NAKHON RATCHASIMA - The Provincial Electricity Authority is taking the first steps to move all overhead electrical wires and cables underground in the city area, removing an eyesore residents have complained about for years.
Mongkhol Trikitjanon, governor of PEA’s Nakhon Ratchasima branch, said on Thursday that cabinet recently allocated 11.7 billion baht for the first phase of the project to move all power lines underground in four big cities - Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Pattaya and Nakhon Ratchasima municipalities.
All overhead power lines and cables in those cities would be put underground over five years, from 2017 to 2021.
His branch office had been allocated 2.4 bilion baht of this budget and first phase work was beginning immediately, Mr Monkhol sid.
The PEA would survey and plan the underground system, and call for tenders for the work this year. Installation of local power stations, laying of power lines and cables underground, and other work to support the communications system, would start in 2017.
All work would be completed in 2021, as planned, he said.
Relocating overhead power lines and cables underground would improve both public safety and the appearance of the city of Nakhon Ratchasima, he said.
Overhead electrical wiring and cables are an eyesore in the eyes of most Nakhon Ratchasima residents. (Photo by Prasit Tangprasert)