Pattaya —
The wind turbine project to generate renewable power on Koh Larn in Pattaya has reportedly become a waste of resources after critics alleged that the turbines have broken down for a long time and the city lacked enough funding to repair them.
The turbine project, located in Khao Nom Sao mountain near Samae Beach, was initiated back in 2006 with a budget of 95 million baht. It aimed to generate electricity through wind and solar power for 489 households (around 3,000 people) on Koh Larn.
Managed by Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, the project promised to save the city from fuel costs and boost tourism. The project involved the construction of a control building, a stingray-shaped tourist attraction building, and 45 wind turbines. The goal was to generate 200 megawatts for the island’s wastewater treatment and lighting systems before feeding the households.
However, the project turned sour. Critics said five years after the construction was completed in 2010, the wind turbines ceased functioning and could no longer produce power. It was understood that this was due to the high maintenance costs associated with the aging infrastructure, which caused the city to reportedly abandon the entire project.
Despite its non-functionality, certain Pattaya officials touted the project as a tourist attraction because of its photogenic appeal. However, critics argued this was a waste of taxpayer’s money because the project could not fully serve its initial purposes as promised. The hefty budget, critics added, could also have been better used for education, healthcare, or improving the quality of people’s lives on Koh Larn.
According to reports, the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Office of the Auditor General of Thailand, and Office of Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, are investigating the project for potential irregularities.
This failed initiative serves as a reminder of the importance of having proper maintenance plans, notes The Pattaya News. Current city officials have not commented on the situation, although were obviously not involved in the original project eighteen years ago.
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