Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona on Wednesday sent a letter to her Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Cooperation counterpart Chea Sophara requesting that he intervene to prevent the demolition of a French colonial-era bridge situated in front of Battambang Provincial Hall in Svay Por commune.

The letter to Sophara said: “[The provincial administration] should not demolish the old French colonial-era bridge since it was built more than 100 years ago and reflects the cultural heritage of the city. It is the only remnant of historical, architectural, urban and environmental value [from that time] that’s remaining in Battambang.

The 103-year-old bridge is believed to have been built in 1916, according to provincial authorities, who added it had been travelled on by heavy vehicles and tanks during the civil war.

Its age and popularity among drivers and pedestrians over the decades have further left the bridge structurally unsound, the authorities said.

On Friday, the provincial administration banned pedestrians from using the bridge to cross the Stung Sangke River, saying that cracks had formed on the structure and it was unsafe for pedestrians due to its dilapidated state.

Authorities have proposed to rebuild an identical bridge to replace the old one but citing its cultural significance, Sackona urged Ministry of Land Management to assign specialists to inspect the bridge over the weekend before deciding whether to demolish it.

In her letter, Sackona proposed that the bridge be repaired and preserved for future generations so that pedestrians may continue using it.

Provincial deputy governor Soeum Bunrith told The Post that early next year, the provincial administration will begin preparations to rebuild the bridge while simultaneously assessing the feasibility of a new crossing to replace the old one.

Battambang provincial governor Nguon Ratanak could not be reached for comment by press time. However, the Battambang provincial administration hall announced on Facebook that the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts had already inspected the bridge and was seeking funds to repair it.

Minister of Interior Sar Kheng appealed to residents to build a third bridge with traditional Khmer motifs adjacent to the old one, saying it would aid in the traffic flow of goods and public vehicles.

“The provincial administration hall supports the conservation of the historic stone bridge, residents need not be concerned,” said Sar Kheng, who is also deputy prime minister.

Adhoc provincial coordinator Yin Mengly told The Post that he feared Cambodia’s cultural value and historical identity would be forgotten by younger generations if the bridge was rebuilt instead of restored.

Mengly said: “Repairing the bridge would be a positive step towards attracting tourists. Even if we build a new bridge, it would be nothing valuable. If we don’t conserve, repair and preserve the old one and opt to demolish it, what will become of our history?

“Younger generations will no longer see and understand the remnants of our previous generation and our history will slowly disappear.”