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Maputo Municipality has announced stronger enforcement against vehicles parked on pavements, following continued violations that restrict pedestrian movement across several parts of the capital.
In a statement issued on 2 October, the municipality reminded motorists that parking vehicles on pavements is prohibited under Maputo’s Municipal Traffic Regulations and the Highway Code, except in areas specifically designated for parking.
According to the municipality, the operation will begin with awareness campaigns, followed by fines for motorists who continue to violate the rules.
The measure comes as pavements across the city continue to be used as parking spaces, in some cases forcing pedestrians to walk on the road.
“Every day I have to squeeze between cars because there is no space to walk,” Maputo resident Marcos Januário said, quoted by O País newspaper.
Despite the prohibition, some motorists point to a shortage of parking spaces as one of the main reasons for occupying pavements.
Maputo resident Justino Aboobacar argued that authorities should find alternatives to address the growing demand for parking spaces.
“Pedestrians have nowhere to walk and have to use the road. That is dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians,” he said.
Legal expert Clodoaldo Castiano, meanwhile, said residents’ right to move freely must be protected regardless of the challenges related to parking availability.
According to Castiano, pavement parking particularly affects people with disabilities, for whom vehicles blocking pedestrian areas can become a barrier to accessing workplaces, health facilities and other essential services.
The Maputo Municipal Mobility and Parking Company acknowledges pressure on available parking spaces but says municipal and private car parks remain underused.
Amusa Sandi, head of the company’s Mobility and Parking Department, said the hourly fee at one municipal car park was reduced from 20 to 10 meticais, but occupancy remains between 50% and 60%.
According to the official, another challenge is the tendency among motorists to seek parking spaces immediately next to their destinations.
The municipality also points to weaknesses in the public transport system and the concentration of services in central Maputo as factors contributing to the daily influx of thousands of vehicles into the city.
Through the strengthened enforcement measures, Maputo Municipality aims to reduce irregular pavement parking and improve pedestrian mobility across the capital.
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