Background
On 9 March 2026, H.E. Chea Bunrith, Secretary of State and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM), led a technical inspection of the Tonle Sap barrage construction site located in Preaek Ta Sek village, Chroy Changvar district, Phnom Penh. The inspection included representatives from the Phnom Penh Water Resources and Meteorology Department, local authorities, and the private sector involved in the project. This mission aimed to review compliance with water resource management laws and technical standards.
Scope of Application
The inspection concerns the construction of a 220-meter-long Tonle Sap barrage by a private investor. The project is located within Phnom Penh’s administrative boundaries and relates to water resource and basin management regulated under Cambodian law, specifically the Law on Water Resource Management and the Sub-decree on Basin Management. These laws require prior technical agreement from MOWRAM for such infrastructural works affecting rivers, streams, ports, or riverbank constructions.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The construction has achieved approximately 8% completion and previously obtained conceptual agreement from Phnom Penh administration on 3 December 2025. However, it lacks formal technical approval from MOWRAM. The Secretary of State emphasized adherence to Article 12 of the Law on Water Resource Management, which mandates technical approval for any construction affecting water bodies. Article 8 of the Sub-decree on Basin Management further prescribes specific land management rules for river basin areas within Phnom Penh that must be followed.
MOWRAM’s working group also requested the local administration to provide systematic land registry maps of the area to verify land ownership and ensure coordination in managing water body infrastructure.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
Investors and construction stakeholders in water resource projects must secure formal technical approvals from MOWRAM before continuing construction to remain compliant with relevant water management laws. Failure to obtain required permits can delay project progress and impact the management of water resources in Phnom Penh. Local administrations are also implicated in supporting legal compliance through mapping and coordination.
Official Source
Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, Facebook post dated 9 March 2026: https://www.facebook.com/mowramcambodia/posts/pfbid02nw9RPxD2N5q2URVRjXWWAH8AfymvDVzVLRqrZuKjHft9cUcR42Re5nPEnREPy29el
