Source: Motorists demand action against rogue car washers after being fined – herald
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
MOTORISTS in Harare face a fine of at least US$46 if their vehicles are found being washed on the streets by mobile car washers, even if they did not consent to the service.
The motorists voiced their concern over the city’s clamping practices, which they claim unfairly target vehicle owners whose cars are washed without their consent by rogue car washers.
The car washers, who allegedly operate with impunity, disappear once the vehicle is clamped, leaving the owner to foot the bill.
A snap survey carried out by The Herald yesterday revealed that mobile car washers have taken over several streets, often approaching vehicle owners with offers to clean their cars for a fee.
However, some of these car washers start cleaning vehicles without permission, later requesting payment ranging from US$1 to US$2.
In separate interviews, motorists, who risk being fined US$46, said the City should devise alternative strategies instead of profiting from the mushrooming rogue car washers.
“I was shocked to find my car clamped and was told I had to pay US$46 to release it,” said one motorist, who only identified himself as Evans.
“I questioned the municipal officer about the clamping, and he replied that verifying consent between car owners and car washers was not within their purview.
Upon requesting an appeal, Evans said the officer resorted to threats, warning that his car would be towed if he did not comply, which led him to pay the fine under duress.
Another motorist, Mr Gift Dhehwa from Kuwadzana suburb expressed frustration, saying, “Paying for parking and using the designated bay seems pointless when the municipality’s actions feel punitive.
“Why clamp my vehicle when it was being washed without my consent, and then fail to apprehend the person responsible? At the very least, taking a photo of the offender would allow us to report them.”
For Ms Sarudzai Munemo from Sunningdale, it has been a frustrating experience, having fallen victim twice when she parked near Karigamombe Centre.
“It happened to me twice; the car washers approached me and I declined, but I was surprised to find my car clamped.
“Ironically, just three cars away from mine, there were other individuals washing cars right in plain sight, and the vehicles remained untouched.”
The sections of Nelson Mandela Avenue and George Silundika Avenue, between Sir Seretse Khama Street (Angwa Street) and Sam Nujoma Street, are also dominated by car washers, with others visible along Chinhoyi and Mbuya Nehanda streets.
Ironically, some car washers have even set up operations near the City’s Department of Works at Cleveland House, washing vehicles right in front of municipal authorities.
When contacted for comment, Harare City Council spokesperson Mr Stanley Gama said the blame lies with motorists who condone the illegal activity.
“The issue stems from motorists who grant permission for their vehicles to be washed, aware that it contravenes city regulations,” he said. “I’ve been solicited by these car washers several times and have declined their services.”
Although these temporary car washes provide a source of income for some youths, their unchecked proliferation is becoming a significant urban challenge, posing health, environmental and regulatory concerns for the city.
These car washes often operate without licences or municipal approval, with operators tapping into water sources illegally or using handheld tanks.
The subsequent discharge of soapy water into roads and drains carries chemicals and oils that pollute the environment and compromise road infrastructure.
Municipal regulations stipulate that car wash businesses must be registered, zoned correctly, and comply with environmental standards.
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