A significant milestone was reached on Friday as the Chinese-built bridge project across the Mekong River in Cambodia commenced underwater construction in Phnom Penh's southeastern sector.
The ambitious project features a 1.6-kilometer-long concrete bridge complemented by a 2.1-kilometer connecting road, both being developed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). The construction is slated for completion within the next 48 months.
So Victor, Secretary of State of the Cambodian Ministry of Public Works and Transport, highlighted the bridge's role in enhancing Cambodia's infrastructure, promoting economic growth, and improving regional connectivity during the event.
Wu Jinhai, Executive General Manager of CRBC Cambodia Office, emphasized that this project exemplifies the strong Cambodia-China cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He assured that CRBC is committed to a green development approach, aiming to create a quality-based green model project.
The bridge will connect Kean Svay and Lvea Aem districts in Kandal province, a development welcomed by local residents. Sok Khna, a 53-year-old resident of Kean Svay, expressed enthusiasm, noting that the bridge will facilitate free travel, reduce poverty, and make daily commutes more efficient by eliminating the current reliance on ferries.
Currently, ferry services cost 1,000 riel ($0.25) for motorcycles and 10,000 riel ($2.5) for cars, with a crossing time of about half an hour. Khat Vichara, a 21-year-old local, echoed these sentiments, anticipating that the bridge will significantly lower travel expenses and save valuable time for residents.
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Chinese-built bridge project in Cambodia starts underwater work
cgtn.com
