BANGKOK, Sept 2 – Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra was concerned about the government’s plan to test draining water through Bangkok’s canals as the test period coincides with high tide and frequent rainfall.
The Bangkok governor was referring to a test scheduled for September 5 and 7 which may cause problems to Bangkok residents, despite the fact that canal dredging in 18 flood-prone districts has almost been completed.
Meanwhile, most local residents along Bang Sue canals whose houses were affected by the massive flood last year said they were confident in the government’s water flow test that it would be under control and would not cause flooding.
However, some were afraid of flooding during the test and urged the Bangkok city hall to speed up dredging Bang Sue canal to effectively increase water flow.
The water level in Lat Phrao canal in front of the Lat Phrao temple is currently one metre below its bank. Residents support the government’s test, so if there is any problem, the government can fix it before the ensuing northern run-off.
Royal Chitradon, chairman of the sub-committee to monitor and analyse the water situation and management under the Water and Flood Management Commission (WFMC), has surveyed the floodways in eastern Bangkok.The water will be discharged to Hokwa Sailang canal, Song canal and Lat Phrao canal.
If water flow is disrupted at any spot, additional dredging work will be conducted and equipment used to speed water flow will be installed to push flood water to a giant flood tunnel at Rama IX before being drained further out to the sea.
