Community-Funded Road Officially Opens in Sambour, Siem Reap

A new 660-metre concrete road funded through contributions from Cambodian and international donors was officially inaugurated in Sambour Commune, Siem Reap City, on the morning of July 16, 2026.

The opening marks the completion of the Sambour road construction project first shared by IPS Cambodia in June, when the initiative became the next stage of the area’s community-led transformation.

The six-metre-wide road runs through Takong Village in Sambour Commune, bordering Krous Village in Svay Dangkum Commune and Roka Thom Village in Sra Ngae Commune.

Built at a cost of more than US$120,000, the project includes drainage systems along both sides of the road and solar-powered streetlights. These improvements will make everyday travel safer and easier while contributing to a cleaner and better-connected neighbourhood.

The new road forms part of a wider community effort that began with the Green Commune Waste Program in Sambour and neighbouring Sra Ngae.

Supported by IPS Cambodia, its clients and community partners, the program introduced free weekly waste collection for approximately 200 households. It also helped raise awareness among residents about the health and environmental effects of burning rubbish and improperly dumping waste.

From there, the community’s efforts expanded beyond waste management. Residents, property owners and supporters began working together to improve local roads and other essential infrastructure.

The completed concrete road is now one of the most significant results of that wider vision.

A Road Built Through Collective Support

The project was funded through donations from Cambodians and international residents, coordinated through the Sambour Commune Administration.

Its completion shows what can be achieved when local authorities, residents and supporters work together toward a shared goal. The donations delivered an important piece of infrastructure, but the impact extends beyond the road itself.

For families living in the surrounding villages, the road provides more reliable access throughout the year. It will be particularly valuable for children and students travelling to school, as well as residents commuting to work, visiting local businesses or accessing essential services.

Drainage systems on both sides of the road will help manage rainwater during the wet season, while solar-powered streetlights will improve visibility and safety after dark.

From an Unpaved Road to Easier Daily Travel

David Granger, Director of IPS Siem Reap and representative of the international donors, said contributing to the construction of the road had been one of his greatest wishes, as he wanted to see the village transformed.

He highlighted the difference the completed road would make for local residents, particularly children and students, who can now travel through the area much more easily than before.

David also credited the project’s success to the unity and generosity of the Cambodian and international communities. Their combined support did more than finance the construction of a road. It brought people together around a shared vision for the future of the neighbourhood and renewed confidence in what the community could achieve together.

A Milestone for Sambour and Its Neighbouring Communities

The inauguration brought together government representatives, commune officials, residents, donors and project supporters to celebrate the road’s completion.

Its location strengthens access between Takong Village and the neighbouring communities of Krous and Roka Thom. As these areas continue to grow, better roads, drainage and lighting will help create a safer, more accessible and more attractive living environment.

What was previously an unpaved route has now become reliable infrastructure that local families can use every day.

Supporting Sambour’s Continued Growth

The road opening is not separate from the earlier Green Commune initiative. It is part of the same continuing story.

The first stage focused on cleaner streets, responsible waste collection and healthier surroundings. The next expanded into better access, drainage and public infrastructure. Together, these initiatives show how one successful community effort can create momentum for further improvements.

The completed 660-metre road now stands as both a practical improvement and an example of what Cambodian and international communities can accomplish through cooperation.

From cleaner neighbourhoods to improved roads, drainage and solar lighting, Sambour’s transformation continues to be shaped by the people who live there and those who have chosen to support its future.