Cabinet subcommittee to make recommendations – Bulkan

Parking meter controversy

…expresses support for project once fees are not excessive

A Cabinet sub-committee that will look into, and make recommendations on, the implementation of parking meters has been formed, comprising of members from across several ministries.
This was explained by Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan. While he shied away from providing a deadline for the subcommittee to complete its work, he noted that its first meeting was held on Thursday.
“Following the renegotiated contract that has been entered into, the Council made a presentation to Cabinet and Cabinet has mandated the formation of a subcommittee that comprises several Ministries.”
According to Bulkan, these will include the Ministries of Public Infrastructure, Business and Legal Affairs. In addition, the subcommittee would be chaired by the

Communities Ministry.
“The initial meeting of that subcommittee was held yesterday [Thursday]. It’s a work in progress. It is to take into account the concerns that have been expressed by the Central Government previously, as well as those of the citizens and to make recommendations to the Cabinet.”
Bulkan also reiterated his support for parking meters on the condition that the fees are not onerous. According to the Minister, if implemented correctly, the parking meters have the potential to bring back order to the city streets.
“I’ve always said there are many positive aspects of instituting paid parking in our city. It will help restore order to our chaotic conditions in our city streets and regulate the flow and management of traffic. And once the rates are not onerous or excessive, the benefits outweigh what motorists will have to pay,” Bulkan explained.

‘Green machines’
Following re-negotiation, SCS and the M&CC reached a new agreement under the controversial parking meter project, which will now see persons paying $150 per hour and $800 for eight hours of parking in the city.
Meanwhile, residents of the city would be issued with a restricted residential pass for free parking from 19:00h-07:00h (7pm-7am) Monday to Friday, while parking will be free on Saturdays.
Under the modified contract, both parties have agreed to have an oversight committee set up to monitor, review, and manage the operation of the project.
The committee is expected to have three representatives from City Hall, three from Smart City Solutions, and one third party with the Terms of Reference for the committee expected to be agreed upon at a later date.
The committee’s report noted that during the renegotiations, the subject of share profit and contractual obligations were discussed and it was agreed to have it remain the same being the 20/80 M&CC-SCS for a period of 20 years. It was also disclosed that in the event of arbitration, the proceedings would be held in Miami, despite the jurisdiction being Guyana. Despite the new proposals, the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc (GCCI) and the Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) have already rejected the project’s return.
From the onset, MAPM and the business community have been opposed to the installation of parking metres in the city. The Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has also maintained its non-support for this initiative. (Jarryl Bryan)