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Siem Reap: Restoration of the eastern causeway at Beng Mealea temple expected to be completed in early July

The restoration of the eastern roadway of the historic Beng Mealea temple in Siem Reap province is well underway and is expected to be completed in early July, with approximately 90% of the work already finished.

The restoration project, led by a specialized team from the APSARA National Authority, has been underway for more than 14 months. It focuses on repairing and reinforcing the essential structural elements of the roadway, which has suffered significant damage due to natural deterioration and environmental factors over the years.

Ms. Boeut Sopak, technical expert from the Department of Monument Conservation and Preventive Archaeology, highlighted the substantial progress made during the restoration. "We have successfully reinforced the foundations on the north and south sides of the causeway. In addition, the installation of the complex balustrade depicting nagas, as well as the placement of support beams and pillars, has been completed on the north side, and only a few minor finishing touches remain," she explained.

Before restoration, the pavement was in very poor condition. The body of the Naga, an iconic snake motif in Khmer temple architecture, had been completely dislodged. The foundations were also compromised, weakened by invasive tree roots and natural wear and tear over the centuries.

Funded by the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Project, restoration officially began in mid-May 2024. This initiative aims not only to preserve the structural integrity of the pavement, but also to safeguard this cultural treasure for future generations.

In order to balance preservation and public access, the APSARA National Authority has regularly reopened parts of the causeway to tourists. Visitors can now explore the eastern approach to the temple, even as restoration work continues, and gain a unique insight into the efforts underway to bring one of Cambodia's most enigmatic Angkorian sites back to life.

As the project nears completion, the authorities reaffirm their commitment to preserving the historical authenticity and sustainability of the Beng Mealea temple complex so that it remains an essential link to Cambodia's rich heritage.

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