China-funded power transmission lines inaugurated in southern Cambodia

KANDAL, Cambodia - A China-funded power transmission system in the length of 100 km was inaugurated here on Thursday after four years of construction, officials said.

Cambodian Minister of Mines and Energy Suy Sem and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Bu Jianguo jointly unveiled the project.

According to a report by Keo Rattanak, director-general of Cambodia's state-owned Electricite du Cambodge, the project included two substations and a 230-kilovolt transmission line and a 115-kilovolt line, which stretch across southern Kandal Province, southwestern Kampong Speu Province and Phnom Penh capital.

The project was built by the China National Heavy Machinery Corporation at the cost of $83.4 million in which $75.9 million (or 91 percent) was a concessional loan from the Chinese government and the remaining amount was met by the Cambodian government, he said.

The transmission system has played a vital role in importing the electricity from generation sources such as hydropower plants and coal-fueled power plants, he said.

"This is a new achievement for Cambodia, the project will ensure the power supply with reliability, quality, stability and sustainability," he said.

Minister Suy Sem said the development of electricity sources and power grids was a key element for boosting economic growth and reducing poverty.

"I'd like to express my sincere thanks to the Chinese government for supporting Cambodia in the development of energy sector and for encouraging Chinese investors to invest in this sector," he said. "And I'm confident that the Chinese government will continue to support Cambodia in this sector."

Ambassador Bu said the power transmission lines would benefit tens of thousands of families in these provinces.

"As a good and true friend of Cambodia, China is very pleased to support Cambodia in developing economy and in improving people's living conditions," she said. "I believe that this project will contribute further to enhancing friendly relations between China and Cambodia."