Cambodia Plans Strategic Development for Water Reservoir Potential in Western Border Area

Cambodia is actively advancing strategic planning for water resource development in the 4th Economic Zone, situated along its western border with Thailand. On September 1, 2026, H.E. Thor Cheath, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, led a focused meeting to formulate a strategic plan for the development and expansion of its reservoir systems. This initiative aims to ensure water security, protect the environment, mitigate natural disasters, and enhance the livelihoods of residents in the border region. The meeting emphasized assessing the current situation, defining priority directions, and preparing a master plan. There was a push to study water channels and develop plans for restoring reservoirs along natural water flows to maximize water storage capacity for both the rainy and dry seasons. H.E. Minister Thor Cheath highlighted the importance of increasing agricultural productivity and supporting the economy of border communities through the development of irrigation systems. He also stressed the need to strengthen hydraulic infrastructure, equip automatic monitoring stations, and develop reservoirs to supply clean water, support the ecosystem, and boost tourism. The Minister instructed technical teams and relevant officials to continue close cooperation with local authorities and other stakeholders, conducting on-site studies and assessments. This is to ensure that the strategic plan is comprehensive, timely, and highly effective, aligning with the government's national development policies. Source: AKP Khmer