Background
The Ou Yay Hok restoration (phase 2) is a water infrastructure intervention that restores a 2,470-metre channel and constructs seven hydraulic structures to support local irrigation and flood routing in Talou commune, Talou Sen Chey district, Pursat province. MOWRAM reported that physical progress on phase 2 of the Ou Yay Hok restoration project reached approximately 55% as of 9 May 2026.
The project draws water from an upstream watershed system and from the Svay Don Kaev channel to deliver irrigation and to route rainwater runoff from the Krawanh mountain range into downstream channels. When fully operational, the restored channel and structures are designed to serve irrigated wet-season rice (1,481 hectares), dry-season paddy (900 hectares) and 20 hectares of mixed crops while providing daily water-use benefits to about 2,042 households across six villages in Talou commune.
Key Developments
On 9 May 2026 the department-level engineering delegation led an on-site inspection of construction progress for phase 2 of the Ou Yay Hok works. Site reporting by MOWRAM lists the main civil works as channel restoration of roughly 2.47 kilometres and installation of seven engineered structures, with cumulative work completion recorded at about 55 percent at the time of inspection.
Institutional Role
The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM) is the executing agency responsible for engineering oversight and technical standards for the Ou Yay Hok restoration. MOWRAM senior engineers instructed the construction team to prioritise equipment management and strict compliance with the project’s technical specifications to safeguard structural quality and longevity.
Operational Implications
Restoring the Ou Yay Hok channel and associated hydraulic works is intended to increase irrigated area and to provide a controlled route for excess rainwater, which affects local market centres in Talou. Effective long-term operation will depend on continued adherence to construction specifications, regular maintenance of hydraulic structures, and efficient use of mechanical equipment during remaining works and handover.
Source: MOWRAM Facebook post, 9 May 2026 (MOWRAM official channels).
