BMA to demolish homes encroaching on Lat Phrao canal
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THE BANGKOK Metropolitan Administration is planning the demolition of structures that encroach on Khlong Lat Phrao, as it intends to broaden the canal to its full stipulated width to make way for the construction of a flood-prevention dam.
The BMA is considering three options for the relocation of residents affected by the plan, and is in discussion with the National Housing Authority about support for those displaced.
After a meeting yesterday at City Hall 2 in Din Daeng district to create guidelines for the Khlong Lat Phrao regulations, BMA deputy permanent secretary Adisak Khantee said the agencies concerned would gather information and reach a final decision on the number of houses that intruded into the canal. Along the 22-kilometre-long canal, the city authorities initially found 3,023 homes, housing some 13,900 residents, that encroached on the waterway.
By district, Sai Mai accounted for 1,716 of the homes, Chatuchak for 600, Lak Si for 240, Don Muang for 229, Huai Khwang for 184, Wang Thonglang for 29, and Lat Phrao for 25, he said.
The canal’s section in Bang Khen district contained no intrusions. The BMA is studying three options for the relocation of people from the canal-side areas: relocation to a neighbouring zone; moving them to another zone within a 5-km radius; and relocation to entirely different parts of the capital.
“We are in the process of discussing this with the National Housing Authority, to check how many housing units in its projects would be available to people who would have to relocate from the Lat Phrao Canal area,” said Adisak.
While the BMA would try to negotiate with those affected and offer them remedial action, if they refused to compromise, they would face legal action for encroachment on a public canal, he warned.
