The Kampong Chhnang Provincial Administration has inaugurated the redeveloped river port in Chong Kaoh Development Zone in Kampong Chhnang town to better facilitate transport of people, goods and vehicles. Provincial hall spokesman Sron Sam Rithy told The Post on January 5 that the new port would improve traffic across the river in place of a planned bridge. People crossing Kampong Chhnang may now travel by ferry for 30 to 40 minutes, he said. The port was quite small previously but now can accommodate up to six ferries. “Having seen the difficulties of people using the port, the provincial administration made improvements, and it is now easy for passengers to disembark from a ferry. Previously, going ashore required ascending a steep slope,” Sam Rithy said. At the ceremony formally opening the new port, provincial governor Chhour Chandoeun explained that construction had begun in January 2017 with funding from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. He added that the new facility covered 6,523sqm but did not specify the budget for its construction. Chandoeun said the new port will improve the livelihoods of farmers and other residents in and around Chong Kaoh Development Zone, noting that the project was part of more extensive plans for developing the riverside throughout the province. “In the past, Kampong Chhnang province had a narrow port that caused difficulties for people travelling back and forth, especially when transporting produce and crossing with cars or motorcycles. This development will resolve all of those issues,” he said. Sam Chankea, the provincial coordinator for rights group Adhoc, lauded the upgrades, saying the new port would improve commerce and travel. Furthermore, the construction had not detrimentally impacted any local people. Chankea questioned whether or not the upgrades would allow ferries to dock lengthwise, but regardless, he said preparation of the new facility would benefit the prestige of the province while making it both more functional and attractive.