Some plans ready for Cabinet's consideration
The Cabinet on Jan 10 will consider the 8-points water-management plan for 17 flood-prone areas which should require an investment of Bt50 billion, said Vichien Chavalit, secretary-general of the government's committee on reconstruction and rebuilding.
Today, the committee convened a meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, to consider short and long-term plans which should require a total of Bt350 billion.
Under the long-term planning, watersheds would be in the focus. The government would also discuss with communities in plotting monkey cheeks and floodways. The Agriculture Ministry is charged to pinpoint appropriate locations and devise the strategies to help the locals living in the areas. It is estimated that initially, monkey cheeks will encompass about 2 million rai of land.
"This should be clearer in March," Vichien said, adding that the areas would be selected in the way to facilitate waterflows.
The Council of State would be consulted on the issuance of laws to facilitate the measures. Vichien said an executive decree is likely, given that the government has some six months to prepare for the next rainy season.
According to Anond Snidvong Na Ayudhaya, a member of the committee, a Bt300 billion sum would be allocated for floodways, large and medium-sized reservoirs, and a signalling system in the North, the Central and Bangkok.
