Phnom Penh: The Cambodia National Mekong Committee (CNMC) has announced that Cambodia is working with expert institutions to assess the feasibility of meeting the Mekong River Commission (MRC)'s request for additional documentation related to the Funan Techo Canal project.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the CNMC released a statement this afternoon recalling that Cambodia formally notified the MRC Secretariat of the Funan Techo Canal project proposal on August 8, 2023. The notification included the official Format of Notification and relevant project documents, in accordance with MRC procedures on notification, prior consultation, and agreement.
Following a recent request from the MRC Secretariat for further information, the CNMC confirmed that it is collaborating with Cambodian expert institutions to evaluate how best to respond.
The Funan Techo Canal project, which officially broke ground on August 5, 2024, under the presidency of Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, enjoys support from the Cambodian public. The project is expected to be completed by 2028.
Once completed, the 180-kilometre canal will feature an upstream width of 100 metres, a downstream width of 80 metres, and a total depth of 5.4 metres, allowing for two-way navigation. It will connect Prek Takeo on the Mekong River to the sea in Kep province, passing through Kandal, Takeo, Kampot, and Kep-benefiting approximately 1.6 million people living along its route.