AKP Phnom Penh, January 29, 2025 --

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

Chaired by H.E. 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.

“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,” he said.

H.E. Minister emphasised the risks posed by depleting water sources in case of prolonged dry spells and competition for water use for 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 utilisation of water sources, and to jointly address any possible crisis.

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

H.E. HEM 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 minimising service disruptions.

He reiterated the Royal Government’s commitment to a long-term development strategy that includes significant investment in water supply infrastructure, emphasising 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.

AKP