Gov’t warns dry season, extreme weather coming

                             The government wants related authorities to conserve water. KT

The government has instructed relevant ministries and institutions to take action to conserve water to supply for daily use in the dry season and to cultivate dry-season rice only once, as Cambodia will experience extremely hot weather and the rainy season may also arrive late.

In a directive issued on Thursday, Prime Minister Hun Sen said that according to the forecast, it clearly shows that in 2019, Cambodia, as well as other countries in the region, have been severely affected by the El Nino phenomenon.

He noted that El Nino causes many negative factors such as extremely hot weather, late arrival of the rainy season, irregular rains and the Mekong river change until the water level has receded to the lowest level that has never happened before.

“Despite the El Nino phenomenon has gradually decreased its influence since July and while the reservoirs have kept almost 100% of the water throughout the country, water management and use issues are still considered a priority for rice cultivation at the end of the 2019-2020 rainy season, dry season and daily use until the rains come in the new year,” he said.

Mr Hun Sen urged the cultivation of 2019-2020 dry-season rice to cultivate only once, as although the water in the reservoirs and some water sources is normal, they should conserve the water for daily use and for growing crops in addition to rice crops.

“Relevant ministries, institutions and local authorities at all levels have to take action to conserve water to supply for daily use only until the raining situation is improved,” he added.

Rural Development Minister Ouk Rabun today issued a statement, instructing his subordinates to conduct regular checks on the wells and ponds in the communities and take immediate actions as necessary. Source from Khmertimes.