Background
Cambodia’s water resource system combines irrigation, flood management, drainage, and river-based infrastructure to support agriculture and rural livelihoods. The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology is responsible for water management and hydrometeorology, including the development and oversight of major hydraulic infrastructure.
Integrated water resource management projects in Cambodia are designed to balance multiple functions within one corridor, including water regulation, agricultural support, and flood control. Canal infrastructure can also serve broader economic planning by improving connectivity between inland waterways and coastal areas where logistics and industrial activities may expand.
Key Developments
On 9 April 2026, Chhea Bunrith, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, representing Minister Thor Chetha, joined Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol to inspect and verify the site for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Funan Techo Canal integrated water resource management project, Segment 2, in Troey Khlaok village, Doung Khpos commune, Borei Cholsar district, Takeo province.
According to the ministry, the groundbreaking ceremony for the project was scheduled for 11 April 2026 under the presidency of Prime Minister Hun Manet. MOWRAM stated that Segment 2 of the Funan Techo Canal has a total length of 151.6 kilometers, connecting Prek Pou on the Bassac River to the coast of Kep province.
Implications
The reported project positioning indicates that Segment 2 is being developed as part of a large-scale infrastructure corridor with both water management and economic functions. Based on the ministry’s description, the canal is expected to strengthen irrigation systems, support agricultural production, improve flood relief capacity, and contribute to water security for communities along the canal route.
The ministry also linked the project to future economic development through the potential creation of special economic zones and new satellite ports after construction. If implemented as described, the infrastructure would connect water governance objectives with wider planning for transport, coastal access, and regional development.
Official Source
Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM), Facebook post published on 9 April 2026: Official source.
