The ‘Clean Province’ contest for 2024 is divided into two main categories: the prototype group and the general group, as explained by Phuket Vice Governor Norasak Suksomboon last week.
The prototype group includes Lamphun, Ubon Ratchathani and Satun provinces, recognised for their sustainable community solid waste management practices.
The general group, known as the ‘Sa-at provinces’ (‘Clean Provinces’), is further divided into three subgroups based on the size of the provinces, as follows:
- Large Provinces: Roi Et, Maha Sarakham and Surin
- Medium-sized Provinces: Sukhothai, Lampang and Loei
- Small Provinces: Mukdahan, Mae Hong Son and Phuket
Members of the evaluation subcommittee arrived in Phuket to begin their two-day review on Sunday (June 30), when many areas across central and northern Phuket suffered heavy flooding.
The team’s review aimed to “inspect, evaluate, and select provinces with effective community solid waste management”, said an official report of the visit.
The evaluation in Phuket was conducted by: Kulcha Thanakwang, a specialist in pollution management from the Pollution Control Department; Aowadee Sunthornwiphat, Inspector-General of the Department of Local Administration (DOLA); DLOA legal expert Natasupa Kampananon; and DOLA policy and plan analyst Nattaphon Ritsaksit.
As part of their visit, the evaluation group joined a meeting yesterday (July 1) chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Norasak at the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) offices at the old provincial hall on Narisorn Rd.
Also joining the meeting were heads of government agencies, executives of local government organisations (OrBorTor and municipalities), and related agencies. The representatives jointly reported information and answered questions from the evaluation committee on waste management practices in Phuket.
Throughout the evaluation, the committee toured exhibition booths showcasing waste management practices from various agencies in Phuket, including Phuket City Municipality, Phuket Environment and Pollution Control Region 15 office, the PPAO, Wichit Municipality, Kathu Municipality and Patong Municipality, as well as Plookpanya Municipality School, Poonsook Craft, Si Kor Market and Phuket Rotary Club.
During their visit, it was explained to the group that during the tourism high season months of January and February Phuket generates more than 1,000 tons of trash each day, while Phuket Town itself never generates more than 150 tons of trash per day.
The evaluation committee concluded their inspection visit yesterday.