On 13 March 2026, Bun Hean, Secretary of State and project director at the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, led a technical team to inspect sites designated for mine, unexploded ordnance, and war-remnant clearance under the Stung Svahab water resources development project in Kampong Speu province. He acted as representative of Minister Thor Chetha.
Background
The inspection concerned preparatory works for the Stung Svahab water resources development project, located in Chamkar Bok commune, Phnom Sruoch district, Kampong Speu province, about 120 kilometers from Phnom Penh. According to the ministry, the reservoir is designed with storage capacity of more than 153 million cubic meters.
Key Project Details
During the visit, the ministry identified four priority target areas for clearance by the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, Mine and Explosive Remnants of War Clearance (NPMEC):
1) working and accommodation areas for technical staff and workers;
2) the site for quarrying stone to build the dam;
3) the dam construction site and related waterworks structures; and
4) the reservoir area.
The ministry stated that the project is currently in the contractor selection stage and is expected to officially break ground at the end of April 2026.
Project Significance
According to MOWRAM, once completed, the Stung Svahab reservoir is expected to help reduce downstream flooding and supply water for agriculture, industry, livestock raising, use as a clean water source, and other multi-sector purposes in the area.
Official Source
Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM) Facebook post dated 13 March 2026.
