Phnom Penh Wastewater Management Project Holds 3rd Coordination Meeting with JICA Support

The 3rd Joint Coordination Committee meeting for the Wastewater Management Capacity Development Project, a joint initiative between the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, was held in Phnom Penh on September 4th. This project is a continuation of the second phase, which was successfully completed in 2024. The coordination meeting was convened to review the project's progress and discuss future plans. Attendees included Phnom Penh Deputy Governor Ek Khun Doeun, Ministry of Public Works and Transport Secretary of State Ros Vanna, as well as representatives from the Japanese Embassy in the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Cambodia Office. Ros Vanna, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, emphasized the importance of wastewater management, noting that legislation for wastewater management was finalized in 2024. He stated that the government is willing to borrow funds for infrastructure development, as wastewater treatment facilities require significant investment. He pointed out that without these facilities, citizens could face health issues and economic losses due to unsanitary conditions. Conversely, he explained that the establishment of treatment plants would not only reduce diseases but also transform Phnom Penh into a clean city with a good environment, attracting tourists and investors. Deputy Governor Ek Khun Doeun reported that detailed discussions on the project's progress took place during the meeting. Participants included experts from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, JICA Cambodia Office, municipal authorities, and students from a technical college. He mentioned that Phnom Penh has 27 rainwater catchment areas that the city administration is focused on improving. He also added that while the city has a water purification capacity of 1 million cubic meters per day, a comparable capacity is needed for wastewater treatment, requiring effective management. The main objectives of this project are to establish a Joint Coordination Committee and a Technical Committee, confirm and approve detailed project designs, and approve the implementation plan. The meeting also aimed to allow the project team to provide input and knowledge to the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport for better project implementation and outcomes. Source: CEN Cambodia