Phnom Penh, Cambodia (September 2, 2024) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $93.6 million in loans and grants to improve and expand access to safe water supply and basic sanitation (WASH) in rural Cambodia. This financing aims to benefit 88,000 families across 400 villages in 50 communes within nine provinces.

The Sector Development Program supports the Royal Government of Cambodia's ongoing efforts to provide secure water and sanitation services in rural areas, with a focus on climate resilience and environmental sustainability. The program will enhance access to safely managed sanitation facilities and ensure that services remain affordable for rural communities.

A key component of the program is the promotion of private sector involvement in delivering safe water supply services. It will also incorporate climate resilience strategies into the planning, design, and implementation of WASH infrastructure. Additionally, the program seeks to improve coordination among stakeholders and decentralize functions to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.

"This program supports 'WASH for All,' prioritizing those in remote areas," said Jyotsana Varma, ADB's Country Director for Cambodia. "It includes reforms to strengthen governance in community-run WASH facilities and broadens the scope of government planning to ensure sustainability and climate resilience."

The program includes a $3 million grant from the Japan Fund for Prosperity and Resilience in Asia and the Pacific (JFPR) to help finance the expansion of WASH facilities in provinces with high rates of poverty and limited access to safe water and basic sanitation. Targeted provinces include Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Kampong Speu, Kampot, Kratie, Oddar Meanchey, Pailin, Preah Vihear, and Stung Treng.

Additionally, a $600,000 Technical Assistance grant, financed by the Sanitation Financing Partnership Trust Fund, will support the Royal Government of Cambodia in implementing key sector reforms related to WASH services.

As of 2022, access to safe water supply in Cambodia stood at 29% nationwide and 20% in rural areas, while access to safe sanitation was at 37% nationwide and 34% in rural regions. Approximately 2 million people in rural areas still practice open defecation, contributing to soil and water pollution and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Since 2005, ADB has been a long-term partner in supporting Cambodia’s water supply, safety, and sanitation efforts, benefiting over 1 million people, especially in provinces surrounding the Tonle Sap Lake.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) remains committed to fostering environmental prosperity, resilience, and sustainability in the Asia-Pacific region as part of its mission to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, ADB is governed by 68 member countries, including 49 from Asia and the Pacific.