King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) and Khon Kaen University (KKU) have launched a joint feasibility study on City Hall's controversial promenade project along the Chao Phraya River.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's (BMA) deputy city clerk Pirapong Saichua said yesterday the BMA had contracted the two universities to conduct the study along a 57km 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 7km along each side of the river between the Rama VII and Somdet Phra Pinklao bridges is a pilot project under the study.
The study will take a total of 210 days, Dr Pirapong said. He was speaking yesterday at a briefing to launch the joint study at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.
He said the BMA hired the educational institutions on Feb 29.
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, Dr Pirapong said.
Construction of the first section of the promenade is expected to begin next year, once the study is completed, Dr Pirapong said, adding construction would take about 18 months. A budget would be set once the study is completed, he added.
KMITL said it will be able to finish work on time, Dr Pirapong said.
KMITL rector Suchatchavee Suwansawat said both the KMITL and KKU had experts in hydraulics for environmental engineering, landscape architecture and other forms of engineering involved in the project.
Mr Suchatchavee said he hopes the project would help rehabilitate areas next to the Chao Phraya River and restore links between locals and the river.
Architect Duangrit Bunnag, who attended the press briefing, said a period of seven months, or 210 days, was too short to complete the study. He asked whether the BMA planned to develop state-owned lands along the Chao Phraya River.
Ronnarit Thanakoset, a landscape architect involved in the project, said all stakeholders will be allowed a say in the development plan.