Fabakary Tombong Jatta, speaker of the national assembly of The Gambia, has told lawmakers that the new Toyota Parado vehicles are not meant for luxury purposes.

Jatta was speaking Friday at the handing over of 58 Toyota Parado vehicles each costing D2.5 million dalasis to MPs. 

The parliament has faced criticism for buying such high cost vehicles amid rising cost of living in the country.

“The vehicles are not procured for luxury purposes but bought to ease their transportation difficulties,” he told the lawmakers.

Commenting on the public’s concern, the speaker assured Gambians that the parliament has followed due process in procuring the vehicles.

In his vote of thanks, Seedy SK Njie, deputy speaker of the national assembly commended President Adama Barrow for creating an enabling environment for members of the national assembly members to execute their functions.

Musa Badjie, national assembly member for Tallinding Kunjang constituency, said the new fleet of vehicles will help MPs with easy mobility in order to effectively do their official functions. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba