Construction is back underway for phase 2 of the Ban
Munkhong Khao Noi low-income housing project.
Surasak Huasoon
Its administrative and funding problems now history, the Ban Munkhong Khao Noi
low-income housing project is moving into the second phase of construction and
already is making happy homeowners of the Pattaya-area’s poor.
Deputy Mayor Wutisak Rermkitkarn toured the 12-rai development near the eastern
railroad tracks June 6. Cooperative President Vinai Mukdasanit showed the deputy
mayor homes finished during Phase 1 and areas where workers will be building
homes in the second and third phases.
Ban Munkhong is a 100 million baht pilot partnership between the city and the
Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. The ministry announced in
2011 it would allocate 37.8 million baht to fund 4 percent home loans and 46.7
million baht for construction of 290 homes over 15 years. Pattaya earmarked a
contribution of another 15.2 million baht to support the program.
Residents seeking permanent homes in the Nernrodfai and Khao Noi neighborhoods
had been squatters on state property before they were evicted. They see Ban
Munkhong as their chance to own their own homes for the first time.
Tailor Samnao Daengphad, 53, said she and her family previously lived in a
rental room. The monthly rent, electricity and water bill was 4,500 baht per
month. In his new house, however, the expenses are smaller and he and his family
are very happy.
Happiness was not easily achieved. The Khao Noi project faced a number of
obstacles, including suspended funding and legal issues over mortgages. The area
didn’t even have electric power until July 2012. But now it’s just a matter of
how fast the houses can go up.
Phase 1 has 99 households. Phase 2 calls for 79 homes and the epic Phase 3 will
see the construction of 290 homes and supporting businesses. Rain and flooding
have delayed construction repeatedly, but Wutisak called progress “satisfactory”
and said that all the houses will be finished by 2016.
