After finding no technical issues or environmental impact, the feasibility study of a navigation and logistics project to link the Bassac River in Kandal province to a seaport in the Kep province is set to be submitted for Cabinet approval soon, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport said.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) met on Tuesday to discuss the outcome of the study, which was conducted by the CCCC Water Transportation Consultants Co Ltd.
The ministry said the feasibility study, which took two years to complete, found no technical or environmental issues. The project would enhance transport and logistics in Cambodia, the study observed.
Experts expect the project to provide huge benefits for the development and growth of the national economy, especially for the Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) at a level higher than the average rate set by the national and international institutions, the ministry said.
In the meeting, Minister Sun Chanthol applauded the working team that conducted the study of the historic project and covered all important aspects. He advised the team to update the study report in accordance with the request made in the meeting.
“The working team has to prepare a report on the results of the meeting to inform Prime Minister Hun Sen and prepare a report of the study to the Council of Ministers for review and approval soon,” Chanthol said.
Bassac River, a tributary of the Mekong River, starts in Phnom Penh and passes through Kandal province, crossing the border into Vietnam.
The waterway has a total length of about 180 kilometres connecting the Tonle Bassac to the seaport of Kampot province.
The waterway project will reduce heavy road transport as well as facilitate internal integration, and strengthen and expand regional and international connectivity through transportation.
Transport by water, sea and port will become easier, smoother and more efficient.
Sin Chanthy, president of the Cambodia Logistics Association, said that the project will support transportation and enhance the logistics sector in Cambodia.
“Waterway transport is one of the most efficient ways in the transportation sector due to Cambodia’s potential, with a large waterway system,” Chanthy said.
This article was first published in Khmer Times. All contents and images are copyright to their respective owners and sources.
