In the bustling town of Chalong, a stringent prohibition on waste disposal has been swiftly initiated by the mayor at a three-rai location in Baan Khoktanod, Moo 9, Chalong. This rapid response was ignited by an aerial photograph of the landfill site circulating across social media platforms. Monsoon Garbage Thailand, a popular Facebook page, was the first to share this compelling photograph, which prompted immediate action from the local governance.
The reigning Phuket Governor, Narong Woonciew, entrusted the responsibility of inspecting the contentious site to Thanaporn Ongsantiphap and The Chief of Muang District, Phairot Srilamul. The odoriferous spot is conveniently located opposite Wat Ladthi Wanaram (Wat Tai) on the busy Chao Fa East Rd. Upon thorough scientific investigation of the site, Mayor Thanaporn lost no time in erecting “No Dumping” signs to curtail further environmental harm.
The intriguing aspect of this narrative is that the land is apparently under private ownership. Yet, the power to enforce the prohibition of waste disposal lies with the Chalong Municipality. This radical decision was taken considering the public nuisance generated by rampant waste disposal – an act that the law perceives as a violation. Srilamul elaborated, “A fruitful discussion about waste management with the landowner is necessary to alleviate the distress caused to the local population by the existing waste on the site.”
Supporting Srilamul’s viewpoint, Thanaporn added, “Chalong Municipality has initiated communication with the land custodian. We are informed that the actual landowner will be contacted soon. In order to restore Phuket’s rusted tourism image due to this debacle, the landowner must be part of the solution brainstorming. For that, we will invite them to strategize with the Chalong Municipality.”
Mayor Thanaporn strongly believes that the crux of the solution lies in betting big against additional waste disposal. Also, the potential expenses related to waste disposal and landfilling need to be explicitly discussed and decided upon. Reiterating Thanaporn’s words, “Strict prohibitory notices have been posted by the Chalong Municipality. Law will take its course if anyone violates this ban.”
Pracha Srimuang, who serves on the Baan Khoktanode Community Committee, observed that the waste dumped on the conflicted site is primarily made up of discarded construction materials. These remnants were utilized to raise the level of the land. He verified that this waste did not give off any unpleasant smell or contaminated water bodies. Finally, Kokchai Sae-Ung, the village headman of Moo 9, signed off by alluding that the pictures circulating online might be outdated and misleading. Stirring an atmosphere of assurance, he emphasized that the stringent vigilance of municipality officers and community leaders has successfully prevented further waste disposal, hence avoiding discomfort to the local residents. He wrapped up by saying, “Since April 2023, there has been no offensive smell, pollution, fires, or any waste disposal. It’s a paradigm shift for the better.” Stay tuned for more updates on The Thaiger’s new Facebook page HERE.
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