The restoration team from the Department of Conservation of Monuments and Preventive Archaeology of APSARA National Authority is working to fill the mortar in the sandstone joints and gaps at Angkor Wat’s causeway to avoid any risks, especially to enhance its beautification, while the restoration work of the Angkor Wat’s causeway is almost finished.

The information was shared by a news release of the APSARA National Authority on Nov. 15, adding that to fill the mortar in the sandstone joints and gaps to prevent water ponding causing moss to grow, prevent water from flowing into the foundation, damaging the foundation of the bridge, and avoid accidents when tourists pass by.

ITALIA Technical Officer of the Department of Conservation of Monuments and Preventive Archaeology, Mr. Mom Sophon, said that the floor of Angkor Wat’s causeway is made of sandstone, on the upper surface of which is not 100 percent as good as before, and some corners of the sandstone are broken and damaged. Slowly causing some potholes can cause overturning or tripping when tourists pass by.

Mr. Sophon added that this work is done in phases starting at the beginning of September and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022. The first phase is six metres wide and ten metres long, and the second phase is six metres wide and ten metres long.

Mr. Mom Sophon said that the raw materials for the mortar production, including sand, sandstone powder, brick powder, lime, water, etc. are available locally and do not damage the original stones. Experts expect that after filling in the gaps in the causeway at the entrance to Angkor Wat, tourists can walk through safely, which is also an important part of the value of Angkor Wat.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press