PLANS FOR a two-billion baht underpass through Patong Hill have suffered a major setback with Patong Tessaban opting on May 14 to reject the budget for a feasibility study.
The head of the Tessaban board, Raksak Nuset, said the underpass study was too expensive to undertake now.
There was also a danger that the underpass could damage the environment.
Rising prices of land around the hill, land that would have to be compulsorily acquired for the project, has also become an issue.
A new feasibility study would have cost 39,680,000 baht.
Khun Raksak said the project appeared to have taken on a life of its own, without local people being consulted first.
The case for the study has been made by the Mayor of Patong, Pian Keesin.
He believes an underpass would end the hundreds of accidents that occur each year on the windy road across the hill between Kathu and Patong.
Overloaded or underpowered trucks frequently fail to make it over the top and braking buses have been known to slide off the hill in wet weather.
A huge billboard promoting the virtues of an underpass can be seen approaching the top of the hill.
The Tessaban consists of 18 members, representing two parties. Khun Pian has two supporters on the Tessaban. His term as mayor ends on June 19.
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The head of the Tessaban board, Raksak Nuset, said the underpass study was too expensive to undertake now.
There was also a danger that the underpass could damage the environment.
Rising prices of land around the hill, land that would have to be compulsorily acquired for the project, has also become an issue.
A new feasibility study would have cost 39,680,000 baht.
Khun Raksak said the project appeared to have taken on a life of its own, without local people being consulted first.
The case for the study has been made by the Mayor of Patong, Pian Keesin.
He believes an underpass would end the hundreds of accidents that occur each year on the windy road across the hill between Kathu and Patong.
Overloaded or underpowered trucks frequently fail to make it over the top and braking buses have been known to slide off the hill in wet weather.
A huge billboard promoting the virtues of an underpass can be seen approaching the top of the hill.
The Tessaban consists of 18 members, representing two parties. Khun Pian has two supporters on the Tessaban. His term as mayor ends on June 19.
Does Phuket need the hole in the hill? What do you think? Sign up at Phuketwan now and have your say today!
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