Land use planning critical to flood prevention – Thai expert
CEBU CITY – Land use planning is crucial in ensuring that a metropolis is ready to avoid flooding and other related disasters, said Dr. Thongchai Roachanakanan, a senior architect from the Ministry of Interior of Thailand.
Roachanakanan, who spoke during a forum on “The Challenge of Land Use Planning in Reducing Urban Flood Risk” sponsored by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) in Cebu City, said spatial planning is a core component and process in preventing disasters caused by flooding.
“Even short downpours experienced these days result to flooding in various areas in the city. Key stakeholders, most especially government leaders, city planners and the business sector need to incorporate the concepts in proper land use planning to address this issue,” he said.
Among the projects that Roachanakan was involved with in Thailand were a flood protection project for Chantaburi and flood control and mitigation planning project for Hat Yai, Ban NamKor and Nam Chun, Chiangmai and Lampun.
“Even households, schools, parking areas, the way our roads are built, infrastructure and other public spaces - these concepts need to be considered in their design,” he added.
The forum, dubbed Water Series 1+, is part of a forum series on water held in partnership with the University of San Carlos – School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Design.
During the said forum, Ma. Elena S. Lupo, Senior Geologist of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), discussed geo-hazard mapping as an important tool in planning a better-prepared community.
The Department of Science and Technology in Central Visayas (DOST-7) also made a presentation on various technologies that could be adopted in disaster management to cope with extreme natural events.
“Despite the presence of El Niño, heavy rains are still being experienced. These result to flooding in different parts of Metro Cebu. In light of this situation, various stakeholders need to be better prepared and pro-active whenever this water-related hazard happens,” said DOST 7 Director Edilberto Paradela.