Water supply in EEC to be augmented with more reservoirs
Water reservoirs will be built in seven Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) projects to increase rainwater saving capability in the area and help in the desalination process of sea water, the Office of National Water Resource (ONWR) said.
“There are many urban development projects in Rayong, Chonburi and Chachoengsao, which might be facing the risk of water shortage for consumption and industrial usage,” ONWR secretary-general Somkiat Prajamwong said. “The government has assigned ONWR to build 38 water reservoirs and water resource management projects in the areas. This is expected to increase water resources by 872 million cubic metres.”
“The ONWR has finished allocating budgets for 16 projects, which should be completed by the end of 2022 and increase water resources by 253.6 million cubic metres,” he added. “The rest of the 22 projects should be able to start from 2021 onwards.”
Seven projects will receive top priority as they carry strategic importance for EEC’s water resources management, Somkiat said. These projects are: Bang Pakong underground water reservoir, Klong Phlo reservoir in Rayong, Klong Siyad reservoir in Chachoengsao, Prasae reservoir in Rayong, expansion of Chonburi Provincial Waterworks, reservoirs for sea water desalination and the development of existing reservoirs in EEC areas.
“The ONWR will submit proposals for these projects to the National Water Resource Commission meeting, which will be held on July 22,” he added.