It's expected the flood situation will steadily improve and everything should be dry by mid-Dec. However, there is much clean-up work to do.
Most notably, the dismantling of sandbag flood barriers and concrete walls. Muse asked what your thoughts were on how we should handle this job and what to do with all the sand and bags afterwards. Here are your answers.
Sand, for a start, comes in many grades, and not all grades are good for construction. However, the highest quality sand which hasn't been submerged for a long time can be used as raw material to make glass objects and bottles.
The sand from each particular flood barrier should be reused to restore damaged public places, such as monasteries, schools, religious sites, roads and bridges in the vicinity.
In addition, the inclusion of other building materials and supplies are also needed for each restoration project.
It's also important that this process is carried out as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration of the quality of sand.
High quality sand that wasn't used or did not come into contact with contaminated water could still be used as soil and fertilizer.
Also, the cloth, plastic and polythene sheeting from the sandbags can be pressed and used in land reclamation works, which is more Eco-friendly than other types of waste disposal materials.
Or the State could stage an auction for construction companies to bid for all the used materials.
But most of all, I hope managing the use of these materials will be conducted in the best interests of everyone in the community and the country, without any political agendas."
SOMWUT S.
Company employee
A natural disaster leaves a trail of property destruction, and many times it leaves thousands of its victims with a damaged sense of balance.
In addition to restoring buildings and replacing material possessions, victims may need to devote time to restoring their own emotional equilibrium during the recovery period. This can be especially important for children who do not have years of life experience to guide them.
During a flood, all of our energy is directed towards saving our homes, our businesses, our communities. But what happens after the floodwater recedes? How do we cope with the damage that's been left behind?
Focusing on the present can help us work through many of life's setbacks, both big and small. Spending time wondering 'what could have been' or thinking about 'if only' will cause more stress because the situation is in the past and out of our control.
I would imagine that all the materials used to make flood barriers amounts to thousands if not millions of baht. So the question now is what are we going to do with it all when it's dry again?
We need to learn acceptance. So often, we worry about things that we cannot control. Face that fact. If we cannot control a situation or occurrence, then learn to accept that as a reality. Conserve our energies for the things we can control.
Some might think, 'Is the government responsible for the flood disaster?' If I may, 'yes', to some extent. If the government has any sense of responsibility I would suggest it offer to buy back (at a reasonable price) the sandbags and other materials and put it to good use.
I imagine right now a lot of cement and sand is needed to rebuild all that has been destroyed by the massive flood.
Here are some ideas on what to do with used materials:
- Restore buildings, especially the foundations and those with major cracks on the walls
- Repair buckled walls and floors
- Build new homes for the flood victims
- Repair roads
- Reinforce flood-prone houses
- Repair canals, reinforce existing riverbank walls or build them higher
- Fix damage in condo basement and repair leaking basements
- Make tiles, pacers and bricks
- Cover holes and uneven walkways
Last but not least, donate all the sandbags and cement to charitable organizations that are helping flood victims to rebuild their homes. One of them is Habitat for Humanity."
MARY JOSEPHINE LEONG
Retired regional merchandising/sourcing manage
I think the most practical use for the sand and cement would be to construct much needed pavements in Bangkok that have sunk over time. Sand could be put in sandboxes for kids, while cement, when it's wet, would not be much use for anything.
Trying to resell the sandbags back to the companies where they were purchased is a sheer waste as they would buy them back for a mere pittance.
Another constructive way to put them to good use would be to build walls around moo bans, apartment buildings, schools, etc., as well as raise the level of sub-sous, which are the first to flood after heavy downpour."
RACHEL BOONPRASERT
Kindergarten teacher
Next week: News of a secret Cabinet meeting that resolved to endorse a controversial royal pardon that could allow the return of fugitive ex-premier
Thaksin Shinawatra to be pardoned of all his misdeeds is indisputably the hottest headline of the week, which has even overshadowed the news of receding water levels.
Whether or not the decree will come to pass and effective is another matter, however. 'Muse' asks what your thoughts are on the cabinet resolution.
Send your answers along with name, address and profession to muse@bangkokpost.co.th by Nov 22 to compete for a special prize.
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