The Ministry of Industry and Handicraft last week signed agreements with China’s state-owned Beijing Enterprise Water Group and Noble Water to develop the infrastructure needed to enhance the supply of drinking water in the Kingdom.
During an official visit to Beijing last week, Minister of Industry Cham Prasidh signed memorandums of understanding with the two firms, according to a post on the ministry’s Facebook page.
The MoUs will help the government achieve its goal of giving access to clean water to everyone in Cambodia by 2025, the ministry said.
Beijing Enterprise Water Group and Noble Water will develop smart water treatment systems powered by solar panels and wind turbines, the ministry said, adding that this solution fits Cambodia’s current needs, particularly in remote areas of the country.
Sim Sitha, director-general of Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority, told Khmer Times yesterday that he welcomed the move.
Um Sotha, spokesman for the Ministry of Industry and Handicraft, said the ministry has issued 256 water supply licenses to operators outside Phnom Penh and in areas that lack clean water pipes.
He said the ministry welcomes local and foreign investment in drinking water infrastructure in the country, particularly in areas where such infrastructure is lacking.
“The demand for clean water is increasing rapidly due to population growth and economic development,” Mr Sotha noted.
According to Mr Sotha, demand for clean water in Cambodia is now at 10 million cubic metres per day.
