Nakhon si thammarat: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, visited Nakhon Si Thammarat Province to address the longstanding issues surrounding the Highway 4189 (Phiphun-Nopphitam) improvement project. This road, crucial for the local community, has been awaiting restoration for 37 years following severe damage from the 1988 flood.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pipat emphasized the importance of Highway 4189, constructed in 1985, as a vital connection between Phipun and Nopphitam districts, and a key access route to Walailak University. The road’s restoration is essential for facilitating education, healthcare, and commerce in the region. The government, under the directive of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, is committed to expediting the project, ensuring that all relevant agencies collaborate effectively while adhering to legal and environmental standards.
Mr. Pipat highlighted that the project involves road maintenance rather than new construction, with plans to restore the road to its original condition to benefit over half of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, encompassing approximately 12 districts. The improvement plan is segmented into three sections, with varying stages of progress and coordination among several departments, including the Department of Highways and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Notably, urgent repairs and environmental impact assessments are in progress, with a projected completion timeline spanning several years.
Discussions with Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, have been initiated to streamline the process of obtaining necessary permissions for road maintenance. Mr. Suchart has tasked relevant agencies with conducting comprehensive studies to facilitate the project’s advancement, with the possibility of seeking Cabinet approval for an exemption from the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), considering the existing road infrastructure and the prolonged wait of residents.
The collaborative efforts of multiple agencies and support from local authorities, including the Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor and local MPs, are crucial in restoring Highway 4189 to its former glory as a significant regional thoroughfare. The project represents a concerted effort between government entities and local stakeholders to enhance the quality of life for the people of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.