DESPITE repeated attempts to set straight the record on the use of the parking facility opposite the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Headquarters on Camp Street, concerns and queries by taxpayers on the issue of parking facilities continue to mount, much to the Authority’s surprise.The GRA had made the facility available to taxpayers at a minimum fee as it sought to bring final resolution to the problematic traffic situation that was created when both staff and taxpayers were utilising Camp Street for parking.

However, after the GRA had opened the lot for the benefit of taxpayers in late January this year, occupation was dismal and there was a high degree of reluctance to pay for parking.

The notion that the facility should give free parking was ruled out by the fact that the Authority does not own this lot. The GRA had also reiterated that it is not associated with any fees charged for use of the lot.

After weeks of review and recognising the notable disinterest towards the lot, management was prompted to instead utilise the space for staff parking, for which a fee is attached. Taxpayers who henceforth seek to utilise the lot for parking will be denied access.

It should also be noted that plans were also put in place, through the help of a foreign developer; to prepare the Lamaha railway embankment to facilitate staff parking after the GRA had surrendered a lot it had previously occupied at the corner of Camp and Quamina Streets.
However, under-utilisation of the Lamaha lot by staff resulted in the GRA extending the offer to vehicle owners of other entities. Since then a positive response has been noted.

Even though interventions by the GRA did little to achieve the desired results, the Authority wishes to reiterate that it remains committed to convenient parking and order in the busy sections of the capital. However, the GRA says, with the parking situation still hovering, the inconvenience taxpayers who have been utilising the facility now face is regrettable.
(Michel Outridge)