Clean water supply stakeholders from across Cambodia convened in Phnom Penh today for the 12th Annual General Assembly of the Cambodian Water Supply Association (CWA). The event served as a platform to celebrate achievements and explore innovative solutions in Cambodia's clean water sector.

Presided over by H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, and H.E. Justin Whyatt, Australian Ambassador to Cambodia, alongside the CWA’s Board of Directors, the assembly drew approximately 360 representatives from government bodies, water operators, non-governmental organizations, development partners, financial institutions, and water-related suppliers.

"Ensuring access to clean water is paramount for safeguarding public health and attracting both domestic and international investment, crucial for enhancing Cambodia's socio-economic development," Minister Vanndy said. "The Ministry advocates for the enhancement of capacity among private water operators to expand their services in compliance with licensing requirements, prioritizing the delivery of quality, safe, sustainable, and affordable water to all."

He emphasized the vital role of collaboration among water supply authorities, private water operators, development partners, and relevant ministries-institutions in driving Cambodia's clean water sector forward as it gains momentum. 

During the assembly, the Australian government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Cambodia in achieving universal access to safe, clean, and affordable piped water by 2030. 

Ambassador Whyatt highlighted Australia's significant contributions through its flagship economic development program, the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED). He cited the program’s longstanding partnership with Cambodia on water development, based on the shared belief that clean water access is a critical driver of sustainable development.

"Australia has partnered with Cambodia for nearly a decade to help more than one million rural Cambodians get access to clean piped water," Ambassador Whyatt affirmed. "The result is that people are healthier, there are more jobs in communities, and local economies are stronger.

CWA is a leading non-profit association for water supply in Cambodia promoting collaboration and learning among national and international stakeholders. CWA is membered by 300 private water operators from 23 provinces and 43 water-related companies and financial institutions.

Its 12th General Assembly aimed to celebrate the achievements of the Board of Directors of the 3rd mandate from 2020-2023, elect a new Board of Directors for the 2024-2027 mandate, recognize the CWA’s performance in 2023, and strategize for 2024, while enhancing communication and sharing knowledge, experience and technologies among its members.