicle.ozw
