Cambodia Bridge Collapses on Key Route Due to Overloaded Truck; Repairs Urgently Needed

A bridge on a crucial national road connecting Siem Reap and Oddar Meanchey provinces in northern Cambodia has collapsed. The 30-meter long, 4-meter wide Beleti steel bridge fell into a deep river on August 4, reportedly due to a large truck carrying an excessive load of onions. The bridge is part of the strategic '622 T2' route, vital for local transportation and logistics between Warin District in Siem Reap and Chongkal District in Oddar Meanchey. Following the collapse, the Siem Reap Department of Rural Development, in collaboration with local authorities, has established a detour to facilitate public movement. On the afternoon of August 6, Minister of Rural Development Chhay Rithisen, accompanied by ministry officials, technical staff from Siem Reap and Oddar Meanchey provincial departments, representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and engineering corps from the Ministry of National Defense, conducted an on-site inspection. Minister Rithisen instructed the Department of Rural Road Infrastructure Development within the Ministry to study the technical feasibility for the swift repair of the Beleti steel bridge. This is to ensure it can meet the daily usage demands of local authorities and residents in both provinces. The incident highlights challenges in Cambodia regarding infrastructure maintenance, adherence to traffic regulations, and the vulnerability of logistics networks supporting economic development. Swift restoration of the bridge is crucial for the recovery of the regional economy and the stability of local communities. Source: AKP Khmer