With $150 million already spent, the government has requested an additional $100 million in supplementary financing to cover mounting legal expenses associated with the ongoing US$100 million lawsuit filed by the Mexican parking meter company, Smart City Solutions.
US$100 million is equivalent to about GY$20.9 billion.
The request for more funds was made in a recent financial report presented to the National Assembly.
The legal battle traces back to a controversial contract signed in May 2016 by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council with Smart City Solutions for the paid parking system.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall. [Photo: Ministry of Legal Affairs/March 11, 2024]Despite the parking meters becoming operational in January 2017, the initiative faced intense opposition from the private sector, citizens, and members of the opposition. The project was subsequently halted by the APNU+AFC government following public outcry.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall addressed the situation on Tuesday, reminding that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration was consistently against the parking meter deal. Nandlall pointed out that the PPP/C, then in opposition, had actively protested the contract.
During his ‘Issues in the News’ commentary, Nandlall outlined the current state of the legal proceedings.
“The parking meter company is in the process of filing a reply to Guyana’s defense, and we will have to respond to that,” he said.
He further criticized the previous APNU+AFC administration for their handling of the contract, asserting that the situation is a direct result of their mismanagement and corruption.
The supplementary financing request, Nandlall said, highlights the financial strain the case has placed on the government.
According to Nandlall, over $150 million has already been spent on legal fees related to the lawsuit, and the additional $100 million requested is intended to cover ongoing costs.
Nandlall also criticised the previous administration for accruing billions more in debt, which the current government is now obligated to address.
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