The Bangkok City Council Assembly may not approve paying the final Bt629-million instalment for fire vehicles bought in a deal at the heart of allegations of graft and greed.

 The Bangkok Metropo-litan Administration has asked the council for money to settle the controversial, Bt6.67-billion purchase. Council spokesman Phirakorn Weerakulsun-thorn says the money will be wasted if none of the vehicles can be used.

Impounded

The fire engines and boats have been impounded due to the allegations.

Phirakorn says the council, which starts its annual budget debate today, will examine other BMA spending. BMA expenditure this fiscal year is estimated at Bt46 billion.

Bidding irregularities also cloud a Bt950-million request for computers in city-run schools, he says.

Another issue is the rental of refuse vehicles for 10 years because the vehicles have a life span of just seven years, says Phira-korn. The city should buy the vehicles outright and then sell them later.

The BMA estimates fiscal 2009 public works will cost Bt4.42 billion, drainage Bt3.91 billion and environmental management Bt3.59 billion. The biggest spending districts are Bang Khen, Chatuchak, Sai Mai, Bang Khunthien and Bang Bon.