Japan’s Kitakyushu Deepens Water Partnership with Cambodia Ahead of Takhmau Plant Launch

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Aug. 13, 2025) — Japan’s Kitakyushu City has pledged long-term support for Cambodia’s water supply sector as it prepares to inaugurate the $90 million Takhmau Water Treatment Plant, a flagship project funded through Japanese grant aid and operated under a 10-year special purpose company (SPC) model.

Cambodian Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Hem Vanndy welcomed the Kitakyushu delegation ahead of the launch, praising the city’s technical leadership and its role in advancing Cambodia’s water infrastructure. The plant, located in Kandal Province, is designed to meet rising demand in Takhmau and ease pressure on Phnom Penh’s existing supply system.

“This SPC model sets a benchmark for future investment and strengthens trust between Cambodia and Japanese partners,” Vanndy said, adding that reforms are underway to improve the performance of water operators nationwide. He called on Kitakyushu firms to invest in digital water management platforms and support innovation and R&D across the sector.

The project is being implemented by members of the Kitakyushu Overseas Water Business Association (KOWBA), including Kitakyushu Water Service Co., Ltd., Kubota Construction, Kobelco Eco-Solutions, and CTI Engineering. Under the SPC arrangement, the Japanese consortium will build, operate, and maintain the facility for a decade before transferring it to the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA).

KOWBA Vice President Professor Sato Yuya reaffirmed Kitakyushu’s commitment to the Takhmau project and to training Cambodian water operators. He highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on small-scale water solutions and digital platforms.

“Kitakyushu and KOWBA will continue to be Cambodia’s long-term partners in the water-supply sector,” Sato said, noting that October will mark the 10th anniversary of sister-city cooperation between Kitakyushu and Phnom Penh.

The Takhmau plant is expected to supply 30,000 cubic meters of clean water per day and contribute to Cambodia’s broader goals under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Vision 2050.