PHUKET: A clash is looming over the gap in a median strip that needs to be opened so Phuket's new bus terminus can begin operations.
Equipment to put a U-turn through the media strip has been moved into place, the Director of Phuket's Transport Department, Teerayuth Prasertpon, said today.
Work is likely to begin on Monday and Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha has been informed, Khun Teerayuth said.
However, this afternoon it appeared that work had already begun on the project.
But opposition is expected from former Rassada Mayor Surathin Lien-udom, whose house is in Thepkasattri Road, opposite the proposed u-turn.
Khun Surathin - he has served his four-year term and is awaiting fresh elections - said that about 400 local people were opposed to the bus u-turn going ahead.
''I plan to lodge a protest in court in Nakorn Si Tammarat first thing Monday,'' he said. ''The court in Nakorn specialises in cases involving local government.
The new Phuket bus terminal is a long-running saga of protest and inaction. The 127-million baht terminus was completed and has been ready to open since October, 2010.
Problems developed when it was realised that the best way for outgoing buses to leave Phuket for other provinces was through a gap in the median strip outside the former mayor's house.
Unwillingness on the part of the council has caused repeated delays, yet by law the local council must be its managers.
With the former mayor and leader of the local council leading protests, the project has not proceeded.
When the new terminus eventually opens in Phuket City, the old bus station in Phang Nga Road will become the terminus for the local Phuket buses that currently occupy the road outside Phuket City's fresh market.
A ''pinkie'' bus service will run between the two bus terminals.
Equipment to put a U-turn through the media strip has been moved into place, the Director of Phuket's Transport Department, Teerayuth Prasertpon, said today.
Work is likely to begin on Monday and Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha has been informed, Khun Teerayuth said.
However, this afternoon it appeared that work had already begun on the project.
But opposition is expected from former Rassada Mayor Surathin Lien-udom, whose house is in Thepkasattri Road, opposite the proposed u-turn.
Khun Surathin - he has served his four-year term and is awaiting fresh elections - said that about 400 local people were opposed to the bus u-turn going ahead.
''I plan to lodge a protest in court in Nakorn Si Tammarat first thing Monday,'' he said. ''The court in Nakorn specialises in cases involving local government.
The new Phuket bus terminal is a long-running saga of protest and inaction. The 127-million baht terminus was completed and has been ready to open since October, 2010.
Problems developed when it was realised that the best way for outgoing buses to leave Phuket for other provinces was through a gap in the median strip outside the former mayor's house.
Unwillingness on the part of the council has caused repeated delays, yet by law the local council must be its managers.
With the former mayor and leader of the local council leading protests, the project has not proceeded.
When the new terminus eventually opens in Phuket City, the old bus station in Phang Nga Road will become the terminus for the local Phuket buses that currently occupy the road outside Phuket City's fresh market.
A ''pinkie'' bus service will run between the two bus terminals.
To much noise in front of your house, K. Surathin? So better to destroy the Bus Station and built it a new one on the mountain! Unfortunately, you have to accept the location of the Bus Station U-turn or you have to change house and address. This is what people say, " living in the democracy."
Posted by Mario on February 25, 2012 19:46