Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, celebrated the opening of the country’s first advanced water treatment facility, a significant milestone in efficiently managing and treating wastewater. Constructed at a cost of approximately $24 million by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the sewerage system marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Japan.
The inauguration ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Hun Manet and Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia Ueno Atsushi, highlighted the importance of the project. Miyahara Ai, Senior Representative of JICA Cambodia Office, Khoung Sreng, Governor of Phnom Penh, Peng Ponea, Minister of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), and officials from relevant ministries, agencies, and project members were also present.
Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that the Choeung Ek Wastewater Treatment Plant (CKWTP) was an important achievement in the 70th anniversary of Cambodian-Japan diplomatic relations. The plant’s objective is to purify wastewater from the Choeung Ek Slop area in central Phnom Penh and discharge it into the Bassac River after cleaning 5,000 cubic meters per day. With its compact three-hectare landscape, the treatment plant contributes to water quality, sanitation, and the overall living environment in Cambodia.
Ambassador Ueno Atsushi praised Prime Minister Hun Manet’s commitment to bilateral cooperation and participation in projects supported by Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA). The ambassador emphasized that CKWTP utilizes Japan’s advanced technology, requiring less power, having a simple structure, and being easy to operate and maintain. He also mentioned Japan’s ongoing technical assistance in sewerage management through experts dispatched to MPWT and the Phnom Penh Municipality.
The completion of this wastewater treatment plant signifies the collaborative efforts between Japan and Cambodia to address environmental challenges and improve quality of life. The project received support from Japanese Grant Aid under the ‘Sewerage System Development in Phnom Penh’ project. The plant incorporates Japan’s Pre-Trickling Filter (PTF) technology, which efficiently treats and manages wastewater, ensuring the protection of the environment and public health.
The Japanese envoy also mentioned the meeting between Prime Minister Hun Manet and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during the ASEAN-Japan 50th Commemorative Summit. Both leaders confirmed collaboration in digitalization, energy, and enhancing connectivity. The Japanese government’s support through ODA for the establishment of the National Data Center showcases the future cooperation between the two countries in realizing Cambodia’s digital government.
The establishment of Cambodia’s first advanced water treatment plant showcases the shared commitment of Japan and Cambodia in addressing environmental challenges and improving the quality of life for Cambodians. The advanced technology employed in the plant ensures efficient wastewater treatment while reducing the plant’s overall footprint. This project marks a significant step forward in Cambodia’s efforts to build sustainable and environmentally responsible infrastructure.
Source: Khmer Times
