Phuket Vice Governor Khajornkiet Rakpanichmanee gave the order to keep clean Klong Bang Yai, which runs through Phuket Town and empties into Phuket Bay at Saphan Hin, at a meeting at Provincial Hall yesterday (Dec 3).
“I was told at the meeting today that Rassada and Wichit do not have wastewater treatment plants because the project is still under preliminary study,” V/Gov Khajornkiet told The Phuket News.
“I knew that Kathu and Muang Districts already have their systems up and running, and have already received more budget to expand to accommodate the increasing volume of wastewater released each day.”
Plans to deal with polluted water flowing from the Soi Panieng area into Klong Bang Yai were discussed on April 26 last year in an attempt to stem the growing tide of black water running the through communities. (See story here.)
The high-powered talks included Governor Maitri Inthusut, V/Gov Sommai Preechasilpa, then-President of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO) President Paiboon and Rassada Mayor Phudit Raksarat.
However, the project was eventually put on hold due to lack of budget.
Now the issue of foul water in Klong Bang Yai has reared its head once again, with many residents again filing complaints about the foul stench emanating from the main waterway, V/Gov Khajornkiet said.
“The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has been pushing this project and wants Phuket to target all business operators that release polluted water into the canal,” he said.
“This has now became an environmental issue affecting residents who live near the canal,” he added.
Not responding to the growing problem also damaged Phuket’s tourism image, V/Gov Khajornkiet said.
“I want every department involved in environmental issues to enforce the law and relevant regulations to eradicate water pollution, and the source that releases wastewater into the canal,” he said.
“Local administrations are to provide basic knowledge to residents about saving the environment and to promote clean environmental habits, and take steps to reduce the volume of rubbish finding its way into the canal,” V/Gov Khajornkiet added.