As the controversy continues over a parking meter project announced by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Wednesday called for a discussion to be held between the Council and members of the Private Sector, as was promised.
In a statement, the GCCI said that prior to an irrevocable agreement regarding the parking meters installation, a comprehensive appraisal must be undertaken and include a thorough discussion with the Private Sector so that the body could make “appropriate suggestions”.
The GCCI also lambasted the M&CC for its “failure to follow proper public procurement procedures in the form of an open tender process to attract various proposals that will be best for Guyana”, adding that the rates being suggested for use of the service were “unjust”.
Asserting its expectations for the M&CC to act on the moralities of “democracy”, “accountability” and “transparency”, the GCCI said it has already dispatched a request for the meeting to Mayor Patricia Chase Green and was anticipating a prompt response.
The parking meter initiative has been shrouded in secrecy as a majority of City Councillors complaining of not being aware of the details of the deal, as they were not furnished with copies of the contract.
There have also been complaints from a number of stakeholders about the proposed rates.
Recently, former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran called for a scrapping of the contract. Similar calls were already made by others, including the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
The contract is currently being reviewed by the Communities Ministry and Attorney General’s Chambers for any “illegalities”.
