Phnom Penh: The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) convened an inter-ministerial meeting on Tuesday to accelerate progress toward establishing Cambodia’s Clean Water Regulator — a flagship reform under the government’s Pentagonal Strategy Phase I.
The meeting was chaired by Minister Hem Vanndy and attended by representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM), Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), and the World Bank.
Minister Vanndy emphasized that a dedicated clean water regulator is vital for ensuring the long-term sustainability, efficiency, and fairness of the nation’s water services. “Clean water is like the veins of the body — it sustains our economy, supports business and industry, safeguards public health, and addresses the daily needs of our people,” he said.
The World Bank shared global experiences in water governance, presenting case studies including Portugal’s national reform in the 1990s, which established both a national water company and an independent regulator to oversee sector operations.
Drawing on his recent study visit to Portugal, Minister Vanndy highlighted key contextual differences. “In Portugal, over 200 water operators are owned by municipalities, while in Cambodia, out of more than 500 operators, only 11 are public utilities — the rest are small private operators. Our regulatory framework must therefore reflect Cambodia’s unique local realities,” he noted.
During the session, participants examined possible governance models, the scope of authority, and operational mandates for the future regulator. The discussion reflected broad inter-ministerial support for a phased approach that would build public trust, enhance transparency, and ensure effective implementation.
The proposed Clean Water Regulator aims to strengthen coordination among stakeholders, promote equitable service delivery, and ensure that all Cambodians have access to reliable, safe, and affordable water in line with national development goals.
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