K-water's requests turned down

The Water and Flood Management Commission has refused to amend the term of reference of projects under the government's Water Management Master Plan project.

K-water was the only foreign company qualified for all 10 investment modules. The government later decided to reduce the number of modules to 9.

Thongthong Chantarangsu, Prime Minister’s Office permanent secretary, said today that the committee needs to put the national interests before other things. As such, it could not accept K-water’s requests for amendments in the ToR, though knowing that could stir displeasure.

K-water proposed several changes in the ToR, such as the adjustment of the median prices every 180 days.

Thongthong noted that the committee is however ready to relax on some areas. If the projects are delayed on unexpected reasons, like the long process of land expropriation or the environmental and health impact assessment report, the committee may consider extending the contracts.