The only worries aired were about the construction phase and whether this would affect traffic and local shops and vendors.
Surapol Buakaew, Director of Servicing Unit of Patong Municipality told The Phuket News today (June 5) that this plan was initiated by the [Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA)] and Patong Municipality under a resolution passed in 2003 by the Cabinet under [then-PM] Thaksin [Shinawatra] that approved, in part, a PEA budget of B90 million for the project.
“However, the cost of the construction was the responsibility of the municipality.
“The estimated total budget is around B203 million, so we need to find B113 million. We have applied for this but have yet to receive approval.”
He said the plan will cover the full stretch from the bridge over Klong Pak Bang [at the south end] to Kalim beach – a total of 3.56 kilometres – and is expected to take about a year to complete.
“Right now we don’t have enough funds, so we may have to ask the government to include it in the 2014 budget [starting October 1 this year]. If it is approved we can start this year.”
At the meeting, Veeravich Kruesombat, President of the Patong Entertainment Entrepreneurs expressed his concerns about disruption from the work. “Patong already has a traffic problem, so the construction must be certain, fast and concise. But I support the idea because it will create better scenery for Patong.”
Rachin Tongmakkul, head of the Patong Beach Hotels Association, said, “I agree with this project but I am worried about the traffic congestion it may cause and the safety of road users during construction period.”
When asked about these comments and other reservations expressed during the hearing, Mr Surapol said, “There were concerns about the traffic during the construction period. That is a problem and we have to find the most suitable way to minimise congestion.
“But overall, most of the people who came on that day seemed to agree with the idea since it helps to beautify Patong.
“One thing I can say for sure is that during the construction, there will be no effect on the entrepreneurs along the road and the electricity supply will be as normal.”
Prajied Aksornthammakul, Chief of the Provincial Office told The Phuket News after the meeting, “I think we should have underground cables because this is a tourist spot and we have to adjust the townscape, especially along the beach road.
“We have underground power cables in Karon and Phuket Town, so there is no reason it should not be spread to other parts of the province.
“But we do have to find a way to minimise the impact on locals during the construction period.”