IN TOTAL defiance of calls for it to suspend the parking meters project the Smart City Solutions, Mayor and City Council initiative remains in full force with even the Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, Sherod Duncan confirming that the contract is still in effect and persons found culpable of breaching the by-laws will have the wheels of their vehicle clamped and other requisite actions taken against them.

The reason behind the continuation of the project is still sketchy but the Deputy Mayor reiterated that the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) had voted on Monday in favour of a motion that sought to defy Communities Minister, Ronald Bulkan’s “order” to have the parking meter by-laws suspended for three months.

Councillors, who did this on the basis of a document containing legal advice that was sought to counteract the minister’s order, felt they needed time to “study” such advice. And, Duncan stated that he granted them (the councillors) two weeks to peruse the document, after which the substantive Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green will return and have her say in the matter.

Meanwhile, workers of Smart City Solution (SCS) took to the streets once again on Tuesday. During a drive around Georgetown the Guyana Chronicle observed workers clamping the wheels of vehicles that did not possess a receipt from the parking meters.

Between the hours of 07:00hrs and 19:00hrs, if drivers wish to park in any of the demarcated spots, they are required to purchase a parking meter card, which is then used to pay for parking via the parking meters. The prices for the cards vary from $570 to $11,400. These prices are inclusive of the recently adjusted 14 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT). Rate for parking is $50 for 15 minutes.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, a group of persons expressed their disappointment in the fact that the project is still ongoing. Some were highly optimistic that after the deliberations at City Hall on Monday, a decision would have been taken to end the project