By Rex Mphisa
BEITBRIDGE residents have asked the government when it will reduce the cost of number plates to US$50 as was announced by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development Mthuli Ncube.
In September Ncube announced a reduction in parking fees, as well as clamping and towing charges, across all local authorities nationwide during which he also said number plates for cars will be reduced to $50 from $500.
“We have been waiting for that reduction, but it seems it was just a speech. Why is it not being implemented? When will this be? Or it was just a joke,” a Beitbridge resident asked.
The question was raised towards the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development during a Tax Education meeting for Beitbridge residents on Monday.
An official from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) said their office could only implement it if a relevant statutory instrument was put in place.
Another resident also questioned why Beitbridge being home to the country’s busiest border post was not being given a small percentage of money raised at the border.
“We feel as the border town we should get something from the large amounts raised here,” said the resident.
Ministry of Finance officials said they would forward the request to their principals in Harare.