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Ivan Zhakata Herald Correspondent
MOTORISTS in Harare are now able to check their vehicle status, the nearest parkade and parking tariffs, from the comfort of their homes following the launch of a WhatsApp virtual assistance platform by City Parking.
The platform, which is code-named “Marshy the Sweet Marshal”, is accessible on all smartphones and is expected to add convenience to City Parking’s operations as well as to motorists.
The application is available on WhatsApp number 0719515601.
It enables a motorist to pay for parking, check their vehicle status, log an issue, locate the head office and the nearest parkade, frequently asked questions and to check the tariffs.
Motorists just have to send a “Hie” message to the number above and follow the instructions, and select the service they want assistance on.
In an interview, City Parking public relations manager Mr Francis Mandaza said they came up with the platform to ease parking and payment challenges previously faced by motorists.
“City Parking has internally developed a WhatsApp bot through our research and development team. The City Parking WhatsApp virtual marshal code named “Marshy the Sweet Marshal”, is a digital parking platform that enables motorists to conveniently pay for parking and get parking information on WhatsApp.
“To access the platform one must save this City Parking Bot number in their phone 0719515601 and say ‘hi’ on WhatsApp. The bot provides prompt responses giving you options on what information you may access, including parking fee payment, vehicle status and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), among others,” he said.
Mr Mandaza said the platform comes with great convenience and parking will never be the same again with such innovations for motorists.
City Parking recently cleared clogged drainage systems in Harare’s Central Business District (CBD) in anticipation of the rainy season to minimise flooding.
However, some drainage systems remain clogged, including at the corner of Samora Machel Avenue and Leopold Takawira Street, the corner of Simon Vengayi Muzenda/ Herbert Chitepo, and Samora Machel Avenue/ Sam Nujoma Street, resulting in flash flooding even after a bit of rains.
Online Reporter