Sukhumbhand declares Bangkok is dry

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Sukhumbhand declares Bangkok is dry

The Nation December 24, 2011
 
Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra declared yesterday that flood waters in the capital had receded completely.

He also said that Bangkok Metropolitan Administration officials had collected 644,788 tonnes of garbage from October 15 to December 22, though some 11,666 tonnes of trash still had to be collected in Don Muang, Lak Si, Bang Khen, Sai Mai, Bang Khae, Nong Khaem, Thawee Wattana and Taling Chan districts.

The governor reckoned that all the garbage should be picked up by Monday, though it might take until Wednesday to remove the waste in Nong Khaem.

He added that the World Health Organisation had praised the city officials' work in preventing disease outbreaks and he thanked the government, especially the Public Health Ministry, for their contribution. Sukhumbhand added that BMA officials would continue with mosquito-killing operations daily until January.

He also complimented city officials for their heroic effort with the flood crisis even though many of them were affected by the deluge themselves, and also thanked the 3,895 or so volunteers who helped clean up after floods.

A source from the City Hall said garbage collection in several areas, especially Sai Mai and Don Muang districts, had been delayed because some city officials were reportedly demanding extra money from residents. The source said that some residents claimed that officials demanded as much as Bt2,000 in extra fees or that they would leave the garbage uncollected for two to three weeks.

Sai Mai district director Nongpanga Boonpak and Don Muang district director Phumipat Damrongkiattisak said they would investigate the allegations and that they had told officials not to demand extra money from residents.