BANGKOK, 24 January 2012 (NNT) - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has attended a meeting with permanent secretaries of various ministries, urging them to quickly distribute flood compensations and wisely utilize their budgets.
Government Spokesperson Thitima Chaiseang says that Ms Yingluck told the permanent secretaries of every ministry to proceed with the compensation distribution and the repair of infrastructures within two weeks or they would have to return the flood rehabilitation plan budget, which has already been given as requested by ministries.
The premier says the ministries, which have proposed to use the budget to repair roads and bridges during January and February, must thoroughly consider effectiveness of their plans before proceeding with them.
In the meantime, the Prime Minister also asks all government departments to proceed with their works in accordance with the policies of the Strategic Committee for Reconstruction and Future Development and the Strategic Committee for Water Resources Management.
She says the Ministries of Interior, Defense, Natural Resources and Environment, and Energy have been assigned to look over the management of water sources and protection of the environment. In the meantime, related departments have been ordered to dredge canals, make water ways, and install closed-circuit televisions at sluice gates.
The National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) will be responsible for keeping people informed of weather reports and alerts. The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department has been cooperating with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in disaster prevention exercise and training.
Ms Yingluck reiterates that all of these operations must be conducted before the rainy season begins.
News ID: 255501240004
Reporter : Nuttaporn Chanchokpong
News Date : 24 January 2012