Cambodia : New law aims to halve wastewater discharge by 2030

The Cambodian Senate has approved a draft law on wastewater systems with the objective of achieving a 50% reduction in wastewater discharge into seas, rivers, streams, lakes, creeks and ponds by 2030. This is in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In August 2023, the ministry imposed a fine of over $500,000 on Phoenix Industrial following the company's failure to prevent the discharge of toxic black wastewater into the Sangke River in Battambang province. Additionally, the ministry directed the company to relocate its factory to a new site situated at least 10 kilometres from the river.

The draft law was initially approved by the Council of Ministers on 23 August and subsequently passed by the National Assembly on 31 October. It was then signed off by the Senate on mid November.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has been engaged in its preparation for over a decade, conducting 116 consultations since 2013. The Ministry has received technical assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) since 2000.

A press release from the Senate elucidated that the objective of the draft law is to regulate the development, construction, repair, maintenance, operation and utilisation of wastewater systems, thereby ensuring their efficacy, quality, safety and sustainability, while safeguarding the environment and enhancing public health.

The issue of clean water and sanitation has long been a priority for the government, with these matters incorporated into national policies and strategic development plans since the tenure of previous administrations. The objective is to provide universal access to clean water and sanitation, with a particular focus on sewage systems, wastewater treatment, recycling, enhanced monitoring mechanisms and pollution reduction. This approach is intended to benefit citizens while simultaneously preserving Cambodia's natural resources.

The release indicated that the government has established explicit objectives and is dedicated to implementing measures to prevent the discharge of untreated or inadequately treated wastewater into public waterways, including streams, lakes, creeks, ponds and the ocean. The objective is to achieve a 50% reduction by 2030, in accordance with the UN SDGs.

In August, the government spokesperson unit observed that although Cambodia has an existing wastewater infrastructure and is constructing new systems, it lacks adequate regulatory standards for their management, thereby emphasising the necessity of the new law.