Harare City Dismisses Claims Of 24-Hour Parking Fees In CBD
The City of Harare has dismissed as “false and malicious” a local media report claiming that it is planning to introduce 24-hour parking fees in the Central Business District (CBD).
In a public notice issued on Thursday, 3 July 2025, the city council said the story was completely untrue and had never even been considered.
“The City of Harare has taken note of a false and malicious story by local media claiming that it is planning a 24 hr parking fees policy,” read the statement.
“This is untrue and has never even been considered. If any changes are to be implemented with regards to parking policy, it will be communicated to residents through proper channels.
We urge residents to ignore the false story. Please contact the City of Harare for any inquiries.”
The statement followed a reports published on 30 June 2025 by local news outlets which alleged that Harare was considering plans “to start charging 24-hour long parking fees in the Central Business District.”
Media reporct claimed city was planning major changes
According to reports, the city was conducting “preliminary assessments on implementing round-the-clock parking fees,” a move that would extend the current payment window from 8am–4pm to a full 24-hour cycle.
The outlet also quoted an unnamed municipal official who allegedly said:
“The CBD remains active after business hours with entertainment and commercial activities. We believe our services should reflect this around-the-clock reality.”
The article suggested the proposed changes would help ease nighttime congestion, strengthen city presence, and boost revenue collection for municipal operations.
City says ‘never even considered’ and urges calm
But the City of Harare has come out strongly against the report, insisting no such policy has been drafted or discussed.
“This is untrue and has never even been considered,” the statement reiterated. “Any changes will be communicated to residents through proper channels.”
When contacted, the City’s spokesperson Stanley Gama was unavailable for direct comment.
The news comes amid rising frustration from motorists over existing parking fees, which are pegged at US$1 per hour (approximately R18.20). Concerns had begun circulating online after the reports were shared widely on social media platform X.
“It’s shocking how quickly fake news spreads,” commented one user on X. “We need the City to clarify before panic sets in.”
City officials have reassured residents that should any parking policy revisions be considered in the future, public consultation and transparent communication will take place.
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The post No 24-Hour Parking Fees Coming To Harare CBD, Says Council appeared first on iHarare News.
