Background
The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM) conducts technical inspections and evaluations of irrigation canal restoration projects to monitor construction quality and schedule adherence. Such inspections are a core institutional function that links central engineering oversight to provincial implementation of water-management infrastructure.
Restoration projects in Kampong Thom are designed to provide controlled irrigation for specified agricultural areas, including projects that target 1,560 hectares of wet-season rice and benefits for more than 1,170 farming households. These canal rehabilitation works include physical rehabilitation of channel lengths, construction of auxiliary civil structures, and phased delivery to improve seasonal water distribution.
Key Developments
MOWRAM’s deputy director for technical affairs led a field mission on 18 May 2026 to inspect three irrigation restoration projects in Baray and Stoeng districts of Kampong Thom province. The principal project, Me Bantay Stoeng, involves rehabilitation of approximately 6,000 metres of main canal and construction of 23 civil structures, with reported completion of about 95%; it is intended to irrigate 1,560 hectares of wet-season rice, 775 hectares of dry-season rice, and support 1,170 households across five villages in Bantay Stoeng commune.
The second project, the Rong Bantay Stoeng restoration (phase 2), covers roughly 4,200 metres of canal and eight civil structures, with reported progress near 75%; it is planned to serve about 1,150 hectares of wet-season rice, 65 hectares of dry-season rice, and 647 households in three villages of Bantay Stoeng commune.
The third inspected site, the Ta Hao restoration (phase 2), includes about 3,000 metres of canal and three civil structures and has reached about 80% completion; this project is designed to supply irrigation to 879 hectares of wet-season rice and 2,242 hectares of dry-season rice, benefiting 647 households across eight villages in Beung and Chong Duong communes.
Operational Implications
MOWRAM officials emphasized adherence to technical standards and construction safety to secure long-term functionality and structural integrity of rehabilitated canals. The deputy director urged engineering teams to maintain construction quality and to accelerate work where required so projects meet planned timelines while ensuring aesthetic and safety requirements for civil works.
Completion of these canals is intended to strengthen seasonal water control and agricultural resilience in the targeted communes by restoring conveyance capacity and associated irrigation structures.
