APSARA National Authority teams are transporting laterite and sandstone blocks weighing 500–600 kilograms each in preparation for the second phase of repairs to the long-damaged western steps of នាគព័ន្ធ temple.
អ៊ិត ស្រេង, a technical staff member of APSARA’s Department of Temple Conservation and Archaeology, said more than 12 workers were responsible for transporting the stones to the temple. The main method involves two boats tied together, carrying stones about 400 metres from the mainland towards the worksite. The boats can carry loads starting at one tonne per trip across the baray. Workers then use a lifting device and scaffolding to raise the stones onto land and push them to the required location.
The second transport stage involves placing the stones on handcarts and pulling them by hand for about 300 metres from the landing point to the worksite.
អ៊ិត ស្រេង said transporting the stone was difficult and required patience, teamwork and the skills needed to pull or move it safely to the repair area.
The western-step repair team uses 12 workers for this transport operation and can move eight blocks per day.
The difficult transport work began in mid-May 2026. By the time of the report, 50 blocks had been moved, and obtaining all the stone required for repairs could take more than two months. A worksite supervisor said patience, teamwork and appropriate handling techniques were essential, as stones weighed from hundreds of kilograms to several tonnes and needed careful handling to prevent damage.
Source: APSARA National Authority
