Solar panels at the Bakheng Water Treatment Plant Solar Power project. AFD

Every year, on March 22, World Water Day serves as a reminder of the importance of clean water and safe sanitation, which remains inaccessible at least to 2 billion people worldwide. With rapid urbanization, climate change, and pollution, making equitable access to water and sanitation is a public health and sustainable development imperative.


France is committed to protecting this vital resource and fully implementing the right to water and sanitation, in line with its International Strategy for Water and Sanitation (2020-2030).

For over 30 years, the French Development Agency (AFD) has worked hand in hand with Cambodia to promote inclusive and equitable growth, particularly in Phnom Penh. This long-standing partnership has led to significant progress in providing access to the city’s clean water infrastructure, positioning France as a key partner in Cambodia’s sustainable water sector.

Three Decades of Commitment to Water Since 1993, AFD has been present in Cambodia, supporting water and sanitation in both urban and rural areas. Through long-term financing and technical assistance, AFD works alongside Cambodian authorities, the private sector, and international partners to improve access to clean water.

Key water-related activities include several stakeholders. Firstly, AFD is proud to be a long-standing partner to Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA).

Through technical and financial assistance, AFD has engaged in Phnom Penh’s transformation into a global reference for universal water access. Investments in infrastructure have raised coverage rates to over 90% in 2024.

Moreover, AFD supports water and sanitation development and expansion in secondary cities such as Siem Reap, Battambang, and Kampong Cham, while also strengthening water operators in small towns and rural areas.

Finally, besides infrastructures, AFD assists Cambodian authorities in developing and implementing regional and national water management strategies. This includes the preservation of water resources amid climate and demographic challenges, institutional reinforcement, and human resource development to ensure long-term sustainability.




AFD’s initiatives in Cambodia have already delivered significant improvements and a measurable impact. It has already resulted in expanded access to clean water for more than 3 million people across Phnom Penh, secondary cities, small towns, and rural areas, the development of centralized sanitation networks, benefiting 500,000 residents in secondary cities, and an enhanced water governance and institutional capacity.

Bakheng Water Supply Project: A Success Story for EU-French-Cambodia Cooperation As Phnom Penh’s rapid urbanization and industrial growth, PPWSA’s third master plan projected a significant increase in water demand by 2030. To ensure a reliable drinking water supply, especially those living in peri-urban areas of Phnom Penh, the three-phase Bakheng Water Supply Project has been implemented. This initiative supports PPWSA in producing 600,000 m³ of additional clean water per day and extending access for over 1 million residents, 3000 km of new piped water networks, improving distribution, specifically in peri-urban areas. This initiative, under the European Union Global Gateway framework, exemplifies strong cooperation between the EU, France and Cambodia. This high quality infrastructure integrated cutting-edge, low-carbon technology, leveraging expertise and innovative solutions primarily from French and European firms.

Beyond infrastructure, EU grant funding supports a capacity development program for public water operators and officials. Additionally, policy dialogue and reforms under the authority of Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) align Cambodia’s water sector with its Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1 and Global Sustainable Development Goals.

A Lasting Cooperation for the Future AFD remains committed to supporting Cambodia’s water sector in Phnom Penh and Provinces. Through its subsidiary, Proparco, it also provides assistance to the private sector in engagement in sustainable water solutions.

As the world celebrates World Water Day, strengthening international solidarity is more crucial than ever. Access to clean water and safe sanitation is not just a public health necessity – it is a fundamental driver of economic and social development. France, through all the members of Team France in Cambodia, remains committed to working alongside Cambodia to build a future where water is a shared resource, accessible to all, and sustainably managed resource for generations to come.



Reference: KHMER TIMES