The Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) has announced it is joining forces with the Royal Thai Army, Department of Groundwater Resources, Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), and PTT Public Company Limited, to launch the “2023 Public-Private Drought Alleviation Project”. The objective of the project is to provide free tap water at 234 PWA branches to support drought sufferers and others in need of drinking water in various communities and remote areas. Included in the project is the provision of water storage tanks to 28 communities to fight drought across the country.
Mr. Wiboon Wongsakul, PWA Governor, revealed that, “PWA places great importance on ensuring sufficient water to meet the consumption demand, especially during the dry season when the problem of raw water shortage for tap water production often arises. As such, measures and guidelines for solving drought problems have been prepared and all PWA branches have been ordered to strictly follow them.”
PWA duly joined forces with Royal Thai Army, Department of Groundwater Resources, Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), and PTT Public Company Limited to launch 2023 Public-Private Drought Alleviation” project at Royal Thai Army Headquarters on 17 March 2023.
Since 2003, or for over 20 years, PWA has continuously supported free tap water at its 234 branches nationwide. Drinking water is thus distributed via water trucks of related agencies, ensuring sufficient consumable, hygienic water supplies to alleviate shortages among people in drought-stricken areas and remote areas. In 2022, PWA provided 87 million litres of tap water free of charge to people affected by drought.
Mr. Wiboon added that, “In addition to alleviating the problem faced by drought affected people and enhancing water security for sufficient public consumption, PWA has initiated a community-level project involving giving away water storage tanks to communities all over the country. Water storage tanks were distributed to 39 communities in 2022 and the project is ongoing. In 2023, PWA provided water storage tanks to a further 28 communities, including communities in Tambon Si Chomphu, Chum Phae, Khonkaen, Bue Reng Nai, Tambon Su-ngai Kolok, Su-ngai Kolok, Narathiwat (Area 8), Ban Huai Sak Ta Pian Thong, Tambon Pa Ngiu, Sisatchanalai, and Sukhothai.
PWA asks for public cooperation to use water mindfully in order to ensure water security is maintained during the drought season and helping to preserve resources for long-term sustainability of drinking water going forward.