By Dumisani Ndlovu
Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is reaping significant rewards from its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Tendy Three Investments (TTI) for a cutting-edge parking management venture, according to a top municipal official.
Finance and Development Committee chairperson Mpumelelo Moyo revealed during a special council meeting that, as of August 31, 2024, BCC had received a substantial income of US$612,517, R281,466, Pula 4,695, and ZWG$1,673,421 from the smart parking initiative rolled out by TTI.
The parking venture, which commenced in 2022 with a US$2.2 million investment, was approved by Cabinet as part of a broader strategy to modernize Bulawayo’s infrastructure through PPPs.
Under the partnership, TTI has also committed to installing state-of-the-art surveillance cameras across the city center to enhance security.
“The smart parking system includes advanced software that tracks vehicles, improves visibility, and bolsters security measures, providing a comprehensive solution for the city’s parking needs,” Moyo explained.
“Council entered into a partnership with Tendy Three Investments to manage parking across 7,200 bays. As of August 31, 2024, the initiative had generated substantial income, which has been reinvested into improving the city’s parking systems.”
Moyo highlighted that over 5,200 parking bays have been marked to date, with the project adhering to the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15), particularly sections 189 and 190 on the use of parking fees.
The revenue generated is being used to further develop the parking infrastructure, with ongoing efforts to streamline and modernize the system.
The camera installation project has already begun, focusing initially on the area between Fife Street and Robert Mugabe Way. The project aims to cover the entire Central Business District (CBD).
“The cameras will not only enhance security but also ensure the proper management of the parking system, enabling better oversight of marshals and enforcement teams,” Moyo added.
The success of the smart parking initiative is a testament to the potential of Public-Private Partnerships in driving urban development and improving service delivery in the city.
This project aligns with the government’s thrust of promoting development through public-private partnerships.
Bulawayo City Council’s partnership with Tendy Three Investments serves as a model for effective collaboration between the public and private sectors, fostering growth and improvement in urban infrastructure and services.
