Probe into waste centre graft called

Probe into waste centre graft called

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has been asked to look into City Hall's incinerator projects, which are allegedly too costly, with their terms of reference (ToR) written to benefit certain contractors.

Anti-Global Warning Association president Srisuwan Janya yesterday listed five irregularities in the projects -- which are valued at over 13 billion baht -- as he petitioned the NACC to act against the Bangkok governor and his executives.

The ToR for the incinerators, to be built at On Nut and Nong Khaem waste disposal centres, were announced late last year amid concerns about the lack of public hearings, prices, the impact on the environment, contractor qualifications and bid rigging claims.

The public hearings on the ToR were held for only four days in November, which Mr Srisuwan said was "too short", as people were given very little time to give suggestions or voice their opposition to the projects.

The price is also too expensive when compared to those built in other provinces, he said.

"Also, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) were not carried out because the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) waived the requirement for urgent development projects in 2016," Mr Srisuwan said.

"This is not in line with the 20-year national strategy plan for 2018-2037."

Chatri Wattanakajorn, director of the Environmental Division at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), insisted that everything was above board.

He admitted the cost is higher compared to facilities in other provinces because the incinerators can process humid waste and are connected to power generator units that can generate 24 megawatts of electricity.

The BMA is expected to announce the name of the winning contractors in May. The incinerators are slated to begin operating in 2022.

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