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Cambodian PM hails China-sponsored dam "precious gift"
20 Feb 2019

 

The dam on the Stung Russei Chrum (Photo courtesy of China Huadian Lower Stung Russei Chrum Hydro-Electric Project Company)

 

The China-built Lower Stung Russei Chrum Hydropower Project, the largest hydroelectric project in Cambodia generating more than 5.2 billion kilowatt hours since 2013, was hailed as "a precious gift from Chinese people" by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, People's Daily reported on Feb. 18.

 

The Lower Stung Russei Chrum Hydropower Project will provide one billion kilowatt hours of electricity annually for Cambodia at a lower price after being put into use, Prime Minister Hun Sen announced at the completion ceremony, adding that the electricity price will be lowered year by year from 2015.

 

At present, Cambodian residents have easier access to low-priced electricity, paying only $0.16 per kilowatt hour, and an increasing number of families are willing to buy televisions, electric fans, air conditioners and other home appliances. Before that, the majority of Cambodians could not afford electricity, which was as expensive as $0.9 per kilowatt per hour, and blackouts were prevalent nationwide.

 

In addition, thousands of job opportunities were created thanks to the China-sponsored hydropower projects, and the low-priced electricity has contributed to the development of other sectors in Cambodia, including the textile industry, architecture, and manufacturing.

 

Source: People's Daily Online