More concern over tests for canals
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A scientist and water expert has warned the government this month is not suitable for water-drainage tests in Bangkok as heavy downpours and storms have been predicted and there will also be high tides.
Dr Art-ong Jumsai na Ayudhya, a Thai scientist who has worked with the US space agency Nasa in the past and water expert, said the government should not do the drainage tests this month because there would be heavy downpours, storms and high tides. The tests would probably cause trouble for Bangkokians.
Art-ong questioned the government on what else had it done in terms of flood prevention, after borrowing Bt300 billion – except canal dredging. He had not seen any other projects.
The drainage tests are due to take place from Wednesday to Friday.
Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra also voiced his concerns over the government’s drainage tests, as September is the month with heaviest rain in the year. So, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will monitor the situation closely.
Canal dredging in 18 districts was complete while the dredging another 12 districts was 80 per cent complete, he said at a water management strategy meeting with civil society co-hosted by the BMA and Thammasat University.
But, Science Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi, who chairs the Water and Flood Management Commission (WFMC) insisted yesterday the tests would not affect people in the capital as water would be released to one third of canals’ capacity. The government would prolong the Water Exhibition showcasing its water-prevention measures at Central Plaza Lat Phrao Convention Hall till 8pm tomorrow as they want more people and agencies to learn about water prevention work, Plodprasop said. The event was previously scheduled to run till today.
Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency executive director Anond Snidvongs, who is also a WFMC member, said during a seminar at the Water Exhibition that water management in Thailand was getting better. More areas had been provided to support floodwater and water situations were different from last year. So, it was less likely that severe floods would recur.
At a separate seminar at the Water Exhibition, Preecha Ronnarong of the Public Works and Town and Country Planning Department urged the government to do city planning for long-term water management.
He said city planning would state which areas must be water retention areas and areas at risk of disasters. Also, it would tell clearly which activities were not allowed to do in such areas. Local administrative organisations would have to create water management and land reform strategies in the same direction.
