Parking meter project… M&CC should consult stakeholders

Parking meter project… M&CC should consult stakeholders – GCCI

Jul 06, 2016 News

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called on the Georgetown Mayor and City Council to conduct consultations with the relevant stakeholders regarding the intended parking meter project for the capital city.
On June 3, last, the GCCI held a meeting with the M&CC wherein it raised the issue of the parking meters. According to a statement issued by the private sector group, the M&CC has promised to hold consultations with the stakeholders of the project, one of them being the private sector. GCCI noted that it anticipates a timely response to their request.
The organisation expressed that there has been a recurrent theme in the media regarding the rates and details of the agreement made between the council and the companies. The chamber noted that this information cannot be verified since there has not been adequate communication between the M&CC and primary stakeholders.
“Our members are made up of businesses of all categories, all of which will be unjustly and adversely affected by the parking meter system due to the costs;” as such the company is calling for the council to practice due diligence before committing itself to a binding agreement. Part of this due diligence is having consultations with the parties who stand to be affected.
It is being requested by the private sector body that it should be provided with the basic information regarding the parking meters. Additionally, the opportunity must be given for stakeholders to make critical input and recommendations.
The GCCI stated that it is deeply concerned about the council’s failure to follow proper public procurement procedures which are practiced during an open tender process. The organisation noted that this process will attract various proposals which would be best for Guyana.
The organisation stated that it expects the council to operate on the principles of transparency, democracy and accountability.
Currently, the contract signed between the council and the two companies, National Parking Meters and Smart City Solutions is with the Attorney-General Basil Williams to undergo a review.
Prior to this, the contract was reviewed by the Minister of Finance Winston Jordan. It is expected that if any illegalities are revealed after the review has been completed; the cabinet will take necessary action based on the advice of the AG.
On Wednesday last, the first parking meter arrived in Guyana and was on display in the M&CC compound.

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