Image credit- cambodia news english
A significant section of the almost completed National Road No. 10 in Cambodia’s Pursat province has suffered substantial damage due to relentless heavy rains. The affected stretch in the mountainous terrain between Bramoy and O’Som communes in the Veal Veng district has been temporarily closed after the road subsided and developed serious cracks.
According to Veal Veng district governor Theang Leng, the severe damage resulted from two weeks of persistent rainfall. Although still under construction by a Chinese investment company, the road was frequently used by locals and travelers until the closure on the night of July 25. Approximately 100 meters of the road has been compromised. He expressed hope that an alternative detour route would be established promptly once the weather conditions improved.
The construction of National Road No. 10, stretching over 198 kilometers, was reported to be nearly 90 percent complete by the end of June. The project, which commenced in December 2019, is scheduled for completion in June 2025. This crucial infrastructure project aims to connect Battambang province’s Samlot district with Pursat’s Veal Veng district and eventually link up with National Road 48 in Koh Kong’s provincial capital, Khemarak Phoumin.
The heavy rains that have battered the region have not been limited to Pursat province. Battambang province has also experienced significant flooding. Chan Sovuth, the secretary of state for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, inspected the flood damage in two districts on July 24.