PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered an investigation of public solar water purifiers costing 500,000 baht each to ascertain whether any corruption is involved, Thai News Agency reported today (March 29).
Army chief General Chalermchai Sittisart said General Prayut had ordered the Internal Security Operations Command to send officials to check the transparency in all aspects of acquisition and installation of these machines.
Teams had already been sent out to investigation and the result will be submitted in 1 to 2 days.
Gen. Chalermchai added that if any corruption is uncovered, officials involved would be investigated and the result followed upon accordingly.
However, Mr Supanat Sirinthawinet, secretary of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center, explained that the price of these solar water purifiers was not higher than the realistic level. This particular machine is an innovation of the company from which it was purchased, and it had won the Innovation Award in 2016.
After installation there were checks according to the regulations, and there is after sales service.
As there is news that the water purifiers installed in Panare district of southern Pattani province have rusted, yesterday Supanat went to check one that was standing near the sea.
This had been heavily coated with dust and when washed with seawater, the seawater and the dust congealed and a film similar to rust appeared. However, when wiped with a piece of cloth, this dusty congealed coating disappeared.
He added that water purifiers are needed by the general public who want clean drinking water.
CAPTON:
Top: One of the solar water purifiers which are being investigated. Photo: Thai News Agency
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