Cambodia Strengthens Irrigation System Management for Stable Water Supply

The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology of Cambodia held a meeting on September 11th to enhance the efficiency of irrigation system management and maintenance. The objective of this meeting is to ensure the stable supply of agricultural water nationwide and to promote the effective use of public budgets. Presided over by H.E. Meng Pokunhya, Director General of Administration, and H.E. Chhun Phutharith, Director General of Technical Affairs, the meeting was attended by representatives from the Departments of Water Resources and Meteorology in all 25 provinces and cities, as well as representatives from project supervision units, procurement units, and the Department of Agricultural Irrigation. This initiative is crucial for supporting the nation's food security and fostering economic development. Six key directives were issued to the relevant departments: 1. Identify high-priority projects with appropriate risk levels for inclusion in maintenance plans, submitting them to the relevant departments in a timely manner for the development of a three-year rolling plan. 2. The Department of Agricultural Irrigation shall evaluate the actual work performance of each province and city. 3. Inform authorities and citizens about meteorological information, encouraging water conservation and storage in preparation for the dry season. 4. Intervene in a timely manner to support rice cultivation in areas facing water scarcity risks. 5. Promote the participation of farmer communities in the maintenance of local irrigation systems. 6. Provide technical training to dam keepers on irrigation system maintenance to ensure the efficiency and resilience of water infrastructure. These measures are expected to enhance the sustainability of Cambodia's agricultural sector and contribute to the stability of the people's livelihoods.