PHNOM PENH – The Japanese government has promised an additional $17.6 million aid for projects related to water supply expansion in Phnom Penh capital and the establishment of a nationwide reference station network.

Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn signed the exchange of notes and accompanying documents with Japanese Ambassador Ueno Atsushi on Mar. 25.

The first grant of about $13.3 million will be used to expand the Phum Prek Water Treatment System, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation says.

Japan’s Foreign Ministry said the project was originally signed in Nov. 2022 for a grant of up to $22.29 million. However, due to a shortage of funds caused by factors such as a recent price hike, the additional $13.3 million was provided.

“This project will contribute to the quality of life in Cambodia by expanding the water supply facilities at the Phum Prek Water Treatment Plant, to increase the water supply in Phnom Penh, where water supply and demand are tight, and improve the living environment of the residents of Phnom Penh,” it said.

The new water plant has a capacity of 170,000 cubic meters per day and is one of four water treatment facilities in Phnom Penh.

The second assistance of $4.32 million will help establish the Nationwide Continuously Operating Reference Station Network. The project was signed in Oct. 2023 for $8.87 million, bringing the total for the project to $12.85 million.

The network project will contribute to further infrastructure development in Cambodia by strengthening administrative services for land registration and land transactions through the development of an electronic reference point network that will enable faster surveying and highly accurate positioning.

Japan said the projects are embodied in one of three new cooperation approaches for Cambodia’s sustainable development and co-creation of social values called “Developing Social Infrastructure According to Development Stages”. The two projects are expected to contribute to the development of water and digital sectors.

“The assistance for the above two projects clearly reflects Japan’s steadfast commitment to supporting Cambodia's socio-economic development,” the Cambodian Foreign Ministry said.