The Mekong Times
July 6, 2008

The Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy has revealed plans to construct a 2,600 megawatt (MW) hydroelectric dam in the upper reaches of the Mekong River in Kratie province.  Environmental groups have appealed for in-depth studies and the consultation of local communities.

Environmental impact assessments are underway, the ministry’s secretary of state, Ith Praing, said.  “We hope that it should be workable.  The dam, known as Sambor Chhumreus, will be a historic achievement as the first big dam in Cambodia.”

Ith Praing said Sambor Chhumreus would help relieve Cambodia’s power shortages, with surplus power to be sold to neighboring countries.  “We think the project will attract investors and benefit the poor because they can gain access to low price electricity.”

The price of electricity in Cambodia is high, even compared to Thailand, Vietnam and Laos, a major reason foreign investors are reluctant to invest in the Kingdom.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hor Namhong last year claimed Cambodia had the potential to become the “battery of Asia, which would not only able supply its own country, but also foreign countries.”

Hydroelectric dams are the favored solution, with many planned projects attracting foreign investment.  But environmental concerns are rising.

Ngy San, a member of Cambodian Mekong River Alliance, welcomed the government’s planned hydroelectric dam, but asked that plans be examined carefully and project information shared with communities and NGOs before any final decision is made.

“[We want to] avoid negative effects on the environment and ecological system,” he said. “We are concerned is that the dam will pollute the water, inhibit fish migration, and block boat navigation.  They government has totake environmental sustainability and the life of communities into consideration.”

On June 13, 2008, the government approved a project for the construction of two dams on Tatai and Russey Chrum rivers which could generate 246 MW and 338 MW, respectively.  The Kingdom is also constructing Kamchay dam in Kampot province and Steung Atai dam located between Pursat and Koh Kong provinces.  The two dams could produce 193 MW and 120 MW, respectively.

Kem Sangha, director of the Sesan, Srepok, Sekong Rivers Protection Network, said that the hydroelectric dam projects’ economic benefits are outweighed by the damage caused to the environment and ecology.  “We do not oppose the government, “he said, “but we think that any development project that has not been carefully studied could result in [negative] effects in future.”