Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology Thor Chetha has announced the completion of more than one-third of work on a new canal system that will relieve flooding in Phnom Penh during the rainy season.
Main Canal 96 will resolve flooding in the southern part of the capital, as well as neighbouring Takhmao town and its satellite areas.
After inspecting the progress of the canal excavation in Kampong Samnanh, Prek Hou and Roka Kpos districts of Kandal province’s Takhmao town on March 13, Chetha declared that the work is 35 per cent complete.
He added that in addition to helping to relieve flooding during the rainy season, the project will also help to resolve the problems of places further from Phnom Penh, including Kampong Speu, Kandal and Takeo provinces, which often face water shortages during the dry season.
“The seventh–mandate government has directed the water resources ministry to carry out this huge project, not just to release water from Phnom Penh but also in the surrounding areas,” he said.
According to Chetha, Main Canal 96 will be 34km long.
“The excavation is very important because Main Canal 96 will make it possible for Phnom Penh and other provinces around the capital to release water into the Bassac River, where it will make its way to the sea,” he said.
According to the ministry, a new Phnom Penh flood prevention system is to be implemented in three phases, with the current phase one underway in Kampong Speu and Kandal provinces. A series of additional canals and drains will be added to the system.
