Prime Minister Hun Manet yesterday called for acceleration of modernisation of Phnom Penh city with the latest technologies, modern and smart devices including security cameras, solar panels and automatic irrigation systems in public parks. He told the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration (PPMA) that the capital city must enhance the city’s beauty and attractiveness and aspire to be on par with other ASEAN cities.
Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the twin flyovers located at the intersection of Samdech Techo Hun Sen Boulevard and National Road No 2, on the border of Phnom Penh and Kandal province, which was attended by Khuong Sreng, Governor of Phnom Penh, Mr Hun Manet told the PPMA and relevant ministries to join forces with the private sector to accelerate the development of the city’s infrastructures to meet the demands of the citizens in line with the Phnom Penh Master Plan on Land Use 2035.
The Premier told PPMA to focus on promoting the execution of investment plans for drainage systems to redirect the water flow away from the living communities, protecting both their lives and businesses. “Safety is also a major concern to attract national and international tourists which require action on a regular basis,” he said.
The Premier further suggested clearing sidewalks in the city to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion aimed at decreasing travel expenses, promoting the use of bus services and reducing the environmental impact.
“During traffic congestion hours, PPMA must deploy police officers to facilitate travellers and transporters until it stabilises before withdrawing the forces,” he added.
Sam Piseth, Director of the Department of Public Works and Transports of PPMA said, “The construction of the twin flyover will cost about $16.2 million and it was built by the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) over the period of 12 months with a total length of 622 meters, connecting to the Techo International Airport (TIA).”
Speaking to Khmer Times, Kong Sophal, Deputy Director General of the General Department of Land Transport of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) said, “To successfully transform into a smart ASEAN city, relevant ministries and institutions need to team up and work together hence the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) selected the Ministry of Interior as the head of the project.”
“As a technician, I can tell that the smart ASEAN city is not a competition of becoming the best city in ASEAN communities but more on connecting and strengthening PP city economy with other cities across the ASEAN,” Sophal added.
