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Momodou
Denmark
11701 Posts |
 Posted - 03 Jul 2023 : 12:51:03
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D2.5M SUVS FOR NAMS EXPLAINED
July 3, 2023178
By Lamin Cham & Tabora Bojang
https://standard.gm/d2-5m-suvs-for-nams-explained/
A fleet of brand new Prados each costing D2.5 million have arrived for National Assembly Members. The vehicles are currently packed at the Assembly grounds waiting for documentation and distribution to the NAMs.
Ever since pictures of the fleet surfaced online, many Gambians have taken to social media to lambast the NAMs for choosing a luxurious life when their constituents are grappling with daily economic hardship.
The Standard tried the Clerk of the House for explanation about the vehicles but he would not pick our calls or respond to enquiries through text messages.
However, a National Assembly Member has confirmed to us that the vehicles are indeed procured for them. “The story goes like this. From the very first day of the new parliament in April 2022, we were told that each member will be issued with a vehicle costing D2.5M. We were also told that we would be required to pay half of the cost, D1.5M, while the state will pay for the other half and since then we have been deducted each month but the vehicles only arrived this week. It is optional of course but I have not yet known of any member who has declined the offer,” a member of the assembly who preferred anonymity said yesterday. Our source said the vehicles are not a gift or donation from anyone but they are transparently procured by the NAMs.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jul 2023 : 18:37:06
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FANTASTIC I am certain that every Adult Constituent of any Nam would love to be able to have use of such a vehicle costing 1.5 MILLION DALASI
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 03 Jul 2023 18:39:30 |
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Momodou
Denmark
11701 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jul 2023 : 15:08:44
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MEDIA ADVISORY - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY VEHICLE LOAN SCHEME
Banjul, 04th July 2023: The Office of the Clerk wishes to inform the public that the vehicles approved in the 2023 Appropriation Bill as a loan scheme for Honourable Members of the National Assembly have been delivered after supply chain disruptions due to Covid 19 pandemic and the flooding of the manufacturing plant delayed the earlier expected delivery schedule.
Under this revolving loan scheme, each Member of the National Assembly is responsible for financing half of the cost of their vehicle during their five-year tenure. This approach follows due process and is akin to similar practices employed by government for public service and in parliaments worldwide.
The Office of the Clerk also wishes to clarify that contrary to information circulating on social media, Honourable Members are fully responsible for the fuel and maintenance of the vehicles.
This scheme also safeguards the dignity and integrity of the National Assembly by ensuring that Honourable Members are not donated vehicles by special interest groups and reduces the burden on the state in the full procurement, fuel, and maintenance of vehicles for National Assembly Members. It is anticipated that the scheme will be self-sustaining in the near future.
The Office of the Clerk understands and appreciates the concerns expressed by the public regarding the vehicles. However, it is crucial to place these concerns within the appropriate context.
The provision of vehicles to Members of the National Assembly serves multiple purposes. It allows for efficient transportation, ensuring that representatives can effectively fulfil their legislative duties even at odd hours, and engage with constituents across the country.
The public is hereby assured that the National Assembly shall remain committed to the execution of its mandate as enshrined in the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia.
For further clarification, the Office of the Clerk will be at the National Assembly Hour on West Coast Radio 92.1 FM on Tuesday between 6 and 7pm.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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D2.5M SUVS FOR NAMS EXPLAINED
