Cambodia prepares phase 2 of the Phu Nam Techo canal project

Phnom Penh [Cambodia], May 1: Cambodia's Ministry of Transport and Public Works has just made a 'major update' on the Phu Nam Techo canal, saying the project is still progressing as planned.
The Khmer Times reported on May 1 that Cambodia's Ministry of Transport and Public Works has just made a major update on the Phu Nam Techo Canal, clarifying that the construction of this canal is currently facing no obstacles, and committing the work to proceed according to the given schedule.
The Phu Nam Techo Canal is considered by Cambodia to be a major infrastructure project to strengthen waterway connectivity and economic growth.
The US$1.7 billion joint investment by the Cambodian government, Cambodian private conglomerate OCIC and China's state-owned CRBC Group is seen as the latest symbol of the strong partnership and mutual trust between Cambodia and China. The project broke ground on August 5, 2024.
In a statement issued on April 30, Cambodian Ministry of Transport and Public Works spokesman Phan Rim said the inter-ministerial working group had completed demarcation and mapping for phase 1 of the project.
"Currently, after completing the demarcation, installation of boundary markers and detailed mapping along the Phu Nam Techo canal in phase 1, the inter-ministerial working group has completed and is in the process of completing land measurement procedures, conducting consultations and addressing practical impacts on all affected people in accordance with the mechanisms and procedures have been established," he said.
Meanwhile, the process of building the canal is also still in the stage of mine clearance, which is clearing all potential risks.
At the same time, according to Rim, a technical team from the Directorate of Waterways, Shipping and Seaports has been collecting data, developing geospatial networks and creating 3D maps using advanced drone technology, including eBee X and DJI M350 drones.
"These efforts aim to complete the demarcation of land boundaries, demarcation and detailed mapping of the second section of the canal by June 2025," said Rim.
"Since February 3, 2025, the technical team has spent 55 days collecting data and setting 40 benchmarks. They have completed aerial photography of the entire second section of the canal, covering an area of about 15,836 hectares, making detailed and 3D geospatial maps," he added.
A preliminary report said the project will impact nearly 10,000 homes, 3 factories, 30 bridges, 36 national highways, 600 dams, canals and more than 7,000 hectares of agricultural land.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper