MWA to amend law, to allow it work in areas outside greater Bangkok

  The MWA has also set its ninth strategic plan (2016-2022) for waterwork development with a total investment of Bt45 billion.

MWA governor Thanasak Watanathana revealed that amending the law is aimed at extending its coverage areas to help develop the waterworks system in various communities in response to growing demand. As well as distributing quality tap-water, the move aims to create stability and sustainability in water production and service. 

At present, the MWA is responsible for three service areas: Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan. These accounts for nine per cent of the total area nationwide.

When the draft of amended act is completed, the authority will put it to the Interior Ministry for consideration before submitting it to Cabinet for approval.

“In principle, the MWA will not produce a water supply in overlapping areas with the Provincial Waterworks Authority. Currently, many tambon administrative organisations (TAOs) ask the MWA for cooperation to help develop their waterworks systems. Not just better quality water, they need to ensure the efficient production and distribution to meet a growing demand, Thanasak said. 

In 2013, the MWA signed a memorandum of understanding with Hua Hin Municipality for collaboration to improve and develop their water production and distribution system, as well as enhance the capabilities of personnel in order to prepare for a growing tourism in the resort town.

The MWA also signed an MoU with Samut Sakhon Municipality last year for setting up a plan and design for a municipal waterworks system to boost water production capacity and transmission. The agency also transferred knowledge and a waterworks management system of the municipality to help provide a supply of quality water for the public.

Recently, the MWA signed an MoU with five TAOs and five tambon municipalities in Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan provinces to help expand tap-water distribution this and next year. Under the agreement, the MWA and each local body will evenly split the investment budget for installing water taps. 

Thanasak said that at present the MWA provides water to 99 per cent of community areas in Bangkok, Samut Prakan and Nonthaburi. The MWA ensures the distribution of an adequate water supply and pressure via efficient taps and transmission tunnels to substitute the use of canal water and artesian water. 

In addition to the local areas, the MWA is also gaining recognition as a leading waterworks agency in Asean. It has provided technical support for neighbouring countries to help boost and develop waterworks production standards. 

The MWA signed a memorandum of understanding with Laos to help formulate a master plan for Luang Prabang waterworks development, which was completed two years ago. Laos has asked the MWA for more support in developing waterworks in Pakse. The MWA also recently signed an MoU with Vietnam to provide technical support for waterworks development in Hue.

“According to the planned legal amendment, the MWA will also need to change a provision that allows it to invest in waterworks production in foreign countries,” Thanasak said. 

Meanwhile, the MWA has formulated its ninth master plan for waterworks development (2016-2022) with a total investment of Bt45 billion to expand production capacity and water supply transmission tunnels.

Thanasak said the agency plans to double the production capacity of the Mahasawat Waterworks Treatment Plant to 1.6 million cubic metres per day and expand a water transmission tunnel in the western part of the Chao Phraya River. The development plan is expected to enhance waterworks system standards and cope with growing water consumption.