The Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration has finished construction on 34 roads totalling 84km while also planning to build a third wastewater treatment plant.

On May 28, Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction Chea Sophara led a working group including Minister of Tourism Thong Khon, Minister of Environment Say Sam Al and Preah Sihanouk provincial governor Kuoch Chamroeun to inspect the progress of infrastructure construction in the province.

During the inspection, Sophara said the first plant, which has a water treatment capacity of 5,200 cubic metres per day – was now 100 per cent finished. The second one, which uses the latest technology and has a treatment capacity of 7,200 cubic metres per day, was now 84 per cent completed.

“The National Committee for Coastal Management and Development is examining the possibility of constructing a third wastewater treatment plant to address the discharge of wastewater into the sea,” he said.

The provincial administration confirmed that construction such as the wastewater treatment plants and the building of public toilets along the coast was in preparation for a surge in national and international tourists and investors when the Covid-19 epidemic subsides.

According to the provincial administration, as of May 28 the concrete on all 34 roads in the province was complete as well as the asphalt.

Installation of roads signs, traffic lights or street lights and the planting of trees have now been completed.

Construction of public toilets was at 93 per cent while 60 per cent of security cameras had been installed and the construction of Ochheuteal beach road was nearly finished.

Preah Sihanouk is considered by the government to be one of three main economic poles along with Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. It is designated as a multi-purpose Special Economic Zone to help it gain economic growth, investment and tourism.

The 34 roads under construction span 84 km and are being constructed at a cost of $294 million.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the infrastructure project was held on November 16, 2019, in cooperation with six companies and two road construction engineering units.