Government Approves $300 Million Water Diversion Project to Tackle Flooding in Phnom Penh
Project Aims to Mitigate Flooding Amid Concerns Over Urban Development's Impact on City's Water Management
The Cambodian government has greenlit a $300 million water diversion project aimed at addressing flooding issues in Phnom Penh and surrounding urban areas. Prime Minister Hun Manet announced the approval during the annual meeting of the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorological, outlining plans to tackle the city's flood problem by enhancing its water release system and preventing water from inundating urban areas.
The project, focusing on preventing water influx into Phnom Penh and upgrading the existing water release infrastructure, will divert water from Prek Tnaot river to neighboring provinces of Takeo, Kampong Speu, and Kandal. This diverted water will eventually flow into Tonle Bassac, alleviating pressure on Phnom Penh's drainage system.
While the government sees this initiative as a crucial step towards flood mitigation, concerns have been raised by civil society groups regarding the impact of urban development on flooding. President Yang Kim Eng of NGO People Center for Development and Peace emphasized the importance of preserving lakes and expanding main canals to mitigate flooding effectively.
Despite differing opinions, local residents express support for the project, citing the severe impact of flooding on their livelihoods. Motorcycle repair shop owner Vorn Srey Mech and other residents highlight the economic and social repercussions of flooding, underscoring the urgency for effective flood management measures.
The project, jointly implemented by various government ministries, aims to address immediate flooding concerns while also addressing long-term urban development challenges. However, concerns regarding the impact of urbanization on flood management persist, signaling the need for comprehensive urban planning and sustainable water management strategies.
For further insights, the Ministry of Water Resource and Meteorology and other relevant authorities are urged to address concerns raised by civil society groups and ensure transparent communication regarding the project's implementation and effectiveness.
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The project, focusing on preventing water influx into Phnom Penh and upgrading the existing water release infrastructure, will divert water from Prek Tnaot river to neighboring provinces of Takeo, Kampong Speu, and Kandal. This diverted water will eventually flow into Tonle Bassac, alleviating pressure on Phnom Penh's drainage system.
While the government sees this initiative as a crucial step towards flood mitigation, concerns have been raised by civil society groups regarding the impact of urban development on flooding. President Yang Kim Eng of NGO People Center for Development and Peace emphasized the importance of preserving lakes and expanding main canals to mitigate flooding effectively.
Despite differing opinions, local residents express support for the project, citing the severe impact of flooding on their livelihoods. Motorcycle repair shop owner Vorn Srey Mech and other residents highlight the economic and social repercussions of flooding, underscoring the urgency for effective flood management measures.
The project, jointly implemented by various government ministries, aims to address immediate flooding concerns while also addressing long-term urban development challenges. However, concerns regarding the impact of urbanization on flood management persist, signaling the need for comprehensive urban planning and sustainable water management strategies.
For further insights, the Ministry of Water Resource and Meteorology and other relevant authorities are urged to address concerns raised by civil society groups and ensure transparent communication regarding the project's implementation and effectiveness.
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Translation:
Translated by AI
