Irrigation project in K Speu underway, set for 2026 completion
MINISTER of Water Resources and Meteorology Thor Chetha announced on January 28 that the Southwest Phnom Penh Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation and Improvement Project in Kampong Speu province is now 10 per cent complete.
This initiative comprises two subprojects: the Roleang Chrey Headworks and Kandal Stung-Bati Irrigation System rehabilitation.
With support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), construction commenced in June 2023 and is anticipated to finish by June 2026.
Chetha noted the impact of these projects on the closure of the Roleang Chrey water gate, causing water scarcity in Chbar Morn, Samrong Tong and Kong Pisey districts in the province, affecting local farmers’ irrigation efforts.
Ongoing construction has also disrupted daily water supply from five clean water stations drawing water from the south canal of Roleang Chrey for residents downstream.
“The water resource ministry and its provincial department as well as relevant authorities are diligently working with JICA to resolve the water shortage, ensuring our people have access to water as before,” Chetha said.
He noted that both the ministry and provincial department consistently provide advance notice about the water gate closure to the public.
Chetha directed the department to collaborate with stakeholders, ensuring water reaches the lower regions of Kampong Speu, Takeo and Kandal provinces for daily use and irrigation of crops facing shortages.
The initiative to improve the irrigation and drainage system involves
two sub-projects within Kampong Speu province, drawing water from the Stung Prek Tnaot River. This includes repairing an 11.70km northern main canal, a 12.60km southern main canal and constructing 207 related structures.
The second sub-project spans Kandal province’s Kandal Stung district
and Takeo province’s Bati district, drawing water from the Stung Prek Tnaot and Stung Toch rivers. This phase involves constructing a 9.4km concrete canal, a 4km primary concrete canal supplying water to Tonle Bati – a small lake about 30km south of Phnom Penh – and building 33 related structures.