Transport Minister Vows to Permanently Repair Two Frequently Damaged National Roads

• 16 February 2021
• Local News
• 2385 Views

The Minister of Public Works and Transport HE Sun Chanthol has vowed to conduct permanent repairs on two “forever-damaged” roads, the NR3 section from Kampot to Veal Renh and the NR7 section from Tbong Khmum to Kratie.

HE Chanthol said during the meeting on 16 February that the condition of these two sections have always been damaged even though they have been through many repairs, especially the 20km section of NR3 from Trapeang Rapov to Veal Renh.

“The reasons might be from the poor repairment work or the very damaged foundations. I do want to hear the word ‘forever-damaged’ roads anymore. Thus, yesterday I met with the Minister of Economy and Finance to discuss the action plan” said HE Chanthol.

“This time we want to conduct a deep fixing. We have to study very carefully to make the road last longer. If we really have to remove all the muddy soil 18 metres deep, we must. Then, we can build a stronger underground foundation. If this is not possible, we might have to change the road alignment,” he added.

However, HE Chanthol did not specify when the detailed study would end, how much it would cost, and when reconstruction would start.

It should also be noted that both roads have been continuously repaired under the assistance of the World Bank since 2018. (Read more)

The NR7 renovation is 164km, improving the quality from DBST to AC. The project is divided into three sections and is being built by a Chinese company under a US$36 million loan.

Meanwhile, the NR3 (Kampot-Veal Renh) project is 54.30 km, repaving to AC. The project is being built under a US$12 million loan and would take 54 months to complete.

To date, the construction of both projects is about 80% complete.

• Projects Development
• Road and Infrastructure