Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has laid out a comprehensive plan for enhancing infrastructure and urban planning in Phnom Penh. During a recent event on June 17, marking the groundbreaking of the Twin Flyovers at the intersection of Samdech Techo Hun Sen Boulevard and National Road No. 2, the Prime Minister revealed his vision for a modernized city that balances development with environmental sustainability and public welfare.
Prime Minister Manet underscored the necessity of integrating advanced, smart, and economical technologies into the city’s infrastructure projects. The implementation will include security cameras, solar lighting, and automatic irrigation systems in public parks. These advancements aim to improve the city’s aesthetics and functionality, aligning it with the standards of a smart ASEAN city.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister has instructed the Phnom Penh Capital Administration to prioritize green spaces to mitigate urban heat and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative includes significant tree planting around new infrastructure projects and key city areas such as the base of the Chroy Changvar Bridge on the west bank and around the newly named “Techno Heritage Flyover.”
In his address, Hun Manet also highlighted the critical role of implementing dedicated bus lanes along new suburban roads and in satellite cities. This move is designed to prioritize public transport, thereby reducing road congestion and promoting more efficient urban mobility. The focus on public transportation is part of a broader vision to accommodate future population growth while ensuring sustainable urban expansion.
Prime Minister Manet also stressed the importance of bolstering the city’s resilience against climate change. This includes enhancing the drainage infrastructure to manage rain floods more effectively and safeguard the city against potential water-related disruptions. Regular inspections and quick interventions during rain floods have been marked as essential actions to maintain the city’s functionality during adverse weather conditions.
The safety and well-being of Phnom Penh’s residents were also highlighted, with a push for the ‘safe village-commune-district’ policy. This approach focuses on reducing crime and ensuring public order by taking consistent action against security threats, thereby fostering a safer environment for both local and international visitors.
On a broader scale, Hun Manet’s urban development strategy includes cleaning up city streets to improve traffic flow and reduce vehicle emissions. His government plans to enforce regulations that clear sidewalks and other public spaces to decrease congestion and enhance the overall cityscape. This initiative dovetails with the aim to expand the city’s bus services, making public transport a more appealing option for daily commuters.
By balancing the need for physical infrastructure with green development and prioritizing public transportation, Prime Minister Hun Manet’s strategies are set to transform Phnom Penh into a more livable, efficient, and environmentally friendly city. This holistic approach to urbanization reflects the government’s proactive stance on catering to both current and future generations’ needs.
