PHNOM PENH, Nov 22 — The World Bank has approved a US$163 million project to support Cambodia’s efforts to strengthen water supply and sanitation services in four provinces, benefitting over 175,000 people, said its press release on Wednesday, reported Xinhua.
The press release said that in 2022, less than a third of Cambodians had access to a safely managed water supply, and just over a third used safely managed sanitation.
“This support will help the government build a strong foundation for making these essential services available to all Cambodians and will bring rapid benefits to women and people in poor and rural areas, which are currently particularly underserved,” World Bank country manager for Cambodia, Maryam Salim, said.
The six-year Water Supply and Sanitation Acceleration Project will support government actions to increase access to safe water supply and sanitation, improve the operation and maintenance of existing systems, and ensure the sustainability of services.
“The water sector is a priority area for resilient and sustainable development and for enhancing the economy,” said Hem Vanndy, Cambodian minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation.
The ministry will implement water supply activities and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport will implement urban sanitation activities under the project, the press release said, adding that the targeted provinces are Battambang, Pursat, Mondulkiri and Kandal.
— Bernama
