The southeastern skyline of Phnom Penh saw a significant development on Friday as the Chinese-built bridge project across the Mekong River commenced its underwater construction phase. This monumental endeavor is set to reshape connectivity in Cambodia, promising to bring economic growth and enhanced regional integration.
Spanning 1.6 kilometers with an additional 2.1-kilometer connecting road, the concrete bridge is being constructed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). The ambitious project is scheduled for completion within 48 months, aiming to seamlessly link Kean Svay and Lvea Aem districts in Kandal province.
Bridging Communities and Boosting Growth
At the inauguration event, So Victor, Secretary of State of the Cambodian Ministry of Public Works and Transport, highlighted the bridge’s pivotal role in the nation’s infrastructure development. “This bridge will significantly contribute to Cambodia’s economic growth and enhance our regional connectivity,” he remarked.
Echoing this sentiment, Wu Jinhai, Executive General Manager of CRBC’s Cambodia Office, emphasized the project’s importance in strengthening Cambodia-China relations. “This bridge is a fruit of our cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and stands as a new testament to the iron-clad friendship and diamond hexagon cooperation between our two countries,” he stated. Wu also affirmed CRBC’s commitment to promoting a green development approach, aiming to establish the bridge as a quality-based green model project.
Transforming Lives of Local Residents
The local communities are abuzz with anticipation. Residents express that the bridge will not only enhance travel efficiency but also save time and money, significantly improving their daily lives. “This bridge project is very important for common people as well as civil servants to travel and communicate with each other,” shared Sok Khna, a 53-year-old resident of Kean Svay district. “More importantly, people will be able to travel across the bridge free of charge, contributing to reducing poverty.”
Currently, crossing the river involves ferry services that are both time-consuming and costly—approximately half an hour per trip, costing $0.25 for motorcycles and $2.50 for cars. The new bridge promises to eliminate these barriers. “When this bridge is constructed, it will surely provide a lot of advantages to me and other passengers, facilitating our travel, reducing our expenses, and saving our time,” said 21-year-old resident Khat Vichara.
A Step Forward in Regional Connectivity
The bridge’s construction is a significant stride toward enhancing infrastructure within Cambodia and throughout the region. By easing transportation and fostering closer connections between districts, the project aligns with broader economic and social development goals. As underwater work begins, the nation watches in anticipation of the positive changes the bridge will bring.
The project not only symbolizes strengthening ties between Cambodia and China but also embodies a shared vision for sustainable development and regional prosperity.
Reference(s):
Chinese-built bridge project in Cambodia starts underwater work
cgtn.com
