By Donald Chakamanga
Harare City Council has issued a press statement in response to social media claims made by ZANU PF Resource and Revenue Chairperson, Dexter Nduna regarding a supposed takeover of parking management in the city.
In an X post, Nduna alleged that starting October 7, a group known as Team Chapter would replace City Parking Private Limited in overseeing parking operations.
In its statement released on October 5, the City of Harare sought to clarify these allegations, emphasizing that the management of parking in the Central Business District (CBD) is strictly under the authority of the City Council. The Council cited the Urban Council Act Chapter 25:15, which governs the creation and management of parking spaces and the collection of prepaid parking fees.
The City reiterated that City Parking Private Limited is a strategic business unit wholly owned by the City and that its relationship with the City remains intact.
“City Parking is still responsible for managing parking in Harare,” the statement read, dismissing any claims of collaboration with Team Chapter or National Eye Security.
City Parking Private Limited has also weighed in stating that Mr Nduna’s threats impact not only City Parking but also businesses and property laws. The company emphasized that these threats will be addressed through law enforcement and legal action.
“There is no place for anarchy, hooliganism, and lawlessness in Zimbabwe,” the statement reads.
“It is unfortunate that, left unaddressed, Nduna’s behavior taints the image of the government and the political party he purports to be a part of. Regrettably, such reckless utterances have the potential to scare off investors.”
City Parking urged the public to disregard Nduna’s statements claiming that he lacks the legal basis.
“Nduna has no locus standi or legal basis to make such proclamations, and as such, we urge the public to ignore his baseless inflammatory utterances. We caution members of the public not to risk their money by making payments to Nduna, his company, or agents,” the statement reads.
Motorists and the general public have expressed mixed concerns over Nduna’s statement.
Some view it as an attempt to mislead the public. “I urge the City of Harare to ensure that any changes to parking management are clearly communicated and legally justified,” said a business owner, Mr Pierce Mkwesha.
However, other motorists have welcomed the move by Nduna saying the City Council was not being sincere with the public.
“Considering the harsh economic environment we are experiencing, City Council should be challenged for charging exorbitant fees,” said one motorist identified as Tafara Kawa.
The City of Harare called on the public to continue engaging with City Parking Private Limited for their parking needs and to disregard the claims made by Nduna and Team Chapter.
