The expansion of Siem Reap International Airport could be delayed a month because archaeological excavations on the land to become a new runway are taking longer than planned, archaeologists said Monday.
An agreement signed between the developer, Societe Concessionnaire de l’Aeroport, or SCA, and the government specifies the land must be excavated before any concrete structures are built. SCA plans to expand the airport’s current runway, terminal and hangars. The airport hosts 14 airlines and is projected to see more than half a million visitors this year.
“Most of the land in Siem Reap has to be excavated before any concrete building can be put on the land,” said Apsara Authority archaeologist An Sopheap. Any artifacts not uncovered will be unrecoverable after development begins, he said.
SCA representatives could not be reached for comment Monday.
The excavation has been delayed because of heavy rains the last two weeks, An Sopheap said. He estimated the project would be finished in about 45 days.
Siem Reap Governor Chap Nhalyvud said he could not comment on the excavation because he hadn’t received reports from the Apsara Authority.
Stone hatchets, animal bones, arrowheads and other artifacts have been found at the site.
“[The artifacts] will tell us about people’s ways of living and traditional culture in the past,” An Sopheap said. He said archaeologists are focusing on three areas within the airport compound: A temple area, an area where people gathered, and an ancient pond.
If archaeologists find any foundations from ancient temples, they will be fenced off and preserved within the grounds, said Bun Narith, Apsara Authority president. He said the artifacts will be sent to the Angkor Conservation warehouse in Siem Reap. The best preserved finds will be displayed in a national museum to be built in Siem Reap town.
An Sopheap said Apsara Authority is also working on a proposal for a laboratory to examine the excavated artifacts.
