PHUKET: Almost a billion baht is to be spent to prevent floods on Phuket, with most money going to Patong, where ''interruptions to water flow'' have become a chronic nuisance.
The budget comes from the Public Works Department with 420 million baht set aside for Patong and 550 million baht to be spent at places where floods occur in the Muang district, which includes Vichit, Rawai and Rassada.
Patong Mayor Chalermlak Kebsub revealed the plan to end ''interruptions to water flow'' in Patong at yesterday's meeting of the municipal council.
She said that in 2016, 2017 and 2018, a campaign would be carried out to make sure water flows through Patong instead of causing inundations at the Kathu Police Station and other low-lying sites.
She said that canal encroachment was the main cause of the problem.
A councillor asked: ''Can you solve the floods in Patong? This is our biggest problem.''
The mayor responded: ''I am not a god. I have been in this position for just over one year and the former mayor was not successful in protecting Patong from floods.''
The plan, backed by the municipality and Phuket Province along with Public Works, involves adding sluice gates to existing canals and constructing concrete barriers to direct the water away from buildings. Research is continuing on the best methods of helping the water on its way.
Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana said the funding would be distributed throughout the Muang district. In Phuket City, her plan was to deepen canals through dredging and create short cuts to boost water flow where necessary.
Phuket suffers from flooding during the monsoon season but is also prone to water shortages if the high season goes on without rain.
The budget comes from the Public Works Department with 420 million baht set aside for Patong and 550 million baht to be spent at places where floods occur in the Muang district, which includes Vichit, Rawai and Rassada.
Patong Mayor Chalermlak Kebsub revealed the plan to end ''interruptions to water flow'' in Patong at yesterday's meeting of the municipal council.
She said that in 2016, 2017 and 2018, a campaign would be carried out to make sure water flows through Patong instead of causing inundations at the Kathu Police Station and other low-lying sites.
She said that canal encroachment was the main cause of the problem.
A councillor asked: ''Can you solve the floods in Patong? This is our biggest problem.''
The mayor responded: ''I am not a god. I have been in this position for just over one year and the former mayor was not successful in protecting Patong from floods.''
The plan, backed by the municipality and Phuket Province along with Public Works, involves adding sluice gates to existing canals and constructing concrete barriers to direct the water away from buildings. Research is continuing on the best methods of helping the water on its way.
Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana said the funding would be distributed throughout the Muang district. In Phuket City, her plan was to deepen canals through dredging and create short cuts to boost water flow where necessary.
Phuket suffers from flooding during the monsoon season but is also prone to water shortages if the high season goes on without rain.
Perhaps patong mayor should make a flooding orientation trip to Singapore. See how Singapore handle heavy rain, how they catch/collect the water there. How self sufficient Changi Airport is with collecting rain water.
Collect/catch the water as much as possible. Make storage facilities.
Look on internet how Bermuda catch all the rainwater, learn about already existing situations abroad.
Posted by Kurt on September 16, 2015 10:27