Tuesday, 08 December 2009 04:35 DAP-NEWS
(Posted by CAAI News Media)
Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday criticized environmentalists working NGOs on environmental issues over their objection to hydropower projects in Cambodia.
The premier’s remarks come after environmental experts in Cambodia have drawn attention to the scientifically substantiated hydropower dam consequences for ecology, the livelihoods of poor locals and massive greenhouse gas emissions.
“Building a hydropower dam in the Kamchay [in Kampot] may affect flooding … but it provides some advantages such as providing 193 MW of electricity, helping control future flooding, and helping to provide water in this area,” said the premier at the controversial Kamchay hydropower dam construction in Toeuk Chhou District, Kampot.
The construction of the 112 meter high dam will end in 2012. The Cam-bodian government has provided full authority for 30 years to a Chinese company.
“If no coup took place during the former King, Norodom Sihanouk, the hydropower dams would have been constructed here,” the premier added.
The construction of many hydro-power dams in Cambodia has been given the backing of the electricity-hungry populace but may have serious environmental effects.
The premier confirmed that 10 hydro power dams are penciled in for Cambodia, including 4 dams in Pusat province, such as the 120 MW Steung A Tai, the 246 MW Steung Ta Tai, the 338 MW Steung Reussey Chhroum Krom, and the 108 MW Steung A Ren.
“The government has paid more than US$20 million to ensure Phnom Penh citizens´ lives by generating power from fuel,” the premier added.
Hydropower dam construction, wrongly believed by some to lower environmental pollution, could be catastrophic for the environment and vulnerable local communities.
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