A wastewater treatment plant in Kampong Thom province’s Stung Sen town has played a key role in reducing flooding, improving urban aesthetics and enhancing the livelihoods of local residents, according to Vong Piseth, deputy secretary of state at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

The project, which covers approximately 159 hectares in the town’s southern region, benefits about 1,200 households, representing roughly 70 per cent of its population. Piseth explained that the plant enhances urban aesthetics and improves community quality of life.

“This project helps eliminate flooding, improves people’s livelihoods and creates income opportunities, all while making the town cleaner and more attractive. With the plant and proper solid waste disposal sites in place, Stung Sen is now better positioned to attract investment,” Piseth said.

The treatment plant can process up to 3,500 cubic metres of wastewater per day, reducing pollution in the Tonle Sap Basin. The basin supports approximately one-third of the country’s population and serves as a critical resource for nearly half of the nation.

Local resident In Sophea expressed her satisfaction with the initiative, which was funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Sophea noted that the improved drainage system has made life easier and eliminated flooding, which previously caused significant disruption.

“In the past, flooding was a constant problem. During the dry season, there was dust everywhere, and during the rains, roads became muddy and impassable, affecting our businesses. Now, thanks to the ADB-funded drainage system, we no longer face these issues,” Sophea said.

Another resident, Ouk Phuong, explained that the project has improved living conditions in the community by combining underground drainage systems with well-maintained roads above.

“In the past, every time it rained, I had to use a metal basin to ferry my grandchildren through the floodwaters, which often became smelly and affected our health,” Phuong recalled.

ADB country director Jyotsana Varma highlighted the project’s success in improving the town’s urban environment and public health.

“The project has enhanced the town’s aesthetics and public health by separating wastewater from rainwater and treating it to produce clean water,” Varma said.

She added that the bank has invested over $2 billion in Cambodia, with $500 million – or 25 per cent – dedicated to water and sanitation projects in urban areas.

The total investment for the Stung Sen project, running from December 2018 to June 2026, is $89 million, including $87.73 million in loans and $1.27 million in grants from ADB. The government has also contributed approximately $8.7 million.

The wastewater treatment plant was constructed as part of Phase II of ADB’s Tonle Sap Urban Environmental Management Project, which supports three cities in Cambodia: Battambang, Serei Saophoan and Stung Sen. The initiative is expected to benefit at least 188,800 residents.