Peter Tanyanyiwa
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) has urged Government to ensure the immediate enforcement of Statutory Instrument 41 of 2026, amid growing concerns over non-compliance by some local authorities in the charging of parking fees.
In a statement ZNOART said continued disregard of the gazetted parking tariffs was placing an unfair financial burden on residents and businesses, while worsening congestion and undermining urban management systems.
The statutory instrument, introduced by Government as part of broader measures to improve the ease of doing business, caps parking fees at US$0.50 per hour and standardises vehicle clamping fees at US$20.
ZNOART national chairperson, Shalvar Chikomba, said while the organisation welcomed the policy intervention, lack of compliance by some councils was defeating its intended purpose.
“We commend Government for introducing Statutory Instrument 41 of 2026, which is a progressive and necessary measure to bring relief to motorists and businesses,” he said.
“However, it is deeply concerning that some local authorities continue to charge above the prescribed rates. This not only undermines national policy but also places an unjust burden on residents and the business community.”
Mr Chikomba said poor parking management systems, inadequate infrastructure and weak enforcement of by-laws were contributing significantly to congestion in urban centres.
“Urban areas across the country are grappling with congestion largely due to ineffective parking systems and limited designated spaces. This has resulted in blocked access to business premises, reduced mobility and loss of productivity,” he said.
He called for urgent intervention by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to strengthen oversight mechanisms and ensure full compliance with the statutory instrument.
“As ZNOART, we are calling for the immediate enforcement of the statutory instrument across all local authorities, as well as the urgent adjustment of parking fees to the gazetted rate,” said Mr Chikomba.
“We also emphasise the need for transparency and accountability in the management of parking revenues, as well as investment in infrastructure such as parking bays, road rehabilitation and improved traffic flow systems.”
Mr Chikomba further highlighted the need for sustainable decongestion strategies, including the proper utilisation of ranks and holding bays for public transport.
He said failure by local authorities to align with national policy directives eroded public confidence and weakened governance structures.
“Local authorities have a mandate to provide efficient, affordable and resident-centred services. Non-compliance not only undermines public trust but also exacerbates the economic challenges already facing citizens,” he said.
Mr Chikomba added that full implementation of the measures would help reduce costs for motorists, improve accessibility in urban centres and promote uniformity in local authority charges.
“These measures are critical in supporting economic recovery and improving the ease of doing business. They also align with the national development agenda under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, which seeks to achieve an upper middle-income economy by 2030,” he said.
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