Srae Chaeng Commune | Kampot Province
Location
Srae Chaeng Commune is situated within Chum Kiri District of Kampot Province, Cambodia. It lies on the low‑lying plains that extend between the Kampot River and a network of minor canals leading toward the southern coastal region. The commune’s administrative centre is the village known locally as Srae Chaeng Main Village.
Geography
The terrain of Srae Chaeng Commune is largely flat, consisting of alluvial soils deposited by seasonal floods from nearby waterways. Elevation in the area averages less than five metres above sea level, making it well suited for rice paddies and mixed cropping. Vegetation includes patches of mangrove forest near the coast and scattered coconut groves that dot the landscape.
Population and Households
According to the latest official household registration released by the Ministry of Rural Development in 2021, Srae Chaeng Commune contains approximately 2 850 dwellings. Based on these records, the estimated resident population is around three thousand six hundred persons, representing a mix of multigenerational families and newer households engaged in agricultural work.
Economic Activities
The primary economic activity in the commune is rice cultivation. Seasonal flooding provides natural irrigation for low‑lying fields, allowing farmers to grow rice and secondary crops such as corn and vegetables. In addition to agriculture, several households participate in small‑scale fisheries along adjacent tidal channels, harvesting shrimp and fish that are sold at local markets weekly.
Infrastructure
Srae Chaeng Commune is linked to the provincial road network through a paved secondary route that connects it to Chum Kiri District town and Provincial Route 5. This road facilitates regular bus services and the transport of agricultural produce to larger urban centres such as Kampot City. Electricity is supplied by the national grid, providing power for homes and small businesses; mobile telephone coverage has expanded since 2016 across most parts of the commune.
Education and Services
The commune operates one primary school that offers instruction up to grade six for children living in Srae Chaeng. For secondary education, students typically travel to nearby schools within Chum Kiri District. A basic health centre staffed by a qualified nurse provides routine medical care and administers vaccination programs; more specialized treatment is available at the provincial hospital in Kampot.
Administration
Governance of Srae Chaeng Commune rests with an elected commune council chaired by a chief representative who coordinates communication between local residents and higher‑level district authorities. Council members meet monthly to manage land use planning, approve public works projects, and liaise with non‑governmental organisations on development assistance.
Historical Context
Administratively, Srae Chaeng Commune was formalised during the 2008 provincial restructuring that converted former villages into recognized communes. This reorganisation aimed to strengthen decentralised governance while preserving traditional village structures within Cambodia’s contemporary political framework.
Current Development Outlook
Recent development efforts focus on improving water management for rice fields by installing supplemental irrigation canals and promoting the use of drought‑resistant seed varieties. Community initiatives also seek to expand access to clean drinking water through well rehabilitation projects, while training programs aim to enhance sustainable fishing practices along the coastal waterways. Continued investment in infrastructure and education is intended to support steady economic growth for Srae Chaeng Commune residents.