Phnom Penh, Cambodia— Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has made a strong appeal to government institutions and local authorities to elevate construction standards and prioritize safety in infrastructure development across the kingdom.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the two-story Morodok Techo Flyover in the Kbal Thnal area of Phnom Penh on Monday morning, the prime minister highlighted the pressing need to prepare for natural disasters, including earthquakes, despite Cambodia not being in a high-risk seismic zone.
Hun Manet stressed that even slight tremors, like those recently felt in Cambodia following an earthquake in Myanmar, are reminders that the country must not be complacent when it comes to construction safety.
“Cambodia may not be in a major earthquake zone, but we must remain vigilant. Infrastructure must meet higher technical standards to mitigate potential risks,” the Prime Minister said.
Private and Public Sectors Must Prioritize Safety Over Profit
The premier called on the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, the National Committee for Disaster Management, and other state bodies to strengthen cooperation. He emphasized that both public and private infrastructure projects should adhere to strict technical and safety standards.
“Following the earthquakes in Southeast Asia, I urge every stakeholder to enhance technical requirements in both state-run and private construction projects,” Hun Manet added.
He pointed out that compromising on quality for short-term profit is dangerous and unacceptable. “The private sector must collaborate with the government. Cutting corners for profit must never come at the expense of public safety,” he stressed.
Hun Manet emphasized the importance of preventative action, noting that Cambodia must avoid learning lessons only after tragedy strikes. “Now is the time to act,” he said.
Focus on Older Buildings in Urban Areas
Addressing concerns about older structures in the capital, the Prime Minister directed Phnom Penh Municipal Hall to inspect and resolve issues related to aging and potentially hazardous buildings.
He stated that as the country continues to modernize, authorities must be proactive in ensuring all infrastructure—new or old—is resilient and safe for residents.
The newly inaugurated Morodok Techo Flyover stands as a symbol of Cambodia’s infrastructure growth. However, Hun Manet reminded officials and developers that it must also represent the highest level of safety and engineering integrity.
In closing, the Prime Minister called for collective accountability across ministries, local administrations, and construction firms to ensure that Cambodia’s development does not outpace its commitment to safety and quality.
With this push from the nation’s leader, Cambodia enters a new chapter of responsible infrastructure planning—where every building, bridge, and flyover is built to last and built to protect.