H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, has urged water operators in Cambodia to enhance their capacity, ensure compliance, and expand service coverage to 100 percent by 2030.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Training Course on Non-Revenue Water Management on Feb. 18, which was attended by directors from Capital-Provincial Departments of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (DISTI), members of the Cambodia Water Supply Association, and private operators, H.E. Minister emphasised that minimising non-revenue water is a crucial step in lowering costs and ensuring the sustainability of the water supply.
He added that MISTI has been implementing several reform measures, including strengthening the capacity of capital-provincial departments to conduct inspections and monitor operators’ compliance, encouraging large and medium-sized investments to supply bulk water to smaller operators, and mobilising financing to support investments in the water sector. These efforts particularly focus on helping operators improve water supply quality in accordance with licensing conditions.
According to the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, the Royal Government of Cambodia has recently decided to allocate funding for expanding infrastructure and networks of water supply authorities in the target provinces of Kampot, Svay Rieng, Kampong Thom, Mondulkiri, and Pursat.