Staff Reporter

Government has appointed an investigation team to look into the operations of City Parking in Harare City Council (HCC) following an outcry by motorists over extortionist parking fees and wanton clamping of vehicles.

In a statement yesterday, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, July Moyo said that the appointment is as provided for in section 313 of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15).

“As provided for in section 313 of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15) and as read with Ministry Circulars regarding deployment of investigation teams, City of Harare will bear the costs of the investigation, which I expect you to complete within ten (10) working days, whereupon you shall compile a report of your findings for my consideration within five working days,” said Minister Moyo.

The team is expected to establish, the parking fees, the average daily collection levels, the shareholding structure between Council and City Parking, the role of the Municipal Traffic Police in parking, the relationship, if any between the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Harare Traffic and City Parking and any other issues incidental to, or arising from the above.

Minister Moyo appointed Deputy Director Urban Transport, Tatenda Mutambanengwe, Deputy Director Harare Metropolitan Province, Ian Mungure, Financial Advisor, Sarah Hlatshwayo and Secretary for the Urban Local Authorities Department, Learnmore Gopozah.

Meanwhile, City Park officers are fining USD$132 if parking time lapses. If one fails to pay USD$132 after clamping in two hours, the car is towed away for USD50 to Council depot where it attracts USD$50 storage fee per day.