The Japanese Friendship Bridge in Phnom Penh is set to receive a $29.4 million renovation courtesy of the Japanese government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday.
The bridge was built by Japan in the 1960s, and underwent a $23 million renovation in 1994.
The latest upgrade is part of a $200 million grant and loan package due to be signed on Monday by Foreign Affairs Minister Hor Namhong and Japanese Ambassador Yuji Kunamaru at a ceremony in Phnom Penh.
Japan is also loaning $152.5 million to Cambodia for the development of National Road 5, running from Kandal province to Pursat province. Unveiled in May, the project includes the widening of the road from 11 meters to 23 meters.
The package also includes a grant of $12.1 million for the “improvement of equipment for demining activities,” which brings the total amount of Japanese grants for demining in the country to more than $58 million since 1998.
