Senators ask govt to explain Bt350 bn budget for flood prevention

Senators concerned about corruption Tuesday demanded the government to explain its massive Bt350-billion budget for flood management and prevention when Japanese advisers said only Bt100 billion was needed.

Senator Somchai Swangkarn told the house's meeting that he wondered what the government would do with the extra Bt250 billion.

Committees should track how the government uses the Bt350 billion, as there was criticism over graft, he said.

Senator Prasarn Marukpitak said JICA, in its comprehensive flood management study of the Chao Phraya River basin presented to the Water and Flood Management Commission last Friday, pointed out that it was unnecessary for the government to proceed with all 10 construction projects in the scheme.

The Nation