Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube |
Zim GBC News
The Government has gazetted new regulations that cap hourly parking fees at US$0.50 and standardise clamping fees at US$20, while also scrapping the cattle levy in a move designed to improve the ease of doing business.
The new measures, outlined in Statutory Instrument 41 of 2026, take immediate effect and aim to harmonise charges across local authorities, reducing the financial burden on motorists and farmers.
Under the revised traffic and clamping by-laws, motorists will now pay a maximum of US$0.50 per hour for parking, a significant reduction from the US$1 per hour previously charged in some cities like Bulawayo. The vehicle clamping fee has been fixed at US$20.
This directive means private parking contractors, such as Tendy Three Investments which manages parking for the City of Bulawayo, must now align their rates with the newly approved government cap.
Local Government expert Mr. Tafadzwa Chikwanha welcomed the move, stating it brings much-needed relief to the public.
“For too long, motorists in our urban centres have been subjected to arbitrary and often exorbitant parking fees. By capping these charges, the government is not only standardising costs but also putting money back into the pockets of commuters and businesses who rely on these spaces daily,” said Mr. Chikwanha.
The abolition of the cattle levy is expected to significantly benefit communal farmers, for whom livestock is a primary source of livelihood. The levy was previously collected by some rural district councils and was seen as a hindrance to agricultural productivity.
Bulawayo resident Mrs. Grace Ndlovu expressed her relief at the changes.
“The US$1 parking fee was just too much. If you are running errands for two hours, that’s US$2 gone. This new US$0.50 rate makes a big difference. We hope the council and the private company comply immediately,” she said.
Government officials have indicated that the rationalisation of these fees is part of a broader strategy to streamline local authority charges, enhance transparency, and foster a more conducive environment for economic activity.
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