Residents and visitors of Jaffna are expressing growing concerns over the recent implementation of parking fees by the Jaffna Municipal Council. Reports indicate that individuals leaving bicycles or motorcycles in the Jaffna town streets, even briefly to visit shops, are being approached by unidentified persons demanding parking fees.T his new practice has been especially prevalent in the town area of Jaffna, where individuals unexpectedly confront commuters with receipts ready to collect fees for parking two-wheelers. This has led to significant inconvenience for those needing to make multiple stops across various streets, as they are required to pay a fee at each location.
What’s troubling is the lack of clear identification or official authorization of these fee collectors, who claim to represent the Jaffna Municipal Council. This ambiguity raises questions about the legitimacy and management of the collected funds.
The issue has escalated recently, reflecting the poor administrative oversight by the Jaffna Municipal Council representatives and relevant government officials. A notable incident occurred during the Nallur Festival, where a major street closure led to increased congestion and distress among attendees. This incident highlighted the arbitrary and disruptive nature of the council’s decisions.
In a time when the general populace is already burdened by rising prices and increased service taxes, this additional financial imposition for basic activities like parking is seen as unreasonable and exploitative. It echoes the sentiment of adding insult to injury for the already struggling local community.
Concerns are mounting over the accountability and transparency of these practices. The responsibility for addressing these issues rests with the Commissioner of the Jaffna Municipal Council.
Driven by their frustration, a few residents of Jaffna have jokingly proposed a more orderly approach, suggesting the establishment of official toll booths at the city’s gateways, equipped with a transparent and equitable system for entry fees similar to those on highways. This tongue- in-cheek idea is in stark contrast to the current practice of haphazardly imposing parking fees at every possible location.
The Jaffna Municipal Council has yet to respond to these concerns, leaving residents and visitors uncertain and frustrated as they navigate the city’s streets.
