AS part of an effort to provide more water for soldiers at Preah Vihear temple, the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology has begun constructing a network of wells and steel pipes that will transport water to the temple from nearby villages and hillsides.

The ministry began constructing the wells in late December, said Sor Thavy, deputy governor of Preah Vihear province, adding that there are now wells in three villages in Choam Ksan district. Pipe construction began last week.

"Hun Sen ordered us to have wells dug and pipes built to take water from the hillsides for people and soldiers at Preah Vihear temple," Sor Thavy said.

Presently, he said, the only water supply is from a small pond located near the temple.

The government plans to construct 30 wells within 20 kilometres of the temple, said an official at the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction who declined to be named.

Yim Phim, commander of Brigade 8, said one of the wells that has already been constructed can provide up to 2,000 cubic metres of water in one hour.