North Pattaya residents say a drainage pipe-installation project is causing their homes to crack and sink.
Prasert Laopradit, 43, was one of several residents of Soi Chomchon near Sukhumvit Soi 43 who said their houses were damaged by vibrations caused by heavy machinery during construction.
Excavators are digging a 40-cu.-meter hole to install a pump and have dug up the earth to lay new pipe. The 2.8-million-baht project is slated to run through September, but Prasert said his house may not survive that long.
Big cracks have opened on the walls and the foundation has sunk slightly, putting the integrity of the entire house at risk. Another home was reported to be similarly affected.
Contractors stopped construction after the complaints while city officials investigate.
The contractors offered to help by installing a large steel sheet to prevent a wall from falling. The main issues are that the pump is being installed too close to the homes of residents without any measures to prevent damage during operation.
City officials have been called to investigate, but the contractors have only strengthened the soil surrounding the large hole with steel sheets.
However, officials confirmed they will have the contractors work carefully and will compensate for any damage caused to the surrounding homes.
