Road builders of a $149 million project have been sternly told by Public Works and Transport Minister Sun Chanthol to follow technical standards following public outcry over the sub-standard condition of 38 roads in Siem Reap.
The road builders allegedly used inferior quality steel rods and failed to comply with construction industry standards for “concrete pouring”, which can make roads prone to damage.
During a June 28 inspection of the roads, which were 68 per cent complete, Chanthol pointed out that road constructions are determined by topography and budget.
“Why don’t we build [all] roads the same? It is because of the topography and budget. If the ground is water-logged, we use concrete. We also use concrete [for roads] in areas where traffic, including heavy vehicles, is high, such as in Siem Reap,” he said.
The builders were also advised to manage construction sites well to avoid traffic congestion and ensure the ground is regularly sprayed with water to stop dust from flying and jeopardising the health of nearby residents and motorists.
Chanthol noted that 90 per cent of the sewerage and drainage systems, for which $9 million was spent, were complete while landscaping work and elevation of electric poles had another 60 per cent to go.
“The aim of the road project is to improve connectivity to remote areas. It is also to turn Siem Reap town into an attractive and modern town with good and livable conditions [which can] attract more tourists [in order] to boost the economy,” he said.
The project involving 108km of roads is scheduled for completion in December this year.
