Thai gov't urged to pass water management bill

BANGKOK, December 19 (TNA) - Experts have urged the Thai Government to pass a water management bill to ensure effective use of water and to prevent a recurrence of severe flooding. Pointing out weaknesses of the country’s water management system, Associate Professor Jessada Kaewkalaya, an expert in the National Water Resources Board, said in a seminar on flood solutions organized by the Engineering Institute of Thailand, that water-related agencies in Thailand lacked unity. He also pointed out to the lack of political and legal powers of the National Water Resources Board to order relevant agencies to follow its policies. Therefore, he urged the government to establish a water ministry and pass the water management bill in order to address these weaknesses. The passage of bill has been delayed for four years due to the frequent changes of government. (TNA)