Free parking for Gweru senior citizens (70yrs+)

Senior Gweru citizens above 70 years will now park in the central business district for free, thanks to a resolution made this afternoon by the commission running the affairs of the Midlands capital.

Parking attendants (in blue)

Following a complaint lodged by retired educationist one Mr Makoni, a former Mkoba Teachers College principal at a Gweru budget consulting meeting held in the Mayor's Parlour at Townhouse, commission chairman Tsunga Mhangani said the senior citizens would now enjoy free parking.

Mhangami advised all septuagenarians to approach the director of finance's office with their particulars and car registration book, where they would be issued with free parking discs.

Makoni, aged 84, had complained how he had been roughed up by an 'inconsiderate parking marshal' despite his age, and had his vehicle clamped before he paid the fine at council offices.

"Even though at times you will be wrong, council needs to educate its employees on the importance of good public relations, and even how one should exercise discretion when dealing with the elderly," Makoni aired his grievance.

Responding to him, Mhangami, also an elderly man above 70 himself said:"With effect from now, those aged 70 and above can approach Mr Mwedzi(director of finance) with their registration books and particulars. Free parking discs will be issued to them.

"However we will not allow a situation where the elderly will collect them on behalf of their children. They should come in person, driving their cars."

Earlier on Mark Choga, another member of the commission of three, had admitted that there was need for the marshals to conduct themselves in a more professional manner. He informed that the commission had already instructed assistant director of finance Owen Masimba, under which the clamping team work under, to look into the issue.