Cambodia Examined Overloading Regulations

By Sok Lak

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have organized the Axle Load Control Symposium on July 4 which examined overloading regulations and how they are applied in Cambodia, Viet Nam and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

The Symposium introduced a draft master plan for axle load controls in Cambodia that incorporates systematic planning and implementation procedures.

H.E. Tram Iv Tek, Minister of Ministry of Public Works and Transport, said that axle overload control activities is very important issue for the good maintenance of reconstructed and rehabilitated road network that must effectively manage it in order to sustain the very expensive investment which Cambodia has made in the road infrastructure for the last twenty years.

“Truck overload control is the battle field against the destructors of road infrastructure and some of them have back up of powerful elites,” Excellency quoted Samdach Akak Mohasena Padey Techo’s speech.

He added that the fighting against the truck overload is very difficult, very dangerous, and very complex which require comprehensive strategic approaches, strong commitments and bravery.

 “The rural economy in Cambodia is becoming increasingly dependent on improved road networks yet provincial and rural roads continue to deteriorate because of a rapid increase in traffic including cargo vehicles carrying increasingly heavy loads,” said Shihiru Date, ADB Senior Transport Specialist.

Truck makers have been building wider and higher vehicles to reduce costs but the additional size and hefty loads they carry, including agricultural goods and construction materials, are causing substantial surface damage. The situation has been exacerbated by a rising amount of traffic in the Greater Mekong Subregion in recent years. Restoring quality roads is crucial for ensuring year-round access to markets and social services, especially for poor rural communities. 

 “We are working closely with the Government of Cambodia to minimize risks through the establishment of weigh stations along major roads,” said Mr. Date, adding that the goal was to expand the number of load control points at strategic locations along national and provincial routes.

ADB is also extending broader support for road asset management in Cambodia, with $1 million in assistance planned before the end of 2011. The funds will help the Ministry of Public Works and Transport carry out feasibility studies and develop a project design plan for 150 kilometers of roads in Prey Vang, Svay Rieng, Kampong Chhnang and Kampong Speu provinces which are earmarked for rehabilitation.  The studies will include geological, topographical, hydrological, and traffic surveys as well as environmental, social and poverty impact assessments and resettlement plans for households affected by road works.

At the same day, ADB and the Government of Australia are providing over $100 million to help rehabilitate the country’s national railroad stretching from Sihanoukville in the south, through the capital Phnom Penh and up to the northern border with Thailand. Hundreds of families are being asked to move to make way for the line upgrade and many complaints and requests have been made by affected households over compensation rates, compensation payment and assistance, the readiness and adequacy of relocation sites and other issues.

In 2010, ADB approvals, including co-financing, totaled $17.51 billion. In addition, ADB's ongoing Trade Finance Program supported $2.8 billion in trade.

Source: The Southeast Asia Weekly, July 10-16, 2011, Vol. 5, Issue 28, Page 5