Dry Season Water Shortage Looms in Capital
40,000 families living on the outskirts of Phnom Penh face shortages in the dry season. Photo from PPWSA.
- Khorn Nary and Phoung Vantha
- March 19, 2021 12:30 PM
Residents urged to be frugal as demand outstrips supply
PHNOM PENH--Water authorities have urged people to save water as more than
40,000 families living on the outskirts of Phnom Penh face shortages in the dry season.
Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority director-general Sim Sitha’s message was aimed at residents in areas with sufficient water.
Areas facing shortages include Sangkat Kamboul, Sangkat Phleung Chheh Roteh, Sangkat Khmuonh, Sangkat Krang Thnong, Sangkat Samraong Kraom and Sangkat Kouk Roka.
He said about 700,000 cubic meters per day are needed to supply Phnom Penh and nearby Takhmao city but the supply capacity is only about 600,000 cubic meters per day.
Supply may be able to meet demand after the construction of the Bakheng Water Treatment Plant is completed in 2023. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed work since May last year.
The Bakheng plant will be able to supply 390,000 m3/day when its two phases are complete. The first phase of 195 000m3/day will be put into operation in 2023, and the second will be in 2025.
The project is financed by a $186.4 million loan from the Agence Française de Développement and a $100 million loan from the European Investment Bank. There is also a $15 million grant from the European Union and direct investment by PPWSA of $80 million.
The authority plans to extend the water distribution system and pipelines in line with the policy of clean water and sanitation for everyone in the city by 2025.
