Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - PM reiterates stance on Areng Valley dam

PM reiterates stance on Areng Valley dam

PM reiterates stance on Areng Valley dam

In response to a request made by opposition lawmakers in early May to turn the Areng Valley in Koh Kong province into an eco-tourism reserve, Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday said that the government has twice stated that it would preserve the valley and hold off for now on the Stung Cheay Areng hydropower dam.

The letter came in response to a proposal sent by six Cambodian National Rescue Party leaders on May 19, which asked to approve the protected status of the valley, whose abundant biodiversity would face threats from possible dam construction.

“Two times, the government’s response had ample clarification,” Hun Sen said in a letter dated June 2, adding that the government had assured the National Assembly of its intentions.

The letter added that the government is committed to conserving the area.

“With or without the hydro project, turning the Areng valley into an eco-tourism [site] is the agenda of the government,” the letter reads.

However, Um San An, one of the CNRP lawmakers who signed onto the newest letter to the government, said that the ruling party did not make it clear whether or not the dam would be constructed down the line.

“His response was that he was studying the Areng Valley for development, so the word ‘studying’ was [unclear],” he said. “If he [does] develop it for eco-tourism, all he has to do is issue a sub-decree.”

MOST VIEWED

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • Honda shutters Siem Reap football club

    Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, the owner of Siem Reap football club Soltilo Angkor FC, has been forced to shut the club down, after it failed to attract sponsorship for the upcoming season. Honda, the former manager of the Cambodia men's national football team, said

  • Hun Sen warns of regional tensions

    ASIA is becoming a dangerous geopolitical hotspot, with several countries announcing that they intend to send naval vessels towards Southeast Asia and on to the South China Sea, warned Prime Minister Hun Sen. “Heated geopolitical issues can easily escalate, namely to war. I am not

  • PM declares ASEAN Para Games open

    The 12th ASEAN Para Games officially kicked off on the evening of June 3 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks and performances by some of the Kingdom’s most accomplished talents. Tens of thousands of sports fans

  • Waterway job still pending for Kampot tourism port’s opening

    The search is still on for a contractor to expand and deepen the Kampot International Tourism Port’s waterway and deliver additional enhancements allowing safe access for larger vessels, nearly a year after the main construction work on the 4.25ha site was completed on June 30, 2022.