Several Bangkok areas still hit by floods despite BMA spending billions over 5 years
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has spent more than THB14 billion on 1,333 drainage projects over the past five years but is still unable to solve the flood problem that dogs the capital every year.
For instance, heavy rains for almost 10 hours across Bangkok on Tuesday led to the usual floods in some areas.
Somsak Meeudomsak, deputy director of the BMA’s Drainage and Sewerage Department, on Wednesday promised that a number of drainage projects would be finished this month and would “ease the flood situation”.
However, many may not know that the BMA has already spent THB14.3 billion from 2017 to 2022 just to solve flood problems.
According to information on Wednesday, the BMA hired the private sector to finish at least two projects with a budget of more than THB100 million in the 2022 fiscal year.
The projects are:
A THB1.69 billion drainage tunnel from Khlong Saen Saep and Khlong Lat Phrao to Soi Lat Phrao 130
A THB159.9 million drainage system at the high-speed rail link from Rama VI road to Soi Ranong 1.
In fiscal year 2017, the BMA hired the private sector to complete 128 projects worth THB192.6 million.
The most expensive project during that fiscal year was construction of the drainage system on Song Sawat, Yaowarat, and Charoen Krung roads for THB101.5 million.
In fiscal year 2018, the BMA got the private sector to complete 242 projects for THB2.02 billion.
The most expensive project was the maintenance of Public Works Department and Department of Drainage and Sewerage buildings for THB568.2 million.
In fiscal year 2019, the BMA hired the private sector to complete 321 projects for THB594.6 million.
The most expensive project was the construction of the Khlong Lum Phai pumping station and floodgate for THB92.29 million.
In fiscal year 2020, the BMA had the private sector complete 332 projects for THB480.52 million.
The most expensive project was construction of a drainage system on Chan Road for THB166.8 million.
And in fiscal year 2021, the BMA again hired the private sector to complete 308 projects for THB9.19 billion.
The most expensive project was a drainage tunnel at Khlong Prem Prachakon from Khlong Bang Bua to the Chao Phraya River for THB8.2 billion.
Published : May 19, 2022
By : THE NATION
Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015708
