The Cambodia-Japan Water Treatment Plant in Pursat province. MISTI
The Cambodia-Japan Water Treatment Plant in Pursat province has been inaugurated, nearly doubling the production capacity of the Pursat Water Supply Authority (PWSA).
The December 28 event signifies the culmination of joint efforts between the two nations to meet the increasing demand for clean water in the province, as noted in a press release from the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation.
The ceremony was presided over by industry minister Hem Vandy and Japanese ambassador Atsushi Ueno.
Other attendees included representatives from relevant institutions, the Japanese embassy, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Kitakyushu city administration, Pursat provincial administration, local authorities and technical advisers from construction companies.
“This is the third water treatment plant financed by the Japanese government inaugurated this year, following new plants in Siem Reap province and the Stung Sen II Clean Water Treatment Plant in Kampong Thom province,” Vandy stated in the press release.
“As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of robust and dynamic diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Japan in 2023, we also celebrate the numerous achievements of the relationship,” he added.
The minister also expressed gratitude towards the Japanese government and its people for their continued support in the Kingdom’s development, particularly in the clean water sector.
According to the ministry, as socio-economic development and physical infrastructure have advanced in recent years, the demand for clean water in the province has steadily increased.
Responding to this need, it said the PWSA, the state entity responsible for water supply in the province, has expanded its production capacity with the introduction of the new plant.
Funded by a grant from the Japanese through the JICA totalling 2.405 billion yen (approximately $22.2 million), the project spanned 24 months from August 2021 to August 2023 and included the construction of both a water treatment plant and an administrative building to significantly enhance water infrastructure in the province.
Capable of producing 6,600 cubic metres of water daily, the plant will boost the authority’s capacity to 13,860 cubic metres per day.
According to the ministry, the PWSA will now be able to supply clean, safe, sustainable and affordable water to over 15,000 households in the town and parts of Bakan and Kandieng districts with a 247km distribution network.
It highlighted the milestone as not only addressing the immediate water needs of the community but also as a step towards achieving Cambodia’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The development is expected to enhance the province’s ability to attract further investment, thereby contributing to the economic growth and welfare of its populace, as per the ministry.
