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dam-l LS: Interior Minister refuses to open Pak Mun gates
PAK MOON DAM
Banyat rejects spillway suggestion
But agrees to set up a joint committee
Interior Minister Banyat Bantadtan yesterday dismissed a proposal by the
committee charged with resolving the Pak Moon dam crisis to open all the
dam's spillways until the end of August.
But Mr Banyat, who appointed the panel, did agree to appoint a joint
committee to manage the controversial structure, committee chairman Banthorn
On-dam said.
After a meeting yesterday at the Interior Ministry, Mr Banthorn said the
joint panel would be represented by all parties concerned and have the final
say on how the dam is run.
Experts and academics approved by both sides would also be included on the
committee, he said.
"We need a working mechanism to bring the problem to an end," Mr Banthorn
said, adding that this process was aimed at encouraging people to
participate in state development projects. This would be the first time that
local people had a say in dam management.
Mr Banthorn was not discouraged by the spillway rejection and said the joint
committee represented a major step in the right direction.
Each side needed to sacrifice a little for the greater good, he said.
The government's decision was welcomed by the Electricity Generating
Authority. Bunpot Sangkeo, director of Egat's power system planning, said
the panel would eventually help the Moon river become a major source of
power generation and fisheries.
Assembly of the Poor adviser Wanida Tantiwittayapitak, who was not available
for comment, did not expect any significant changes in the final draft
report by the World Commission on Dams, which criticised the assembly for
treating its dam report as the final version.
"The report was drafted by prominent experts. What will be added to the
final report will be the opinions of Egat members and affected villagers,"
she said.
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