Frustration is mounting among Harare motorists and businesses amid growing claims that the City of Harare is continuing to charge old parking fees and impose hefty penalties despite government's recent directive reducing parking charges to US$0,50 per hour and simplifying municipal licensing requirements.

The developments have triggered concerns among residents who say the anticipated relief has not translated into lower costs on the ground, leaving many questioning when the new measures will take effect.

The government announced the fee reductions in May as part of broader efforts to ease the cost of doing business and reduce the burden on residents.

However, motorists who spoke to ZimNow said they are still paying rates that existed before the directive.

One  indriver , driver said he was recently forced to pay US$50 after his vehicle was clamped for failing to settle a parking ticket on time.

"I failed to pay my ticket on time and my vehicle was stamped. I was asked to pay US$50 to remove the stamp," he said.

The operator said the penalties become even more burdensome when motorists fail to settle them promptly.

"If you fail to pay they will go with it and you will have to pay between US$225 and US$250. They should reduce the price to a normal level. At least I will be left with something to feed my family," he said.

Another taxi driver accused city authorities of disregarding the official exchange rate when motorists choose to pay in ZiG.

"They ignore the official bank rate if you opt to pay in ZiG," he said.

He said residents had welcomed the Government announcement believing relief was imminent.

"We got the headline announcing a reduction and that is all we wanted. Just like the mega deals. All talk and no action over years and years," he said.

Harare resident Tafadzwa Marahwa said motorists attempting to comply with the new rates were still encountering challenges.

"The City of Harare imposes a fine of US$50 if you try and pay at the new rates claiming half payment of the licence," he said.

Prosper Kasere said residents should collectively push for implementation of the announced measures.

"We need to speak loud and clear with one voice on the issue," he said.

The issue has also generated widespread discussion among residents, with many questioning why the reductions have not yet been reflected in council operations.

Ruben Magede said the delays were difficult to understand given the speed at which increases are usually implemented.

"If this was about increasing fees, it would have been implemented within hours. But because it is about reducing what people pay, we are suddenly hearing about procedures and delays," he said.

Magede also questioned whether residents who continued paying the higher charges would be compensated.

"The question is whether motorists who have been paying above the gazetted rates will be refunded. People have continued paying these charges after the announcement was made," he said.

Munashe Muzenda said residents were becoming increasingly frustrated by the explanations surrounding the delay.

"What people are seeing are legalities and big words being used to justify delays while residents continue paying the old charges," he said.

Another resident said the situation highlighted what he described as a disconnect between policy pronouncements and implementation.

"It was just a headline and nothing more. Harare is a political ground where council does its own thing and government does its own as well," he said.

The concerns come at a time when businesses, transport operators and households are battling rising operating costs and looking for any relief that can help ease pressure on already strained incomes.

For many motorists, the issue is no longer about the announcement itself but about when the promised relief will finally be felt on the ground.