A police officer stands guard in front of the new interior ministry headquarters building in the capital’s Chamkarmon district on November 6. Heng Chivoan
The Ministry of Interior’s new headquarters was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Hun Manet on November 6. The facility was completed in just under two years, at a cost of approximately $60 million.
While presiding over the ceremony, Manet said the modern premises would help improve the workflow of public servants and members of the National Police under the ministry’s jurisdiction.
“This building is not just an office. It has everything they need to carry out their duties. This facility will meet Cambodia’s needs by allowing the ministry to expand the essential services it provides,” he said.
He also highlighted the achievements and legacy of the ministry led by former interior minister Sar Kheng under the 6th-mandate government, with the full support of former Prime Minister Hun Sen.
“In this sense, I hope that all the leaders and officials of the ministry are grateful and will always remember the merits of their forebears, especially their commitment to serve the people with maximum effort and professionalism,” he said.
He added that the large new facility is a testament to the importance of the roles and responsibilities of the ministry in the government. He described the institution as the “backbone” of the implantation of new policies, particularly the provision of administrative services and public order.
Minister Sar Sokha noted that a groundbreaking ceremony, presided over of by Sar Kheng, was held on November 11, 2021, just one year and 360 days prior to the inauguration.
The new premises – which sit on a site of almost 60,000sqm in Tonle Bassac commune of Phnom Penh’s Chamkarmon district – feature a classic Khmer architectural design which combines the contemporary and the ancient. It features a five-level roofline, in the pattern of the five spires of Angkor Wat.
The new headquarters faces east along Norodom Boulevard, and overlooks the confluence of four major rivers known as the Chaktomuk River. The building is equipped with 11 elevators, 20 escalators, four fire escapes and 360 parking spaces.
“Our new administrative building will serve as an office which benefits the general public. It has been purposefully designed to meet the needs of a modern administration and will provide a legacy for future generations,” said Sokha.
