Cambodia’s Ambitious Goal: Achieving Universal Clean Water Access by 2025
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The Royal Government of Cambodia, under the leadership of H.E. Cham Prasidh, Senior Minister and Minister of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation, is making significant strides in enhancing clean water accessibility in urban and town areas. With an ambitious plan to reach 90 percent coverage by 2023 and achieve 100 percent access by 2025, Cambodia is prioritizing the well-being and health of its citizens. In recent inauguration ceremonies of water treatment plants in Siem Reap and Kampong Thom provinces, Minister Cham Prasidh outlined the government’s commitment to expanding clean water infrastructure across the country.
Rapid Expansion of Clean Water Access:
The efforts of the Cambodian government have resulted in a remarkable increase in clean water access, benefiting approximately 1.2 million households. This represents a substantial 53.8 percent rise compared to the 780,000 households served in 2018. These figures demonstrate the government’s dedication to improving the quality of life for its citizens by ensuring access to a basic necessity.
Steady Growth in Clean Water Supply:
Minister Cham Prasidh highlighted the significant progress in clean water supply, citing a substantial increase from 309 million cubic meters in 2018 to nearly 400 million cubic meters in 2022. This growth indicates a proactive approach by the government to meet the rising demand for clean water in Cambodia.
Siem Reap’s Water Treatment Plant:
Siem Reap province, known for its rich cultural heritage and tourism, has received substantial support from international partners in its efforts to provide clean water. In 1996, the Government of Japan extended a generous grant of US$15 million for the construction of a water treatment plant in Siem Reap city. This facility has a daily production capacity of 8,000 cubic meters and is supported by a distribution network spanning 32 kilometers.
Japanese Assistance for Water Supply Expansion:
Recognizing the need to cater to the growing demand for clean water, the Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has provided Cambodia with a concessional loan of 7,161 million yen. This financial support aims to expand the water supply capacity in Siem Reap to 60,000 cubic meters per day. Such collaborative efforts between Cambodia and Japan underline the commitment to fostering bilateral relations and promoting sustainable development.
The Royal Government of Cambodia’s commitment to expanding clean water supply is commendable, as it demonstrates a proactive approach in ensuring the well-being and health of its citizens. With an ambitious plan to achieve universal access by 2025, Cambodia is actively pursuing partnerships and investments to enhance water infrastructure across the country.
The support from international partners, particularly the Government of Japan and JICA, plays a pivotal role in realizing this vision. As clean water access continues to increase, Cambodia moves closer to achieving its goal of providing a fundamental resource that is vital for the prosperity and development of its people.
Source: Khmer Times
