The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and a group of concessionaires of on-street parking, have signed an agreement to recommence a park and pay scheme in Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, who signed on behalf of the FCTA at the weekend, said the move is targeted at promoting a culture of orderliness in vehicle parking to decongest the city.
Mr Adesola explained that the scheme was suspended in 2014 by an Abuja High Court, on the grounds that it was not backed by a law.
While noting that the earlier implementation was without the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) however, said the FCTA has put a regulation in place and secured FEC’s approval, to ensure a smooth implementation of the scheme, considering its benefits.
The permanent secretary who explained that reintroduction of the scheme was with the active support of the six Area Councils, said parking lots would be provided for vehicle owners for a fee, while motorists that indulge in wrong packing would be fined.
Adesola explained that the FCTA and the councils have agreed that all wrong and rights charges would be consolidated and shared between the Administration and the six area councils.
He emphazied that implementation would not commence immediately until residents were fully sensitized and enlightened about the scheme.
“So, while the agreement is being signed today, the commencement of the park and pay is not starting today.The communication that should precede the implementation of the project is that the citizens need to know that we are signing on-street parking. A lot of activities will follow. There will be robust stakeholders’ engagement; the operators will visit key institutions and will engage residents through electronic and print media, just for people to know how to use the facility,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Wadata Bodinga, Director, Traffic Management, Transportation Secretariat, FCTA said the scheme would help motorist to find easy parking spaces, thereby saving time and fuel, especially with removal of the fuel subsidy.
He said that the scheme would impact positively on economic activities of FCT residents, by improving customer experience and promoting efficient parking management systems.
On his part, Mr Nebolisa Igboka, Managing Director, NAJEC Ltd. who spoke on behalf of the concessionaires, commended the FCTA for reintroducing on-street parking scheme in the FCT.
Mr Igboka said that it was crucial to strike a balance between modernisation and convenience while ensuring the wellbeing of residents.
Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji
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