Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha told a meeting yesterday (August 24) at Patong Hospital, chaired by Pheu Thai spokesperson Prompong Nopparit, that spending of a total of B286 million had been approved by various authorities and the government to complete the five projects.
The five projects include;
- A B20-million flood protection embankment project along Klong Bang Yai, the main waterway conveying floodwater from Kathu and Phuket City to the sea on the east of the island, in Phuket Town. The limited capacity of Klong Bang Yai due to an expansion of the city is considered a major cause of the flooding on Wednesday (August 22).
The project, to be carried out by Phuket City Municipality, is expected to help slowing down the spread of water and protect the city from water overflowing from the canal.
- A B20-million flood protection embankment project along Klong Bang Yai in Kathu District. The project, for which the Kathu District Office will be responsible, is expected to help slowing down water before the water it passes through the canal to Phuket Town.
- A B20-million flood protection project in Patong area, for which Patong Municipality will be responsible. The project includes the improvement of drainage in Patong.
- A B16-million flood protection project for Patong Hospital. The project includes the building of a flood protection wall around the hospital and the creation of water retention area.
- A B210-million project, to be carried out by the Department of Rural Roads, to raise the height of Phang Muang Sai Kor Rd, the road behind Jungceylon in Patong, by 1.5 metres to prevent it bein flooded by overflow from drainage ditches on both sides of the road.
It will take at least a year to complete all five projects.
“Phuket’s flood usually remain only for a matter of hours,” said Gov Tri, “so I think the five projects should relieve flood problems in major areas of the island.”
He also urged local authorities to be careful about issuing permits for buildings constructed over waterways, which are a major contributor to flooding in Phuket, especially in Patong where the city has expanded to the point where it has caused changes in the existing natural drainage.
Gov Tri said he would like the government to help fund a project to protect the whole of Patong from flooding. Mr Prompong said he mention this to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at the next meeting of Pheu Thai Party members next Tuesday (August 28).