BANGKOK, Nov 24 – The whole series of so-called big bag barriers, makeshift embankments installed to slow the flow of northern runoff into the capital, may be dismantled, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said Thursday following continuing disputes on the big bag barriers which have erupted in many areas.
The temporary barriers have become the focus of disputes between flood-hit residents and the authorities as the residents demand elimination of the barriers to drain floodwater from their neighbourhoods.
“It is possible to dismantle all big bag barriers if there are other ways to drain out floodwater. To do so, additional pumps must be installed,” the prime minister said.
She instructed the water drainage committee, the Bangkok governor and governors of provinces surrounding the capital to discuss and adjust water drainage options after the situation has changed.
Bangkok is currently capable of draining more water out, she said.
The premier said she gave guidelines to agencies involved to consider the impact on residents.
Prime Minister Yingluck said the conclusion will come when the Department of Drainage and Sewerage, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Royal Irrigation Department, the Water Management Committee and governors meet together and act decisively regarding the priorities.
Governors represent the public in each province, she said. They will sit to decide water drainage priorities looking at the big picture and planned response is needed for areas that will be most affected by water drainage from upstream areas.
Regarding residents who are protesting angrily against the big bag barriers, who sometimes used violence, the prime minister said to handle the cases, negotiation must be done peacefully in accordance with the law.
But if there are violations of the law, officials must take legal action against them, the prime minister said.
She gave an example of some residents in Pathum Thani, who blocked the Don Mueang tollway Wednesday in their protest and damaged some cars, saying the police were notified and legal action was taken against them.
In other development, about 100 residents from Bangkok’s Thawi Watthana and Bang Khae districts opened a section of Kanchanapisek Road on Thursday evening, satisfied with Bangkok City Hall’s promise to lower three sluice gates if floodwater rises by ten centimetres.
The residents had blocked the road as they were dissatisfied with the raising of three sluice gates at Khlong Mahasawat to drain more water from flooded Nonthaburi.
Raising the gates increased the depth of floodwater in their neighbourhoods.
However, they dispersed later after the BMA pledged to lower the sluice gates again if the floodwaters rise by ten centimetres in the next three days.
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