The Apsara National Authority (ANA) said the first phase restoration of steps of the embankerment along the Angkor Wat moat's southern embankment is now complete.

Mao Sokny, a technical officer at the ANA's Department of Conservation of Monuments in Angkor Park and Preventive Archaeology, said the restoration work started in September last year.

“Our technical team expects that the steps will be strong and last long. If there were no consolidation, the steps in some parts would fall into the moat, making it difficult for us to restore in the future,” he said.

According to the ANA, the restoration project covers a total length of 200m. It is divided into three phases and is expected to take three years to complete.