Construction is expected to start soon on a 300km embankment stretching along the Chao Phraya River from Uthani Thani down to Ayutthaya.
The floods that ravaged Bangkok and surrounding areas last year saw water levels in certain areas rise to 10 meters above sea level.
The Mayor of Muang Angthong, Chai Suuwaphan, believes lessons need to be learned from the floods last year.
“We have to make more preparations and take precautions from now on,” he said.
The embankment in Muang Angthong will be increased from 7.5 meters to 10 meters above mean sea level.
Winai Limsakul, who heads the Public Works Department of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), said the height of four main roads in the capital would also be raised for flood-prevention purposes.
“They are Suwinthawong, Hataimit, Rat-Uthit and Buddha Mondhol III roads,” he said, pointing to the fact that these thoroughfares could serve as floodwalls to protect the inner zone of Bangkok.
BMA deputy permanent secretary Jumpol Sampaopon said canals in the capital would be dredged during the next three to four months as a flood-prevention measure.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra earlier suggested that her government would find about 2 million rai of land for water-retention purposes so as to minimise flood damage when the massive amount of run-off from the North heads downstream, according to The Nation.
Local authorities would have to negotiate with the owners of fields in Ayutthaya’s Bang Pahan, Bang Ban and Phak Hai districts so as to access the plots for water retention.
A new sluice gate at a cost ofTHB145 million is being constructed in Sing Buri’s Prom Buri district to replace the old sluice gate that was damaged beyond repair last year.
With the rainy season expected to start in three months, The Interior Ministry has instructed the governors of 24 provinces to draw up flood prevention plans as quickly as possible.
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A 10-meter embankment will be built along the Chao Phraya River. Photo: Coconuts Bangkok
