Resident says muni has ‘unfair control’ of Polokwane CBD

Mojapelo says the system is not in the interest of all citizens, with or without vehicles, and that the system forces poverty-stricken people to park on the outskirts of the city.

The submission, made available to the Polokwane Observer is dated 4 September 2020 and Mojapelo says he has not received a response from the municipality.

Municipal Communications Officer, Matshidisho Mothapo says the office of Mayor Thembi Nkadimeng has no record of the complaint as all correspondence forwarded to her is recorded and responded to.

The submission comes after the municipality introduced a side paid parking system that came into operation on 16 November 2019.

According to Mojapelo, the system is “exorbitant” to demand R8 from motorists just for parking in the city.

“What informs this amount of money is totally inexplicable in all possible terms. The parking is being reserved for the rich in the luxury areas and not for middle class citizens”.

He says he furthermore does not understand what service the tender is offering to motorists as compared to the parking bays where motorists pay for the safety and security of their vehicles. He has asked the municipality what role the tender plays in case of hijackings or break-ins.

“Will the company or the municipality take responsibility in the event the aforesaid criminal acts take place? Undoubtedly it is at owner’s risk to park in such parking bays.”

He says in the midst of corruption across almost all government departments he wonders how a municipality that is meant to be for the people can allocate such a tender, to rob innocent and poor citizens of their hard earned incomes.

“It is quite evident the municipality has gone back on its mandate to render services to the community, such as water and sanitation, rubbish removal, electricity and other related and relevant services.”

Mothapo clarified that the on-street parking in the CBD has no intention of taking over the CBD for the rich as understood by the Mojapelo, but among others to make parking available for businesses operating within the city centre.

“On-street parking is not a new concept and has proven to end parking chaos as it provides easy access for business operating on these streets makes it safer for motorists against breaking into vehicles, enables efficient and fair usage of streets space and ease parking conflict. In fact, since the introduction of the parking system there is a reported reduction of crimes that are related to breaking into cars and easy access to businesses in the areas where the paid for parking system is in operation.”

Prior to the system’s implementation, business owners used to complain about the availability of parking space, which affected their business negatively, according to the municipality.

Motorists working outside the city would leave their cars from 06:00 to 17:00 in the CBD, denying those who wanted to conduct business in town, parking space, Mothapo said. “This project has also created employment for young people and ensures high visibility of trained marshalls, traffic officials, local youth, women and car watchers have been employed and trained to manage the parking bays.”

Mothapo has encouraged Mojapelo to conduct some research findings about parking space availability and its impact on business and how cities are approaching this challenge, and motorists to use the system to their benefit and also cooperate with those in charge of the facilities.

He added that as required by law, the municipality conducted public participation calling for comments on the project including the parking by-law and related tariffs.