Metal workers and mechanics to be moved

PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Industry Office (PPIO) has announced that mechanics’ garages and metal workers’ shops in Phuket City are to be relocated to an area outside of the city center as part of a zoning scheme aimed at combating pollution. Businesses that refuse to comply will risk losing their licenses to trade.

At a press conference at The Metropole hotel, Thongchai Wichaidit, Director of the PPIO, said that garages and metal workers’ shops are currently scattered around many areas, such as Thepkrasattri Rd and Chao Fa Rd, and that local people had been complaining about the noise and air pollution from these businesses.

To tackle the problem the PPIO has launched a plan to move pollution-producing businesses to an industrial zone in a less-populated area, K. Thongchai added.

“We have found a suitable place for the garages and metal businesses. It is a 250-rai plot of land on Phra Phuket Kaew Rd, Kathu. The owner of the land, Anuphas and Son Co, is hiring its own consulting company to conduct a feasibility study. I expect this to be complete around six months from now.

“Once the study is complete, the company will rent out land to businesses that have to relocate. The PPIO is finding financial institutions such as the SME Bank and the Government Savings Bank to assist them,” he said.

“We will take strict measures against anyone who refuses to comply with the new zoning regulations. We will not renew the licenses of businesses that pollute the city and cause complaints,” K. Thongchai warned.