PHUKET: Businesses along the banks of the Bang Tao canal will have to report checks on water quality every 30 days, a meeting heard yesterday.

The meeting brought officials and representatives of local businesses together to again plan for keeping the canal free from polluted water.

Chaired by Vice Governor Somkiet Sangkaosutthirak, the meeting was a ''replay'' called at his request to lay down the rules for maintaining the canal properly.

Although businesses and local authorities met about the canal in May, senior Phuket authorities were not present so Vice Governor Somkiet insisted that a fresh meeting be called.

At Cherng Talay council offices Mayor Ma-Ann Samran listed progress made since local residents blew the whistle over ''black'' water discharging from the canal across Bang Tao beach.

Efforts have been made to ensure the cleanliness of the water, Mayor Ma-Ann said. Dredging had taken place and a retaining wall was being erected at the canal mouth, where attempts are being made to widen the entrance.

Vice Governor Somkiet told about 25 government officers and 20 business representatives that the future of the canal was not ''all about the media'' but about making sure the canal stayed in good condition.