The construction of Battambang’s Independence Monument is about 85 per cent complete, with officials expecting the project to wrap up in May so that the construction of the roads around it can get fully underway.
In an April 24 social media post, the Battambang Provincial Administration said the construction team held a ceremony to pray for peace to continue just prior to hoisting the sculpted head of a dragon onto the top of the monument.
The team was also speeding up the construction and working day and night so that it will be completed in late April or early May to facilitate the construction of roads around it as the rainy season approaches.
Deputy provincial governor Soeum Bunrith confirmed that the team was actively working to complete the construction of the monument and infrastructure around the monument.
“Therefore, the next generation will know, respect and commemorate the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk who won national independence from France.
“The Independence Monument aims to commemorate the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk and also celebrate the national holiday of the people. Therefore, we need to build this Independence Monument to celebrate the anniversary every year on November 9,” he said.
He said that historical monuments such as this one are important reminders for the next generation of younger Cambodians about the struggle that took place to gain independence.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Battambang Independence Monument was held on December 15, 2022 and presided over by Minister of Interior Sar Kheng.
