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Phnom Penh, February 20 2023 - Construction works on Cambodia's largest water treatment plant are now 90% completed, announced PPWSA during the groundbreaking ceremony of Tonle Sap Crossing Micro-tunneling of the treated water transmission main in 2 meters of diameter and 550 meters long, the first infrastructure of this kind ever built in Cambodia. Bakheng Water Production Facilities will increase almost double the water production capacity in Phnom Penh from 0.6 to 1 million m3 per day.
The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) has been facing a rapidly increasing water demand since the early 2010s, spurred by intense construction activities and population growth. After doubling its water production capacity between 2012 and 2017, PPWSA now aims at maintaining its coverage of water demand and expand its service area to 100% of the city by 2025, with the joint support of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Union (EU).
The Bakheng Water Supply Project is the major infrastructure project defined in PPWSA’s 2016-2030 Third Master Plan. The total production capacity of the facilities will be 390 000 m3/day constructed in 2 phases. This additional capacity will be enough to meet the current shortage in Phnom Penh, which is estimated at 200 000 m3/day during the peak of the dry season. 2 years after the groundbreaking ceremony presided by the Prime Minister of Cambodia, the Phase 1 of the project has already reached 90% completion and is set to be put in operation in the second quarter of 2023. The full capacity will be reached one year later, after completion of phase 2.
The project is financed by two loans worth 177.3 M€ from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), a 100 M$ loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB), a 13 M€ grant from the European Union (EU) through the Asia Investment Facility and direct investment by PPWSA worth 80 M$. The EU grant targets specifically the connection to the poor communities living in the peri-urban areas of Phnom Penh.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Mr. Rémy Rioux, the Chief Executive Officer of AFD Group raised that: “AFD is very proud of the historic partnership with PPWSA of more than 20 years. Bakheng water supply project is a fantastic example of how Team Europe, within the Global Gateway framework, can bring together its full support along with cutting-edge expertise. I am very impressed by the remarkable construction progress, only two years after commencement, thanks to PPWSA leadership combined with Vinci Grand Projets and Safège. I use the opportunity of this visit to reaffirm my strong support to PPWSA in realizing its mission: bring clean water to all in the city of Phnom Penh.”
“In collaboration with Agence Française de Développement (AFD), European Investment Bank (EIB) and European Union (EU), PPWSA keeps developing, renovating and expanding our water production facilities and distribution networks. After completion of Bakheng water supply project in 2024, our production capacity will increase from 0.6 to 1 million m3/day. This will respond to the rapid water demand due to the expansion of Phnom Penh in every directions. This project contributes to the achievement of the CSDG Goal 6.1.1 by covering 96% of the population in Phnom Penh and Ta Khmau out of the 95% target by 2023 and to that of Cambodia Vision of a high-middle-income country by 2030.” said His Excellency Long Naro, Director General of PPWSA.
EIB Vice-President Kris Peeters, who is in charge of EIB operations in Cambodia, said: “I am very happy that today we are advancing with the Bakheng water supply project to ensure the people of Cambodia have reliable access to clean, safe and affordable drinking water - something that is a human right, not a privilege. Together with our partners from the Agence Française de Développement, the European Union and the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority, we are making a tangible contribution to the quality of life for thousands of Cambodians. This collaborative approach will help us deliver sustainable impact where it is most needed.”
“I am pleased to be present today at the launching of the micro-tunnelling across Tonle Sap. This represents a major step forward to address the shortage of clean water supplies in Phnom Penh. The Bakheng Water Supply project has brought together Team Europe under the Global Gateway around a common objective: to contribute to the economic prosperity of Cambodia and its people. The Bakheng Water Production Facilities will bring safe and drinkable water to thousands of Cambodian households. It will also provide reliable access to clean water for the Cambodian industry, while creating new job opportunities and raise living standards of the population. The European Union is proud to be part of this major investment project to the benefit of Cambodia.” mentioned Her Excellency, Carmen MORENO, Ambassador of European Union Delegation to Cambodia.