State to study bridge project

via CAAI

Friday, 14 January 2011 15:01 Chun Sophal

THE government has announced plans to study a US$180 million bridge and road project that would link two provinces separated by the Tonle Sap river.

The project involves the construction of a 3,500-metre bridge – the Kingdom’s longest – and a 58-kilometre road to connect the Kampong Chhnang provincial capital to Kampong Thom province.

Kampong Chhnang provincial Governor Chheng Nhan said local authorities and residents were pleased with the announcement, as the bridge and road would connect two provinces that have always been separated by the Tonle Sap river.

Yen Buna, undersecretary of state for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, said the project was still subject to a feasibility study and an evaluation would take place once the study was complete.

Phy Sopat, deputy director general at the Ministry, said Chinese company China Harbour Engineering Corporation had been selected to carry out the study.

He added that the company was scheduled to submit its technical report to the Ministry for review in late January.

Yen Buna said a positive outcome from the study would mean construction would be started as soon as possible. “We don’t know exactly when the project will start ... because we don’t know the outcomes from the study,” he said.

According to the ministry, the Cambodian government sent its loan proposal for the project to China late last year.

Economic analyst Huot Pom said the project could have great economic benefits. “The bridge and road will be very useful because they will connect all areas in the Kingdom, saving time and money,” he said.