Hun Sen orders Battambang’s 100 year-old bridge be preserved
The 100 year-old bridge, which spans across the Sangke River and directly faces the front gate of Battambang provincial hall, was built in 1916. Photo by Pann Bony
- Romdoul Chetra
- December 26, 2019 11:28 AM
Phnom Penh – The 100 year-old bridge in Battambang provincial town must be preserved and restored, Prime Minister Hun Sen said Thursday, following speculation that the colony-era bridge might be torn down due to safety reason.
“There has been news that we will demolish the French colonial era bridge in Battambang province. I wish to re-affirm that all buildings which are older than 50 years will be protected,” Hun Sen said during a graduation ceremony Thursday.
The bridge in question, which spans across the Sangke River and directly faces the front gate of Battambang provincial hall, was built in 1916. The provincial authority has recently decided to close it permanently due to the deterioration of its structure.
Prime Minister Hun Sen said the provincial authority must renovate the bridge to be preserved as a national heritage. Meanwhile, he added, a new bridge must be built as a substitute to facilitate traffic across the river.
