BANGKOK, 16 January 2012 (NNT) – Secretary-General of the Chaipattana Foundation Dr Sumet Tantivejkul has urged the government to speedily drain the remaining floodwater in empty fields in order to prevent another flood crisis this year.
In his capacity as Advisor to the Strategic Committee for Water Resources Management, Dr Sumet strongly suggested that the government manage water more systematically since a new mass of water is expected to arrive in three months’ time from now. He emphasized that the government should adhere to His Majesty the King’s initiatives on water management by dredging more canals and building reservoirs along main rivers.
On flood prevention in urban areas, Dr Sumet said floodways should be set up and the government should start negotiating with the owners of lands located in the water course about compensation.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce Phongsak Assakul said the government needed to urgently restore confidence and get ready for potential flooding this year, otherwise the private sector would be badly affected. He added that now the government should have clear plans and measures on water management since the new mass of water could come as soon as the second quarter when the private sector would still be recovering.