BMA rushes to finish Sanam Luang landscaping project by next month

>> The bulk of the work to improve Sanam Luang’s landscape following important state events is proceeding with the deadline being rushed to next month, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

Deputy Bangkok governor Chakkaphan Phewngam said the re-landscaping project has been awarded to a private building firm which has been given a 365-day deadline to complete the job.

Although the contract sets the re-landscaping deadline for January of next year, the BMA will ask the builder to work faster to finish the job within the month, Mr Chakkaphan said.

However, the deputy governor did not say why the BMA was bringing the deadline forward.

The project, costing 150 million baht, has been in the planning phase. About half of the infrastructure planning has been established and the bulk of the work hasn’t yet begun, according to Mr Chakkaphan.

The project started soon after important state events took place at the Sanam Luang. These events include the royal cremation of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej in October last year.

The deputy governor said so far, tiles on the footpath and water pipes, some of which have been damaged underneath have been dug up. At the same time, ground levelling and sand compacting jobs were carried out on the 45,900 square metre area.

The water drainage system was also constructed with 25 manholes laid underground. Ten of those manholes are fitted with the surveillance cameras, Mr Chakkaphan said. The cameras are meant to monitor the drainage system’s water levels.

In addition, the 790 tamarind trees that were relocated to make way for the royal cremation have been moved back to Sanam Luang.

The remaining portions of the re-landscaping work are in progress. These include improving the footpaths around Sanam Luang, establishing a lawn at the 45,900 square metre area, installing lawn watering equipment, laying U-shaped drainage blocks and fitting the underground internet wiring which requires consultation with CAT Telecom and TOT Public Company.

Last week, Mr Chakkaphan led senior BMA executives on a tour of Sanam Luang to inspect the re-landscaping project in Phra Nakhon district. The other executives include Assistant City Clerk Wanida Jianpaisarnkul and Jiradet Karunkrittakul, deputy director of BMA’s Department of Public Works.