On August 25, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Record of Discussions (R/D) with the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, regarding the technical cooperation project titled “Project to Strengthen Capacity in Water Supply Administration and Water Utilities.” The signing ceremony took place between Sim Sithar, Secretary General of the Ministry of Industry, Science, and Technology Innovation; In Sakan, President of the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority; and Kazumasa Sanai, Director of the JICA Cambodia Office.
Scenes from the signing ceremony
This project, carried out in cooperation with Kitakyushu City—which has long supported Cambodia’s water supply system and achieved remarkable improvements in water service known as the “Phnom Penh Miracle”—aims to strengthen overall capacity in water supply administration and develop human resources.
In Cambodia’s water supply sector, many Japanese companies—including plant manufacturers, trading companies, construction firms, and consulting firms—have entered the market, with support from Kitakyushu City, among other sources, and are contributing to the operation of privately managed water utilities, the construction of water supply facilities, and digitalization efforts. It is expected that this project—through the development of regulatory and support frameworks for privately operated water utilities, the formulation of plans for water supply expansion, the establishment of technical standards, and human resource development—will lead to further expansion by Japanese companies into this sector.
The business overview is as follows.
Water Administration and Water Utility Capacity-Building Project
The Project to Strengthen the Capacity of Water Supply Administration and Water Utilities
・Country (Target Region)
Kingdom of Cambodia (Nationwide)
・Business Objectives
This project covers the entire country of Cambodia and aims to strengthen the water supply management system by promoting digital transformation (DX) in the water sector, fostering human resource development and planning, and advancing priorities aimed at achieving policy objectives. It is expected to contribute to expanding water supply coverage and improving water services nationwide.
・Scheduled Implementation Period
36 months
・Implementing Agency
Ministry of Industry, Science, and Technology Innovation; Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority
・Contributing to the SDGs
Goal 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all)
Goal 6 (Ensure access to safe water and sanitation for all)
Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
© Source JICA