Stephen Chadenga
Gweru City Parking has extended parking fees exemption to senior citizens and veterans of the liberation struggle as part of the company’s broader corporate social responsibility programme with beneficiaries commending the parking management company for the gesture.
In a notice the parking management company said the senior drivers and war veterans should register their vehicles in their names to avoid abuse of the facility.
“All senior and war veterans are kindly advised to come and register for exemption starting 6 January 2026 at our CBD offices,”said Gweru City Parking.
“Please bring copies of the following documents; registration book, national ID, driver’s licence and proof of residency.”
The parking management company said the exemption was open to senior citizens aged 70 and above.
War veterans were encouraged to obtain certification from their respective war veterans offices which (certification) would be used for vetting and verification.
Gweru City Parking general manager Alphanette Gemu said the gesture was a way of appreciating the contribution made by senior citizens in communities as well as the role played by war veterans in liberating the country from colonial rule.
“As Gweru City Parking exempting senior citizens and war veterans is our own small token of appreciation of the contribution they made to society and this can not be taken for granted,”he said.
As general manager Gemu has been instrumental initiating corporate responsibility projects like donating wheelchairs to people with disabilities through the Mayor’s cheer fund.
Newly appointed town clerk, Livingston Churu last year said the city had great respect for senior citizens and was working with Gweru City Parking to attend to their needs.
A senior citizen, John Mathe applauded the parking company for the move saying it would lessen the financial burden on them.
“This token of appreciation by Gweru City Parking is highly commendable and it will reduce part of the financial burden on us senior citizens,”he said.
Another senior driver Elphas Moyo said the act by the parking management company showed a business approach “mixed with compassion and warmheartedness.”