Zimbabwe: The Bulawayo government has announced that residents who are 70 years old and above will now be exempted from paying parking fees in the city. The rule has been implemented as a part of the local authority’s endeavour to honour them for their contribution to the growth and development of the city.
The City of Bulawayo announced the exemption partnering with parking management Tendy Three Investments (TTI) on Friday, Jan 19. The officials asked to bring the documents for registration to those who fall under the category by Jan 30, 2024.
City of Bulawayo’s acting Corporate Communications Manager – Bongiwe Ngwenya, said that the exemption was in line with the local authority’s policy, which was already being affected by rates and bills.
Manager Ngwenya added, “This is an appreciation of the contributions of the elderly who have worked for the growth and development of Bulawayo during their peak days. The exemption package is a way of honouring them.”
“The package also came about following stakeholders’ consultation and contributions by residents towards service delivery and a call from the policy makers for such consideration to ease the livelihoods of the elderly who have passed the working age,” said Ngwenya.
Accordingly, the eligible citizens will have 25 hours of free parking for a month with one registered motor vehicle per older person. Moreover, the senior citizen must be using the vehicle as a driver or as a passenger.
Notably, the exemption will be valid for one year and will be renewed annually. The motorists have to pay US $1 per hour to park in the city centre.
TTI has released an official notice regarding the same, “Upon utilisation of the 25 hours of free parking within a particular month, the motor vehicle will be required to thereafter commence payment of regular parking fees.”
Further, the notice adds, “Any vehicle found misusing this exemption package will be permanently removed from the database without possibility of re-submission of the application. The exemption allows you to park within the designated white boundary parking bays, and exempted vehicles found in violation of the City of Bulawayo (Clamping and Tow Away) By-Laws will be dealt with as per the By-Laws.”
To get registered for the exemption package, the eligible one should provide the following details:
- A National Identity Card
- Proof of residence in Bulawayo
- Valid Driver’s licence
- A motor vehicle registration book in the name of the eligible senior citizen
- The vehicle registration must not be less than three months from Jan 15, 2024.