Component 3: Infrastructure
25. The project provided funds for the construction and maintenance of rural
infrastructure, such as rural roads and water supply systems. Up until 2004, the
Provincial Departments of Rural Development managed these activities. In 2005
and 2006, each commune in the target districts received a contribution to their
Commune/Sangkat fund provided through the project‟s Rural Infrastructure
Investment Fund.
26. The project reached its targets in terms of roads constructed or rehabilitated with a
total of 354.6 km. During the project, 765 drinking water points were constructed
according to Seila standards: shallow wells, deep well, ponds, etc. In addition,
seven irrigation schemes were built in the provinces of Kampot and Kampong
Thom. The irrigations schemes in Kampot covered 400 ha in both seasons (wet and
dry). In Kampong Thom they covered 750 ha in the wet season and 70 ha in the
dry season. All schemes constructed in both provinces have a farmer water user
committee (FWUC) responsible for O&M and water distribution.
27. For other infrastructure activities, local technical committees (LTCs) were elected
at the planning stage. These groups were trained by staff at the Provincial
Department of Rural Development, and were involved in implementation,
monitoring, and maintenance of the physical structures for effective and
sustainable use.
28. More than 75 per cent of LTCs were reported to be meeting regularly. However,
less than 50 per cent functioned properly in terms of having and following a written
set of statutes, managing their finances, keeping records, etc.18 Seventy five per
cent of wells were properly maintained, but only about 40 per cent of roads
function all year round.