The Thimphu Thromde’s two multi-level car park (MLCP), involved in multiple controversies, including an Anti-Corruption Commission investigation,  is now at the risk of becoming a white elephant.

Going by the findings of the thromde’s own survey, the two parking buildings, constructed after spending millions of Ngultrum, is inconvenient and inaccessible.

Fifty percent of the  662 respondents found the location of the facilities inconvenient; 29 percent said there are other spaces available; while 17 percent found the facility user-unfriendly because of the entry gate, turnings and lighting, making it difficult to use.

The sample size and the manner in which the survey was conducted could be questioned, but it is a good indication of the problems in the two massive structures in the middle of the city. It is of a huge concern if the parking buildings built to ease the parking space are underutilised because of inconvenience. It could be true that some of us may find it difficult to get used to driving and parking at MLCPs, but if it is a problem, the whole purpose is defeated. 

The MLCP is one of the first PPP projects in the capital. From controversy and feedback, it is a failure and a lesson for our planners and decision makers about what could be considered in spending public resources. A lot has been tried to make it work, including pushing vegetable vendors to the MLCP. The only thing working is the businesses in the MLCP even if it was not the priority.

The big question, if the findings of the survey is taken seriously, is who should be held accountable. A lot has changed since the MLCP was constructed. People, including those involved in planning, decision making and approving authority, have moved on. The issue should not be scrapped with a survey report. The public wants answers.

Meanwhile, what is at the core of the problem is the parking system in the capital city and other thromdes. The parking fee is a good source of revenue for the thromdes. The way they execute is depriving them of revenue and enriching a few businesses.

An everyday complaint among the capital’s residents is the burden of parking fees.  While the MLCP is in focus, it is a good time to look into our parking fee system. Some organisations make good income from parking fees while people are being left complaining.

Why should a client of a bank, for instance, pay Nu 100 for the time he spent in the bank resolving an issue? Why should people worried about their relatives in an intensive care unit argue with parking fee collectors over a few hundred ngultrums?

Above all, why should a few businesses or individuals benefit from the fee while the thromdes are begging the government for funds to improve public services.

The findings of the thromde’s survey should be used to improve services without congesting the city.