Local Government Minister Richard Frederick updates reporters at a media briefing.
Minister for Local Government and Member of Parliament for Central Castries Richard Frederick firmly asserts that the Castries Constituency Council (CCC) has squandered millions of dollars on non-functional parking meters.
He further stated that immediate plans are being put into action to hire operators and training facilitators to expedite the launch of this vital service.
Since the installation of parking meters began a few years ago, the public has expressed significant concerns about the prolonged delay in their operation within the city circuit.
On Monday, Minister Frederick provided an update on the unfortunate developments surrounding this initiative. The minister did not hold back, stating that a substantial amount of money has been mismanaged in this “lawless” venture undertaken by the CCC, which remains non-operational to this day.
“There are many issues at play here, and the parking meters situation certainly hasn’t been without its challenges,” he declared.
He emphasised that the current administration is working to rectify several outstanding court judgments against the previous regime, totaling millions of dollars. Frederick referred to one judgment in which the judge labelled the former mayor as “extremely arrogant and lawless,” highlighting the lack of accountability for the mismanagement that led to nearly $200,000 in judgments.
Recently, Frederick received an 86-page letter from a local law firm concerning a contractor hired by the CCC for the parking meter project, which he examined for the first time. He noted that the previous administration entered into two agreements: one that detailed a 60-40 profit-sharing arrangement and another that required the contractor to take 100% of the revenue to operate the parking meters.
“In my quest to make this project a reality, we faced unnecessary delays in receiving the equipment,” he stated. “Now that we have the equipment, the next step is training our personnel. However, those contractors engaged by the previous administration are dissatisfied and are demanding over $200,000 from the City Council.”
Frederick made it clear: “The contracts signed by the City Council are the basis for these claims.”
He referenced a correspondence directed to the former mayor dated July 19, 2021, before the polls (July 26, 2021) aimed at settling issues related to the parking meters.
The minister emphasised the need to bring closure to this matter, noting, “The contractors previously engaged by the CCC have pulled out of the training process.”
To address this, Frederick announced, “We have interviewed candidates who will operate the parking meters, and a local team with the necessary qualifications will provide training.”
He acknowledged that the CCC is in a “financial quagmire,” with several other outstanding court judgments against individuals linked to the council.
Stressing the urgency of resolution, Frederick asserted, “All of these judgments must be satisfied while we also work to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city.”