Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has officially declared the commencement of the Funan Techo canal project to be in August 2024. The announcement came on Thursday (May 30) amidst celebrations for the newly inaugurated projects at the Buddhist Cultural Centre in Kampong Speu Province.
In his address, PM Hun Manet highlighted the significance of the canal project, which was previously considered unfeasible by skeptics. Emphasizing the homegrown momentum behind the development, he mentioned that the majority of funding for the canal comes directly from within Cambodia itself. Additional support and expertise are sourced through partnerships with Chinese firms, thus providing a blend of domestic and foreign investment paired with high-tech construction methodologies.
“We will not postpone our ambitions for the Funan Canal,” the premier declared, “Come August, we anticipate many Cambodians to converge on the site, transforming what was once perceived as a pipe dream into a formidable reality.”
The premier extended an open invitation to international collaborators to join the cause, accentuating the spirit of unity among Cambodians that he believes will be crucial to the fulfillment of this large-scale infrastructure challenge.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Hun Manet also framed the Funan Techo canal project as a national endeavor, with remarkable backing from the Cambodian diaspora and the populace at large. Its success would not only illustrate national resilience but also showcase Cambodia’s evolving infrastructure capabilities.
The proposed Funan Techo canal extends approximately 180 kilometers, traversing from Prek Takeo on the Mekong River through various rivers and districts, eventually reaching Kep province. This significant engineering effort will thread its way through four provinces, namely Kandal, Takeo, Kampot, and Kep. With an estimated budget of USD 1.7 billion and an expected four-year tenure to reach completion, this canal is poised to revitalize the way Cambodia manages its waterways and related commercial activities.
Upon completion, the Funan Techo canal is predicted to revolutionize the nation’s logistical network by shortening transit routes and timeframes, thereby saving costs. It aims to stimulate the creation of trade hubs, logistical bases, and satellite ports. Additionally, the canal project is poised to fuel agricultural expansion, irrigation ventures, aquaculture, and livestock advancements. Furthermore, it is projected to facilitate the growth of Cambodia’s fourth economic pillar, ultimately galvanizing job creation, promoting urban expansion, and catalyzing real estate development, which is poised to reshape the economic landscape of the region for generations to come.
Source: Fresh News
