PENAMPANG: Dr Edwin Bosi of Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri has asked the Penampang authorities to reconsider the parking rate they introduced recently as it was exorbitant, costlier than even the parking fees at the state capital.
"The introduction of parking fee is supposed to give motorists a peace of mind in as far as finding parking space at Donggongon township in Penampang, but many here are frustrated by the high rate," he said in a statement here today.
Dr Bosi who recently rejoined Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri and made the party's Coordinator for the West Coast, said there are ample parking spaces even during peak hours now in Donggongon but motorists and the community at large are unhappy.
"I spoke to many people in Donggongon on how easy it is now to get a parking spot. They told me with an angry and frustrated voice that this is so because the Penampang Municipal Council is charging an exorbitant fee at 75 cents for the first half hour which is astronomical.
"In contrast, the Kota Kinabalu City Hall is charging a much cheaper rate at 55 cents per half hour. I was in Kuching recently and found that the city charges 20 cents for the first half hour," he pointed out.
Dr Bosi said: "I learned that motorists do not want to park if they have a choice. In fact, many are looking for free parking spots. It is so glaring to see so many empty parking spaces now."
Dr Bosi who is also the former Kapayan Assemblyman agreed with Penampangnites on the introduction of parking fees but that there should have been a consultation with the stakeholders.
And, it would have been a wise move if there have been a transparent open tender for the parking fee project, he said adding that these could have helped avoid Penampangnites from being upset and burdened.
Dr Bosi further said the impact of the frequent floods and the empty promises of support and financial aids are already too bitter to bear, and that this high parking fee has made the situation worse.
Dr Bosi urged the newly minted Penampang Municipal Council (PMC) to seriously reconsider its rate for parking.
"I feel sorry that the new President of the Council has started his new appointment with a strong discontentment among Penampangnites over this issue," Dr Bosi added.
He said it is not too late for the President to use his authority to revise the parking fee.
"He must consider the background of the people who frequent Donggongon township, who are mostly farmers and ordinary folks," he said.#
No comments:
Post a Comment