Despite the fact that the government is undertaking a legal review of the contract for the controversial parking meters project, the company involved is pressing ahead with public consultations.

In an advertisement in today’s Stabroek News, Smart City Solutions notified of public consultations for groups of stakeholders: taxi drivers, mini-bus drivers, businesses in the central business district and residents on August 4, 9, 18, 25 respectively. All of the consultations will be held at the National Library Conference Room at 5.30 pm.

The consultations target the various stakeholders who live and operate within the central business district of Bourda, Lacytown, Stabroek and North and South Cummingsburg.

The secret deal for the parking meters has drawn widespread condemnation and calls for it to be rescinded on several grounds. Former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran has also pointed out that the contract is in breach of the city’s procurement rules. Under pressure over the contract, the Granger administration ordered a legal review of the contract but weeks on there has been no word about its findings or Cabinet’s position. The 49-year duration of the contract and the tolls to be charged are among a host of reservations about the contract.

The deal has been championed by city Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and Town Clerk Royston King. The Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan has led the opposition within the council to the deal.