World Bank approves major water security investment for Cambodia

More than 113,000 people in Cambodia are expected to benefit from improved water supply infrastructure following the approval of a new World Bank-supported project on 21 June, the Bank said in a press release.

Funded by a US$145 million loan from the World Bank's International Development Association, the Cambodia Water Security Improvement Project will improve water security, increase agricultural productivity, and build resilience to climate risks, the release said.

"This project helps Cambodia move towards sustainable water security and increased agricultural productivity," said Maryam Salim, World Bank Country Manager for Cambodia. She added:

"Investing now in climate resilience, planning, and better infrastructure not only addresses the immediate water needs of Cambodian farmers and households, but also lays the foundation for long-term water services."

According to the press release, although Cambodia has abundant water, seasonal and regional variations in rainfall pose challenges to urban and rural water services. Climate projections suggest that floods and droughts will become more frequent and severe, further straining the country's ability to manage its freshwater resources. This would affect food production and economic growth.

The project will will improve water resources management by expanding hydro-meteorological stations, updating policies and regulations, developing climate-informed river basin management plans, and strengthening the capacity of central and provincial water authorities.

Water supply systems for domestic and irrigation use will be rehabilitated and upgraded, while the project will train Famer water user communities and provide technical assistance for improved operation and maintenance of infrastructure.

The project will be implemented over five years by the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Together with the central and provincial Departments of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, measures are being taken to help farmers adopt climate-smart technologies that improve productivity and reduce emissions in agriculture.