Spurning recent reports from international media regarding the funding status of the Funan Techo Canal (FTC) project, Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), reassured the public that the mega-project will be completed as planned—or even ahead of schedule.
Speaking at the launch of the CDC Investment Project Management (cdcIPM) platform, Chanthol, who also serves as Chairman of the Special Commission on the FTC construction project, highlighted Cambodia’s proven track record of timely project completion. He pointed out that the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway was inaugurated eight months ahead of schedule, emphasizing the government’s efficiency and commitment.
Responding to Media Misinformation
Chanthol expressed disappointment over what he called “completely wrong information” disseminated by certain international media outlets. “We have no idea where they got this information from,” he said, referring to claims that the FTC project had stalled due to insufficient financial support from public and private sector development partners.
Drawing attention to the role of responsible journalism, Chanthol said:
“The role of journalists is to inform, not inflame; to report, not distort. Media must not fabricate or create news. They should focus on reporting accurate data and sharing the actual situation.”
He noted that some TikTok videos falsely claimed the government was displacing residents without proper compensation. These videos, shared during the FTC groundbreaking ceremony on August 5, depicted villages in distress. However, Chanthol firmly denied these allegations, stating, “The government has not taken any land from the people.”
Progress and Detailed Planning
The Deputy Prime Minister provided updates on the project’s status, explaining that construction has not stalled. He attributed temporary delays to seasonal water levels, which must recede before positioning the poles for the canal’s roadmap. A site visit by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) is planned to assess progress.
To ensure fairness, the project team employed drones and satellite imagery to meticulously evaluate the impact on local residents and their properties. Initially, the analysis indicated that 1,585 houses would be affected. However, after adjusting the canal path, this number rose to 2,305, with only 400 houses requiring relocation.
Chanthol added that the evaluation extended beyond housing to include environmental considerations. “We counted everything, including 139,163 trees, to ensure fair compensation for all impacted citizens,” he explained. An additional company has been hired to conduct a more detailed assessment, reflecting the government’s commitment to precision and transparency.
Setting the Record Straight
Chanthol criticized the media for not verifying facts with the project team. “In this world, there are four types of people: those who talk, those who work, those who mock, and those who watch,” he said. “Unfortunately, the media seems to have relied on those who talk, mock, and watch, instead of engaging with those of us who are working on the project every day.”
The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the FTC project and its goals of improving water management, reducing flood risks, and enhancing agricultural productivity. He assured the public that the government remains focused on delivering tangible benefits to the people while ensuring transparency and fairness.
Vision for Cambodia’s Future
The FTC project, spanning 180 kilometers, is one of Cambodia’s largest infrastructure initiatives and symbolizes the country’s ambitions for sustainable development. By leveraging modern technology and meticulous planning, the Royal Government of Cambodia aims to enhance the nation’s water resource management while uplifting the livelihoods of its citizens.
As Cambodia continues its journey toward progress, Chanthol’s message serves as a reminder that transparency, dedication, and collaboration remain at the heart of the government’s development agenda.
Source: Khmer Times
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