Background
On 16 March 2026, the Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, Thor Chetha, conducted an on-site inspection of the construction progress of riverbank protection structures along the Stung Sen River in Stung Sen City, Kampong Thom Province. The inspected works cover sections in Kampong Thom, Damrei Choan Khla, Kampong Roteh and Kampong Krabau sangkats of Stung Sen City. These works are part of a broader effort to improve hydraulic infrastructure for flood and drought management in the province.
The Stung Sen riverbank protection construction, with a total length of 2,545 metres, is a component of the Kampong Ko Irrigation System Development Sub‑project Phase 2 under the project on management and reduction of flood and drought risks in Kampong Thom Province. The project is financed by the Royal Government of Cambodia.
Scope of Application
The current riverbank protection works are divided into four segments along the Stung Sen River within Stung Sen City, Kampong Thom Province:
- Front of the Provincial Hall: 925 metres
- Old Market area: 578 metres
- Pouthi Bak area: 585 metres
- Kampong Krabau area: 457 metres
Beyond these sections, the Kampong Ko Irrigation System Development Sub‑project Phase 2 covers areas in Prasat Sambor District, Sandan District, Kampong Svay District, and Stung Sen City within Kampong Thom Province. Key physical works under the sub‑project include riverbank improvements, earthen dikes, earth canals and associated hydraulic structures across these jurisdictions.
Key Provisions or Decisions
As of early March 2026, the construction progress of the Stung Sen riverbank protection structures has reached approximately 11% completion. The works consist of four riverbank protection segments with a combined length of 2,545 metres, as part of the overall hydraulic infrastructure improvement programme in Kampong Thom Province.
During the inspection, the Minister underlined the importance of the Stung Sen riverbank improvement works not only for preventing riverbank collapse but also for contributing to the enhancement of the urban landscape of Stung Sen City. The Minister instructed the construction teams to:
- Maintain strict attention to construction quality in line with technical standards.
- Implement works rigorously in accordance with the approved technical norms.
- Accelerate implementation to achieve the planned schedule.
The broader Kampong Ko Irrigation System Development Sub‑project Phase 2 includes:
- Improvement of four Stung Sen riverbank segments with a total length of 2,545 metres.
- Construction of five earthen dikes with a total length of 2,855 metres.
- Excavation and improvement of 19 earth canals with a total length of 79 kilometres.
- Construction of 303 small and large hydraulic structures.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The inspected works represent ongoing public investment in water resources and flood and drought management infrastructure in Kampong Thom Province. The project is expected to strengthen riverbank stability along the Stung Sen River, reduce flood and erosion risks in urban and surrounding areas, and support the development of irrigation systems.
For local businesses and landholders along the affected river sections, the works may influence future land use and urban development patterns by stabilising riverbanks and improving the city’s physical environment. Contractors and engineering firms involved in similar public works can note MOWRAM’s emphasis on adherence to technical standards, construction quality, and timely implementation as key expectations for hydraulic infrastructure projects financed by the Royal Government of Cambodia.
Official Source
The information is based on an official announcement by the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM) dated 16 March 2026, published via its verified communication channel.
