By Flata Kavinga
Kwekwe City Council will strengthen enforcement against illegal parking and traffic violations in the central business district as it moves to restore order and improve road safety.
Council director of Works Engineer Jonh Mhike said illegal parking by mushika-shika operators was contributing to traffic congestion, with some drivers making dangerous U-turns at traffic lights along Industria Road and Cober Street.
Speaking during a City of Kwekwe stakeholders meeting on the national clean-up campaign, restoration of order and safety, Eng Mhike said the local authority would enforce government guidelines on orderly parking.
He said the situation was particularly problematic along Mbizo Road, where illegal parking and indiscriminate U-turns were disrupting traffic flow.
“We are going to enforce orderly parking of vehicles in the central business district according to guidelines given by government. We thought it prudent for the public to know that enforcement is coming,” he said.
Eng Mhike also raised concern over the occupation of a designated parking area near the Intercity Bus Terminus by vendors, saying the development was undermining efforts to improve traffic management.
He said the parking space had been created for motorists collecting or dropping off relatives arriving at the terminus but its use by vendors was forcing some drivers to park elsewhere, contributing to disorder.
“How can a motorist fail to find parking space when dropping or picking up a relative at the terminus? They end up parking at Rockodox Filling Station, creating disorder,” he said.
Eng Mhike said council was under pressure to address disorder in the city and would take corrective action to ensure that designated parking areas served their intended purpose.
The planned enforcement comes amid broader efforts by local authorities to restore order in urban centres through improved traffic management and the enforcement of municipal by-laws.
