Phnom Penh municipal governor Khuong Sreng on Thursday signed a research report conducted by Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) over 12 months on sewer system development at Choeung Ek lake in the capital. The move will allow Jica to design a development project.
Sreng during the signing ceremony said the Royal Government has always supported the Phnom Penh municipal government during major developments by focusing mainly on improving the city’s environment in an effective and sustainable manner as well as promoting the beauty of Phnom Penh.
He then thanked the Japanese government for always encouraging, making donations to and supporting the Phnom Penh administration in developing infrastructure through financial and technical cooperation and aid as well as diplomatic cooperation, which actively contributes to the development, restoration and improvement of the capital.
Sreng also thanked the Jica working group and relevant officials for their efforts in conducting the research over 12 months, releasing their report for the Choeung Ek lake sewer system development and reaching the agreement currently being signed by the two parties.
“The Choeung Ek lake sewer system development project will become the first model project for the Phnom Penh administration for processing wastewater. It will have a major role in largely reducing environmental pollution,” he said.
Jica research working group head Minpei Ito said toxic substances that had flowed into Choeung Ek river and lake had been greatly harming the environment and the health of nearby villagers and animals.
“From the looks of the research results, the restoration of the environment will require a larger budget than current investment. Due to the issue, the important thing is to proceed with the primary phase of the sewer system in a way that cuts back on additional expenses,” Ito said.
He said the proposed sewer system at Choeung Ek lake would treat 5,000 cubic metres of dirty water per day.
“Having already signed the system development project, we will forward it to the Japanese government for approval.”
