Stakeholders on Wednesday held discussions on new parking accommodations in the city and the removal of illegal vendors from along the roadways, market places, pavements and other government reserves.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall held this follow-up meeting with Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn, Georgetown’s Deputy Mayor Robert Williams and other members of the City Council following moves over the past two weeks to have a more organized parking system and improved flow of traffic in the city, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.
Minister Lall said the negligence of persons parking all over the place is a situation that will not be tolerated and his ministry will be working closely to ensure arrangements are put in place to facilitate parking lots for cars and minibuses.
During the discussion the possibility of arranging with private owners to lease their empty land or suitable parking areas was raised and it was decided that the council would work along with the ministries to examine this option until a more permanent arrangement can be put in place for public transportation in the city.
Minister Benn said an area in front of the Georgetown ferry stelling is being prepared to accommodate at least 20 cars that were operating at the Stabroek market area; while a suitable area is being looked at to accommodate the vendors who are selling illegally in the Stabroek Market and Water Street areas to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
“We have to get people to conduct their businesses in compliance with laws; it appears that some persons are given permission and are completely ignoring the law,” Lall was quoted by GINA as saying.
He noted that many officers are delinquent in carrying out their duties, not only in Georgetown but also in other regions and this type of attitude has to change.
“Vending at the markets is being tolerated by the council because the officers are not removing them day after day, even at the car parks,” Minister Lall said.
He indicated the need for an urgent meeting with those responsible for the markets.
Meantime, Deputy Mayor Robert Williams said sometimes it is difficult dealing with illegal vendors because they often do not turn up at the court hearings when summoned. He suggested a ticket system to deal with persons found breaking the law and if they still fail to comply then those vendors would be taken to court.
The possibility of a ticket system was discussed for both vendors and persons parking illegally to ensure that there is minimal obstruction of traffic throughout the city, GINA said.
