Government signs contract for infrastructure projects

Transport Minister Sun Chanthol speaks to the press at a signing ceremony for new infrastructure projects. Heng Chivoan

Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol yesterday signed a $44 million contract with Chinese company Beijing Urban Construction Group Co Ltd to carry out sewage and road improvement projects in Battambang, Poipet and Bavet towns, among other projects.

Chanthol said during the contract-signing ceremony that the Asian Development Bank has provided Cambodia a $44 million loan for infrastructure improvements. The ADB didn’t respond to a request for comment yesterday.

He added that the project included “the construction of a total of 15 kilometres of sewage [pipes] east of Battambang town”, noting there had been a public bidding process that resulted in 20 companies submitting proposals. A garbage processing plant will also be built in Battambang, he said.

The project in Poipet will include restoration of existing infrastructure, as well as building new sewage and waste management systems, along with a recycling facility. In Bavet, the project will improve existing roads and will establish a new waste recycling facility.

Ren Zhi, vice president of Beijing Urban Construction Group, said he was pleased to work with the ministry, and said that his company was well equipped to carry out the projects.

The improvements in the three cities will account for $9.3 million of the $44 million total. Chanthol said the remaining money in the contract will be used to study and carry out future infrastructure projects.

Contact author: Soth Koemsoeun

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