The $185 million water and sanitation project was launched in Phnom Penh on September 26. Supplied
The $185 million Water Supply and Sanitation Acceleration (WASAC) project was officially launched on September 26.
It aims to expand Cambodia’s water supply and sanitation services in response to growing demand and to help achieve the nation’s Sustainable Development Goals for water and sanitation by 2030.
The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
In his opening remarks, industry minister Hem Vanndy outlined his ministry’s strategic approach to improving water supply.
He explained that key initiatives include updating water and sanitation policies, formulating strategic plans and provincial water supply master plans, enhancing the capabilities of water operators – especially water supply authorities – enforcing laws and regulations, and exploring institutional and financial mechanisms to accelerate the growth of the sector.
“Our goal is to strengthen all public utilities within the next three to four years, enabling them to provide all forms of water supply interventions across the country,” he said.
“These initiatives aim to meet the growing water supply demands of industries, businesses and markets, while supporting Cambodia’s socio-economic progress as we advance toward becoming an upper-middle-income country driven by high value-added industries,” he added.
A press release stated that the five-year project is projected to cost approximately $184.9 million, comprising a $163 million concessional loan from the World Bank, $4.3 million in government financing, and $17.6 million in private sector investment.
“The first component of the WASAC project will focus on the construction of new water supply systems for public utilities in the Krong Sen Monorom, Krong Pursat, Krong Battambang and Phnom Preuk districts of Battambang province, ensuring clean water access in these areas,” it added.
Through the project, private water operators in Pailin and Kandal provinces will also receive technical and financial support to improve their service delivery.
Vanndy announced that the industry ministry will collaborate with the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, development partners and private sector water operators to tackle the depletion of water resource challenges caused by climate change. It will also work with the public works ministry to minimise the impact of infrastructure projects on existing water supply networks.
