The prime minister has expressed confidence in the state-initiated flood handling measures following her follow-up on the construction of key sluice gates on Saturday.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said during her weekly TV program “Yingluck Government Meets the People” that temporary levees in Chao Phraya River will be built in Nonthaburi Province and the project will be completed within July, in time for the peak of the rainy season.

The PM said that permanent sluice gates are suggested in Nonthaburi’s Bang Kruay, Pak Kret and Bang Bua Thong areas, in order to prevent Bangkok from future heavy inundation.

However, with delays in the budget allocation and the fact that all gates need at least a year to complete, this required system will not be up and running before this year’s rainy season is in full swing.

PM Yingluck stated that she believes the contingency plan and other efforts the government has demonstrated will boost public confidence in the handling of future floods.

In any case, the Premier conceded that she has been worried about the continuation of heavy rain in Thailand’s North and South and that related provincial governors and the Water and Flood Management Committee have been instructed to keep a close eye on the situation.

In addition, the prime minister said that any areas expected to be hit by natural disasters are urged to promptly prepare the emergency plans for locals and to acquire needed assistance from the government.

Source: http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255506090001