Following recent criticism of the capital’s flood management system, an official yesterday said City Hall will decide this month if it will build a new pumping station and begin to clear existing canals of debris to mitigate the risk of floods.

Phnom Penh Deputy Governor Ieng Aunny said officials were meeting yesterday to discuss the upgrades.

Under the city’s master plan, the new pumping station would be located somewhere along Veng Sreng Boulevard, but officials are still studying the location, as well as other technical details of the project, which would also include the clearing of canals and flood mitigation work east of the Phnom Penh International Airport.

“According to the emergency situation that Phnom Penh is facing, this project will not be delayed,” he said.

“For City Hall, we always take responsibility for the negative impacts. If we can respond quickly, the better [it is].” After clearing the canals, officials will consider developing new ones, Aunny said.

Though Aunny wasn’t able to provide information of how much the project would cost as it is still under review, he did say that the Japan International Cooperation Agency was partially assisting the city.

Currently, there is one pumping station under construction in Sen Sok’s Toek Thla commune, which could be completed within the next six months, he said.

Phnom Penh currently has 11 pumping stations, which would rise to 13 if the new station is approved.

Meanwhile, a total of 1,382 homes flooded in Sisophon town and in Malai and O’Chrou districts in Banteay Meanchey province after heavy rain on Tuesday, said Keo Vy, spokesman for the National Committee for Disaster Management.

Some 350 houses in Malai’s Tuol Pongro and O’Sampoar communes were seriously flooded, prompting authorities to evacuate 358 residents to a hill, where only 57 remained yesterday.

Floods had completely receded in Sisophon yesterday, while water was receding gradually in Malai district.

However, O’Chrou and Thma Puok district could still suffer more flooding if rain continues. Electricite Du Cambodge in Siem Reap warned customers in flooded areas to take precautions with electric wire and electric devices to avoid electrocution.