2 New Bridges Funded by China to Open Next Month

2010-03-15
Xinhua
Web Editor: Qin Mei

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen announced Monday that two new bridges funded by China will be opened next month just before the country's New Year.

He said Prek Kdam Bridge will be opened for public use on April 10, while Prek Tamaek Bridge will be opened for five days starting from April 12 through 17 for country's New Year.

Prek Kdam Bridge with 981 meters long and 13.5 meters wide is built across Tonle Sap Lake, while Prek Tamaek Bridge with 1,605 meters long and 13.5 meters wide is built across Mekong River.

Hun Sen said the first bridge will be opened for public use starting from April 10 at 7:00 am, but official ceremony will be held later, while the second bridge will only be opened for short term temporary, saying it is not yet completed, but necessary to help facilitate the huge flow of Cambodians traveling across the country during the country's New Year which will fall on April 14- 16.

The two bridges funded by China cost 28 million U.S. dollars and 43.5 million dollars respectively.

The construction works of the two bridges began in 2007 after the fund made available through Chinese aid.

Prime Minister Hun Sen, in many occasions, highlighted the significance and priority of infrastructure improvement in the country and expressed his gratefulness to various donor countries, especially, China that has provided huge financial assistance for this particular sector.