Cambodian PM allocates 150 mln USD for road construction in tourist town despite COVID-19 threat

The allocation was announced during a weekly Cabinet meeting.

Hun Sen said the COVID-19 could not stop the government from developing the nation, saying that constructing roads in Siem Reap provincial town is crucial to serve tourism in the post-pandemic era.

"Some 38 stretches of roads will be constructed in the town, and they will help improve living conditions for local people and help boost economic growth in the post-COVID-19 era," he wrote on his official Facebook page.

The prime minister said he will soon break ground for the road construction, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021.

Located in the country's northwestern part, Siem Reap is the home of the Angkor Archaeological Park, a world heritage site. The ancient park is the kingdom's most popular tourist hub, attracting 2.2 million foreign tourists in 2019.

Due to the impact of the COVID-19, the park has experienced a huge decline in the number of foreign tourists so far this year. According to the latest report, the park received 393,293 foreign visitors during the first eight months of 2020, down 74 percent over the same period last year.

The Southeast Asian nation has recorded a total of 274 confirmed COVID-19 cases to date, with 272 patients cured and two being hospitalized.