Nonthaburi residents anxious as flood barrier remains unrepaired

Residents of Nonthaburi expressed concern for a section of the flood barrier along the Chao Phraya River which collapsed four months ago and remains unrepaired. The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has only erected a temporary earthen dam, leaving locals doubtful of its effectiveness in preventing flooding.

The flood barrier, spanning about 75 metres from the Pak Khlong Bang Kruai watergate to near Wat Lum Klongkharam in Bang Kruai district, Nonthaburi province, fell into the Chao Phraya River on the evening of May 11.

Officials from the RID promptly visited the site and assured residents that the barrier would be reconstructed in time for the upcoming monsoon season. However, more than four months have passed, and the collapsed section remains untouched, causing anxiety among the community.

A reporter inspected the site yesterday and noted that the damaged barrier had not been demolished or repaired. Instead, the RID had built a temporary earthen dam parallel to the original barrier.

Head of the Chao Phraya Riverside Community Suthep Chanmuen expressed his frustration, saying that the community suffers whenever the river swells. He mentioned that the barrier has several leaks, and the RID has not undertaken any repairs. Suthep advised residents to remain vigilant and prepare to move their belongings to higher ground. Suthep also criticised the temporary earthen dam.

“When they built the temporary earthen dam, they didn’t inform the community. It just appeared suddenly. I doubt it will effectively prevent flooding. It might only help by 10 to 20% because the water doesn’t just enter through that spot; it seeps in through the leaks. Ideally, they should construct a permanent barrier and seal all the leaks.”

Suthep recalled that the Governor of Nonthaburi had inspected the site when the barrier first collapsed and promised the residents that repairs would be completed within one month.

“It’s been over four months now, and there’s no sign of completion, only the temporary earthen dam.”

The community’s fear is heightened by the anticipation of water flowing down from the north, potentially breaching the temporary barrier and flooding the area. The lack of permanent repairs has left residents feeling vulnerable and worried about the impending water levels, reported KhaoSod.