BMC briefed on promenade project
THE BANGKOK Metropolitan Council yesterday invited King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) and the Community Organisations Development Institute (CODI) to discuss their study plans for the Chao Phraya promenade project out of fear that c
The researchers briefed the councillors on the project, which covers both sides of the river from Rama VII Bridge to Pinklao Bridge and stretches for 14 kilometres.
They also affirmed that input from all sides would be taken into consideration before concluding the study by September.
BMC president Kriengsak Lohachala said the project would involve at least 15 district offices, so the council wants to step in as a liaison between those district offices and the project organisers in carrying out studies. All parties should be equally equipped with clear information to bring the local people to the same understanding and answer their questions, he added.
Project manager Sakul Hovanotayan from KMITL said the studies would take seven months and include the surveys, design and public forums.
Community participation would be emphasised in designing the project along with architects.
The promenade would feature walkways, bicycle paths, athletic fields and cultural spots, not roads for motorised vehicle. The area’s history would be lent importance.
The researchers would survey the communities and stakeholders as well as study possible environmental impacts, although this project didn’t require an environmental impact assessment. “The team will visit all 32 affected communities six times per community and will host three public hearings.
“The first forum was already held on April 22,” he said. Some councillors pressed the researchers on how much the project would allow the community to participate and were told that some people, including commuter boat operators, hadn’t received full and accurate information, so they were not confident about the project.
A CODI representative told the council that 64 out of all the homes that would be demolished to make way for this project had said they would move to a government flat by June. Next to the flat was only vacant land, so it could be used to build living quarters for 20-60 families.
A learning centre will be set up near Rama VIII Bridge to give information about the project before the construction contract is signed next January.
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