City Parking unveils free parking for senior citizens, war vets

According to a notice written by City Parking, to qualify, senior citizens must be 70 years or older, reside in Harare and hold a valid driver’s licence.

IN a move aimed at recognising some of the country’s aged population, City Parking has introduced a parking exemption policy for senior citizens and war vets.

The policy, announced on Tuesday this week, grants free parking for one year, renewable annually, to qualified individuals.

According to a notice written by City Parking, to qualify, senior citizens must be 70 years or older, reside in Harare and hold a valid driver’s licence.

War veterans should provide a valid identification document from their association.

Other requirements include proof of residence and vehicle registration in the beneficiary’s name. The exemption applies to one vehicle per beneficiary.

In an interview with NewsDay yesterday, City Parking spokesperson Francis Mandaza said the policy was implemented after engagement meetings were held with the beneficiaries.

He said the policy was meant to honour the senior citizens and show gratitude to war veterans.

“We honour the great sacrifices made by veterans of war who defended our freedom as well as the important contributions made by senior people in their prime,” Mandaza said.

He said the policy was already in motion.

“We are already executing the implementation across the City of Harare and we believe this exception will serve as our gratitude for their impact,” he said.

Mandaza said beneficiaries could apply for exemption at City Parking offices and attach all required documents for verification.

The policy comes at a time when City Parking Harare is under scrutiny for allegedly failing to honour its obligations to the City of Harare.

Earlier this month, a commission of inquiry looking into the operations of Harare City Council since 2017 to date accused City Parking of collecting fees in US dollars, but remitting to council in local currency.

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