Cambodia Moves Toward Establishing National Clean Water Regulator

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 14, 2025) — The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation convened an inter-ministerial meeting Monday to advance plans for establishing Cambodia’s Clean Water Regulator, a key reform under the government’s Pentagonal Strategy Phase I.

The meeting, chaired by Minister Hem Vanndy, brought together officials from the Ministries of Economy and Finance, Rural Development, Water Resources and Meteorology, Public Works and Transport, and representatives from the World Bank.

Vanndy emphasized the regulator’s role in ensuring long-term sustainability, efficiency, and fairness in water services. “Clean water is like the veins of the body — it sustains our economy, supports business and industry, safeguards public health, and addresses the daily needs of our people,” he said.

The World Bank presented international models, including Portugal’s experience in establishing a national water company and regulator in the 1990s. Hem, who recently visited Portugal, noted that Cambodia’s landscape differs significantly, with only 11 public utilities among more than 500 operators, most of which are small private firms.

Participants reviewed governance options, legal powers, and operational scope for the proposed regulator. The meeting reflected broad support for a phased approach to building trust, ensuring transparency, and enabling effective implementation.