A new ferry has been introduced to facilitate the transport of residents and students in Kampong Thom province’s Prasat Sambor district and is scheduled to begin operation soon.

Following the tragic drowning of a student due to an overloaded boat in Chhouk commune in June, Prime Minister Hun Manet provided the vessel to ensure safer transportation.

The ferry is now ready for use, as announced by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport on August 7.

The vessel measures 18.5m in length and 3.60m in width and operates using a car engine. It has a maximum capacity of 13.5 tonnes, which allows it to carry a family car, motorcycles and 35 passengers, according to the provincial transport department.

A team from the department also inspected the technical specifications of the craft on July 9.

“The provision of the ferry aims to facilitate the safe transportation of people, particularly students,” said Phorn Rim, spokesman for the ministry.

Prasat Sambor district governor Khim Sok Kheang noted that students often rely on small boats for travel, which can be dangerous.

“People use small boats, and there is a concern for their safety, so [the prime minister] provided the ferry,” he said.

“It has not yet been handed over to the community for use, but it will be soon. We hurried to complete it and will give it to the community shortly,” he added.

He said that once operational, the vessel will facilitate travel for residents in Chhouk and Sroeung communes.

A team from the Ministry of Mines and Energy also inspected several ports in Prasat Sambor and Sandan districts on August 6 to assess the need for additional ferries for residents.

Ung Dipola, spokesman for the ministry, who also inspected the ports, could not be reached for comment on August 7.