Cambodian Defense Ministry Official Promotes Tree Planting and Solar Streetlight Installation in Siem Reap

Senior Colonel Dr. Ly Sovann of the Ministry of National Defense, who also serves as Deputy Director General of the Logistics and Finance General Department and Director of Preah Ket Mealea Hospital, led a tree-planting initiative and the installation of solar streetlights in Kanthroung Commune, Prasat Bakong District, Siem Reap Province on September 6, 2026. His working group has been actively involved in supporting the commune. The initiative saw the planting of over 600 diverse saplings along a 3.350-kilometer stretch of road. Additionally, new solar-powered streetlights were provided to residents in Kanthroung Commune, illuminating several roads. To date, the total number of solar streetlights donated by Senior Colonel Dr. Ly Sovann and his team in Kanthroung Commune has exceeded 400 poles. Mr. Khiem Chang, the Commune Chief of Kanthroung, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the commune's residents to Senior Colonel Dr. Ly Sovann and the working group for their unwavering support and contributions to local development. He recalled that since Senior Colonel Dr. Ly Sovann assumed the role of head of the working group in 2017, the commune has seen numerous new achievements, including improvements at pagodas, schools, health centers, and commune halls. He also highlighted the significant attention given by Senior Colonel Dr. Ly Sovann and his team during the COVID-19 pandemic to families undergoing quarantine, providing healthcare support and essential aid. Mr. Khiem Chang conveyed his immense joy over the commune's current development, noting that the construction of asphalt and concrete roads has greatly facilitated travel and the transportation of agricultural products for the residents. The newly installed solar streetlights along the roads at night are a particularly welcomed addition, thanks to the generosity of Senior Colonel Dr. Ly Sovann and his working group. The combination of improved roads and solar lighting is seen as beneficial for residents' mobility and also contributes to deterring nighttime criminal activity. Ms. Thai Lot, a resident of Trao Village, which is among those receiving the new streetlights, shared that the clean roads and bright lighting have encouraged many villagers to engage in group fitness activities such as cycling, walking, and running, fostering closer community bonds. She extended her heartfelt thanks to Senior Colonel Dr. Ly Sovann and the working group for their continuous development efforts in the commune. Mr. Lun Ly, the village chief of Trao Village, speaking for all residents, expressed happiness with the ongoing development. He emphasized the continued need for the current leadership's guidance to maintain political stability, peace, security, social order, and comprehensive national development, recognizing these as the fundamental conditions for the nation's progress. Source: AKP Khmer