Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Water providers optimistic about new law’s potential

Water providers optimistic about new law’s potential

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Workers repair water system in Boeung Keng Kang III commune of the capital’s Chamkarmon district on December 8. Heng Chivoan

Water providers optimistic about new law’s potential

Specialist working in the clean water sector have expressed their optimism over the draft water management law that was approved by the Council of Ministers on January 13.

Phon Sokun, a member of the Cambodian Water Supply Association (CWA), expressed his support for the law’s approval. He was involved in drafting the law, and said it would help to boost clean water service to the residents of the Kingdom.

“This will improve our ability to provide this necessary public service and support the well-being and livelihood of citizens,” he said, calling for the law to be implemented as soon as possible.

“In the past, there were some unscrupulous traders who did not abide by industry standards and regulations. Some businesses were made to suffer by traders who could effectively hold them ransom using the water supply. Avoiding those kinds of problems is one reason why I want to see the law in effect,” he added.

Hang Hybunna, programme manager from Plan International, also supported the law.

“Currently, there is a policy in place, but no in depth rules. Through this law, I hope the management of the clean water sector will become more transparent,” he said.

The draft law was approved by the Council of Ministers at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Hun Sen on January 13. The government considers the management and development of the water sector one of the most important contributors to the socio-economic development of the Kingdom.

Phay Siphan, Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister and the government spokesman, said the draft law was initiated by the former Ministry of Industry and Handicrafts in 2016. It was discussed and revised under the mandate of the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, with initial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

“The law will respond to the context of social development, and will define four basic conditions for the supply of water. The four are that water must be high-quality, safe, sustainable and affordable. This will enable it to meet the people’s needs, improve public welfare and respond to the demands of industry,” he added.

The draft has yet to pass the debate stage of the National Assembly and the Senate. A date for the bill to be discussed has yet to be set.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ream base allegations must end, urges official

    A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • CP denied registration documents by ministry

    The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do

  • PM to open new Siem Reap int’l airport December 1

    Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese leaders would jointly participate in the official opening of the new Chinese-invested Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport on December 1. The airport symbolises a new page in the history of Cambodian aviation, which will be able to welcome long-distance flights to

  • Minimum wage set at $204, after Sep 28 vote

    The minimum wage for factory workers in the garment, footwear and travel goods industries for 2024 has been decided at $204 per month, with the government contributing $2. Following several negotiation sessions, the tripartite talks reached an agreement during a September 28 vote, with 46 of 51 votes supporting the $202 figure.

  • Cambodian diaspora laud Manet’s UN Assembly visit

    Members of the Cambodian diaspora are rallying in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s forthcoming visit to the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US’ New York City this week. Their move is an apparent response to a recent call by self-exiled former