AKP Phnom Penh, April 30, 2026—

Cambodia officially inaugurated a major water supply system in Battambang province on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the nation's efforts to expand access to clean water through international cooperation.

Minister of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation H.E. Hem Vanndy presided over the ceremony, joined by Battambang Provincial Governor H.E. Sok Lou, ADB Country Director Yasmin Siddiqi, and AFD Country Director Sandrine Boucher. The facility, located in Sangkat Wat Kor, Battambang city, represents the completion of a long-term development initiative aimed at bolstering provincial infrastructure.

According to Governor H.E. Sok Lou, the project was financed through a total investment of US$119.17 million. The funding was a collaborative effort involving loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the French Development Agency (AFD), grants from the European Union (EU), and counterpart funding from the Royal Government of Cambodia.

The new infrastructure includes: A raw water pumping station with a daily capacity of 55,000 cubic metres; A water treatment plant capable of producing 50,000 cubic metres per day; A distribution network spanning 94 kilometres of main piping and a total network length of 926 kilometres.

With the integration of this new plant, the province’s total production and distribution capacity has reached 83,520 cubic metres per day. This expansion provides clean water access to approximately 219,810 households, achieving a 94 percent service coverage rate in the target area. Notably, the project has maintained high efficiency, reporting a low water loss rate of just 8.45 percent.

During the ceremony, Minister H.E. Hem Vanndy emphasised that the Provincial Water Supply and Sanitation Project was vital for meeting the growing demand in Battambang. He expressed gratitude to the ADB and AFD for their continued financial and technical support, adding that he looks forward to further cooperation on future projects to improve the livelihoods of the Cambodian people.

By K. Rithy Reak