Phnom Penh (FN), Apr. 10 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that at the beginning of his new term, he greenlit a project aimed at mitigating the flood issues in Phnom Penh, earmarked at approximately USD 300 million.

The premier spoke on Wednesday (Apr. 10) during the closing of 2023 annual meeting of Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel.

The project's primary focus lies on two key objectives: firstly, implementing measures to prevent water intrusion into Phnom Penh; and secondly, addressing the inefficiencies within the city's existing water drainage system, the premier added.

Samdech Thipadei continued, the task falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and the Phnom Penh Capital Hall. The initiative entails an effort involving canal excavation, water release facilitation, sewer refurbishment, and the establishment of pumping stations. Progress on the plan is currently underway, with officials diligently assessing its potential impact.

In line with the first key objective of preventing water intrusion, the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology spearheads efforts to safeguard against excessive water inflow into Stung Prek Tnaot. Existing canal systems, comprising three major canals and ten smaller rivers, are being rehabilitated, alongside the construction of four new pumping stations and ancillary canal infrastructure. These endeavors are geared towards stemming the ingress of water from external sources, diverting it away from Phnom Penh and directing its flow towards downstream rivers.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underscored the importance of this initiative in maintaining optimal water levels throughout the year, thereby averting flooding during the rainy season and mitigating water scarcity in drier months to enhance overall water management practices.
=FRESH NEWS