Wat Phnom due for restoration

PHNOM PENH municipality is finalising plans for a USD1 million restoration of Wat Phnom.
Phnom Penh Post reported the project would focus on combating hillside erosion while restoring structures.
City Hall spokesman, Long Dimanche, told the Phnom Penh Post that the eastern cornerstones were dilapidated, due to weather erosion and by the constant vibration caused by heavy traffic on nearby roads.
Like so many ancient monuments across the Mekong Region, heavy vehicle stress and erosion are the main culprits and in the past little was done to reverse the damage.
inside no 2Officials blamed the decline on the failure of preventative maintenance, or a lack of funding.
The project will be a joint effort between the city and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. Financing has still to be finalised and is possible that it may come in part or whole from donor funds or low-interest loans.
He estimated that the cost of renovating Wat Phnom would be around USD1 million adding the budget and timeline have yet to be finalised as talks continue on restoration techniques and funding .
Wat Phnom is a Buddhist temple located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It was constructed in 1373, and stands 27 metres tall, making it the highest religious structure in the city.

sourced:ttrweekly.com