Cambodian Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation H.E. HEM Vanndy received here on July 3 a delegation from the World Bank to discuss strategic partnerships to elevate public water utilities and bolster the capacity of private water operators in Cambodia.
According to the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), during the meeting, Minister Vanndy expressed his appreciation to the World Bank for its continued support to Cambodia across various sectors, especially water supply.
Highlighting water as the government’s third key priority in the Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1, he emphasised the critical role of robust policies and strategies in propelling the development of the water sector and ensuring sustainable growth.
H.E. Minister shared about the recent transformation of provincial public water utilities into public enterprises and outlined his priorities to achieve Cambodia’s sustainable development goal, focusing on enhancing public utilities and supporting private water operators to ensure universal access to clean water.
Leading the delegation, Ms. Anna Wellenstein, Regional Director for East Asia and Pacific of the World Bank’s Sustainable Development Practice Group, reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to these efforts highlighting ongoing collaboration with MISTI. Under the Bank-financed Water and Sanitation for All in Cambodia (WASAC) project, three public utilities in Battambang, Pursat, and Mondulkiri provinces will receive support to optimise their operations.
Highlighting the World Bank’s recently completed Cambodia Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR), Minister Vanndy shared about the challenges during the last dry season, with depleted water sources leading to insufficient raw water for producing clean water supply in some areas. He said MISTI is working with partners to develop water supply master plans in some priority provinces.
The World Bank is also supporting MISTI on regulation and best practices in potable water management.
The partnership with the World Bank is crucial for Cambodia to promote access to potable water for all and to accelerate economic development.
