City of Mutare Offers Privileged Parking for Senior Citizens and Disabled Residents

Advocacy Group Calls For Policy Adjustments….

By Evans Jona

MUTARE- The City of Mutare has a long-standing privileged parking facility for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, aimed at making city services more accessible, though local advocacy groups are calling for improvements to ensure broader inclusivity.

City spokesperson Mr Charles Sadondo confirmed that the facility, which has been in place for several years, allows senior citizens aged 60 years and above and persons with disabilities to apply for dedicated parking spaces in key areas of the city.

“We have a privileged parking facility for senior citizens and disabled people,” Sadondo said. “Applicants apply to the Town Clerk and submit the required documents for registration. The initiative helps ensure that the elderly and disabled can access essential services more easily.”

To register, applicants must provide a certified copy of the vehicle registration book in their name, a copy of their national ID, a copy of their driver’s licence, proof of residence, and, for disabled applicants, a doctor’s certification confirming their condition. Successful applicants are then issued permits that grant access to the designated parking bays.

While the facility has existed for years, the Zimbabwe Senior Citizens Association (ZSCA) has called for policy adjustments to make it more inclusive.

“The current policy works for many, but some senior citizens rely on family-owned cars and cannot benefit because the privilege is tied to vehicle ownership,” said ZSCA chairman Mr Patrick Ndlovu. “We are advocating for a system where the parking benefit follows the person, not the vehicle.”

The association has submitted proposals to the city, suggesting age-based concessions and the creation of time-limited free parking zones for older residents. Ndlovu said these measures would support the independence and dignity of senior citizens, enabling them to access services and participate in community life with greater ease.

Observers also note that awareness of the facility could be improved, as some eligible residents may not know they can apply or are unsure about the registration process. Urban planning analysts recommend that the council enhance public information campaigns and simplify registration to ensure wider uptake.

Mutare’s privileged parking initiative remains functional, reflecting an ongoing effort to balance accessibility and urban mobility for the city’s ageing population. Advocates say small adjustments could further strengthen its impact, making the program more inclusive for all senior residents.