In Bophut, on the island of Koh Samui, a main drainage pipeline project launched more than two years ago remains unfinished and has sparked strong tensions among locals and traders.
The residents of the sub-district of Bo Phut, in the amphoe of Koh Samui (province of Surat Thani), are suffering the consequences of a main drainage works project intended to combat flooding. Intended to relieve the community of Plai Laem, this project worth 267.2 million baht is managed by the provincial office of public works and town planning.
The works are already visible in the Google Maps satellite image.
More than two years after its launch, the works have barely progressed. The company « SCG 1995 », the contract holder, has limited itself to digging four holes in the middle of the Bangrak road (Moo 4). These excavations have narrowed the carriageway, complicated traffic and generated significant clouds of dust.
Numerous restaurateurs, hoteliers and traders have had to close their businesses or relocate their activities. Residents also report several accidents on the site, including one fatal involving a foreign national. They are now calling for the excavations to be closed until works can resume under proper conditions.
The mayor of Koh Samui acknowledged that the delays were due to sandy soil collapses and the ineffectiveness of the clay used to stabilise the walls. He also admitted that traffic management had not been sufficiently anticipated.
The company SCG 1995 had already been criticised by Channel 7HD for delays on other projects in Surat Thani province…