On January 27, 2025, the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) convened a meeting to develop plans for securing water sources essential for clean water production nationwide and minimizing disruptions to the water supply during this year’s dry season.

Chaired by Minister HEM Vanndy, the meeting brought together MISTI's management at both national and provincial levels, along with chairpersons of the board of directors and representatives from public utilities, private water operators, and the Cambodia Water Supply Association.

Minister Hem Vanndy stated, “We must adopt a structured approach to identify potential water source hotspots before the issue of depleting water sources intensifies, moving away from the previous case-by-case handling of water shortages. This strategic shift aims to establish a formal, consistent, and collaborative mechanism for addressing water source challenges.”

The Minister emphasized the risks posed by depleting water sources in case of prolonged dry spells and competition for water use other purposes. He highlighted the importance of collaboration among public utilities, private water operators, provincial departments and administrations, and local authorities to ensure the effective and sustainable utilization of water sources, and to jointly address any possible crisis.

During the meeting, private water operators reported declining water levels in their reserviors, with only a few months of supply remaining. Some have invested in digging new ponds, requesting restoration of esiting water sources and additional dedicated sources for clean water production to secure their supplies year-round.

Minister Vanndy called for a spirit of cooperation, urging public utilities and larger water operators with surplus capacity to assist by providing bulk water at wholesale prices to smaller operators facing shortages.

He also directed Provincial Departments of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation to collaborate with private water operators to proactively assess challenges and propose specific solutions for improving water access and minimizing service disruptions.

He reiterated the Royal Government’s commitment to a long-term development strategy that includes significant investment in water supply infrastructure, emphasizing climate resilience and the sustainability of water resources for many generations to come.

MISTI has also been formulating cross-sectoral measures for water conservation, focusing on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the water supply sector.