NACC Surat Thani Inspect Potentially Overpriced Clock Tower Construction Project
จากไชต์: Office of The National Anti - Corruption Commission (ONACC)
จำนวนผู้เข้าชม: 256
The Surat Thani Provincial Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission of Thailand (NACC) recently conducted an on-site investigation into the clock tower construction project of the Muang Surat Thani Municipality. This investigation came after concerns were raised about the project being overpriced.
Apissaya Patkred, the Director of the NACC office in Surat Thani, assigned officials from the corruption prevention and corruption suppression units of the NACC provincial office to work alongside the Office of Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Region 8 and the Surat Thani STRONG: Together against Corruption – TaC Association.
The move came after a report by the Corruption Deterrence Center (CDC) which followed a lead from the STRONG association’s Facebook page, pointing out that the Surat Thani Clock Tower project, earmarked for 6.7 million baht, may be overpriced.
The clock tower, located near the Narit bridge in the province's capital district, is undergoing construction under the supervision of Akkasit Sanghor, the Director of Construction Control Division from Muang Surat Thani City Municipality Office. Architect Namsak Thaitavorn provided detailed information about the clock tower design, which blends Sriwichai art with local elements, and emphasized its long-term functionality. The clock tower consists of four synchronized dials, connected by a standard world GMT/UTC system. It includes easy-to-manage and long-lasting circuit and lighting, color, and sound control systems. The dimensions of the clock tower are 3.5 meters in width, 3.5 meters in length, and 9 meters in height. Initially, it was set to be built at the Naris Bridge roundabout, the same location as the previous clock tower. However, due to space limitations at the roundabout, constructing a new clock tower there could obstruct drivers' views and pose a risk for accidents. Therefore, it was decided to reconsider and move to a more suitable location that does not risk causing accidents.
The procurement for this project was done through e-bidding, with a budget allocation of 6.8 million baht. The committee set the standard price at 6.78 million baht, adhering to the government’s construction cost calculation standards.
Officials from the NACC Surat Thani office have suggested that the agency increase public awareness about the details of the project, including architectural specifics. They also requested access to the project's design documents and budget estimates for further inspection to ensure that operations are conducted in a correct, transparent, and clear manner, according to their responsibilities.
Related
