Margao pay parking proposal faces scepticism amid past failures

Margao: The Margao Municipal Council’s (MMC) announcement to introduce pay parking has been met with scepticism due to its track record of unfulfilled proposals.

The MMC plans to trial pay parking at congestion hotspots like Margao Square, Fatima Convent, and Isidore Baptista Road. However, critics cite a pattern of abandoned parking initiatives that have characterised the council’s approach to Margao’s persistent traffic problems.

“This appears to be yet another announcement that might not materialise,” said a local businessman. “We’ve heard these promises repeatedly over the years, but Margao’s parking crisis continues to worsen every month.”

MMC officials said the proposal will be discussed at the upcoming council meeting. “We understand there is scepticism, but this time we conducted proper groundwork and identified specific locations for implementation. The council will discuss all aspects before moving forward,” a senior official said.

Council sources suggest the upcoming meeting will witness fireworks as opposition councillors are preparing to highlight the administration’s previous failures. Of concern is the lack of updates on the 2024 hydraulic pay parking project, which was intended to replace the failed multi-level parking facility plan that failed to attract contractors despite multiple tender attempts.

Local shopkeepers are concerned about potential impacts on their businesses. “If customers have to pay for parking every time they visit our shops, they might opt for alternatives outside the city,” said a shopkeeper, daring the council to implement pay parking along the new market road.

As the proposal heads to the council meeting, all eyes are on whether the MMC can finally address the city’s persistent parking issues.