Phnom Penh: On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Mr. Chhay Rithy Sen, Minister of Rural Development, led an inspection of three road construction projects in Kampong Cham and Tbong Khmum provinces, highlighting the Royal Government’s commitment to enhancing rural infrastructure and connectivity.

The first road, spanning 17.55 kilometers, connects Kilo 10 village in Arak Tnaot commune, Stung Trang district, Kampong Cham Province, to Phnom Krahorm village in Boeung Lvear commune, Santuk district, Kampong Thom Province. This road features two types of pavement: a 13.115 km long DBST (Double Bituminous Surface Treatment) surface, 6.5 meters wide with 0.25-meter shoulders on each side, and a 4.435 km long concrete surface, 6 meters wide with 0.25-meter shoulders on each side. The project also includes 885 meters of sidewalks, 9,021 meters of large stone drainage canals, 30 box drains, 157 traffic signs, and 1,240 safety poles. The construction is approximately 97% complete and is expected to be finished by the end of September 2024.

The second road, 12.50 kilometers long, links Ban Preu Khleng village in Trapeang Pring commune to Sre Veng village in Teuk Chrov commune, Tbong Khmum province. This road includes a 10.475 km DBST surface, 6 meters wide with 0.25-meter shoulders, and a 2.025 km concrete surface, 6 meters wide. The infrastructure includes 2,300 meters of urea concrete drainage, one box drain, 11 round drains, 64 traffic signs, and 279 safety posts. Currently, the construction is about 85% complete and is also projected to be finished by the end of September 2024.

These two roads are part of the Royal Government's development initiative under the Agricultural Chain Price Promotion and Enhancement Project (ACSEP), co-financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Royal Government of Cambodia, the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund, the Japan Poverty Alleviation Fund, and the French Agency for Development (AFD).

Additionally, the Ministry of Rural Development is managing the construction of a total of 110.55 kilometers of roads across six provinces: Kampong Cham, Tbong Khmum, Kampong Thom, Preah Vihear, Siem Reap, and Oddar Meanchey. The third road under inspection is 12.3 kilometers long, connecting National Road No. 7 at Preah Ponlea village in Kandol Chrum commune to Pong village in Neang Teut commune, Ponhea Krek district, Tbong Khmum province. This road is part of the Road Infrastructure Improvement Project (RCIP) funded by the World Bank and is currently about 30% complete, with a projected completion date in August 2025.

During the inspection, Minister Chhay Rithy Sen instructed the technical teams on-site to adhere strictly to the construction schedules and technical plans to ensure the durability and long-term use of the roads. He also urged local authorities and residents to maintain these infrastructures to benefit the community for years to come.

These road projects are expected to significantly improve transportation and accessibility, bolster economic activities, and contribute to the overall development of the rural areas in Cambodia.