A LOSS OF RS.32 MILLION FOR THE CMC: ALLEGES COUNCILLOR SHARMILA
Colombo Municipal Councillor (CMC) Sharmila Gonawela, alleged that the irregularity in the contract of parking meters has caused a loss of approximately Rs. 32 million for the CMC.
Speaking at the media briefing organised by Urban Citizens on Tuesday about the inconvenience faced by residents due to parking meters installed on Galle Road, Duplication Road and the lanes around these roads, she stated that according to the agreement signed between the CMC and Tenaga Car Parks (Pvt) Ltd, 160 parking meters were supposed to be installed by July 2016.
“It was stated that if all parking meters weren’t installed by July 1st, 2016, a fine of Rs. 30,000 per day would be recovered from the contractor until all 160 were installed. It’s been 42 months and only 100 meters have been installed as of to date, CMC hasn’t received any fine,” she revealed.
The Urban Citizens organisation also pointed out that there were irregularities pertaining to the meters. “People tend to get fined up to Rs. 35,000 per day as they aren’t aware that they’ve to pay for their parking slots. Neither there are no notice boards stating that one has to pay if they park in certain areas nor the machine should be visible for those who are making payments. People have to walk long distances to pay at the machine and no boards notify us of the location of the machine. This inconveniences the public,” Mohammed Shamrin, an Executive member of the organisation, remarked. Ms. Gonawela also revealed that until last month, 48% of such fines which were due to be paid to the CMC weren’t deposited.
She also stated that until notice boards and awareness signs are set up regarding the parking meters, the Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya and Wellawatte Police stations have been instructed to not collect the parking meter fines from the general public.all attempts to contact the CMC were futile.
It was stated that if all parking meters weren’t installed by July 1st, 2016, a fine of Rs. 30,000 per day would be recovered from the contractor until all 160 were installed