PHNOM PENH: On 17th September 2024, Mr. Cyrille Bellier, Director of Asia, Middle East, and Eastern Europe Department of the French Development Agency (AFD), visited the Bakheng Water Treatment Plant Phase 3 to observe the progress of this state-of-the-art facility and discuss strengthening collaboration with Cambodia.

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 USD 252 million with a USD 210 million concessional loan from AFD, and USD 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, Mr. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, coommended AFD for its steadfast support and collaboration. "MISTI is prioritizing 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, Mr. 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 $660 million, aimed at meeting the rising demand for clean water in Phnom Penh and Takhmao City. Two phases are already operational, boosting the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority's current capacity to 982,000 cubic meters per day. Phase 3, set to be completed by late 2027, will add an additional 195,000 cubic meters per day, raising the total supply capacity to 1.2 million cubic meters 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.