Environmental officials inspect a site where contaminated water was illegally discharged by a factory in Takeo province last week. Environment ministry
Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth has reiterated that the environment ministry is enforcing all water pollution laws, with no exceptions.
He explained that if he did not enforce the law, he would be disrespecting the King, who is the head of state and signs legislation into law.
If the King is out of the country, the Senate president assumes the role of acting head of state.
He shared his remarks with the media after chairing a February 25 workshop on new draft policy guidelines for strategic environmental assessments of river sand mining businesses.
“If I do not enforce the law, it means I do not respect the King. If a law is issued and we do not enforce it, it means I am in violation. I am not violating the law, and I will not violate it. The law must be enforced, with no exceptions,” he said.
Pollution of water sources refers to the contamination of clean water. Clean water is part of the three key components (cleanliness, greenery and sustainability) introduced by the “Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-2028”.
Recently, the ministry discovered numerous cases of untreated wastewater being discharged by factories into clean water sources.
It has pursued legal action against the owners and managers of sites in the provinces of Takeo, Kampot, Kampong Speu and Preah Sihanouk, in accordance with the Environmental and Natural Resources Laws and the regulations on water pollution control.
“It is true that there have been many cases of polluted water flowing into our clean water sources. The ministry enforces the law 100 per cent, without any exceptions. Those who commit violations must face penalties under the law, and the penalties are severe,” Sophalleth added.
Before implementing legal measures, the ministry collects clear evidence, with specialists visiting the site, taking water samples and interviewing local residents.
He mentioned one case where a stream that had previously supported local agriculture had been destroyed due to water pollution.
The water in that stream is no longer usable, leading to the loss of water resources, the degradation of cleanliness and the loss of livelihoods for local people.
“This was extremely regrettable. The ministry does not allow such things to happen. No matter what we do, we must strive to preserve our natural resources – lakes, rivers forests – that are essential for our survival, and we will not let them be lost,” he reiterated.
The minister has also called for an end to environmental destruction, via his social media. The appeal was a moral duty for the environment ministry, expressed through gentle words and calls for cooperation.
However, this did not mean that he would not enforce the law.
The minister also discussed the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, emphasising that it is not a business for profit, but a legal obligation and part of the ministry’s responsibility for the health of the environment and the people of Cambodia.
He stressed that this work must be carried out in accordance with the law to ensure cleanliness on land, in water and in the air.
“If we, as the representatives of over 17 million people, do not enforce the law, how can companies respect it? The harmful effects of irresponsible waste disposal, driven solely by profit motives will result in negative consequences for the environment, natural resources and especially the health of the people,” he said.
