After the flood, talk to the Dutch
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Re: "We lived with floods before; why can't we do so again?", opinion, October 27.
Sumet Jumsai refers to Dutch water management and pleads for go-with-the-flow (nature) in combination with good planning and control. Indeed, we [in the Netherlands] have very strict water management. The Netherlands is the delta of the rivers Rhine and Meuse, very well comparable with the Chao Phraya delta – a hub for trade, logistics and banking, and the threat of water both from the sea and rivers.
We have strict water management, with separate water authorities, and commissioners chosen by the people. They are based on strict laws and can decide independent from politics. They supervise all our rivers, canals and even the smallest ditches. Each year, they inspect every water course. They prevent illegal building over or along the waterways, to keep the drainage system open. They levy their own taxes both to companies and citizens, to be sure of sufficient funds to keep the systems up to date and vital. Every city or province needs their support.
The Netherlands and Thailand should organise a conference on the subject. Two years ago the Dutch Embassy held a symposium on rising sea levels and climate change. King Rama V gave a complete system of water management to Bangkok, and you can do that again, and modernise it.
Floating houses are very expensive. I was a vice-mayor taking this initiative in my region, with government support, only because we have so little space left in our country. This is not necessary in Thailand, although the examples mentioned in the interview are interesting.
After this flood, people and companies, domestic and foreign, want good water management and the funds for it. Foreign investments are at stake, and if there is no structural master plan with funds, these investors will choose Indonesia, Vietnam or Philippines.
There has even been a discussion about moving the capital to another, higher region. That is, with all respect, beyond all reality. And not necessary: as I said, we live in the Netherlands at 4 to 6 metres below sea level.
Dirk Van Vliet
Rotterdam/The Hague
