Thanks to the inauguration of a small-scale water treatment facility in Mondulkiri province’s Sen Monorom town, the town’s water supply has increased by 50 per cent.

Funded by a Japanese Kusanone (or “grassroots”) grant, the new facility will provide an additional 1,000 cubic metres of clean water per day, increasing the total capacity from 2,000 to 3,000 cubic metres.

The October 10 inauguration ceremony was presided over by Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Ueno Atsushi, ambassador of Japan to Cambodia, and marked a major step forward in addressing the clean water needs of the local community.

“The $156,150 project is the first time a Kusanone grant has been used to fund water supply infrastructure in Cambodia, as investment for large-scale facilities in the town are not yet feasible,” explained Vanndy.

To date, the Japanese government has provided over $300 million in grants and nearly $200 million in concessional financing for Cambodian water supply infrastructure projects, along with technical assistance aimed at strengthening the capacity of both public utilities and private water operators.

“This invaluable support and collaboration have greatly advanced Cambodia's efforts to expand urban water supply networks across the capital-provinces, meeting the growing water demands of the population, as well as the industrial and service sectors," added Vanndy.

Industry minister Hem Vanndy and Japanese ambassador Ueno Atsushi preside over the October 10 inauguration of a new water treatment plant in Mondulkiri province. Industry ministry

As he addressed the ceremony, ambassador Ueno reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting the strengthening of the Kingdom’s water infrastructure.

“We recognise that continuously improving urban water supply is essential. In the future, it is crucial to replicate the ‘Phnom Penh Miracle’ in other cities across Cambodia, ensuring that clean and safe water is accessible to all. The Japanese government remains committed to this effort, focusing on the development of water treatment plants in urban areas to help achieve this important goal,” he said.

The “Phnom Penh Miracle” refers to the experience and success of water supply development in the capital, which has experienced unprecedented growth.