Phnom Penh, April 11, 2024 – The commencement of construction for the third phase of the Bakheng Water Treatment Plant, a project valued at nearly US$250 million, is scheduled for May 2024. This development aims to enhance the provision of clean water in Phnom Penh and Takhmao town in Kandal province, boasting a production capacity of 195,000 cubic meters per day.

The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) and VINCI Construction Grands Projects have inked a design and construction contract in a ceremony attended by Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Sim Sitha, Chairman of the PPWSA Board, Long Naro, Royal Government Delegate in charge of PPWSA, Jacques Pellet, French Ambassador to Cambodia, alongside representatives from the construction firm and other relevant officials.

Funded through a combination of a US$205 million concession loan from the French government via the French Agency for Development (AFD) and a US$42 million contribution from PPWSA, the project underscores a significant French-Cambodian collaboration in infrastructure development.

The construction of this pivotal project is expected to span 36 months. Long Naro emphasized its critical role in ensuring the sustainability and reliability of Phnom Penh's water supply, with the aim for PPWSA to achieve 100% coverage in the targeted areas by 2027.

Currently, the operational first and second phases of the Bakheng Water Treatment Plant are already contributing to the water supply in Phnom Penh and parts of Takhmao town. Upon the completion of phase three, PPWSA’s total production capacity is anticipated to exceed 1.2 million cubic meters per day, marking a significant milestone in meeting the growing water needs of the region.