Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Cham Prasidh has urged Anco Brothers to expand its dams and modernise water supply systems at its clean water production plant in response to growth in Preah Sihanouk province.
Prasidh made the call while inspecting the company’s water treatment systems on February 27 in the Kbal Chhay area of Sihanoukville’s commune I, along with provincial governor Kuoch Chamroeun and Kok An, the chairman of Anco Brothers.
“Preah Sihanouk province has developed infrastructure and communication systems consistent with its expansion. This means the company needs to prepare sufficient supply networks for its needs. The company needs to expand its networks to match the rate of development. Without adequate water supply, further growth will not be possible,” he said while also thanking the company for supplying water to residents in three towns and districts in the province.
An said the company now has three water treatment plants which can produce 160,000 cubic metres of water a day. The first dam can produce 40,000 cubic metres, while the second and third each add 60,000 cubic metre to the province’s supply.
He added that the company’s network is now connected to Sihanoukville and part of Prey Nob and Stung Hav districts. The company will work hard to connect more networks to other districts, factories and enterprises in line with development growth in the province.
Chamroeun said there were two main factors which would contribute to the development of clean water systems.
The first was to manage rainfall in the Kbal Chhay area. He instructed the provincial Department of Environment to provide a map to the Anco Company which would assist them to conserve and protect natural resources and forests to avoid deforestation. He also called for illegal farms to be shut down, as they affected water quality and the environment through their use of hazardous chemicals.
The second factor is the government’s designation of Preah Sihanouk province as a Model Multi-Pupose Special Economic Zone. The government has a long-term vision to develop the area into a centre of heavy industry and scientific research. It had prepared a master plan to orientate development in the future, which centred on road, electricity and water infrastructure.
Provincial administration spokesman Kheang Phearom told The Post on February 28 that the company’s supply of water to residents in the province was indispensable.
“We have followed Prasidh’s recommendations and advised the company to expand its dams. He also advised that their water management systems be modernised to remain competitive,” he said, adding that Preah Sihanouk had many water distribution operators in its towns and districts aside from Anco.
