A new dumpsite in Kampong Thom province worth $4 M opened on June 26. MPWT
The Tonle Sap Basin is now home to a new $4 million landfill. This crucial addition, part of the Second Urban Environment Management project, is set to enhance sanitation and environmental management services around the lake, part of which is located in Kampong Thom province.
On June 26, an official inauguration was held, overseen by Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chantol. Distinguished guests included representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), relevant technical officials, local authorities, residents and students.
The ministry confirmed that the landfill, situated in Trapaing Russey village in Kampong Svay district of Kampong Thom, was constructed with a $4.62 million loan from the ADB. The construction process began in mid-2021 and was completed towards the end of 2022.
The landfill spans 14.73ha of a total 19.76ha area. With a size of 80m wide, 170m long and 2m deep, the pit for storing garbage covers 1.36ha.
Planned to reach a height of 10m from the pit’s mouth, the landfill can store up to 97,886 cubic metres of rubbish. It is estimated that the landfill will serve the population of 36,479 people of Kampong Thom provincial town for roughly 20 years.
Chantol stressed the landfill’s adherence to proper technical standards, labelling it a significant accomplishment for the people of Kampong Thom. Similar landfills have been constructed in seven other provinces including Preah Sihanouk, Battambang, Kampot, Kep, Kampong Chhnang and Pursat.
“Having a proper landfill in accordance with such technical standards really contributes to improving the living quality, wellbeing of people in the area surrounding it,” he said.
Kampong Thom governor Nguon Rattanak echoed these sentiments, saying the landfill would improve the quality of life for local residents by reducing health risks and environmental pollution.
Chantol further revealed that Kampong Thom will soon see other notable infrastructure projects, including National Road 50C, the study of a road connecting neighbouring Kratie province, the Phnom Penh-Siem Reap Expressway, and a railway project from Poipet-Siem Reap-Kampong Thom-Kampong Chhnang to Phnom Penh.
