Cambodia Seeks Japanese Support for Vital Flood Protection and Irrigation Rehabilitation Projects

• 7 September 2023
• Local News
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The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MWRM) has initiated discussions with Japan, seeking assistance for three pivotal projects focused on flood protection and irrigation restoration. This request came to light during a meeting between HE Tho Chetha, the Minister of MWRM, and HE UENO Atsushi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan, along with Mr SANUI Kazumasa, President of JICA in Cambodia, on 4 September 2023.

The minister acknowledged Japan’s substantial support in managing and developing Cambodia’s water resources since 1993. Through the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan has contributed through grant projects, assistance initiatives, technical cooperation, expertise sharing, local and international training programs, and concessional financing projects.

The MWRM has presented three key requests to their Japanese counterparts:

1. “Flood Control, Irrigation and Drainage Rehabilitation and Improvement Project in Cambodia”: Cambodia has requested Japan’s support in studying and providing concessional financing for this critical project.
2. Heavy Machinery Assistance: Cambodia seeks Japan’s assistance in providing heavy machinery for the construction and repair of irrigation systems. These machines would also be crucial for responding to natural disasters like floods and droughts.
3. Technical Training: The ministry has requested Japan’s assistance in training technical officers in water resources management and development.

Notably, the Japanese delegation has proposed a groundbreaking ceremony for the rehabilitation and improvement project for the irrigation and drainage system in the southwest of Phnom Penh (CP-P14). This symbolic event would underscore the growing collaboration between Cambodia and Japan.

Under the existing cooperative framework between the two nations, the MWRM is already engaged in implementing two significant projects: the National Irrigation Standards Development Project (2022-2024) and the Irrigation and Irrigation Rehabilitation Project in the southwest of Phnom Penh (commencing in 2023, completion expected in 2026).

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