Disgruntled residents of Bangkok's Don Mueang district finally agree to allow repairs to giant sandbag "Big Bag" barriers they dismantled earlier to release floodwater from the area, said Pol Gen Pracha Promnog, director of the Flood Relief Operations Center (FROC) on Monday.
Gen Pracha disclosed the agreement after some sections of the 1-2 tonne sandbag barriers were dismantled Sunday by angry residents affected by surging floodwater. The flood-prevention dyke implemented to slow the deluge from overflowing into inner Bangkok meant higher water for those on the other side of the barrier.
The flood response agency chief said agencies concerned, including the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Metropolitan Police and the local residents, reached a solution when they met today. The residents agreed that they will not mobilize again to dismantle the barriers and that they will allow city workers to repair the damaged dykes.
Gen Pracha however stated that a six-meter gap will be left as it is for boat passage.
The FROC director added he will discuss the ‘Big Bag’ issue with Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra this afternoon and will hold a joint news conference afterward.
FROC spokesman Pol Maj Gen Pongsapat Pongcharoen asserted the barrier is considered state property which should not be damaged by anyone.
At the same time he recognized that the Don Mueang resident have been seriously affected and talks on rehabilitation and compensation are needed to meet acceptable conditions of all concerned people, the center spokesperson said.
The authorities do not want to take legal action against the residents, Gen Pongsapat said. “We understand their grievances, but we cannot permit destruction of state property."
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