ADB Provides US$180-million Loan for Infrastructure Development in Three Cambodian Cities

• 22 November 2021
• Local News
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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$180-million loan to help three cities in Cambodia improve urban infrastructure and boost economic competitiveness.

The Livable Cities Investment Project will help more than 140,000 residents in Bavet, Kampot, and Poipet access better wastewater and solid waste management services, according to a press release issued on 19 November.

The project will help reduce flooding in the cities by upgrading their urban stormwater and drainage systems. The project also aims to strengthen the capacity of municipal governments to deliver urban services, read the statement.

In Bavet and Poipet, the project will support the rehabilitation of existing canals and the construction of a wastewater treatment plant, sewerage network, new stormwater drains, and landfills.

In Kampot, the project will expand the sewerage network and layout a plan for local government to become self-sufficient service providers.

More Cambodians are moving to secondary cities, but limited access to urban infrastructure and services, as well as environmental degradation, has worsened living conditions and hurt urban economic growth,” said ADB Urban Development Specialist Wei Kim Swain.

“The project will help the government upgrade sanitation and waste management and raise living standards, especially among low-income households vulnerable to the health, economic, and environmental effects of poor sanitation. It will also help the municipalities attract private sector investment and create jobs,” she said.

Cambodia’s urban population rose to 6 million in 2019 from 2.6 million in 2008, which has posed a challenge for municipal governments to provide services.

• Urbanization and Architect
• Policy and Strategy