Fri, May 24, 2013 10:49:04 AM
Bangkok Post
Fri, May 24, 2013 10:49:04 AM
Bangkok Post
About six communities may be affected by the government's testing of the drainage system in Bangkok on Sept 5 and 7, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Drainage and Sewerage Department deputy director Adisak Khanti said on Monday.
Mr Adisak said the test on Wednesday Sept 5 would release water to the western side of the capital city. The main canal for the test is Khlong Thawi Watthana, which runs through Thawi Watthana, Nong Khaem and Bang Khae districts.
The Sept 7 test would be on the eastern side, mainly through Khlong Lat Phrao, involving Sai Mai, Bang Khen, Lat Phrao, Wang Thong Lang and Huay Khwang districts.
Six communities may be affected on Sept 5 because there are still some structures built over Khlong Thawi Wattana. They are Wat Puranavas, Rim Khlong Mahasawat, Sala Thammasop Railway Station, Pratunam Chim Phli, Ruam Kua and Khlong Noen Sai communities.
The BMA will install 29 boat engines to help push water out at various spots along Khlong Thawi Watthana to minimise any adverse effects on people in the communities.
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Photos by Surapol Promsaka na Sakolnakorn
Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said the BMA is ready to work with the government in testing the drainage system.
"Heavy rain is expected from Sept 2 to 8 and high tides from Sept 5 to 7. The BMA is prepared if an emergency occurs," the governor said.
Twenty-nine water jets had been brought by the BMA to speed up the water flow, he added.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said the drainage system testing in the capital was necessary.
"We need to test the canal capabilities so we can work on areas that need improvement," Ms Yingluck said. "We also need cooperation from the BMA and the Water and Flood Management Commission."
If the BMA wants to make a proposal, the government will consider it. The issue is not political and cooperation is needed from all sides, she said.
"We'll have to see the result of the testing but I'm confident that we can protect the economic areas [from flooding]," the premier said.
