A proposed $200 million road and bridge project linking Kampong Chhnang and Kampong Thom provinces could begin construction in 2021, said Ministry of Public Works and Transport Vasim Sorya.
The 57.3km road connecting Kampong Chhnang province’s Kampong Leng district to Kampong Thom province’s Stung Sen town, as well as the 3,900m bridge across the Tonle Sap River, was announced by Prime Minister Hun Sen in mid-March.
Sorya told The Post on Tuesday that a technical feasibility study had been carried out and the ministry is currently in discussions with the Ministry of Economy and Finance, after which they would submit a loan proposal to the Chinese government.
The project will be jointly financed under the national budget and a Chinese government loan, he said, adding that the government first plans to construct connecting roads to the project.
Kampong Chhnang provincial governor Chhour Chandoeun said on Tuesday: “Because the road crosses the Tonle Sap river, it will contribute greatly to national economic growth, especially Kampong Chhnang and Kampong Thom provinces’ tourism, agricultural product transport and real estate.”
He said the project would have little impact on residents as the site is a large flooded area which is state land.
