Phnom Penh (FN), Dec. 13 – The Royal Government of Cambodia reassured the Vietnamese side regarding their concerns on the upcoming Funan-Techo canal construction project, asserting that the initiative will have no adverse impact on the environment along the Mekong River.
Jean François Tan, Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, spoke at a press conference at Phnom Penh International Airport on Tuesday night (Dec. 12).
“As reiterated, the Vietnamese side's primary concern revolves around the potential negative impact of the Funan Techo canal project on the Mekong River. In response, Cambodia has presented findings from various studies affirming the absence of adverse environmental effects,” Jean François Tan underlined.
He continued, “this significant project is poised to propel Cambodia towards substantial economic development in the near future.”
On 17 October 2023, Cambodia signed an agreement to allow China Bridge and Road Corporation (CRBC) to conduct a feasibility study on the "Funan Techo Canal" project.
Tonle Bassac Navigation Road and Logistics System Project was named the "Funan Techo Canal" project at the 6th Plenary Session of the National Assembly on 19 May 2023. Later on 7 June 2023, the government decided to establish an inter-ministerial commission to implement the project.
The "Funan Techo Canal" project aims to expand the potential use of water transport in order to contribute to the further development of socio-economic activities to a higher level and provide appropriate solutions on challenges and obstacles of the water transport sector that we have been facing today.
Studies have shown that the Funan-Techo canal is 180 km long from Prek Takeo of the Mekong River, through the Prek Ta Ek of the Bassac River, then into Prek Ta Hing of the Bassac River, Koh Thom district, and extends to the Kep province passes through four provinces, including Kandal, Takeo, Kampot and Kep, with a total population of 1.6 million people living on both side of the waterway.
The waterway is 100 meters wide upstream and 80 meters downstream and a depth of 5.4 meters (navigation depth 4.7 meters and safety gap 0.7 meters), 2 lanes can get in and out and avoid each other safely.
The project will build three waterway dams, build 11 bridges, build a 208-kilometer sidewalk, and provide navigation assistance and other cross-river infrastructure. The construction of the new waterway project is estimated to cost USD 1.7 billion and take about four years to complete.
The Tonle Bassac Navigation and Logistics System project will provide many benefits, including reducing the time, distance and cost of current transport, the establishment of commercial areas and logistics centers, and the development of new satellite ports, more expansion of agriculture, irrigation, aquaculture and livestock development areas, supporting the development of Cambodia's fourth economic pole, creating more jobs at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, Phnom Penh Autonomous Port and other Ports, promoting urban development and urbanization, and the promotion of real estate growth.
=FRESH NEWS
