PM Urges Compliance with Overloading Rules to Protect Roads
PM Urges Compliance with Overloading Rules to Protect Roads
Prime Minister Hun Manet has called on transport operators and citizens to respect traffic laws, particularly regulations on vehicle overloading, to help preserve road quality and ensure the long-term durability of the country’s infrastructure.
Mr Hun Manet made the remarks during the inauguration ceremony of National Road No. 7, the section from Skun Roundabout to Kizuna Bridge Roundabout in Kampong Cham province, which was upgraded with a concessional loan from the Chinese government.
He said:
Road maintenance and repairs are responsibilities that we must all undertake. There have been many challenges, and although we have implemented measures in the past, we are now working together to ensure effective control of overweight vehicles.
Especially after amending the law to increase the allowable weight limits for transport vehicles, we are calling on everyone to respect and comply with the regulations so that we can preserve and maintain our collective achievements for the long term, benefiting the people, local economies and communities along our roads.
This is an important issue because financial resources are limited while development needs are increasing. If we can maintain roads for a longer period, the funds that would otherwise be spent on repairs or reconstruction can instead be used for other infrastructure projects, such as building bridges, constructing concrete roads in communes and districts, or improving roads in other areas.
First, construction quality must meet proper standards to ensure durability. As the saying goes, “do not build asphalt roads with insufficient materials; construct them properly.”
Second, regular maintenance and strict enforcement of the law are essential.
Maintaining and repairing roads is not only the responsibility of the relevant ministries. Everyone plays a role by using roads responsibly and avoiding actions that contribute to their rapid deterioration.
When roads are damaged, transport companies also suffer higher costs as they spend more on vehicle repairs, delays and operational expenses. Businesses may only begin making profits after several years, but if roads deteriorate quickly, they will face additional costs that affect their long-term sustainability.
Therefore, cooperation from all parties is essential to protect and preserve public infrastructure, ensuring that roads serve communities and support economic development for many years to come.
-Khmer Times-
