Wednesday, Jun 19, 2013
Abu Dhabi: Visitors at four government entities on Al Falah street are relieved as the Department of Transport launched the first multi-storey parking in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
The new facility, with a capacity to accommodate over 500 vehicles, serves visitors to the Ministry of Finance, Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council and Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development in addition to the nearby Department of Municipal Affairs in the capital.
The project is part of a bigger initiative including building five multi-storey parking facilities in the capital announced this year. The initiative aims to ease shortage of parking spaces in the city.
Constructed and opened over a span of three months, the two-storey structure is located south of Al Falah Street and east of Bani Yas Street.
“This will definitely help me as I am always reluctant to leave my home after 10pm and resort to using taxis instead. The chances of finding a spot during that hour become much less and that will hopefully change after the parking spots were added,” said 23-year-old Egyptian resident Mirette Iskandar who lives nearby.
However, other residents working in the government entities surrounding the area argued that it would take much more than 500 empty spaces to significantly relieve the parking congestion caused during the day.
Mubarak Al Kerby, an Emirati working in the area, said there are at least four government entities in addition to two schools and the parking problem can only be reduced if at least two more structures are built. “Any improvement that might result at the moment will only be slightly visible.” he said.
Abu Dhabi suffers from an acute shortage of parking in both residential areas and in areas where government departments and companies which have dealings with the members of the public are located.
With a total area of 8,252 square metres, the structure has been designed to allow car owners easy access and departure via its three clearly marked entrances and exits.
In addition, the building is equipped with fire alarms and extinguishers which can be used alongside a staircase in case of an emergency.
Mawaqif standard fees of Dh2 per hour and Dh15 for a full day will be applicable in the building. Parking is free on Fridays as well as official holidays. Drivers should abide by parking rules and regulations to avoid fines.
By Nada Al Taher ?Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
