Site Visit to Kep Pilot Area

Attendance: Seng Theary (CSD), Im Sophea (CSD), Hak Sokleap (Kep Radio Manager, CSD), Kim Dara (Kep Pilot Coordinator, CSD), Grant Helling (Gateway Communications), Rattanak (Gateway Communications), Che Viseth (Network Solutions), Seiha (Royal University of Agriculture intern), Nara (Royal University of Agriculture intern), Chea Sok Hour, and Zarah Almeida

The objectives of the activity was to do a site survey that will help both Gateway Communications and Network Solutions to address issues raised by Alberto regarding connectivity and for these companies to be able to submit a tender for consideration of iREACH. It is also for the newly-recruited staff of CSD, Hak Sokleap and Kim Dara, to be familiar with the area and to know the key people in the pilot site. Two students also joined the activity as part of their internship program at the Royal University of Agriculture. They are expected to create maps for the Kep pilot project.

Since the locations for the internet hubs/centers have not been identified yet, the group visited potential locations identified by CSD in their previous visit. The group’s first stop was the district office where iREACH project will be housed. We also visited potential sites in Chamka Bei village in Pong Tuek Commune, Tuol Srangam and Angkol villages in Angkol commune, Damnak Chambok and Ou Krasar villages in Ou Krasar commune. Apart from the site visit, the group also talked to the people in the places visited for more information about their villages and village life. The group also visited the municipal hall of Kep and studied the Minister of Commerce’s mansion which is one area needing Internet connection. The engineers from both companies took out their equipment, studied the potential areas in terms of distance from the headquarters and interferences (mountains), took pictures and jot down notes. It is expected that in two weeks time they will submit a proposal with comprehensive details of the results of their survey and justifying their respective budgets.

CSD Executive Director said that they will do a detailed renovation plan, which was requested by Damnak Chang’eur district governor Tep Yuthy during their previous meeting with him, soon. The governor asked for that plan because he needs idea in terms of design and costs to be able to find financial support for the renovation of the building. Also during the trip, CSD proposed to the Project Manager Mr. Chea Sok Huor that additional unit of motorcycle be provided to the team for more mobility and efficiency of staff travel to the target villages. Mr. Huor suggested that CSD submit a proposal to him and he’ll forward it to the donor.

As to the project staff, the Radio Manager will start to work in January 2007, while the Pilot Coordinator will start in February. The Research Manager suggested a meeting with CSD to update on the situation in Kep and revise existing plan of activities based on the current situation, as well as to draw the renovation plan needed by Governor Tep Yuthy. The agreed meeting date will be on the 2^nd of January.