Cambodia Halts Sand Dredging at Riverbank Collapse Sites for Assessment

PHNOM PENH, Sept 9, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet has ordered a temporary suspension of sand-dredging operations at sites where riverbanks have collapsed, pending technical inspections to determine the causes of erosion. In a video message released Wednesday, Samdech Thipadei instructed the Sand Resource Management Commission, relevant ministries, and Phnom Penh and provincial administrations to dispatch officials immediately to affected areas to verify conditions on the ground. He said inspections must involve authorities responsible for water resources, environment, and mines and energy. The prime minister stressed that collapses should not be left unaddressed, noting that while some may be linked to dredging, others could result from natural factors such as strong currents or rapidly rising water levels. “On-site investigations are necessary to establish the actual circumstances at each location,” Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said. At sites where dredging is underway, operations are to be suspended to avoid complicating investigations. Authorities are tasked with conducting detailed studies before determining the causes of individual collapses. Where provincial departments lack capacity, they may request immediate technical support from national institutions. Following inspections, officials must provide residents with clear and timely information about findings and solutions, he added. Samdech Thipadei also urged authorities to counter misinformation circulating on social media, where some users have blamed dredging companies for collapses even in areas without such activity. “Authorities should provide clear explanations based on actual findings to prevent public confusion,” he said. The directive comes amid growing public debate online over the role of sand extraction in riverbank erosion. Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet’s instructions emphasize a fact-based approach, requiring technical assessments before attributing responsibility or implementing measures.