KOH KONG: The China Huadian Lower Stung Russei Chrum Hydro-Electric station here in southwestern Cambodia has not only delivered reliable clean energy during periods of rising fuel prices, but also actively advanced corporate social responsibility through community support, officials and experts have said.
Put into commercial operation in July 2014, the 338-megawatt hydropower station, one of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) flagship projects, has supported local infrastructure development, biodiversity and environmental protection, talent localization, skills transfer, and community economic relief.
Phang Boeun, principal of Tiruomkheth Primary School in Koh Kong province's Khemarak Phoumin city, noted that the company invested significantly in local infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools, and anti-epidemic supplies.
"Our school received support from China Huadian, which included an artificial football pitch, a computer lab equipped with 23 standard computers, a library building, stationery for students, and scholarships for both students and teachers," he told Xinhua in a recent interview.
"I am thrilled to see the company contributing to Cambodia's growth, not only in the energy sector but also through vital physical infrastructure like roads and bridges," Boeun added.
He said the company's donation transformed the school by providing essential tools, promoting fitness, building digital literacy, and inspiring a love for reading.
"I'm very grateful to the company for supporting our school to meet the needs of our students, who number up to 1,601," he said.
Boeun said the company's close engagement with local communities has played a vital role in strengthening the fraternal bond between the people of Cambodia and China.
Koh Kong provincial deputy governor Chheng Sovanda said the hydropower station has made a major contribution to development and has helped secure energy security in Cambodia.
"This Chinese company's investment has boosted local economic and social development by supplying reliable electricity to industries, businesses, and residential communities alike," he said.
Sovanda noted that the hydropower station has supported community development by creating jobs, funding infrastructure, and donating educational supplies and scholarships.
"The Stung Russei Chrum hydropower station has significantly improved local infrastructure and education," he said.
"On behalf of the provincial administration and the governor, I express my profound gratitude to China for its diverse assistance. I firmly hope the relationship between our two countries will grow even stronger and remain long-lasting," he added.
Koh Kong Provincial Governor Chhy Va last month presented an "Outstanding Contribution Award for Community Integration" to You Yuansheng, general manager of China Huadian Lower Stung Russei Chrum Hydro-Electric station, praising the company for its active integration into community development and its positive contributions to promoting local education, youth, and sports through donations of materials and funds.
This was the third consecutive year that the hydropower plant has received this honor, reflecting the Koh Kong provincial government's recognition of the company's deep-rooted presence in the local community, its commitment to community integration, and its fulfillment of social responsibility.
The hydropower station is a core power source for Cambodia's grid.
While powering countless homes, the plant collaborates closely with the local community, regularly holding public open days that invite officials, educators, students, and residents to experience green energy firsthand.
"The China Huadian Lower Stung Russei Chrum Hydro-Electric station is not only a reliable energy provider, but also the best friend that actively integrates into the community and gives back to society," Chhy Va said.
Thong Mengdavid, deputy director at the China-Asean Studies Center of the Cambodia University of Technology and Science, said the hydropower plant provides more than economic and human capital investment; it has also built vital infrastructure in Koh Kong province and established local environmental frameworks.
"This hydropower project stands as a model for high standards, supporting environmental mitigation and improving the livelihoods of local communities," he told Xinhua. - Xinhua
