The French Development Agency (AFD) has reaffirms its commitment to support Cambodia’s water supply development, during the visit of H.E. Cyrille Bellier, Director of AFD’s Asia, Middle East, and Eastern Europe Department, to the Bakheng Water Treatment Plant Phase 3 in Phnom Penh on Sept. 17.
The visit aimed to observe the progress of this state-of-the-art facility and discuss strengthening collaboration with Cambodia, said the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI).
According to MISTI, the Bakheng Water Treatment Plant Phase 3, which broke ground in April 2024, is expected to take 36 months to complete at a cost of approximately US$252 million with a US$210 million concessional loan from AFD, and US$42 million investment of the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA). The European Union (EU) has also approved a EUR 12 million grant for the project.
During the bilateral meeting on Cambodia-France Partnership for Water Supply Development, H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of MISTI, c
ommended AFD for its steadfast support and collaboration. “MISTI is prioritising access to clean water not only for household consumption but also as a crucial driver of economic development, especially in urban centers, industrial hubs, economic corridors, and agro-processing zones,’ Minister Vanndy said. ‘Support and collaboration from partners like AFD and the EU are essential as Cambodia is thriving to achieve its Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.’
Stressing AFD’s long-standing commitment to Cambodia’s development, H.E. Cyrille Bellier said, “Our support in the water sector extends beyond financing. We are ensuring that clean water reaches the most vulnerable communities while strengthening the capacity of Cambodia’s water supply authorities and private operators.’
The total investment for the three phases of the Bakheng Water Treatment Plant is approximately US$660 million, aimed at meeting the rising demand for clean water in Phnom Penh and Takhmao City. Two phases are alre
ady operational, boosting the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority’s current capacity to 982,000 cubic metres per day. Phase 3, set to be completed by late 2027, will add an additional 195,000 cubic metres per day, raising the total supply capacity to 1.2 million cubic metres daily.
Additionally, AFD has recently approved a EUR 200,000 grant for a feasibility study for the Siem Reap Water Supply Authority. After the feasibility study, a financing agreement for the project with a total cost of approximately EUR 25 million is expected to be signed by the end of 2025.
Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse