Cambodia: EU, AFD Inspect Progress on Irrigation Rehabilitation Project in Battambang

On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, H.E. Chan Yuttha, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, led a delegation from the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Union (EU) to inspect the progress of the Kanhote Irrigation System Rehabilitation Project in Battambang province. The mission took place in the geographical areas of Thipdei commune, Rang Kesei commune, and Kampong Prieng commune, within Kos Kralor district and Sangke district, Battambang province. The delegation included Mr. Laurent RASPAUD, Deputy Country Director of AFD Cambodia; Mr. Bryan Fornari, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Cambodia; H.E. Sun Sokhum, Representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; representatives from the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC); H.E. the Governor of Battambang province; the Director of the Provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology; as well as representatives from development partners from 15 countries and numerous relevant local authorities. H.E. Chan Yuttha stated that the Kanhote Irrigation System Rehabilitation Project is a crucial component of the WAT4CAM program, Step 1. In Battambang province, the focus is on the restoration and improvement of the Main Canal 2 (MC2), which draws water from the Sek Sak multipurpose dam, diverting it from the Sangke River to distribute water to five blocks (A, B, C, D, and E). This system has the capacity to irrigate 5,017 hectares of agricultural land and benefits 3,384 families. The WAT4CAM program, Step 1, financed by AFD and the EU, is being implemented in five target provinces: Battambang, Siem Reap, Preah Vihear, Kampong Thom, and Kampot. It is guided by two key strategies: 1. Hard Component: Focusing on the robust restoration and construction of hydraulic infrastructure. 2. Soft Component: Emphasizing the strengthening of capacity and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), from water sources to equitable and efficient water distribution for farmers. Following the site inspection, the mission team expressed their admiration and high evaluation of the work progress of WAT4CAM program, Step 1. They considered this success a valuable lesson and an exemplary experience for further expansion in subsequent project phases. Source: AKP Khmer