Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for greater attention to roadside tree planting, road maintenance and beautification as Cambodia continues to improve major highways and national roads.
Speaking at the inauguration of National Road No. 10 in Veal Veng district, Pursat province, on October 1, the Prime Minister said road development should go beyond improving transport and connectivity to also address road safety, environmental conditions and the appearance of major transport corridors.
The Royal Government is expanding the installation of solar-powered street lights while encouraging authorities to plant and maintain trees along major roads.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Hun Manet called for more roadside tree planting and maintenance.
The remarks were made during the inauguration of National Road No. 10 in Pursat province.
Solar street lights are planned for approximately 1,200 kilometres of national roads.
The original target was 1,000 kilometres.
The programme has a budget of about US$6 million.
The project covers 13 provinces and Phnom Penh.
The Prime Minister said road development should address transport, safety, landscaping and environmental improvement.
Authorities were encouraged to maintain trees and keep major roads clean and attractive.
Solar Street Lights to Cover 1,200 Kilometres
According to Hun Manet, solar-powered street lights will be installed along approximately 1,200 kilometres of national roads, exceeding the government's initial target of 1,000 kilometres.
The programme has a budget of around US$6 million.
The expansion means the solar lighting programme will cover an additional 200 kilometres beyond the original target.
The project currently covers 13 provinces and Phnom Penh, including:
Phnom Penh
Kandal
Kampong Chhnang
Battambang
Banteay Meanchey
Siem Reap
Kampong Cham
Kampong Speu
Takeo
Preah Sihanouk
Koh Kong
Kampot
Kep
Solar-powered lighting can provide illumination along road corridors without relying directly on conventional electricity connections, while supporting the government's broader effort to improve road environments.
Road Development to Include Safety and Landscaping
Hun Manet stressed that infrastructure development should not focus exclusively on the movement of vehicles and people.
He called for roadside landscaping, environmental improvement and public safety to be considered alongside transport infrastructure.
The Prime Minister encouraged relevant authorities to continue planting trees and ensuring that existing roadside greenery is properly maintained.
The approach is intended to make major roads safer, greener and more attractive.
Trees Seen as Part of Road Improvement
Tree planting along national and major roads can contribute to the visual improvement of transport corridors while creating greener roadside environments.
Hun Manet called for similar initiatives to be expanded along other major roads and national routes.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining clean and attractive surroundings rather than focusing only on construction and road surfaces.
The message places roadside maintenance and landscaping alongside physical infrastructure as part of the overall quality of Cambodia's transport network.
National Road No. 10 Highlights Connectivity Investment
The Prime Minister made the remarks during the inauguration of National Road No. 10 in Veal Veng district, Pursat province.
The road forms part of Cambodia's wider investment in national transport infrastructure, while the government's latest instructions indicate that future attention should also be given to the surroundings of major roads.
The combination of improved road infrastructure, solar lighting, trees and roadside maintenance is intended to improve the experience and safety of road users.
13 Provinces and Phnom Penh Covered by Solar Lighting Programme
| Area | Included |
|---|---|
| Solar lighting target | 1,200 km of national roads |
| Initial target | 1,000 km |
| Programme budget | About US$6 million |
| Geographic coverage | 13 provinces and Phnom Penh |
| Main objectives | Road safety, lighting, roadside improvement and beautification |
Infrastructure With a Broader Public-Space Role
The government's approach reflects a broader view of major roads as more than transport corridors.
National roads connect communities, commercial centres, tourism destinations and economic areas. Their surrounding environment can therefore affect road safety, public perception and the visual quality of important routes.
Solar lighting can improve visibility in areas covered by the programme, while tree planting and landscaping can contribute to greener road environments.
At the same time, these improvements require continued maintenance. Trees need to be protected and cared for, while lighting infrastructure needs ongoing operation and maintenance to remain effective.
Angkor Times Analysis
The expansion of solar street lighting from an initial 1,000-kilometre target to 1,200 kilometres indicates that the government is treating roadside lighting as part of the broader development of Cambodia's national road network.
The approximately US$6 million programme also combines infrastructure and energy considerations, with solar-powered lighting being deployed across 13 provinces and Phnom Penh.
The Prime Minister's emphasis on trees and roadside maintenance adds another dimension to road development. Rather than measuring road projects only by pavement quality, connectivity or travel time, the government is also highlighting the condition and appearance of the surrounding environment.
For Cambodia's major transport corridors, consistent maintenance will be important to preserve these improvements over time. Tree planting, landscaping and lighting can contribute to safer and more attractive roads, but their long-term value depends on regular maintenance and effective local management.
The source does not provide detailed information on the specific locations of the 1,200 kilometres, the number of solar lights to be installed, construction timelines or projected reductions in road accidents. Those details would be needed to assess the programme's measurable safety impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kilometres of national roads will receive solar street lights?
The government plans to install solar-powered street lights along approximately 1,200 kilometres of national roads.
What was the original target?
The initial target was 1,000 kilometres, which has now been expanded to 1,200 kilometres.
How much is being spent on the solar lighting programme?
The programme has a budget of approximately US$6 million, according to the Prime Minister.
Where will the solar lighting programme be implemented?
It covers 13 provinces and Phnom Penh, including Kandal, Kampong Chhnang, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Kampong Speu, Takeo, Preah Sihanouk, Koh Kong, Kampot and Kep.
Why is the government promoting roadside tree planting?
The Prime Minister said tree planting and maintenance can help improve the environment and appearance of major roads while contributing to greener transport corridors.
What did the Prime Minister say about road infrastructure?
Hun Manet said road development should not focus solely on transport and connectivity. Roadside landscaping, environmental improvement and public safety should also be considered.