Ministry of Water Resources and KOICA held a workshop to review feasibility study report on Water Supply Measures in Svay Rieng province on November 20. KOICA
A feasibility study has been completed for a $100 million dollar project which aims to reduce flooding and improve irrigation in Svay Rieng province.
The study of the Prek Neal Basin Water Supply and Flood Reduction Measures Project, Phase 1 was reviewed on November 20 by a number of stakeholders, including representatives of the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Cambodia and several construction companies.
Ponh Sachchak, secretary of state of the ministry, said the purpose of the review was to gather input to improve the report and ensure that the project was as efficient and sustainable as possible, and could begin sooner.
“The Prek Neal Basin Water Supply and Flood Reduction Measures Project, Phase 1 in Svay Rieng province is part of a mixed water resource management project in the eastern Mekong Delta,” he explained.
He thanked the ministry’s development partners, especially KOICA, who funded the $2 million dollar, two-year feasibility study. He also suggested the South Korean agency support the Cambodia Institute of Hydrological Survey, which is planned to be built on the Stung Prek Tnaot delta. The proposal is being considered by the agency.
Choi Moon-jung, executive director of KOICA in Cambodia, also attended the meeting. She described it as an important opportunity for key stakeholders to share knowledge, experience and their visions for agricultural water management.
“The feasibility study report will serve as a guide for the direction of future projects and provide valuable insights into the potential for success, risks and potential challenges related to the implementation of agricultural water projects in the Prek Neal area of Svay Rieng province,” she said.
According to KOICA, the project aims to reduce floods and droughts, supply water to households, industrial facilities and irrigation systems, thus increasing agricultural productivity and efficiency in Svay Rieng province.
During an October meeting to discuss the draft of the report, the water resources ministry estimated that the total cost of the project would be approximately $100 million. It expected to break ground in 2025.
This project will cover 26,950ha in three districts and one town, and is expected to benefit 5,360 households.
