Community development: The politics of parking

CDGL moves against illegal parking stands, traders’ union resists move.

LAHORE:

The Community Development Department of the CDGL started an operation on Hall Road in an attempt to reclaim three parking stands that had been illegally occupied by Hall Road traders’ union on Friday.

Community Development executive district officer (EDO) Tanvir Ahmed Khan tried to reclaim three CDGL parking stands but the situation resulted in a standstill as union officials asked to speak with the district coordination officer (DCO).

Khan told The Express Tribune, that the original plan was to take police action but it had been deferred after the union demanded to speak with the DCO regarding possible leniency. “Historically the unions have had great political support and have managed to circumvent the authorities on these issues,” Khan said.

Khan said that the three parking stands fell under the jurisdiction of the CDGL but had been illegally occupied by union workers. He said that the strength of the union meant that no crackdown would be successful without police support. Khan said that the former DCO had initiated against the encroachments several times but the union had always managed to stall it.

A union official said that they would speak directly with the DCO. He denied having any political connection or influence in the matter, saying “We never encroached upon the CDGL parking lots. The CDGL entered into an agreement allowing us to use the parking space.” He explained that the union was of the opinion that the parking stands were not CDGL’s property. He said the shopkeepers and workers in the area had a higher claim to the area.

Anjuman Tajiran Electronics Hall Road and Link Macleod Road General Secretary Amin Mazhar Butt said that the union had been asked by shopkeepers to ensure their security. “The union was called in when motorcycles and other vehicles were getting stolen frequently,” he said.

“We have the interests of the people in the area on our mind but the CDGL is looking for revenue,” Butt said. He claimeded that the previous administration had never taken issue with the parking stands.

“This government is only out to make a profit so they want the shopkeepers to give up their right to using the space,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 5^th, 2011.