The Australian Embassy and the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) today inaugurated a new climate-resilient water treatment plant and distribution network in Taing Kouk District, Kampong Thom Province, extending clean water coverage to more than 10,000 people.
The Pongro Water Treatment Plant provides safe, treated water to households, four schools and one health centre across seven villages, advancing Cambodia’s goal of universal access to safe water by 2030 and strengthening community resilience to floods and droughts.
The investment is part of Australia’s longstanding partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia to improve rural water supply, with more than 90 water systems supported nationwide over the past decade. These investments have helped over 1.2 million Cambodians gain access to safe and affordable water.
H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, said, “This marks another achievement in expanding access to safe, affordable, and climate-resilient water supply services, made possible through grant financing from the Government of Australia to the private sector. It also reflects the steady progress of the long-standing diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Australia, which have now spanned more than 70 years,”
This inauguration reflects the Royal Government of Cambodia’s commitment to expanding access to safe, affordable and climate-resilient clean water supply. Through cooperation with Australia and the private sector, we are strengthening sector governance, mobilising investment, and expanding piped water to communities across the country.”
Australia provides innovative financing approaches and technical assistance to leverage private investment and expand water infrastructure to areas previously considered commercially unviable. Connection subsidies for ID Poor cardholders and public institutions allow for equitable benefits across communities.
H.E. Derek Yip, Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, said, “Reliable access to clean water underpins wellbeing, productivity and economic growth. Australia is helping private operators deliver services to underserved areas, while ensuring affordability for poor households. This new system will improve health outcomes, reduce vulnerability to climate shocks, and create new opportunities for families in Kampong Thom.”
Nationally, approximately 55 per cent of Cambodian villages have access to piped, treated water. In Kampong Thom Province, coverage stands at 48 per cent, with further expansion underway.
Ms. Meas Sokha, a Taing Kouk resident, said, “My well is shared by many families and often runs dry. I used to wake up early to pump enough water to run my food shack business. Now, I no longer worry about lacking access to clean water; the piped water supply has made business much easier.”
Australia is collaborating with MISTI to expand affordable and reliable water services nationwide through its flagship economic program, the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development.
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