By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
Mbarara
Mbarara City Council has responded to recent reports and public complaints about the poor management of street parking in the city. In a press release issued today, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to transparent management and control of street parking and outlined steps being taken to address the current issues a few days after the former senior police officer Rtd AIGP Asan Kasingye complained about mistreatment and errors in charges which include double charging.
One key initiative mentioned in the press release is the upcoming digitalization of street parking management. The City is currently in the process of procuring the necessary technology and expects to implement the digital system within a few months. This move is aimed at improving the overall management of street parking and resolving the concerns raised by the public.
In the meantime, the Council has directed the tenderer for street parking to cease any alleged unscrupulous practices. The Council firmly states that it does not condone any form of poor management or malpractice related to street parking in the city.
The current street parking charging policy is as follows: a constant charge per hour is applied based on the amount of space used. Additionally, an extra fee is charged for every hour parked beyond the first hour. It is important for vehicle owners to pay the parking fee within forty-eight hours. Failure to do so will result in a fine of Ugandan Shillings Thirty Thousand, regardless of when the violation occurred.
The public has been advised to bring any dissatisfaction with the services of the tenderer to the attention of the City Town Clerk’s office. Contact details for key officials, including the Principal Revenue Officer and Senior Legal Officer, have been provided for easy communication and resolution of any issues.
The City Council emphasizes that it does not support or tolerate the alleged acts of the contractor in charge of street parking. Steps are being taken to ensure a lasting solution to the problem and to provide better street parking services in the future.
For more information and updates, the public is encouraged to visit the Mbarara City Council website or contact the designated communication officer.
When I can’t clear parking(bse many times you struggle to look for those individuals in vain!, and sometimes I can have emergency) and I go to the offices myself, eg next day (before being clamped), why don’t they allow me to clear normally? Why should I be fined?