Koh Kong: The ambitious project to enhance the quality of National Road No. 48 stretching from Sre Ambel to Koh Kong Province has reached a significant milestone, achieving 45.17% completion thus far, covering a total distance of 148 kilometers.
Under the keen supervision of the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr. Peng Porna, the project has made steady progress, according to confirmation by the Secretary of State for the Ministry, So Victor.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by construction during the rainy season, Secretary of State So Victor anticipates the project's completion by the dry season of 2025, emphasizing the limited construction capabilities during the rainy period.
Looking ahead, the Secretary of State projects a 60% completion milestone by May of the upcoming dry season, outlining plans to widen the 148-kilometer road from its current 2-meter width to a more expansive 13 meters. This expansion will include 122.9 kilometers of four-lane road and 25.1 kilometers of seven-centimeter-thick AC concrete with additional mountain slope reinforcement.
National Road No. 48, inaugurated on January 3, 2022, under the open repair site of former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, with concessional financing from the Republic of Korea totaling nearly $80 million, holds significant promise for the region's development.
Upon completion, the upgraded road is poised to enhance tourism prospects in Koh Kong province and stimulate economic growth along its route, particularly in areas bordering neighboring countries. The project aims to attract investors and bolster trade, with four special economic zones set to benefit directly from improved connectivity: Koh Kong Special Economic Zone, Sui Chheng Special Economic Zone, Kirisakor Special Economic Zone, and Ratana Special Economic Zone.