BMA unclogs canals and sewer drains in anti-flood campaign
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has reported that it unclogged canals and cleaned sewer drains in a move to prevent future flooding in the capital city.
Deputy Bangkok Governor Chakkaphan Phewngam led BMA officials, soldiers, and volunteers to clean Ban Khamin Canal and other waterways in Bangkok Noi district as part of the BMA’s flood prevention plan. The plan aims to unclog 6,400 kilometres of sewer lines and 1,682 small and large canals stretching over 2,000 kilometres throughout the city.
Ban Khamin Canal is 1.5 kilometres long and 3-7 metres wide. It was inundated with waterweeds such as water hyacinth, a free-floating perennial plant. The number of people living on the edge of the canal had also grown.
The deputy governor said 2-3 water pumps will be installed along the canal to prepare for a water-related emergency.
The cleanup and installation of water pumping machinery combined will cut in half the time required to drain floodwaters from Bangkok Noi, said officials.