Members of Parliament yesterday viewed three sample 4Runner Unlimited vehicles as part of their demands made earlier for each to be accorded a vehicle.
The three vehicles were driven to Parliament and one of the drivers spoken to, told Awoko that the vehicles were from Lister Car Center, but could not state the cost involved or the nature of the deal.
Hon Mathew Timbo could also not disclose the amount involved or the car center that was contacted; but Hon Frank Kposowa said each of the vehicles cost $14, 000, 00. (Forty two million leones).
More so, the MPs could not confirm whether it would be Lister Car Center that would be supplying them the 124 vehicles.
If the amount stated is anything to go by, the total costs for the 124 vehicles would be around Five Billion, Two Hundred and Eight Million leones (5.280.000.000.00).
Hon Suffian Kargbo announced to MPs that the agents for the vehicles have been contacted and that MPs should be around to assess the quality of the vehicles.
Finance, Development and Economic Planning Minister, David Carew earlier told Parliament that he was approached by Hon Ibrahim Sorie, when the issue of a $45, 000, 00 vehicle for each MP was brought to light.
The MPs had earlier ratified the supplementary loan agreement between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the African Development Fund; to finance the Bumbuna Hydro Electric Project.
They also ratified the debt relief agreement under the enhanced HIPC debt relief initiative between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the OPEC fund for International Development; and the rescheduling agreement under the enhanced initiative for debt relief of HIPC countries between Sierra Leone and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa.
The Kuwait fund for Arab Economic Development- debt relief agreement within the frame work of the HIPC initiative; between the Sierra Leone and Kuwait fund for Arab Economic Development and the financing agreement (second governance reform and growth credit) between Sierra Leone and the International Development Association, was also ratified.
By Ishmael Bayoh