Loxley keen to join water megaprojects

Loxley keen to join water megaprojects

Computerised system will help flood control

Loxley Plc is throwing its full support behind the government's 350-billion-baht water management megaprojects, saying Thailand has a desperate need for a strategy and system.

Mr Ammarin demonstrates Loxley’s integrated computer-controlled water resource management solution, which it claims is the first of its kind in the world. APICHART JINAKUL

"Sooner or later, Thailand must have efficient water management infrastructure to reduce the risks and impacts of water-related disasters," said Suroj Lamsam, senior executive vice-president.

Thailand's heavy floods in late 2011 resulted in 815 deaths and an estimated economic loss of US$45.7 billion.

Globally, flooding has caused more than 32,000 deaths in the past five years, with damage estimated at $171.7 billion.

Loxley has partnered with AGT International of Switzerland to form Loxley-AGT Joint Venture and submit a bid to construct a data management and warning system valued at 4 billion baht.

Loxley yesterday demonstrated its integrated computer-controlled water resource management solution, which it claims to be the first in the world.

Ammarin Daranpob, a senior consultant at Loxley, said the company's system garnered information from 17 water-related agencies about monitoring, simulating and predicting floods and droughts in normal and crisis situations.

The system will provide a single view of information to help high-level executives make decisions. It also provides a clear picture of how to solve problems to operating staff, he said.

This could help the government to evacuate people in risk areas in time while evaluating economic impact.

The company's system required three years for implementation.

Mr Ammarin said AGT has experience of operating flood warning systems in the Netherlands and China.

Kitima Kittikachorn, sales director of AGT Group (Singapore), said if the joint venture wins the bid for the megaprojects, it will set up a Thai office.

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