Prime Minister Hun Sen has advised relevant ministries, institutions and provincial administrations around the Tonle Sap Lake to look into the possibility of constructing a sluice gate on the lake to store water in its basin so that rainwater does not flow out too quickly to be used by farmers for irrigation and for other purposes.

The call came as he chaired an April 28 meeting of the Council of Ministers.

“Relevant institutions are advised to study various impacts, including the legal aspects, environmental impact, land issues and nearby farming,” said an April 28 press release.

It said the government is focused on protecting the environment and natural resources and has taken a clear position that it intends to prevent the Kingdom from becoming a landfill or polluted dumping grounds.