Nava Nakorn Plc tested the efficiency of its 1.2-billion-baht permanent flood wall yesterday, witnessed by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
A sign shows the level of water against the flood wall during yesterday’s test at the Nava Nakorn Industrial Promotion Zone. APICHIT JINAKUL
The test was meant to create confidence among factory owners, management, employees, shareholders and stakeholders as well as potential investors and the public, said Nipit Arunvongse Na Ayudhya, the managing director of Nava Nakorn, operator of the Nava Nakorn Industrial Promotion Zone.
He said the testing focused on the capability of the flood wall to control floods of a similar magnitude to last year. It is expected to be fully operational at the end of next month.
The testing was supported by the Royal Thai Navy, courtesy of the Naval Engineering Command, which provided two water thruster boats with 220-horsepower motor pressure and 37 pounds per square inch of maximum water pressure.
The flood wall was judged capable of withstanding floods similar to last year's.
There are 215 factories in the Nava Nakorn Industrial Promotion Zone, the most among industrial estates in Thailand.
Some 186 factories are operating, 18 under renovation, 20 closed, four new factories opened and seven expanding.
"This proves investors remain confident in Thailand," said Mr Nipit.
"Natural disasters are inevitable, but some of their effects are preventable if we're committed."