Joining Governor Sophon in delivering water to the households was Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee, along with other high-ranking local officials, including Dr Somkid Chokong, who serves as Advisor to the Phuket Governor, and Santad Khumitr. Vice President of the Kamala Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor).
The gubernatorial entourage yesterday oversaw delivery of water to people in need in Moo 3, Kamala.
“Local government organisations can use budget funds to distribute water to help citizens who are experiencing drought problems according to regulations,” Governor Sophon explained.
“At this time, citizens in Phuket Province are facing a shortage of water for consumption in about 20 communities,” he said.
“Therefore, we leave it to community leaders in local areas to pay close attention and help take care of the people [in need of water],” he added.
Local administrations will be able to source water to supply households in need via the Provincial Waterworks Authority, Governor Sophon said.
“There will be approval for local administrative organisations to receive water from the Provincial Waterworks Authority’s sources to distribute to the people for solving problems,” he said.
“This can be done and it is expected that after May 6, 2024, according to the announcement of the Meteorological Department, there will be rain in Phuket province,” Governor Sophon said.
“However, we ask for cooperation from the public to use water economically, because Phuket is an island. There are few sources of raw water,” he added.
Governor Sophon pointed out that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had already approved a project to bring water from the Ratchaprapha Dam (the Cheow Lan Reservoir) in Surat Thani Province to bolster raw water supply to Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.
“This will be good news for the people of Phuket province soon,” he said.
The emergency supply of water to 20 communities across Phuket follows calls for people to not worry amid assurances by water officials as recently as Tuesday that Phuket had enough water to supply businesses and residents until the annual rains return.
According to the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR), as of today (May 5) Bang Wad reservoir in Kathu is currently 16% full, with 1.59 million cubic metres of water and Klong Kata reservoir in Chalong is 23% full, with 990,000 cubic metres of water, while the Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn remains 44% full, with 3.19mn cubic metres of water.