The construction of the Damnak Chheu Krom dam in Pursat province – consisting of one main levee and over 90km of irrigation canals – is now is over 90 per cent complete and is expected to go online by next month.

The canals will provide water for irrigation to a total area of 16,100ha of farmland in 51 villages in Phnom Kravanh and Talou Sen Chey districts.

According to the Pursat Provincial Administration, the dam is part of the Greater Mekong Sub-region Flood and Drought Risk Management and Mitigation Project which is funded by the Asian Development Bank.

“This construction serves the interests of the farmers growing crops in the affected districts and helps to raise the living standards of the people there,” said Nget Seiha, spokesman for the provincial hall.

He said the construction of the dam began in August 2017 and is expected to be completed on schedule in June.

According to Seiha, the construction of the dam consists of the main dam and a main canal with a length of more than 90km.

He said the Damnak Chheu Krom dam could also become a new tourist attraction because of the scenic natural locations nearby such as the waterfall in Veal Veng district’s Stung Pramoy commune.