PHNOM PENH: Construction of Section II of the Funan Techo Integrated Water Resources Management Project, spanning from Prek Po in Kandal province to the sea in Kep province, officially broke ground this morning.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held in Borey Chulsa district, Takeo province, was presided over by Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Wang Wenbin.
The Funan Techo Integrated Water Resources Management Project is a landmark initiative in Cambodia’s waterway transport sector, aiming to connect the Mekong River system to maritime routes over a total length of 172.6 kilometres. The project is divided into two sections.
Section I covers 21 kilometres, while Section II extends over 151.6 kilometres. The waterway will be developed largely along natural and ancient channels that date back to the Funan period.
Construction of Section II is expected to take 36 months, with a total investment of approximately US$1.17 billion. The section begins at Prek Po on the Bassac River, continues through Prek Ta Hing in Koh Thom district, and extends to the sea in Kep province. The waterway will pass through and connect four provinces: Kandal, Takeo, Kampot, and Kep.
According to H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, the project reflects the strong commitment and collective efforts of the Royal Government and the Cambodian people. He described it as a testament to national solidarity and determination, aimed at supporting long-term economic and social development in the Kingdom.