Cambodia Holds Consultation Meeting to Improve Access to Safe Water in Provinces

A consultation meeting was held in Kampong Thom province to enhance access to safe water in provincial areas. The meeting was organized by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation, bringing together sub-national administrations, private water operators, and relevant partners. Provincial Deputy Governor, Mr. Ngoun Rasy, stated that the consultation meeting aims to promote the growth of citizens accessing clean water that is qualitative, safe, sustainable, and affordable, as defined by the Ministry. This aligns with the achievement of Cambodia's Sustainable Development Goals (2016-2030), which stipulate that by 2030, all citizens must have access to clean water. It also aims to effectively disseminate the Ministry of Interior's "Promotion and Enhancement of Access to Clean Water Services at the Sub-National Administration Level." To ensure the success of the consultation meeting, all participants actively shared knowledge, experiences, and expertise, engaging in constructive discussions to improve the supply of clean water in Kampong Thom province. Mr. Chea Veng, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation, highlighted that the Cambodian government's "Pentagonal Strategy" Phase 1 identifies five key priority sectors: "People, Road, Water, Electricity, and Technology." Among these, "Water" is ranked third, focusing on the agenda of "Ensuring the Effectiveness of Achievements" and the "Single-Actor Life Approach." This aims to promote economic development in line with the slogan, "Where there is clean water, there will be economic change," and also aligns with the slogan "Clean Water for All," announced by Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate and former Prime Minister, on February 1, 2021, during the sixth mandate. Mr. Chea Veng further added that His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sar Sokha, consistently provides strong support and active cooperation in fulfilling the mission in the clean water sector. The guidance on promoting and enhancing access to clean water services at the sub-national administration level outlines five key areas that sub-national administrations should participate in implementing: 1. Preserve existing natural water sources and expand or create new water sources to ensure sufficient supply for clean water and other uses at the local level. 2. Mobilize and encourage the private sector to invest in supplying and providing clean water services to citizens in their respective localities, both in urban and rural areas. 3. Develop plans for expanding clean water networks to meet the demands of population growth and urbanization. 4. Take measures to strictly protect road reserves and sidewalks, which are state public land, for use in connecting clean water networks, underground cable networks, public sewer networks, and expanding physical infrastructure for public benefit. 5. Collaborate with the private sector, especially water operators, in preparing and building rolling three-year investment programs to share information for local development.