The government is planning to build two roads in Siem Reap province at a cost of $140 million to develop the Run Ta Ek and Peak Sneng villages in Angkor Thom district, according to Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Hun Sen made the remarks on October 22 while meeting with 3,200 households who have volunteered to relocate from the Angkor Archaeological Park, in the district’s Peak Sneng commune.

“Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction Chea Sophara confirmed to me on October 21 that the new projects will go ahead. One road detours north of Siem Reap town in the Peak Sneng development area for over 55km. The projected cost of the road is [nearly] $50 million,” he said.

The premier added that construction loans had been successfully proposed to the ADB, and the project will be carried out in 2024.

He said the first section will be 37.37km long and will run from National Road 6 in Puok district to National Road 67, at a cost of $31 million. The second stretch is 18km long and will connect National Road 67 to 64 at a cost of $14 million.

“The road project may well involve the Peak Sneng development area,” he noted.

He also offered details on a second potential project, which would detour south of Siem Reap town. The 45.77km road is estimated to cost $94.1 million, although funding, via South Korea, is still under discussion.

“I am very pleased to confirm that new infrastructure is already in the works for the Peak Sneng development area,” he said.

He added that the government would continue such development by establishing a school, a hospital and a pagoda in the future.

A public works ministry spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on October 24.