Background
The APSARA National Authority announced the completion of restoration works on two ancient canals in Don Kaew Commune, Puok District, under the Angkor Water Resilience Project (AWR). According to the announcement, the project has been implemented over the past two years in cooperation with New Zealand and focuses on effective and sustainable water management in the Angkor area in response to climate and socio-economic pressures.
The two restored ancient canals have a combined length of 4,390 metres and are located within Don Kaew Commune.
Scope of Application
The restoration works apply to two ancient canal lines and associated hydraulic structures in Don Kaew Commune, Puok District. The announcement states that the project directly benefits residents in villages including Kok Tnot, Prasat Chas, and Lbeuk, while indirect benefits extend to other villages such as Nokor Krau, Kok Beng, Kok Po, Rohaul, Peam, and Ta Snae.
The project concerns canal conservation, local water retention, flood drainage, agricultural water use, and village transport access along canal embankments.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The APSARA National Authority stated that restoration of the two ancient canals has been fully completed. The works are described as contributing to the conservation of ancient water canals and the cultural landscape, while also serving as a drainage system for floodwaters from the Angkor area and Siem Reap city and helping discharge rainwater from residential areas.
In addition to canal rehabilitation, the AWR project constructed several hydraulic structures along the canals, including four new water gates, one spillway, and repairs to canal embankments extending 1,000 metres.
The announcement also states that the restored canals support water storage for irrigation of rice fields and crops, provide fishing benefits, and create earthen routes along both embankments for local travel and transport of agricultural produce.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
This item records the completion of a public water management and heritage conservation project with local infrastructure functions in Puok District. It is relevant as a reference point for water management works in the Angkor area, including canal rehabilitation, embankment repair, and hydraulic structure installation linked to heritage landscape conservation and agricultural support.
The announcement does not set out new regulatory obligations, compliance requirements, or approval procedures for businesses or investors.
Official Source
Source: Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, reporting on the APSARA National Authority’s Angkor Water Resilience Project (AWR), published 26 March 2026.
