The Apsara National Authority (ANA), the organization in charge of managing the Angkor Archaeological Park, has begun repairing the staircase structure on the west bank of the west moat at Angkor Wat temple in order to preserve it and strengthen the temple’s foundation while also enhancing the site’s beauty.
On September 15, ANA spokesperson Long Kosal told The Post that the restoration was necessary since the staircase’s condition was seriously deteriorating. The building will be completely restored to its initial state after these important repairs.
The Apsara National Authority (ANA) has begun repairing the staircase structure on the west bank of the west moat at Angkor Wat temple
"We see it falling because tree roots have grown into it and fractured the stone. All we have to do now is reinforce the existing building and the foundation that has fallen. Next, we will repair the staircase where parts have been lost or damaged in order to return it to its original configuration.
He added - "Of course, it's easier said than done, but we'll get there. Another reason to fix it is for the safety of visitors who frequently sit on the steps when they visit".
According to Mao Sokny, ANA’s department of temple conservation technical coordinator, the section under restoration spans 200 meters and will be completed in three parts over the course of three years.
He stated that during phase one, the crew would reinforce the previous structure by adding concrete to the lower steps and correcting some of the collapsed portions.
In phase two the Organization will restore the steps in the middle part
In phase two, the crew will restore the steps in the middle part that are somewhat rusted or have lost their original form.
He stated that the crew would carry out repairs to the damaged staircases in order to restore them to their former configuration for phase three, a refurbishment that was last carried out during the French colonial era.
He said, “First, they will repair the broken concrete, and then they will construct an 80-meter-long dam to pump water out so that archaeologists can work. They will also inspect the condition of the foundation underneath and carry out the necessary repairs”.
This section of Angkor Wat, according to Sokny, has been rebuilt numerous times by groups such as the French School of the Far East, Italian specialists, and Indian experts.
Aside from rebuilding the stairs, ANA has been undertaking landscape work such as growing grass in the inner region of Angkor Wat to increase the attractiveness of its surroundings.
