Three projects of the six satellite cities around Phnom Penh that were originally approved by the government have been “significantly” developed, according to officials of the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction.

The ministry says the other three are still in the planning stages.

The huge projects, costing hundreds of millions dollars, including housing development, economic zones, supermarkets, fitness centres, hotels, industrial parks, hospitals, and other public utilities.

Lao Tepseiha, deputy director of the construction department of the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, said that Koh Pich Island, Grand Phnom Penh International and Camko City have been significantly built among the key projects of the satellite cities.

“Development on huge projects is potent and is pushing the building sector in Cambodia up,” he said.

Six huge satellite cities were approved by the government, including Koh Pich satellite city in Phnom Penh’s Chamka Morn district’s Tonle Basac commune, Grand Phnom Penh International at Sensok district’s Khmunh commune, CAMKO City in Boeung Pong Peay developmental area at Sensok, Boeung Kak Lake in Daun Penh district’s Srais Chark commune, a future satellite city in Russey Keo district’s Chroy Chongva commune, and Oknha Ly Yong Phat’s satellite city along National Road 6.

Tous Saphoeun, dean of the Architecture and Urban Planning Faculty of Mathematics, Sciences and Engineering of Pannasastra University of Cambodia, said that three huge projects are progressing well.

“First, Koh Pich is conclusively progressing and then Grand Phnom International that is gradually finished its own project. Finally, Camko City has been regularly and daily developed,” he said.

“Only Koh Pich is being marketed well among all the projects because it is the first development of an entertainment center,” he said.

It will take at least five or six more years before the other three projects will be constructed, he said.

Cheng Kheng, director of the CPL real estate company and vice president of the Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association, said that the three satellite cities under construction are “interesting”.

Significant investment and selling and purchasing activities are focused on diverse customers, he said.

The Cambodian government should open more opportunities for investors and do not put pressure on them, because it will hurt the growth of investment in Cambodia, he added.

To contact the reporter on this story: Seun Son at [email protected]