Special report: HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhron inspires Mukdahan to help flood victims

Special report: HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhron inspires Mukdahan to help flood victims

Many tears have been shed and homes and lives of hundreds of people have been severely affected by this year’s floods. With helps coming in from all directions, residents of Mukdahan are ready to undergo training to build floatable toilets to help flood victims cope with the ongoing disaster.

Mukdaharn Governor Mr. Charnwit Wasayangkoon says those interested can apply for the course for free. The training will be held at the Department of Skill Development in Mukdahan province. The Governor reportedly funded the cause out of his own pocket. The course work is focused on the welding skills which are useful for any construction related works.

The Director of the Department of Skill Development, Mr. Weerasak Surasa, said the idea had been inspired by H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s concerns for the living conditions of those without basic facilities in time of crisis. He has, therefore, proposed to the Governor of Mukdahan to build 10 floatable toilets to give to flood stricken communities.

Mr. Weerasak said he had received 5 toilets; however, due to other expenses taken from the provincial budget for food and other supplies for flood victims, the remaining 5 will be built by Mukdahan residents. A model for a floatable toilet has now been constructed for those who have under gone training to use as a prototype. It is expected that all of them will be completed and ready for distribution within 5 days.

The Mukdahan Governer said he was satisfied with the training, adding that the cost per toilet was around 23,000 THB, which he said was not too high. He further elaborated that for it to be easy to deliver; the toilet should be made out of light materials while also mentioning the installation of the pumping system in the toilet as well.

The Governor said these toilets could be used in the water or on land. They are movable with wheels underneath and are worth 115,000 THB. He added that more materials needed at the moment were 200 liter containers and steel rods. Mr. Charnwit said money donation could also be made for a complete set of the floatable toilet at 23,000 THB.

Reporter : NUPPOL SUVANSOMBUT
News Date : 31 October 2011