K-Water boss confident of success

“We believe K-Water can complete construction of the two modules – A5 floodway and A3 flood-retention areas – in five years as required,” Monthon said in an exclusive interview with the Nation Group.
He added that the value of these two modules was Bt160 billion, much less than the Bt600 billion worth of projects in South Korea that K-Water had completed in similar five-year periods.
The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the results of the bidding for projects reported by the Strategic Committee for Water Resources Management, for which it has proposed to borrow Bt314.37 billion for the nine modules.
The four winners of the contracts are K-Water, ITD-Power China JV, Loxley-AGT JV and Summit SUT Joint Venture.
Monthon said the company would thoroughly check out the project conditions in detail to ensure full legal compliance ahead of setting out agreement contracts with the government.
The company wants to reduce its risks from future increases in costs of raw materials, labour and other factors.
“K-water will give away scholarships on water-resource management studies every year over the five-year term of the projects instead of rebates, as negotiated with the selection committee,” he said.
According to K-Water’s tentative plan, Monthon said it would complete surveys and health- and |environmental-impact assessment reports in two years and two months and the construction another |two years and 10 months after signing the contracts with the government.
“We will mobilise more than a thousand engineers and workers from Korea and other countries, including Thai experts for these projects,” he said, adding that there would be two shifts working 24 hours.
Most of the machinery and equipment would be imported from South Korea.
Before starting the projects, K-Water plans to set up a company with initial paid-up capital of Bt10 billion to Bt16 billion as it now operates as a representative office, with a staff of 250.
Monthon declined to show the company’s design plan.
“We may not need to construct any new canals in eastern Bangkok, just make [the existing ones] wider and deeper.
“Meanwhile, the west should have new canals.”
In addition, K-Water is planning to hold public hearings before starting the project, listening to the concerns of all, including activists. Although many groups have |different ideas and concepts, Monthon believes the company |will be able to make the project |happen.