Takeo (FN), Apr. 11 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that the Funan Techo Canal project is strategically crafted to harness economic advantages, lower transportation costs, and enhance livelihoods without harming the Mekong River environment.
The premier spoke on Thursday (Apr. 11) during an inauguration of Kirisu Dairy Farm in Takeo province.
At the same time, Samdech Thipadei denied allegations linking the project to China's military agenda and expressed gratitude to those who supported the project.
"First and foremost, the Cambodian Constitution prohibits the establishment of foreign military bases on its soil, and Cambodia has no ambition or ideology and no courage to violate its own constitution. We adamantly refuse any foreign troop presence within our borders. Secondly, we firmly rejects any exploitation of our nation as a launchpad for aggression against any other country,” Samdech Thipadei underlined.
The premier added that the project underwent a comprehensive 26-month study, involving environmental, social, and engineering experts, ensuring thorough assessment and evaluation. The 180 km canal project incorporates existing waterways, minimizing environmental impact. It will accommodate cargo loads of 3,000 tons during the dry season and 5,000 tons in the rainy season, streamlining container transport and cutting shipping costs by reducing distances.
On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei also reiterated Cambodia's steadfast commitment to a vibrant foreign policy that refrains from designating any nation as an adversary.
The Funan-Techo canal is 180 km long from Prek Takeo of the Mekong River, through the Prek Ta Ek of the Bassac River, then into Prek Ta Hing of the Bassac River, Koh Thom district, and extends to the Kep province passes through four provinces, including Kandal, Takeo, Kampot and Kep, with a total population of 1.6 million people living on both side of the waterway. The waterway is 100 meters wide upstream and 80 meters downstream and a depth of 5.4 meters (navigation depth 4.7 meters and safety gap 0.7 meters), 2 lanes can get in and out and avoid each other safely.
The project will build three waterway dams, build 11 bridges, build a 208-kilometer sidewalk, and provide navigation assistance and other cross-river infrastructure. The construction of the new waterway project is estimated to cost USD 1.7 billion and take about four years to complete.
The Tonle Bassac Navigation and Logistics System project will provide many benefits, including reducing the time, distance and cost of current transport, the establishment of commercial areas and logistics centres, and the development of new satellite ports, more expansion of agriculture, irrigation, aquaculture and livestock development areas, supporting the development of Cambodia's fourth economic pole, creating more jobs at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, Phnom Penh Autonomous Port and other Ports, promoting urban development and urbanization, and the promotion of real estate growth.
=FRESH NEWS
