Phnom Penh: The APSARA National Authority (ANA) is currently engaged in a significant restoration project aimed at revitalising the eastern causeway of Beng Mealea Temple, which had suffered considerable damage. This endeavour has been ongoing for approximately ten months and is being funded by the Mekong-Lancang Special Cooperation Fund, the ANA said in a news release late last week.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Ms. Boeut Sopak, an ANA’s engineer, stated that the restoration team has successfully repaired various structural elements of the causeway, including pillars, beams, Naga balustrades, and Naga heads on both sides. They have also addressed a substantial portion of the collapsed causeway floor, she continued, pointing out that currently, efforts are focused on installing Naga heads on the southern side and repairing the damaged stones of the causeway.

In alignment with recommendations from ICC-Angkor experts, the restoration team is replacing eroded soil with laterite, a material believed to enhance the stability and longevity of the structure, particularly in areas affected by water runoff. According to ANA, the restoration project is organised into four main phases – Preparing the floor and installing Naga balustrades, Repairing the laterite stone of the causeway, Restoring the floor stones, and Repairing coping and stonework.

Beyond preserving this vital piece of Khmer heritage, the project has also provided employment opportunities for local residents, fostering a sense of community involvement in heritage preservation. The restoration work on the eastern causeway began on July 20, 2024, and is projected to be completed by August 2025.