Harare Gardens which is popular for relaxation, study groups, video shoots, beautiful scenery and other activities, has started charging fees for these uses.
As of yesterday, visitors must pay the City Council of Harare for activities like video shooting, photo shoots, wedding photos, and study groups.
The City Council has put up a banner inside Harare Gardens informing visitors that these activities are no longer free. Payments, starting at US$10, are to be made at Harare Gardens. The banner clearly states that these activities now require a fee.
Additionally, the new policy states that people can no longer use Harare Gardens for romantic outings. This rule is meant to keep the park well-maintained so it can continue to be enjoyed by everyone.
This decision has led to complaints from the public. Many people who used to make money by taking photos and videos in the gardens are upset because this new policy affects their income. Photographers and videographers now face extra costs, which could impact their business.
Some people see these fees as necessary to maintain the gardens, ensuring the park stays clean and safe for all visitors. The City Council says the money from these fees will be used to take care of the gardens, benefiting the community in the long run.
However, others feel the fees are a problem for their personal and professional activities. Students who used Harare Gardens for study groups now have to pay, which might discourage them from going there. Couples who enjoyed romantic outings in the gardens are also affected.
The community is still to adjust to this new rule. Some residents are already asking for changes to the policy, such as exempting study groups from the fees.
