Staff Reporter
The Original Zimbabwe African People’s Union (O-ZAPU) has called on the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) to cancel its controversial Smart Parking partnership with Tendy Three Investments (TTI), citing widespread public outrage and alleged exploitation of residents.
O-ZAPU president, Matthew Sibanda said the parking system, introduced in 2022 under a US$2 million public-private partnership, has become a “menace” to the residents of Bulawayo rather than the service it was meant to be.
“The Smart Parking System is enriching a private company at the expense of residents,” said Sibanda.
“The implementation process, the pricing model, and the way TTI enforces its rules are not only unfair but also deeply disrespectful to motorists.”
Under the build-operate-transfer agreement, TTI collects 70% of the parking revenue while the city retains 30%.
Residents argue that the city’s share is insignificant, citing deteriorating infrastructure, such as pothole-ridden roads and poorly maintained signage, as evidence.
“Bulawayo City Council is only managing to buy yellow and white paint to mark bays just to collect more money. Yet even in unmarked areas, cars are being clamped,” Sibanda said.
“This is pure extortion.”
Residents have complained that TTI enforcement officers show no empathy, clamping vehicles of elderly drivers or those with mechanical breakdowns, including flat tyres.
Many motorists now avoid parking in the city centre altogether, opting to leave their cars in outlying areas but only to be pursued by TTI marshals, leading to what Sibanda described as a “cat-and-mouse game.”
O-ZAPU claims that motorists were better served when parking was managed directly by the BCC’s security department.
“The officers respected the residents. There was dignity and understanding,” he said.
The politician also raised concern over the alleged behavior of TTI marshals, who reportedly boast about the number of cars they clamp each day, suggesting the existence of internal performance targets.
“Residents already pay steep Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) license fees and are burdened with utility bills. The last thing they need is harassment over parking,” he said.
Of further concern to Sibanda is the reported treatment of Bulawayo’s cross-border buses. According to him, operators have been fined up to US$100 for minor violations, penalties he says are not imposed in other cities.
“This is discrimination, pure and simple. It’s the exploitation of Bulawayo businesses.”
O-ZAPU is now urging BCC to terminate its agreement with TTI and revert to the previous system, suggesting the city commercialize its own parking enforcement rather than outsourcing it.
“Bulawayo residents are being fleeced under the guise of a smart system. The council must act in the interest of the people,” he added.
Despite the growing discontent, BCC has yet to publicly respond to the mounting criticism over the Smart Parking System.
