An aerial view of the new Techo Santepheap Angkol Beach Boulevard along the coast of Kep province, funded through a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Supplied
The deputy governor of Kep province highlighted that Techo Santepheap Angkol Beach Boulevard, a new road project funded through a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has become a vital artery for boosting tourism and transportation.
The boulevard connects Kep town to national roads and fishing communities, driving economic growth in the province.
During a media visit led by ADB country director Jyotsana Varma on December 9, Kep provincial deputy governor Bun Yung stated that the boulevard connects urban areas to coastal rural zones, benefiting multiple sectors.
“This road, though short, brings immense benefits. Firstly, it improves traffic connectivity, making travel between urban and rural areas seamless. Secondly, it attracts both domestic and international tourists to relax and explore the coastal area. Thirdly, it has transformed Angkol Beach from a simple docking spot for fishing boats and seafood trade into a tourist destination. Lastly, it encourages locals to transition from fishing to tourism services, improving their livelihoods,” Yung explained.
The road is part of the second phase of the ADB-supported “Greater Mekong Subregion Tourism Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth Project (TIIGP)”, aiming to promote environmentally sustainable growth.
Yung described the project as an excellent collaboration, noting that Kep has benefited from multiple ADB projects, including the construction of a waste disposal site and a tourism pier at Koh Tonsay, also known as Rabbit Island, all of which significantly improve the lives of citizens.
Ry Menghen, a street vendor at Angkol Beach, expressed her gratitude for the road, explaining how it has improved her family’s income. She said that previously, she was a housewife while her husband fished for a living.
“Before, I stayed at home while my husband fished, but when the road was built, I started selling food here. Now, we have a steady business, better income and more tourists visiting,” she explained.
The 41-year-old vendor compared life before and after the road construction.
“It’s a huge difference. Before, it was hard to even cycle here. Travelling to relatives’ homes or hospitals was difficult. Now, everything is more accessible, including business opportunities and travel,” she said.
Another vendor, Svay Saray, shared that she earns about 100,000 riel ($25) daily by selling sugarcane juice, snacks and beverages along the boulevard. She said her earnings support her family and her children's education.
“This road has significantly boosted community development. People have more jobs, businesses thrive and children can attend school easily because of the improved access,” she added.
Varma emphasised the project's success, noting its wide-ranging positive impacts despite its modest scale.
“This project, albeit small, has made a significant difference to tourism, the environment and local communities. It connects approximately 6,000 residents to markets, enabling them to sell their fish and products directly to buyers,” she said.
The boulevard spans 12.65 kilometres and is part of the second phase of ADB’s TIIGP initiative, built at an estimated cost of $10 million.
