Background
Irrigation reservoir rehabilitation in the Tonle Sap basin focuses on seasonal water storage and controlled release to support wet-season rice cultivation and mixed cropping in adjacent lowland plains. Repairing embankments and hydraulic structures maintains storage capacity and enables managed transfers between reservoirs and canals to stabilise agricultural water supply.
The Suong 78 reservoir rehabilitation in Spean Tnaot commune, Chi Kraeng district, Siem Reap province had reached approximately 57% physical progress as of 16 May 2026. Planned works include repairing 3,800 metres of embankment and constructing five hydraulic structures, with a targeted completion in July 2026.
Key Developments
On 16 May 2026, Thang Viyuttha, Director of the Engineering Department, led MOWRAM technical staff to inspect progress on the Suong 78 (phase 3) repair works; he represented Minister Thao Cheth during the visit. The inspection report notes that the project will transfer water from the Mkak reservoir via the Chi Kraeng channel and the Spian Khiev canal to replenish storage in Suong 78.
Operational Implications
Upon completion, the rehabilitation will supply irrigation water to 1,120 hectares of wet-season rice, 2,235 hectares of saline-affected rice, and 30 hectares of mixed crops, and is expected to benefit about 1,739 farming households across 12 villages of Spean Tnaot commune. Contractors and site managers have been advised to prioritise equipment management and strict adherence to the project’s technical specifications to ensure durable construction quality.
Institutional Role
MOWRAM’s Engineering Department exercises technical oversight of dam and reservoir rehabilitation projects and issues operational guidance to on-site teams. During project inspections, the department typically reviews construction conformity with design documents and provides recommendations to strengthen construction quality and equipment efficiency.
Official Source
Source: Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM) Facebook post, 16 May 2026; project details reported by the department during an on-site inspection.
