Cambodia Urges Residents to Participate in Rural Road Maintenance, Calling Them 'Lifelines of the Economy'

Cambodia's Ministry of Rural Development has strongly urged road users to participate in the maintenance of roads, describing them as the 'lifelines of the economy.' H.E. Pho Pharith, Secretary of State and representative of H.E. Chhay Rithisen, Minister of Rural Development, emphasized that roads are crucial for the smooth transportation of agricultural products, saving time, and ensuring the safety of students traveling to school. This call was made during a first-phase inspection and evaluation of the regular maintenance of 10 road sections totaling 133,970 meters. These include 3 DBST asphalt roads totaling 57,300 meters in length and 6 meters in width, located in various communes within Prasat Ballangk, Baray, Kampong Svay, Prasat Sambour, and Santuk districts of Kampong Thom Province. Additionally, 7 gravel roads totaling 76,670 meters in length and 5 meters in width are situated in communes across Kampong Svay, Prasat Sambour, and Santuk districts. The project, numbered DRR-RM-2026-No.010, is implemented by the Kampong Provincial Department of Rural Development with funding from Chapter 61. The inspection, held on July 23, 2026, was attended by H.E. Lim Eiv, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Rural Development, a working group from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and provincial officials including Mr. Tan Vathana, Director of the Provincial Department of Rural Development. H.E. Pho Pharith reiterated his appeal to the Director of the Provincial Department of Rural Development, local authorities, and road users to travel cautiously and actively participate in maintaining public roads. He highlighted the roads' benefits for residents in transporting agricultural produce and for students' safe, convenient, and swift journeys to school. Following the inspection, evaluation, and discussions, the Inter-Ministerial Committee agreed to accept the project. Source: AKP Khmer