Some politicians involved in the overpriced purchase of fire-fighting equipment for Bangkok flew to Singapore to collect Bt500 million in bribes, a member of the Interior Ministry panel investigating the scandal said yesterday.

"We are gathering evidence against the corrupt officials," the official said on condition of anonymity. He did not say how many politicians were bribed or when it happened.

The committee will tomorrow wrap up its probe into the Bt6.68-billion deal for fire trucks, fireboats and other equipment for the Bangkok Fire and Rescue De-

partment. Its results will be forwarded to Interior Minister Aree Wongsearaya before being released to the public in the next fortnight.

"Like other panels, we found the deal to be overpriced.

Govt given deadline by fire-fighters

The Government could find itself in hot water with fire-fighters on Wednesday if it fails to make a decision concerning the problem-plagued fire trucks which were acquired from the overseas-based manufacturer, Rosenbauer.

The Jamaica Association of Local Government Officers (JALGO) says fire personnel have given the Ministry of Local Government until Wednesday afternoon to indicate whether they should continue using the fire trucks.General Secretary of JALGO, Helene Davis White, says the fire-fighters have made it clear that they are not willing to wait beyond Wednesday to get a response.In the meantime, Local Government Minister Dean Peart has hinted that the fire trucks will not be sent back to the US supplier.He says the Government is instead looking at repairing the faults locally.Mr.

City looks at the problem of Enid's low-weight bridge crossing ...

There are only eight bridges in Enid that will support the weight of the city's 35-ton ladder truck, city officials have learned.A bridge collapse after an Enid Fire Department ladder truck crossed it last month prompted the city to look at how bridges are maintained in Enid and how many will support the weight of fire trucks. In addition to fire trucks, there are a number of other heavy vehicles that use Enid streets and bridges every day, and if the bridges have a low-weight capacity and are not properly marked they could be disasters waiting to happen.Enid Fire Marshal Ken Helms said a review of bridge ratings that followed the March 14 collapse of a bridge on West Randolph showed only eight bridges in Enid will support the weight of the ladder truck. It also showed other low-weight bridges that other 15-ton to 20-ton fire trucks should not safely cross.The bridges in Enid heavy enough to hold the weight of the ladder truck are Maine and 5th, 40 tons; Rupe at Cleveland, 36 tons; 30th north of Willow, 36 tons; Breckinridge and 66th, 41 tons; U.S.

Fire fighters wary of faulty trucks

The Government's decision to repair the 33 defective fire trucks which were purchased from the United States nearly eight months ago has raised more concerns.

Fire fighters have reportedly warned that their response capabilities will be affected as they continue to have safety concerns.

Despite an ongoing programme to repair the vehicles, the fire fighters say they are still unsure that the units will not pose a safety risk.

General Secretary of the Jamaica Association of Local Government Officers (JALGO), Helene Davis-White, says some fire fighters are insisting that the trucks be recalled.

The Ministry of Local Government says it will take one week to modify the fire trucks which have been the source of much national concern.

During a meeting earlier this week with the US suppliers of the trucks, it was decided that an independent investigation and assessment will be carried out of the modifications.

Rosenbauer begins modification of fire trucks

ROSENBAUER America has begun modification of the fire trucks it supplied to government last September, local representative National Safety Limited has confirmed.
On Thursday, Angie Templer - part-owner of the local company - told the Observer that the modification of a sample truck was under way and would be available for inspection by a team from the Island Traffic Authority (ITA). The modification of the other trucks will follow satisfactory inspection from the ITA, she said.