Vimolrat Singnikorn
An environmental conservation group has dropped
objections to construction of a multi-use platform over water next to
the Naklua Bridge near the Old Naklua Market neighborhood, clearing the
way for construction to resume.
Pattaya City Secretary Phoomphipat Kamolnath (left) and Wirot Janpet
(right), president of the Old Naklua Market Community meet with local
residents to discuss the multi-use platform.
The Naklua Bay Conservation Group delivered a letter
to about 200 market-area residents assembled Oct. 19 to meet NBCG
leaders explaining that Pattaya officials have met its demands for an
environmental review of the project. Having also offered the
conservationists a chance to explain their position to residents, the
group said it has dropped its objections.
Work on the 1.5 million baht platform was suspended
almost immediately after it began when the conservation group complained
that the platform would mar the area’s scenery and harm the environment.
Naklua Market villagers, however, wanted the facility.
“The multi-use platform’s construction will create
lots of benefits and development for the Naklua Market villagers,” said
Wirot Janpet, the 77-year-old president of the Old Naklua Market
Community. “It will be used for exercise and be a meeting point for the
community, which presently doesn’t have a place for community
activities.”
Wirot said it also would support the community’s
efforts to restart the Naklua Walking Street project.
Pattaya City Secretary Phoomphipat Kamolnath said the
18 by 20-meter platform being built over the water next to the Naklua
Bridge and its environmental impact will be studied with 10 members of
the Naklua Market Community area.
