President David Granger says he believes that the current proposed rate for paid parking in the city is burdensome for any person and this is the reason why Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan has been asked to examine the contract.
Speaking on the Public Interest programme yesterday, Granger said, “It is a burdensome amount for any person. Rich or poor it is a high amount of money to pay. I am concerned that’s why I said the Minister of Communities has been asked to examine the contract.”
Under the controversial deal struck between the city and National Parking Systems/Smart Cities Solutions it has been proposed that $125 be charged per 15-minute rotation.
The President added that while he is not privy to the contract, the government has requested to see it as they want to protect the national interest since there has been a clear outcry by the public.
“The whole purpose of having a democratic elections is having a democratically run council so as far as the government is concerned we will insist that there is greater transparency and we cannot overrule the council. The council is a legal body and central government can’t overrule. We can ask for transparent procedures to prevail,” he said, stating that he was disappointed that the members of the council felt that they had not been consulted.
The President’s comments spell further trouble for the City Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green and some of her colleague councillors who have championed the highly controversial deal.
