Airport toll road goes back to city

[geovalin]

Pech Sotheary

Prime Minister Hun Sen has ordered Phnom Penh City Hall to cancel its contract with the private operator running the toll road that leads to the capital’s airport on Street 2004 as well as one on Street 371, a statement has confirmed.

According to an announcement dated May 31, the premier ordered that the build-operate-transfer scheme with the Sorla Investment Group be ceased due to increased traffic on both roads. The order went into effect yesterday.

“Phnom Penh Municipal Hall will be responsible for managing and altering these roads,” the statement reads.

Previously, a toll of 1,100 riel, or about $0.27, was required of all vehicles on Street 2004, while only trucks had to pay a service fee on Street 371. The money went toward maintaining the road and the sewage system beneath it.

However, San Chey, a representative of the Affiliated Network for Social Accountability in East Asia and the Pacific, aired concern over possible flooding on Street 2004 during the wet season if the state does an insufficient job. “The obstacle is the sewage system, since the investment company takes care of [it] faster than the state can,” he said.

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/airport-toll-road-goes-back-city