BATTAMBANG — Cambodia officially inaugurated a major water supply system in Battambang province on Thursday, marking a significant leap toward universal access to clean water through a rare three-way international financing partnership involving the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the French Development Agency (AFD), and the European Union (EU).
The new facility, located in Sangkat Wat Kor, Battambang city, was inaugurated by Minister of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation H.E. Hem Vanndy, together with Battambang Provincial Governor H.E. Sok Lou, ADB Country Director Yasmin Siddiqi, and AFD Country Director Sandrine Boucher.
$119 Million Collaboration
Governor H.E. Sok Lou confirmed that the project required a total investment of US$119.17 million, funded through:
- Loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the French Development Agency (AFD)
- Grants from the European Union (EU)
- Counterpart funding from the Royal Government of Cambodia
The financing structure reflects a growing trend of multilateral and bilateral donors coordinating with Cambodia to address critical water security challenges.
Key Infrastructure Numbers
The newly completed system includes:
| Component | Capacity / Extent |
|---|---|
| Raw water pumping station | 55,000 m³ per day |
| Water treatment plant | 50,000 m³ per day |
| Main distribution piping | 94 km |
| Total network length | 926 km |
With the integration of the new plant, Battambang province’s total production and distribution capacity has risen to 83,520 cubic metres per day – enough to serve approximately 219,810 households, or 94% of the target area.
Notably, the system reports a low water loss rate of just 8.45%, well below the industry average for many developing economies, indicating high operational efficiency.
Minister’s Remarks
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister H.E. Hem Vanndy described the Provincial Water Supply and Sanitation Project as “vital for meeting the growing demand in Battambang.” He expressed deep gratitude to ADB and AFD for their continued financial and technical support, adding that he looks forward to further cooperation on future projects to improve the livelihoods of the Cambodian people.
Strategic Importance
Battambang is Cambodia’s second‑largest province by population and a key agricultural and industrial hub. Reliable clean water access supports public health, reduces water‑borne diseases, and strengthens the province’s resilience against droughts – a growing concern under climate change.
The project also aligns with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s national target of achieving universal access to improved water supply by 2030, as outlined in the Country Partnership Strategy with development partners.
🙋 Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total cost | $119.17 million |
| Financing partners | ADB, AFD, EU, Royal Government of Cambodia |
| New treatment capacity | 50,000 m³/day |
| Households served | ~219,810 |
| Coverage rate | 94% |
| Water loss rate | 8.45% (low by regional standards) |