The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has said it will use the revenue it will collect from the city parking system to improve the state of roads in the city.
BCC projects manager Vusisizwe Sibanda said according to the agreement they have with the government, all the proceeds from the city parking system will be channelled towards fixing roads.
The local authority awarded a tender to Tendy Three Investments to manage parking around the city and the latter will be taking 70 percent while the council gets 30 percent.
However, the new system has been rejected by residents who claim the local authority did not consult them before rolling out the project.
The residents also want the parking to be reviewed downwards as they are too pricey.
A 30-minute slot in a prime zone costs US$1 or the equivalent in local currency.
In a stakeholders meeting convened by the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA), Thursday, residents inquired how the council would use the revenue from the project.
“The money we will get from the parking system must be strictly used for fixing city roads. That was the agreement we had with the government. We can all agree that our roads are in a deplorable state. That money will not even pay the people who will be working on the roads, it is strictly for buying material for roads,” said Sibanda.
Ibhetshu Lika Zulu Secretary-General Mbuso Fuzwayo said he felt the ratio was too low considering the financial situation of the council.
“I think the amount allocated to the council is too low. There are several projects that are still outstanding for the council and for it to be given that percentage is unfair. This money comes from residents who deserve to get services from the council. If possible, can the ratio be revised,” Fuzwayo suggested.
PPRIZ representative Sidumo Bhebhe reiterated that the contract with TTI must have a clause that will compel the company to give back to the community from the 70 percent share they are receiving in order to assist the council on issues of service delivery.
The local authority is on record that it needs about US$700 million to rehabilitate its 2400km road network.
