“I can’t let this project go on like this. It’s so embarrassing. I’ve heard and received so many complaints about this project,” Gov Chamroen said.
He confirmed that he will arrange a meeting with the construction company, project engineers from the Highways Department and himself within this month to find the best best solution for moving the project forward.
“I have the right to protect Phuket interest. I will bring this issue to the Transportation Minister at my next meeting with them which is around the end of this month,” he confirmed.
The Samkong underpass, being constructed by Vivat Construction Co.Ltd, is only 54% complete which means they are 46% behind schedule.
“If construction keeps on at this rate, it will not be finished until around June 2016,” he said.
Giving an update on the progress of the three ongoing underpasses, Samkong, Bang Khu, and Chalong, Narin Srisompan from the Highways Department said that the Bang Khu underpass being constructed by Italian-Thai Development Co. is progressing very well and that it is already 11% complete, 2% ahead of schedule.
“We have to give credit to Italian-Thai Develeopment Co, they are very good at their job. If the they keep progressing like this, this project is going to finished within 20 months,” Mr Navin said.
The Chalong underpass is now going through the land expropriation process and contractors are clearing and removing any construction which is blocking the site.
“We need at least two lanes on each side for motorists before we can start construction. We are very close to that now, and I think construction on the Chalong underpass will start within two month, just after the New Year celebrations,” Mr Narin said.