Chaiyaphum NACC Collaborates with STRONG Anti-Corruption Club to Inspect Drainage Pipe Installation Following Complaints
The Chaiyaphum Provincial Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), in collaboration with the STRONG Anti-Corruption Club, conducted an on-site inspection of a drainage pipe installation project by Khon Sawan Subdistrict Municipality following complaints and social media reports claiming the project did not meet specifications.
Mr. Yutthapong Sruongsawang, Director of the Chaiyaphum Provincial Office of the NACC, stated that the inspection was prompted by reports on the watchdog page "Patibatkan Ma Phao Ban" of the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand regarding concerns over the drainage pipe installation by Khon Sawan Subdistrict Municipality, Chaiyaphum Province. The project, which was awarded through specific procurement, has a budget exceeding 460,000 baht. The specifications required the use of reinforced concrete pipes (RC pipes) with a diameter of 40 cm. However, it was observed that the installed pipes were regular pressure pipes with a blue coating, which are less expensive than the specified RC pipes. In response to the controversy and public criticism, the contractor has since replaced the pipes to meet the project specifications.
Upon initial investigation, it was found that the drainage pipe installation project involved constructing drainage pipes with a diameter of 0.40 meters, a total length of 240 meters, and reinforced concrete slabs over the pipes with an average width of 1 meter and a length of 166 meters, as well as an average width of 1.50 meters and a length of 74 meters, with a thickness of 0.10 meters. The total area of reinforced concrete, including manholes, is no less than 254.00 square meters, as specified by Khon Sawan Subdistrict Municipality. This construction is located in Moo 12 area of Khon Sawan Subdistrict. The contract started on July 4th, 2024, and is scheduled to be completed by September 1st, 2024, with a contract value of 463,000 baht.
Additionally, another part of the project involving manhole covers within the Khon Sawan Subdistrict, Chaiyaphum, includes the construction of RC drainage pipes with a diameter of 0.40 meters and RC manholes with steel covers, totalling 167 meters in length. The concrete surface over the pipes is 1.00 meter wide, as per the municipality's design. The contractor, Chok Dumnern Charoenkit Roongrueang Limited Partnership, began this project on July 13th, 2023, with an expected completion date of October 10th, 2023. The project's budget is 284,000 baht, and it is currently under warranty.
Upon investigation, it was found that the initial installation did not conform to the project's specifications, leading the Khon Sawan Subdistrict Municipality to instruct the contractor to make corrections, which have now been completed. The municipality's officials confirmed that the corrected pipes match the required specifications. The project is still ongoing, with a contract end date of September 1st, 2024.
The NACC Chaiyaphum has urged project supervisors to ensure the contractor adheres to the specifications and engineering standards, especially during the current rainy season. Additionally, concerns about the structural integrity of the manhole covers, which have been flagged for potential safety risks, have been addressed by instructing the contractor to implement design changes and preventive measures to avoid future theft of the covers.
In conclusion, the NACC Chaiyaphum will continue to closely monitor the project's completion, ensuring it meets the agreed standards and fulfills its intended purpose for the community.
