Rains, landslides cause B100mn in damage to Phuket roads

PHUKET: The ongoing downpours that continue to plague the island have caused 100 million baht in damage to Phuket roads, Governor Tri Augkaradacha revealed today.

The news came as Governor Tri today ordered Phuket’s three District Chiefs to take precautionary measures to protect people in their respective areas from floods and landslides.

“Because of the floods and landslides that have affected people’s houses, plantations, the roads and bridges, I have assigned all three district chiefs – for Muang Phuket, Kathu and Thalang – to step up inspections and to take care of the people,” Governor Tri said.

Provincial authorities will meet tomorrow to review the extent of the damage throughout the island and to draw up plans of action, he said.

“I have assigned Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Officer [Palad] Chaiwat Taephee to prepare the budget for providing assistance to people in all three districts.

“Inspections have shown that the rains have so far caused more than 700,000 baht in damage to plantations, and the Phuket Highways Office estimates the damage to roads and people’s houses to be about 100 million baht,” the governor said.

As the cost of recovery already surpasses the provincial government’s 50-million-baht emergency reserve fund, the Provincial Office will have to apply to the Department of Highways in Bangkok for the budget, he said.

Gov Tri assigned tambon administration organizations (OrBorTor) to build retaining walls where necessary and to review applications for building permits with renewed vigor to prevent future calamities.

“I have assigned the OrBorTor to inspect the areas and submit the budget applications to build the retaining walls. The Phuket Natural Resources and Environment office will be assisting by providing advice,” he said.

Private landowners will be held responsible for any safety works required on their land, he added.

“I have also assigned the authorities responsible for issuing building permits to be stricter on any further building applications, especially for projects on hills,” he said.

— Warisa Temram