Govt must honour its promise: deputy governor

"The government pledged to cover 60 per cent of the cost," Deputy Bangkok Governor Malinee Sukvejvorakij said yesterday.

The purchase deal between BMA and the Austrian supplier stems from a memorandum of understanding signed several years ago by theninterior minister Bhokin Bhalakula and thenAustrian ambassador to Thailand. However, the deal has been mired in corruption, and Malinee is currently in charge of a panel set up to solve problems related to the purchase.

"We will write to the government next week asking that it cover the payment," she said. "In the letter, we will also ask the government to waive tariffs on imported fire trucks."

According to her, the finance minister has the mandate to waive tariffs on imported products that benefit the country's economy, public wellbeing and national security.

Malinee said her panel would meet every Wednesday to work out solutions to the controversial deal.

The BMA is also preparing to hold negotiations with the Austrian supplier.

In a related development, Namyong Terminal is suing the BMA for Bt117.86 million in handling charges. Currently, there is a shipment of fire trucks and boats sitting at the company's terminus in Chon Buri. BMA refused to accept the delivery due to the ongoing controversy.