Phnom Penh municipal governor Khuong Sreng ordered officials to dig canals and connect concrete drainage networks to release water in Por Sen Chey, Dangkor and Kambol districts in the western part of the capital, which experience flooding.
Municipal hall spokesman Met Meas Pheakdey told The Post on Monday that continuous rainfall has caused many houses to be affected by flooding, while some roads have been damaged, including a section of National Road 4.
Sreng ordered officials from the departments of Public Works and Transportation, and Water Resources and Meteorology, to collaborate with local authorities to release the water. The operation started on Friday.
“Trapeang Krasang commune, in Por Sen Chey district is severely flooded. The flood decreased to some extent after officials and local authorities used bulldozers to dig out areas.
“It is hoped the water will flow into the Trapeang Krasang canal and continue to the Toul Sampov Pumping Station,” Pheakdey said.
He said floods in Phnom Penh are caused by severe rainfall over several days (at levels between 150mm and 190mm per second). That is made worse by filled canals, illegal construction around canal systems and the disposal of rubbish, which blocks drains.
“We cannot stop natural disasters, but we can do our part to tackle its effects by stopping activities that make the situation worse,” he said.
Pheakdey said he asked for understanding from local people living near a planned canal system in Kambol district.
The canal will be connected to Boeung Tamok lake and flow into the Tonle Sap River. The project is intended to reduce flooding in Phnom Penh and some parts of Kandal and Kampong Speu provinces.
On Monday, Water Resources and Meteorology Minister Lim Kean Hor called on people in low-lying areas near waterways to pay increased attention to flooding which could happen in the middle of this week.
Hor said a low-pressure system still affects Cambodia and impacts some parts of Phnom Penh, and provinces located in the south and east and the coastal provinces.
“From October 7-9, areas near waterways and regions like the Cardamom Mountains will face flooding, sea waves and strong winds,” he said.
