Theerarak
Suthathiwong
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is scheduled to
visit Rayong’s Maptaput industrial district Nov. 20 to inspect the
progress being made on the final projects remaining to resolve
complaints about industrial pollution there.
Cabinet Secretary Kobsak Sapawasu and Assistant
Industry Minister Puthipong Punakan met with local political and
community leaders about the ongoing projects. Four main issues remain
outstanding to settle claims stemming from the earlier court-ordered
shutdown of 67 Maptaput factories: hospital services in the Pollution
Control Area; health checks and medical care for people in the affected
area, systems to measure volatile organic compounds and improving water
distribution.
The secretary was told that the new water system is
now being used by some in the community while all projects are slated
for completion by April. However, an additional 100 million baht will be
needed from the government for new pipelines.
Kobsak said he wants to verify schedules and work
budgets before the prime minister’s inspection on Saturday.