Chiang Mai Municipality has requested technical assistance from the Nexus project in conducting a feasibility study on the sewerage problems and possible solutions in Muang Mai Market. Preliminary data collection in preparation for the full feasibility study has been concluded.

Muang Mai Market is one of 16 fresh markets in Chiang Mai and is the biggest and only wholesale market. Its sewerage system is a combined open system and is not functioning. The open system is susceptible to solid waste and organic waste entering and blocking the pipes. Moreover, the sewerage pipe network is only partially laid and does not cover the whole market area.

Wastewater and solid waste are generated from distinct sources and activities. These include meat, poultry, seafood preparation, preparation of fruit and vegetables and stall cleaning, preparation and consumption of food, waste water from cleaning the market floors and streets, as well as from public restrooms.

The above mentioned waste water and organic solid waste is often discarded into the drainage system causing serious blockages within the sewage system. A rain shower can cause flooding in several areas of the market within minutes. The contaminated water along with the rats and other disease carriers such as cockroaches and mosquitoes living inside the sewer, as well as the meat, seafood, and fish being exposed to flies and sometimes also soaked in formalin, cause serious hygiene problems. Moreover, wastewater from the market is being released into the nearest natural water way. Muang Mai Market has now become one of the main contributors to the contamination of Mae Kha Canal which was once essential to the livelihood of Chiang Mai people. The released waste water contaminates the natural water way and affects the communities and establishments downstream as well as the overall image of Chiang Mai. Thisin turn will have a negative effect on tourism and reduce other economic and development gains of the city. Another serious concern is encroachment of roads and walkways. Commercial building owners built extended roofs and stalls which cover the sewerage channels as well as narrow the market streets. These encroachments prevent traffic flow and prevent proper repair and maintenance of the sewerage system, as well as making it difficult for ambulances and police cars to enter in case of emergencies.

The market ownership structure also makes it difficult to deal with the management problems. Altogether 3 (‘big market’) owners own 3 licensed fresh markets in Muang Mai Market, namely Muang Mai Market Company (MMC), Muang Samut Market Company (MSC), and Chao Nua Market Company (CNC). All together there are roughly 500 authorised vendors in the area. These 500 vendors are either authorised under the ‘Fresh Market’ license of the ‘big market’ owners or hold their own ‘Storage and Sales’ licenses. Another 500 vendors (including commercial buildings and street vendors) are operating without licenses.

A detailed feasibility study is under preparation to obtain accurate data for the design and cost estimation of sustainable technical and governance solutions.