Villagers pin big hopes on little dam

In the past four years, families in Anlong Chrey village, in Kampong Speu provinces’s Thpong district, have watched a small multipurpose dam being built at their back doors. For village chief Soung Pao, 59, who gave up two hectares for the dam – one of three built as part of the Krang Ponley Water Resources Development Project – construction occurred in what literally used to be his backyard. … More than fours year on, the villagers, the majority of whom are farmers, are now receiving clean, free-flowing water that has helped double their output. … Funded by grants and loans through the Korean government’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund and built by Korean company KUMHO E&C, the $27 million Krang Ponley dams replaced outdated and unclean dams built in the Krang Ponley River basin during the Khmer Rouge era. … “We can boost our farming productivity and boost our profits by using this water and electricity here,” [village chief Soung Pao] said. … Exactly when that will happen is unclear. Although the 1,200 households promised electricity remained in waiting this week, Seth Soth, 48, a councillor from nearby Prambei Mom commune, said the project had been supplying tycoon Ly Yong Phat’s sugar plantation with power for the past six months. …

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/2013031361911/National/villagers-pin-big-hopes-on-little-dam.html