PHNOM PENH: Minister of Public Works and Transport, Peng Ponea, confirmed that construction for the ambitious Funan Techo Canal project is scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter of 2024.

On the Ministry of Public Works Facebook page, the Minister wrote, "We will go ahead with the Funan Techo Canal, a historic canal project in Cambodia, which is scheduled to open during the fourth quarter of 2024. Coming soon."

The waterway project will be a historic feat when completed, as it connects the Mekong River system to the sea. The government says the canal will increase Cambodia’s trade potential by facilitating more shipping inland.

The canal will be 180 km long from the Takeo canal on the Mekong River, passing through the Ta Ek canal on the Bassac River then through Kandal, Takeo, and Kampot Provinces before finally emptying into the sea at Kep.

The project is expected to cost $ 1.7 billion and take four years to complete, with a Chinese company investing through a BOT agreement. The project has faced controversy from environmental advocates and Vietnam, who worry about an interruption in the river’s flow and threats to biodiversity. The Cambodian government says there is no need to worry and that the project will not have any adverse environmental impacts.

Through this project has become a concern of Vietnam, but the Royal Government of Cambodia that this project does not affect the flow of water and the environment to Vietnam and neighboring countries.