Over 113,000 people in Cambodia are expected to benefit from improved water supply infrastructure following the approval of a new World Bank-supported project.
Funded by a $145 million credit from the World Bank’s International Development Association, the Cambodia Water Security Improvement Project will enhance water security, increase agricultural productivity, and build resilience to climate risks.
“This project helps Cambodia move toward sustainable water security and greater agricultural productivity,” said Maryam Salim, World Bank Country Manager for Cambodia. “Investing now in climate resilience, planning, and better infrastructure addresses immediate water needs and lays the groundwork for long-term water service delivery.”
While Cambodia has abundant water, seasonal and regional rainfall differences bring challenges to urban and rural water supply. Climate projections suggest more frequent and severe flooding and drought, straining the country’s freshwater management capacity and affecting food production and economic growth.
The project, implemented over five years, will enhance water resource management by expanding hydrometeorological stations, updating policies, preparing climate-informed river basin plans, and strengthening water authorities.
It will rehabilitate and upgrade household and irrigation water supply systems, train Farmer Water User Communities, and provide technical assistance for infrastructure maintenance.
The project will also help farmers adopt climate-smart technologies to improve productivity and reduce emissions in agriculture, in collaboration with central and provincial agriculture, forestry, and fisheries departments.
Source :World Bank Group
