A small-scaled water treatment facility in Sen Monorom City, Mondulkiri Province, has been inaugurated, boosting the city's water supply capacity by 50%. Funded by Japan's KUSANONE Grant, the new facility will provide an additional 1,000 cubic meters of clean water daily, increasing the total capacity from 2,000 to 3,000 cubic meters.

The inauguration was held on October 10, 2024 and presided over by H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, and H.E. UENO Atsushi, Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia, marking another step forward in addressing the clean water needs of Sen Monorom City.

Minister Vanndy said, “The $156,150 project is the first time the KUSANONE grant has been used to fund water supply infrastructure in Cambodia, as investment for large-scaled facility in the city is not feasible yet.” 

Thus far, the Japanese government has provided over USD 300 million in grants and nearly USD 200 million in concessional financing for Cambodia’s water supply infrastructure projects, along with technical assistance aimed at strengthening the capacity of both public utilities and private water operators.

“This invaluable support and collaboration have greatly advanced Cambodia's efforts to expand urban water supply networks across Cambodia’s capital-provinces, meeting the growing water demands of the population, as well as the industrial and service sectors," added Minister Vanndy.

Speakng at the inauguration ceremony, Ambassador UENO Atsushi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to Cambodia’s water infrastructure, stating, “We recognize that continuously improving urban water supply is essential. In the future, it is crucial to replicate the ‘Phnom Penh Miracle’ in other cities across Cambodia, ensuring that clean and safe water is accessible to all. The Japanese government remains committed to this effort, focusing on the development of water treatment plants in urban areas to help achieve this important goal.”

‘Phnom Penh Miracle’ refers to the experience and success of the water supply development in Pnom Penh.