As the world marks World Water Day, France has reiterated its long-standing commitment to supporting Cambodia in achieving universal access to clean water and safe sanitation—critical components of sustainable development and public health.
Globally, more than 2 billion people still lack access to safe water and sanitation. With rapid urbanization, climate change, and environmental degradation increasing pressure on water resources, ensuring equitable access has become more urgent than ever.
France, through its International Strategy for Water and Sanitation (2020–2030), continues to prioritize water security. In Cambodia, this commitment spans more than 30 years of cooperation.
Decades of Partnership
Since 1993, the French Development Agency (AFD) has been actively involved in Cambodia, supporting the development of water and sanitation infrastructure in both cities and rural areas. Working with Cambodian authorities, private sector actors, and international partners, AFD has helped to transform water access across the country.
In Phnom Penh, AFD has been a long-term partner of the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA). Through technical assistance and financial support, the capital city has become a global reference for universal water access, with coverage exceeding 90% by 2024.
AFD has also invested in water and sanitation systems in secondary cities such as Siem Reap, Battambang, and Kampong Cham, as well as in smaller towns and rural areas. In addition to infrastructure, AFD supports Cambodia in developing water management strategies, protecting water resources, strengthening institutions, and building human resource capacity.
These efforts have significantly improved access to clean water for over 3 million people, built centralized sanitation systems benefiting 500,000 residents in secondary cities, and improved water governance and institutional frameworks nationwide.
Bakheng Project: A Flagship of Cooperation
To meet rising demand in Phnom Penh—driven by urban growth and industrialization—the Bakheng Water Supply Project was launched under PPWSA’s third master plan. This ambitious three-phase initiative aims to produce an additional 600,000 cubic meters of drinking water per day and expand the distribution network by 3,000 kilometers, ultimately reaching more than 1 million residents in peri-urban areas.
The project is supported by the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative and showcases strong collaboration between the EU, France, and Cambodia. French and European firms contributed cutting-edge, low-carbon technologies to ensure both efficiency and sustainability.
Beyond infrastructure, EU grant funding supports training programs for public water operators and government officials. Policy dialogue and reforms, guided by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), aim to align Cambodia’s water sector with the Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Looking Ahead
AFD, alongside its private sector arm Proparco, remains committed to supporting Cambodia’s water sector through both public and private initiatives. By encouraging innovation and sustainable practices, France seeks to ensure long-term, inclusive water access for all Cambodians.
On this World Water Day, France emphasizes that access to clean water and sanitation is more than a basic human right—it’s a driver of economic growth, social well-being, and climate resilience. Through continued collaboration with Cambodia, France aims to help build a future where water is a shared, protected, and sustainably managed resource for generations to come.
