PM’s office inspector presses Phuket flood-control work in Wichit

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, Phuket, on May 19 and called for the flood-control work to move ahead smoothly. The site visit included National Anti-Corruption Commission Phuket office chief Suwat Saovaran, Wichit Municipality executives and members of the Phuket Provincial Governance Committee, before the delegation continued to Phuket Provincial Hall for a follow-up meeting.

Canal upgrade targets collapsed sections and blocked flow

The inspection covered the retaining wall project running from Khlong Bueng Sai to Muang Market in Moo 2 and Moo 3, Wichit. Pol Col Prateep said the work was designed to rehabilitate an old drainage canal that had deteriorated over time.

He said the previous structure, built from concrete blocks under budget constraints, had partly collapsed in some stretches. That damage led to sediment build-up that obstructed water flow.

The canal carries runoff from nearby mountains and surrounding communities. Officials said strengthening the structure would improve stability and help water drain more efficiently into the main waterway.

Narrow canal sections may affect nearby households during works

Pol Col Prateep said the canal is just over one metre wide in some areas and up to three metres wide in others. He said those dimensions could create difficulties for people living along the canal while construction is under way.

He apologised for the disruption and urged households along the route to cooperate with officials so the project can proceed without delays. He added that the overall project was progressing well and would directly benefit the public.

Officials also flagged environmental concerns after finding signs of untreated wastewater being discharged into the canal. Pol Col Prateep urged Wichit Municipality to educate residents about the effects of dumping waste and wastewater into public waterways, warning that the flow eventually reaches the main river and could affect water users and the fishing industry.

Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/pm-office-inspector-pushes-phuket-flood-action-100291.php