Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart is sounding the alarm after the government ordered local authorities to slash parking fees by half, from $1 to 50 cents per hour. While residents might be breathing a sigh of relief, Coltart warns that this move will leave municipalities, already struggling financially, in a precarious position.

The directive, part of a broader effort to ease the cost of doing business, also reduces clamping penalties and tow-away costs. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says this will stimulate economic growth, citing the reduction of vehicle number plate prices from $500 to $50 as another example.

However, Coltart argues that the reality is more nuanced. “Less money will now come to urban councils and more money will go to central government,” he notes, pointing out that this, combined with the tax on commuter taxis, will further strain municipal finances.

Bulawayo’s parking woes stem from a contentious public-private partnership with Tendy Three Investments (TTI), which has been managing parking in the city center since 2022. Under this deal:
Motorists pay: $1 per hour for parking
Penalties: $40 for unlicensed or improperly parked vehicles, including a $10 “clamping fee”
Revenue split: Council retains 30%, TTI pockets 70%

In the first five months of last year, TTI remitted just over $1.5 million to the council, while its own share was reportedly more than double that amount. Residents have been vocal about their discontent with this “exploitative” contract, which Coltart had vowed to review during his mayoral campaign.

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