Sek Sak Multi-purpose Dam Holds 138 Million Cubic Meters to Serve Battambang's Agriculture

The "Sek Sak Multi-purpose Dam," located in Battambang province, western Cambodia, serves as a vital water resource for the region's agricultural sector. This dam boasts a storage capacity of 138 million cubic meters, capable of supplying irrigation water to approximately 47,000 hectares of rice fields across four districts during the rainy season, and irrigating 12,000 hectares during the dry season. The dam is situated in Tuksap village, Ratanamondul district, about 50 kilometers from Battambang city. Recently, the area experienced a severe drought, placing crops in jeopardy. In response to this crisis, the Sek Sak Multi-purpose Dam collaborated with other hydraulic structures, initiating emergency operations to open its gates day and night to rescue the affected farmlands. Following these events, Mr. Ouk Hing, Deputy Director General of the General Department of Technical Affairs, representing H.E. Thor Chetha, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, visited the dam site. Mr. Hing provided four key recommendations for the technical officials to implement: Firstly, to cooperate closely with upstream rainfall areas to obtain accurate rainfall data. Secondly, to meticulously adhere to technical standards when opening and closing water gates to prevent flooding of infrastructure and crops. Thirdly, to maintain the irrigation system and ensure efficient and sustainable water distribution to farmers. Fourthly, to prevent encroachment on dam reservoir land and strengthen targeted water management. The Sek Sak Multi-purpose Dam stands as a robust backbone for farmers engaged in rice cultivation throughout both the dry and rainy seasons. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local