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dam-l Pak Mun protesters to let in maintenance crew
Protesters to let in maintenance crew
They still refuse to yield seized ground
Bangkok Post, June 20, 2000
Pak Moon dam protesters have agreed to allow staff of the electricity
generating authority to inspect and maintain dam machinery.
However, the protesters yesterday refused to leave the dam's compound they
have seized for over a month.
They have been camping in the carpark, sealing off entrance to the power
generation plant. Egat, the dam operator, has repeatedly warned the lack of
maintenance would cause all its generators and spillways to malfunction.
Governor Rungrit Makarapong was informed of the decision yesterday.
The protesting villagers said they would seek to limit the number of
engineers to be allowed in, types of equipment and working time.
Their conditions would be forwarded to provincial authorities as soon as
possible, their leaders said.
The protesters also issued a statement asking the power authority to accept
a proposal that all the dam's spillways be opened for four months to allow
fish to spawn upstream.
They said accepting the proposal would allow further talks and co-operation
between Egat and the villagers in order to end their dispute.
Yesterday, the villagers also launched 10 fishing boats as part of their
protest.
Two flood gates were ordered open to alleviate flooding here yesterday
following heavy rain in the past few days.
The Meteorological Department yesterday warned of possible flash floods in
Roi Et, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Kalasin and Yasothorn over
the next seven days.
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Southeast Asia Rivers Network (SEARIN)
25/5 Moo 2
Soi Sukhapiban 27
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Chang Phuek
Muang Chiang Mai 50300
Thailand
Tel&Fax (66) 53-221157
Email: searin@chmai.loxinfo.co.th