“The new Minister of Transportation, Krasuang Khamanakhom, has sent a special team of engineers to Phuket to inspect the construction of the underpass to ensure it meets safety standards,” Gov Nisit told the press at Provincial Hall.
“The minister has confirmed that Wiwat Construction Co will be held responsible for the construction site. They must strictly abide by all standards set out in the concession contract,” he added.
The news comes after a handful of protesters gathered at the construction site to protest the condition of the roads passing the site and the long delay in completing the underpass, which at last report was more than seven months behind schedule. (See story here.)
Protest leader Apisit Tiewattanakul on Sunday handed to Governor Nisit a list of about 180 names of people affected by the construction site. The list will be forwarded to Minister Krasuang, Gov Nisit explained today.
“I think they deserve the right to express their problems in peace to the government,” Gov Nisit said
Wiwat Construction Co has assured that the underpass will be open to traffic by New Year, he added.
“The area surrounding the underpass will be cleared up before April. However, this is just an estimation. I cannot confirm that it is accurate,” he said.