CMAC conduct a diving operation for Funan Techo Canal safety

The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) conduct a diving operation to look for unexploded ordnance (UXO) prior to the construction of the Funan Techo Canal.

Director General of CMAC Heng Ratana stated that, CMAC was assigned to deploy operational forces for the clearance unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other, remnants of war to ensure safety for the canal’s construction.

“Today, CMAC has received an assignment to deploy CMAC’s underwater and UXO experts to clear bombs, cluster munitions, UXOs and other remnants of war to provide safety for the construction of the Funan Techo Canal,” He added.

It should be mentioned that, The Funan Techo Canal project was announced in 2023 following 26 months of feasibility studies, and was launched on August 5, last year with scheduled completion in 2028.

It’s one of several large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the country’s logistics and economic capabilities.

The Funan Techo Canal stretches 180 kilometres, starting from Prek Takeo of the Mekong River, passing through Prek Ta Ek of the Bassac River, then into Prek Ta Hing of the Bassac River in Koh Thom district, and extending to Kep province. This waterway traverses Kandal, Takeo, Kampot, and Kep provinces, with a population of 1.6 million people living along its banks.

Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony of the canal construction, Prime Minister Hun Manet said that the canal will also become an effective water control system, which will open more potential for areas along the waterways, including the Greater Mekong, the Lower Mekong, and the Bassac River, which will bring development opportunities, especially in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and real estate.