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Funan Techo Canal construction project kicks off with “sounds of unity”

The construction of the Funan Techo Canal, with an estimated cost of 1.7 billion US dollars, commenced this morning with a ceremony that “emphasised national unity”.

The event was held at Prek Takeo in Samrong Thom commune, Kandal province, under the chairmanship of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and First Lady, Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony.
The event was held at Prek Takeo in Samrong Thom commune, Kandal province, under the chairmanship of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and First Lady, Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony.

As the sun rose over Cambodia, the population of all social backgrounds participated in and observed this momentous occasion. From the urban centres of Phnom Penh to the more remote rural areas, the sounds of drums, bells, gongs and other traditional instruments reverberated throughout the country.

"This is the sound of our unity," stated Run Sambath, a local villager who participated in the groundbreaking ceremony. He further commented that it was a remarkable scene, potentially establishing a new national record.

The event proved somewhat surprising. "When our Prime Minister initiated the commencement of the construction by pressing the button, a resounding sound was audible from various locations," he stated.

Mr. Thou Vireak, who was also present at the event, posited that this is a novel symbol of Cambodian unity. "In the future, should we be able to convene for a similar undertaking, we can assert that we are a resilient and unified nation.

"We can collectively unite for the benefit of our common good, and we are immensely proud of this," he asserted.

At precisely 9:09 am, following the conclusion of the Prime Minister's public address, he initiated the commencement of the Funan Techo Canal construction project by pressing the button. Concurrently, drums, gongs, and bells were struck at the same time from pagodas, ministries, institutions, schools, and enterprises at both the national and sub-national levels throughout the Kingdom.

In his remarks on the occasion, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underscored the significance of this collective commemoration. "As we commence the Funan Techo Canal project, we are not merely constructing a canal; we are creating a future that pays homage to our heritage and celebrates our unity. "This event serves to illustrate our collective dedication to advancement and cultural pride," he stated.

The Funan Techo Canal will assist Cambodia in enhancing its political autonomy with regard to waterway transportation, while ensuring that the environment and the Mekong River's natural flow remain undisturbed, the Premier further elaborated.

Furthermore, he took the opportunity to reaffirm that this project will not result in any loss of territory or sovereignty for Cambodia:

"If there is any doubt as to the veracity of these claims, a visit to the site in the next five years will demonstrate the reality of the situation."

The Funan Techo Canal represents Cambodia's inaugural historical transport project, facilitating connectivity between the Mekong system and the sea route. The project is predicted to have a minimal impact, whereas economic analysis and evaluation indicate that it will confer significant benefits to areas related to trade, tourism, urban planning, and construction, among others.

As outlined in the project's feasibility study, the Funan Techo Canal is 180 kilometres in length, 100 metres wide at its widest point (upstream) and 80 metres wide at its narrowest point (downstream). The total depth of the canal is 5.4 metres, with two navigation lanes. The construction is expected to take approximately four years to complete, following the BOT (Build, Operate, Transfer) model.

The canal will connect the Mekong River in Prek Takeo to the sea in Kep province, traversing four provinces: Kandal, Takeo, Kampot and Kep. It will pass through areas with a total population of 1.6 million people.

Heng Panha - AKP

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