More than 10,000 additional people in Kampong Thom province’s Taing Kouk district will now have access to a clean water supply, thanks to Australia’s longstanding partnership with the government to improve rural water supply.
The Australian embassy and the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation inaugurated the Pongro Water Treatment Plant, a new climate-resilient water treatment plant and distribution network, this morning, January 22.
The plant provides safe, treated water to thousands of households, four schools and one health centre across seven villages, advancing Cambodia’s goal of universal access to safe water by 2030 and strengthening community resilience to floods and droughts, according to a joint press release.
Australia’s longstanding partnership with Cambodia has resulted in more than 90 water systems nationwide over the past decade. These investments have helped over 1.2 million Cambodians gain access to safe, affordable water.
“This marks another achievement in expanding access to safe, affordable and climate-resilient water supply services, made possible through grant financing from the Government of Australia to the private sector,” explained Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation.
“It also reflects the steady progress of the long-standing diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Australia, which have now spanned more than 70 years,” he added.
The release noted that Australia provides innovative financing approaches and technical assistance to leverage private investment and expand water infrastructure to areas previously considered commercially unviable.
Connection subsidies for ID Poor cardholders and public institutions allow for equitable benefits across communities, it noted.
“Reliable access to clean water underpins wellbeing, productivity and economic growth. Australia is helping private operators deliver services to underserved areas, while ensuring affordability for poor households,” said Australian ambassador Derek Yip.
“This new system will improve health outcomes, reduce vulnerability to climate shocks and create new opportunities for families in Kampong Thom,” he added.
Approximately 55 per cent of Cambodian rural villages have access to piped, treated water. In Kampong Thom province, coverage stands at 48 per cent, with further expansion underway.
The investment earned praise from local villagers.
“My well is shared by many families and often runs dry. I used to wake up early to pump enough water to run my food shack business. Now, I no longer worry about access to clean water; the piped water supply has made doing business much easier,” noted Meas Sokha, a Taing Kouk resident.
