Pauline Tamesis (centre), the head of the UN in Cambodia, met with Preah Sihanouk provincial governor Kuoch Chamroeun on Friday to discuss development in the province. Photo supplied
Preah Sihanouk provincial governor Kuoch Chamroeun wants the UN in Cambodia to provide support for the development of officials' capacity in moving towards the preparation of Sihanoukville development principle as per the smart city model.
The statement came after Chamroeun and UN representatives met last week on development in Preah Sihanouk province.
Chamroeun told The Post on Sunday that a provincial technical working group will meet with one from the UN for further discussions on smart city development.
He added that in the first step, he wanted the UN to help with capacity development for officials in Preah Sihanouk province first while he has not clearly confirmed the project of transforming Sihanoukville into a smart city.
“I was not fully abreast of the [the smart city concept] so I asked the UN to help. We met for a discussion [Friday] and the working groups have not yet had a follow-up meeting. They will meet later to discuss further what is needed for smart city development," Chamroeun said.
He added that the meeting on Friday between him and Pauline Tamesis, the head of the UN in Cambodia, was the first meeting of the two parties.
A Facebook post from the Preah Sihanouk provincial administration said the UN wants to contribute to the provincial administration in transforming Preah Sihanouk into a smart, sustainable and inclusive city.
“To be a smart, sustainable and inclusive city, the city must listen to the opinions of the citizens about what kind of city they would like to see. We should also focus on investors who would want a good city.
“The city development must benefit all and not just a specific group of individuals. Lastly, local authorities must resolve issues and respond to the needs of the citizens,” the post said.
Chamroeun added that the UN, in its pledge of support to the city development, should present its development plans and continue to work with the provincial officials, especially by helping provide technical training, as well as materials and tools needed for the city development.
On November 6, Chamroeun met with US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Newbill where he discussed the plan to develop Sihanoukville into a smart city. All work by the authorities such as security, safety and tourist management would be placed under a single technical system, for instance.
