Old Stone Town goes digital with new parking payment system
ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar Stone Town Conservation and Development Authority (STCDA) has launched a digital parking fee collection system to enhance efficiency, transparency and government revenue management within the historic site.
STCDA Director-General Ali Said Bakar said the system—developed in partnership with Mixx by Yas, Osaju Company and the STCDA— will make it easier for motorists to pay parking fees via mobile phones from anywhere in the world.
“The main goal is to eliminate complaints about billing errors and revenue losses caused by drivers evading payments,” he said.
He added that all transactions will now be processed instantly, with funds deposited directly into government accounts.
The new system is expected to address longstanding challenges such as delayed financial reporting, manual cash handling and unpaid debts owed to the Osaju company.
Mr Bakar said the initiative aligns with President Hussein Mwinyi’s directive for public institutions to embrace digital transformation to improve revenue collection and service delivery. He also urged vehicle owners with pending debts to settle them promptly, noting that the system can easily track defaulters.
‘Mixx by Yas’ Zanzibar Business Manager, Mr Salum Nassor Mohamed, said the partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to using technology to enhance public services, allowing motorists to make transparent and secure cashless payments.
He explained that users can access the Osaju Parking mini-app via the Mixx Super App or website, where they can enter their vehicle registration number, view their bill and pay instantly. Those using basic phones can make payments through a USSD code or authorised Osaju agents.
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Osaju Company Director, Ms Farida Said Uledi, said the platform will serve as a national model for digital service delivery, improving revenue management and ensuring greater transparency in transactions.
The digital system is now operational across all STCDA-managed areas, including Darajani, Malindi, Forodhani, Vuga, the Port area and other parts of Stone Town.
