Kampong Chhnang (02-May-2012) – Life With Dignity (LWD) today inaugurated two irrigation systems worth $150,105 in Tuek Phos district of Kampong Chhnang province.
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The two systems—Boeng Chhlaing Irrigation Project which included the construction of a new water gate, restoration of a old canal and a dam, and Kandaol Chrum Irrigation Project which comprised a spillway and a dike—were designed to address the urgent needs of the farmers for water to irrigate their rice fields. They also focus on linkages between development, DRR and climate change adaptation.
The two projects were built under the financial support from FinnChurchAid (FCA) with some contributions from the local communities and implemented by LWD.
In his opening speech, Executive Director of LWD Dr Sam Inn said that climate change and global warming are major concern and challenges of the people across the world.
“We must be prepared for and adapt to the changing climate,” he said, adding that that was the cause LWD put more effort in designing many projects, including community-based disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, and so on.
He also requested that the community actively participate in maintaining the irrigation systems for sustainable use.
“Please, think that we borrow these irrigation systems from our children of the next generation, so we have to use and maintain them properly,” he said.
Ms Anu Riikonen, FCA Regional Representative said to assure continuation of food production activities in changing climatic conditions people need to adapt and adopt new innovative methods and resources.
“The spillways provide accessibility for communities, especially women and vulnerable households, to have enough water for their crops and agricultural activities for all seasons as well as contributing to improving the livelihoods of the community,” she said.
“These projects would not have been possible without committed and skillful staff of LWD, strong technical support and involvement of the Provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology and the local authorities,” she said.
Her Excellency Dork Sothea, Deputy Governor of Kampong Chhnang, expressed her deep thanks to FCA and LWD for their contribution to help the people in rural areas of Kampong Chhnang province.
In his speech, H.E. Sao Chivoan, Secretary of State for MRD, deeply thanked and highly appreciated the contribution from FCA and the great effort of LWD with strong corporation with all local authorities at all levels to establish many achievements to improve the livelihood of poor people in its all target areas.
Boeng Chhlaing Irrigation System locates in Prey Chrao village, Kbal Tuek commune of Tuek Phos district in Kampong Chhnang province. The project cost US$58,904.05, of which US$3,000 in kind was contributed by the community. It can irrigate 150 hectares of rice fields of 210 households.
Kandaol Chrum Irrigation System locates in Srae Uk village, Tang Krasang commune of Tuek Phos. The project cost US$ 91,201, of which US$ 88,701 was funded by FCA and US$ 2,500 was contributed by the local community. It can irrigate around 1,358 hectares of land, or 38% of the total rice fields in 30 villages of 6 communes in both districts of RolearPha-ea and TuekPhos and it directly benefited around 4,537 households.
For more information, please contact:
LEAK Ratna (Mr.)
Communications Coordinator, LWD
E-mail: ratna@lwd.org.kh
Tel: 012 819 121