Over 113,000 people in Cambodia are set to benefit from improved water supply infrastructure following the approval of a new World Bank-supported project.
The Cambodia Water Security Improvement Project, funded by a US$145 million credit from the World Bank’s International Development Association, aims to enhance water security, boost agricultural productivity, and build resilience against climate risks.
“This project helps Cambodia move toward sustainable water security and greater agricultural productivity,” said Maryam Salim, World Bank Country Manager for Cambodia. “Investing now in climate resilience, planning, and better infrastructure not only addresses the immediate water needs of Cambodian farmers and households but also lays the groundwork for long-term water service delivery.”
Cambodia faces challenges in urban and rural water supply due to seasonal and regional variations in rainfall. Climate projections indicate that flooding and drought will become more frequent and severe, further straining the country’s capacity to manage its freshwater resources, which could impact food production and economic growth.
The project, to be implemented over five years by the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, will improve water resource management by expanding hydrometeorological stations, updating policies and regulations, preparing climate-informed river basin management plans, and strengthening the performance of central and provincial water authorities.
Household and irrigation water supply systems will be rehabilitated and upgraded. The project will also train Farmer Water User Communities and provide technical assistance for improved operation and maintenance of infrastructure. Additionally, central and provincial departments for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries will implement measures to help farmers adopt climate-smart technologies that enhance productivity and reduce emissions in agriculture.