H.E. Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, joined H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, during a visit to the Bakheng Water Treatment Plant on March 13, 2024. This facility stands as a flagship European investment under the EU’s Global Gateway investment strategy. This investment has significantly improved access to clean water for over 2 million residents in Phnom Penh and Ta Khmau City.
The visit was accompanied by H.E. Long Naro, Director General of Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA), along with about 50 representatives from EU Member States, MISTI, and the PPWSA.
Commissioner Urpilainen commended the strong partnership between the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB) the European Union (EU) as a strong Team Europe , particularly in the water sector. She highlighted the importance of access to clean water as a fundamental human right and a critical element of sustainable development.
With the successful implementation of Bakheng Phases 1 and 2, the EU will continue supporting Cambodia’s access to safe and clean water beyond Phnom Penh. Through our continued engagement, I am proud to announce our commitment of 13M USD (12M EUR) grant funding to Bakheng Phase 3 in collaboration with our European partner, AFD,” Commissioner Urpilainen announced.
“The Bakheng Water Treatment Plant is a testament to our commitment to providing quality, safe, sustainable, and affordable water, essential for both household consumption and attracting investment, pivotal to Cambodia’s development,” Minister Vanndy said. “We extend our appreciation to the European Union and our esteemed development partners for their steadfast support in advancing Cambodia’s potable water sector.”
The Bakheng Water Treatment Plant Phases 1 and 2, with a combined production capacity of 390,000 m3/day, have been a key milestone in Cambodia’s water infrastructure development, ensuring access to portable water for millions of people. The project has also contributed to 170,000 new connections to the water supply network, including for disadvantaged households, and 25,000 connections to commercial establishments and factories.
The Phase 3 expansion of the project represents another significant step forward in ensuring sustainable water infrastructure and meeting the growing demand for clean water in the capital and surrounding areas.
The European Commissioner has selected Cambodia as the first country to visit in South East Asia. Her interaction with the Cambodian government, youth and civil society represents an opportunity to take stock of the long-standing cooperation between Europe and Cambodia and to launch new initiatives to promote investments in partnerships with the EU.
