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Yadana project flawed, says Anand (r)
- Subject: Yadana project flawed, says Anand (r)
- From: suriya@xxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 03:26:00
Headlines
Yadana project flawed,
says Anand
THE Yadana gas pipeline project has flaws
but the final responsibility would rest with
the government on how to deal with them,
Anand Panyarachun, chairman of the
national panel to review the controversial
construction, said Sunday.
Speaking after the second day of hearing,
Anand said his panel would identify areas
of weaknesses in the project in its final
report to enable the government to form a
decision.
Meanwhile, the Petroleum Authority of
Thailand (PTT), the project owner,
reiterated its warning that the construction
delay could cost the country US$560 million
in added financial burden.
Anand's panel, established by the
government on Feb 12, was charged with
reviewing the Yadana project in a bid to
resolve an impasse between the PTT and
environmental advocates who oppose the
pipeline route through the Kanchanaburi
forest.
As PTT representatives testified about the
project and its possible environmental
impact, Anand and panel members
expressed concern about the PTT's
commitment for afforestation and its
preparations for environmental
preservation.
The panelists also requested more
information on the decision-making
process in planning and implementing the
project.
When PTT public relations chief Songkiat
Thansamrit briefed the panel about how the
PTT planned to contract the Forest Industry
Organisation to cut down trees in order to
clear the construction route, Anand
interjected that the PTT should closely
supervise the operation because of its
serious impact on the environment.
Panel member Suraphol Sudara reminded
the authority of its earlier commitment to
educate the villagers on wildlife protection
and preservation.
PTT official Piti Yimprasert claimed that the
gas pipeline project could help the country
save at least Bt700 million per day in lieu of
using other energy sources. He also
warned of financial losses if the project is
delayed.
In responding to questions on the project
background, Piti conceded that the project
was approved by the first Chuan Leekpai
administration and that PM's Office Minister
Savit Bhotiwihok was then in charge of
scrutinising it.
He sidestepped a question on human rights
consideration by pointing out that the
pipeline route passing through the
Myanmar-Thai border at Ban E-tong was
chosen because the Myanmar authorities
guaranteed security.
PM's Office Minister Supatra Masdit
disclosed that the panel would continue its
hearings from Tuesday till Wednesday. She
said that the hearings, to be broadcast live
by Radio Thailand, would change the
format by inviting PTT representatives and
environmentalists to testify at the same
time.
In the past two hearings, proponents and
opponents of the project separately
presented their views to the panel. The
hearing will conclude on Feb 24.
Pipop Thongchai, political activist and
environmental advocate, Sunday claimed
that the PTT had misinformed the public on
the construction deadline. It previously
insisted that July was the deadline although
Piti now conceded that the contract had
specified August for project completion, he
said.
The Nation