The Alliance For Change (AFC) says while it is neither supportive nor against the parking meters project in Guyana, it wants the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to suspend the implementation of the initiative.

The AFC, which is a main partner in the coalition government, in a statement on Tuesday noted that it has serious concerns with the handling of “this project from its inception to its current stage” as it relates to the lack of sufficient prior public consultation; the absence of transparency and of a competitive bidding process; the seeming lack of proper planning with regard to exemptions and the pricing and penalty structures.

“The AFC is of the view that the current arrangements do not appear to be in the best interest of the people of the city,” the AFC noted.

The party has raised its concerns through Deputy Mayor Mr. Sherod Duncan but is concerned that the implementation has advanced without much compromise.

In view of the foregoing and with regard to the publicly expressed concerns, “the party strongly implores the M&CC to suspend the implementation of this project and to:  (i)            reconsider the pertinent aspects of the Ministry of Finance’s review of the project; (ii)            seek a second independent review of its contract with GEO Park/Smart City Solutions.”

According to the AFC, the available documentation, suggests that the municipality may have overreached its authority on a number of matters including taxation arrangements, traffic arrangements and road ownership. The party views this with alarm as it does the apparent exclusivity and monopolization of paid metered parking in the city.