The request was made while Pol Col Prateep Charoenkal, Deputy Inspector-General of the Prime Minister’s Office, led an inspection of the reinforced concrete retaining wall project at Khlong Bueng Sai in Wichit yesterday (May 19).
Joining the inspection were National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Phuket Office Director Suwat Saovaran, executives from Wichit Municipality and members of the Phuket Provincial Governance Committee (Phuket PGC).
The inspection focused on the retaining wall construction project extending from Khlong Bueng Sai to Muang Market in Moo 2 and Moo 3, Wichit.
Speaking after the site visit, Pol. Col. Prateep said the project was designed to improve an old drainage canal that had fallen into disrepair.
He explained that the previous structure, built with concrete blocks under limited budgets, had partially collapsed in some sections, causing sediment build-up and obstructing water flow.
The canal plays a key role in draining runoff from nearby mountains and surrounding communities, helping to prevent flooding during periods of heavy rain and high water, he said.
“Overall, the project is progressing well and the public will benefit directly from it,” Pol Col Prateep said.
He noted that the canal varies in width from just over one metre in some sections to as wide as three metres in others, which may create difficulties for residents living nearby during construction.
He apologised for any inconvenience and urged residents along the canal to cooperate with officials to allow the work to proceed smoothly.
Strengthening the canal structure would improve stability and ensure more efficient drainage into the main waterway, he added.
During the inspection, officials also raised concerns over environmental issues after finding evidence of untreated wastewater being discharged into the canal.
Pol Col Prateep called on Wichit Municipality to educate local residents about the impacts of dumping waste and wastewater into public waterways.
“Ultimately, this water flows into the main river, which may affect water users and the fishing industry,” he warned.
According to an official report of the inspection, the delegation then travelled to Phuket Provincial Hall for a follow-up meeting to monitor progress on the project and ensure it is completed according to plan for maximum public benefit. However, no details of that meeting were reported.