PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has reaffirmed the importance of Funan Techo Canal project, in reaction to some criticism against this project.

During his inspection visit to the construction site of Techo International Airport in Kandal province this morning, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said the Funan Techo Canal project will provide high potential for the national development.

“It will provide benefit for some 1.6 million people along the canal and generate many other benefits for the national development,” the Premier stressed. Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister said this new project will link the river system to the sea route under the BOT (build-operate-transfer) contract.

The Funan Techo Canal project has been carefully studied by experts for the benefits of the nation, added Samdech Thipadei, reiterating the Royal Government's commitment to building the canal to expand the waterway transport, which is more profitable for the economy.

According to the project's feasibility study which has already been completed, the construction of this waterway of 180 kilometres long and 100 metres wide upstream and 80 metres downstream with two navigation lanes would be launched at the end of 2024, take around four years to complete, and cost some US$1.7 billion.

The canal will link Prek Takeo of Mekong River to the sea in Kep province crossing four provinces: Kandal, Takeo, Kampot and Kep with a total of 1.6 million people living on either side of the waterway.