Phnom Penh, March 14, 2025 – H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, presided over the13^rd Cambodian Water Supply Association (CWA) Conference today, attended by around 350 representatives from ministries-institutions, development partners, water operators and stakeholders.

In his opening address, Minister Vanndy highlighted the critical role of clean water in public health and economic growth. He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between MISTI, ministries-institutions, local administrations, financial sector, water operators and consumers to expand water supply services. This expansion is crucial not only for household consumption but also to stimulate economic activity, particularly in special economic zones, industrial parks, and tourist hubs.  

The private sector is vital to Cambodia’s water supply development. Currently, 454 private water operators serve 55% of the total 1.4 million water connections nationwide. In 2024, these operators together with public utilities added 133,103 new connections for businesses and households.

Improved clean water management and infrastructure expansion is one of the seven strategic priorities that MISTI announced in its annual review 2024.

Minister Vanndy urged water operators to remain vigilant and well-prepared, stressing, ““Cambodia, like many countries worldwide, is facing escalating challenges each year due to climate change, which directly impacts our water sources and the water supply sector.”

Additionally, he called for greater sharing of knowledge, experiences and technology among private water operators and public utilities to foster operational efficiency, ensure service reliability, regulatory compliance, and the sustainable expansion of water supply networks nationwide.