Cabinet earmarks over Bt6 billion to deal with flooding, drought
The Cabinet on Tuesday (September 15) resolved to set aside Bt6.17 billion to solve flooding and drought problems in the country, the government’s deputy spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said.
The funds will be split between the Office of the Natural Water Resources (ONWR), the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and the Royal Irrigation Department.
ONWR will be granted Bt5.08 billion for its projects to deal with flooding and boost water capacity. The Natural Resources and Environment, Agriculture and Cooperatives as well as Interior ministries are overseeing ONWR’s projects, such as boosting the potential of water diversion systems and 142 water sources, increasing 63 irrigation water sources and setting up 65 aquifers.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation will be granted Bt810 million to install 18 water pumps that will be capable of pumping at least 35,000 litres per minute.
The Royal Irrigation Department will be given Bt284.86 million to procure new machines to deal with flooding.
