US$3.8 Billion Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway Too Expensive for the Government

• 22 December 2018
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Following the feasibility study on the construction of the Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway, the government has said it is too expensive, citing a lack of budget.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recentlyconducted a feasibility study on the expressway connecting the capital city of Phnom Penh to the Vietnam border town of Bavetwhich concluded that the project would cost US$3.8 billion, according to H.E Sun Chanthol, Senior Minister and Minister of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT).

Speaking during the grand opening ceremony of the New Container Terminal (LM17), H.E Sun Chanthol said that the 160-kilometre expressway cost a lot of money.

“The feasibility study of Phnom Penh-Bavet Expresway is done, but my god; a lot of money, 160-kilometre road will need the budget of US$3.8 billion, alot!”, he said, while pointing that the 190-kilometre Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway only cost around US$2 billion.

This huge amount came because some areas along the route are prone to flooding, so there will be around 80 kilometres of road construction crossing water, which is why the project cost more money, H.E Sun Chanthol explained.

“We are currently looking for partners from the private sectors for them to help build it”, the minister said.

According to the Cambodia Expressway Master Plan, the kingdom will need a total expressway network of 850km, which will cost some US$9 billion by 2020. By 2040, the nation will need an investment capital of about US$26 billion to build 2,230km of expressway. (Read more )

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