Cambodia Accelerates Irrigation and Flood Control Infrastructure Development, Progress Reviewed on Two Projects

Cambodia's Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology has inspected the progress of two key irrigation and flood control infrastructure projects underway in Svay Rieng province. Deputy Minister Chun Puttharith, leading a technical team, emphasized that work must adhere strictly to technical standards, ensuring the safety, quality, and aesthetics of each construction. He also urged for efficient progress according to plan, benefiting the long-term use by citizens. The projects inspected include the "Kampong Chrey Lower Canal Rehabilitation Project (Phase 1)" located in Svay Chrom district, Svay Rieng province, and the "Vai Go Reservoir Dam Construction Project (Phase 2 Completion)" located in Svay Rieng city. The Kampong Chrey Lower Canal Rehabilitation Project is approximately 95% complete. The scope of work involves rehabilitating one canal section spanning 5,500 meters and constructing 24 new structures, including 12 drainage culverts, 1 crossing culvert, 9 water intake culverts, and 2 three-gate water retention structures. Upon completion, this project will transform the canal banks into local transportation routes. It will also draw water from the Kampong Chrey reservoir to irrigate 1,200 hectares of rain-fed rice fields, 1,500 hectares of dry-season rice fields, and 15 hectares of mixed crops. Furthermore, it will provide water for daily use to 1,698 farming families across three villages in Svay Chrom commune, Svay Rieng province, and three villages in Kampong Trabaek commune, Prey Veng province. The Vai Go Reservoir Dam Construction Project (Phase 2 Completion) is approximately 80% complete. This project involves the construction of one section of the Vai Go River reservoir dam, measuring 2,000 meters in length. Once finished, the dam's embankment will serve as a local transportation route. It will help protect and drain floodwaters, preventing inundation of the city and residents' homes during the rainy season. Additionally, it will enhance the water storage capacity for irrigating 305 hectares of rain-fed rice fields, 180 hectares of dry-season rice fields, and 10 hectares of mixed crops. This project will directly benefit the daily use of 393 farming families in three villages within Chek commune. These infrastructure developments are crucial for Cambodia's goals of enhancing agricultural productivity, strengthening food security, and protecting against natural disasters. In particular, infrastructure development is seen as a driver of economic growth amidst deepening ties with China. These projects are expected to invigorate the domestic economy and stabilize the lives of the people.