Belt and Road Initiative—Cambodia: Our families will have a better future

Source:CCCCTime:2023-10-13

The Reconstruction and and Upgrading Proejct of Cambodia's National Road No.41 currently employs over 600 local worker. They have all learned and grown on the projects built by Chinese enterprise.

"Whatever my Chinese mentor taught me back then, that's exactly how I'm teaching my mentees now. I want to pass on these skills." said Sino, Assistant Director of the Laboratory for the Reconstruction and and Upgrading Proejct of Cambodia's National Road No.41, constructed by CCCC.
Looking at Sino, it's hard to imagine that he used to be a tool repairman in his village. Back then, his income was low and unstable, with monthly earnings barely covering the family's basic needs.
In 2013, Sino secured a job at the project constructed by CCCC. Under the careful guidance of his Chinese mentor, Sino continuously acquired professional knowledge and improved his skills. Gradually, he evolved from an engineering novice to a technical backbone.
In 2019, construction began on Cambodia's first expressway - the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway. Sino volunteered to participate. "After this road is completed, the journey from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville was reduced from over 5 hours to less than 2 hours, significantly lowering logistics costs, making travel more convenient for local residents. It's a road that propels Cambodia's economic development. Not every Cambodian construction worker has the opportunity to participate in such projects," Sino proudly said.
Over the past decade, Sino has been involved in the construction of six roads in his hometown. In his eyes, his most significant achievement is his professional growth. He has evolved from being an mentee to a mentor who has helped the project train many young technicians.
"CCCC changed my life. I've not only acquired a valuable skill, but I've also found love on the project," Sino explains. His wife currently works as a logistical manager on the project. Their house, which used to be a wooden shack, is now a spacious brick home. They've purchased new motorcycles and household appliances and have brought their parents and children to live with them. Their living conditions have dramatically transformed.
"In many parts of Cambodia, roads are incomplete, and travel is inconvenient for the people," says Sino. He hopes that all local employees will be as dedicated as him to learning skills from their Chinese mentors, making Cambodia's roads increasingly smooth and improving the lives of many.
The Reconstruction and and Upgrading Proejct of Cambodia's National Road No.41 currently employs over 600 local workers, with more than 30 veteran workers like Sino. They have all learned and grown on the projects built by Chinese enterprise, personally participating in and witnessing their hometown's vibrant development within the Belt and Road Initiative.
"We all believe that our hometown will get better, and the lives of our families will become increasingly beautiful," says Sino.

Editor: Road & Bridge International