Parking meters installed in Apia

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 07 August 2018, 12:00AM

Members of the public will soon pay to park their vehicles in the Apia Township. 

This was confirmed by the Land Transport Authority C.E.O., Galumalemana Ta'atialeoitiiti Tutuvanu-Schwalger yesterday.

The Chief Executive Officer was asked for a comment after a team was seen in the town area installing parking meters in front of the Digicel Plaza and merchandise stores. 

 “There is a process that we need to follow that is why we can’t really set a time on when (the meters will become effective), but for sure it will be operational in six months time,” said Galumalemana.

The Chief Executive Officer added that there is still a lot of work to be done. 

 “We have been conducting our awareness campaign on this matter,” she said. “We still have consultations prior to the full implementation of the meters.”

Galumalemana declined to comment further on the project.

She said it is a work in progress and until it is completed, there are issues they need to sort out.

“Until then, I can elaborate on the matter, but for now I can’t go into details as it’s a bit early.” 

In July last year, the Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Papali’i Niko Lee Hang, revealed the Government’s plan to install parking meters in the Apia Township and other popular public places.

 “I can say that the L.T.A is looking at installing parking meters in the town area and public places,” he said.

“This will somewhat alleviate the overcrowding of public parking spaces.”

The parking meters project was later approved by Cabinet in September last year. 

During a press conference, senior L.T.A officials acknowledged that with Cabinet’s blessing, they would now proceed with the preparation and installation of parking meters set to be up and running in 2018.

“Apia is a rapidly growing economy and can quickly turn into a traffic nightmare for the downtown area if traffic is not managed properly,” an L.T.A. statement said at the time.  

“With the growing number of vehicles year in and year out, the parking meters will somewhat alleviate the overcrowding of public parking spaces and minimise traffic congestions, as well as traffic accidents.”

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 07 August 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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