Two universities will conduct a study on City Hall’s controversial promenade project along the Chao Phraya River. Read the following story from the Bangkok Post to learn more about the mutual project.
King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Lad Krabang (KMITL) and Khon Kaen University (KKU) have launched a joint feasibility study on City Hall’s controversial promenade project along the Chao Phraya River.
PILOT PROJECT
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's (BMA) deputy city clerk Pirapong Saichua said on March 29 that the BMA had contracted the two universities to conduct the study along a 57 kilometre stretch of the Chao Phraya River's banks, from Rama VII Bridge to Bangkok's outskirts.
The so-called New Landmark of Thailand project stretching 7 kilometres along each side of the river between the Rama VII and Somdet Phra Pinklao bridges is a pilot project under the study.
PEOPLE’S OPINIONS
The study will take a total of 210 days, Pirapong said. He was speaking on March 29 at a briefing to launch the joint study at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.
The KMITL and KKU were working to develop a master plan for the development of the riverside corridor, conducting project design work and developing an environmental impact assessment (EIA).
They will also conduct public hearings and promote the project, particularly among people, such as those in Dusit district, who will be affected by the project. They will also hold activities to promote the public's involvement, Pirapong said.
CONSTRUCTION TIME
Construction of the first section of the promenade is expected to begin next year, once the study is completed, Pirapong said, adding construction would take about 18 months. A budget would be set once the study is completed, he said.
EXERCISES
Read the story and decide whether the following statements are true or false.
1. EIA stands for an environmental impact assessment. ………….
2. According to Pirapong, construction would take about 18 weeks. ………….
3. The BMA had contracted four universities to conduct the study. ………….
4. People from Dusit can attend public hearings. ………….
ANSWERS
EXERCISES
1. True.
2. False.
3. False.
4. True.
promenade (n): a public place for walking, usually a wide path beside the sea
feasibility (n): a possibility and being likely to be achieved
hearing (n): an official meeting at which the facts about a crime or complaint are presented to the person or group of people who will have to decide what action to take
