Battambang Inaugurates $31M Water Supply System Benefiting Over 16,000 Households

BATTAMBANG, April 30, 2026 (KPT) — Battambang Province has inaugurated a US$31 million water supply system, marking a major upgrade to expand clean water access and meet rising demand in the city and surrounding areas, officials said Thursday.

The project, co‑financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Cambodian government, was constructed between July 2022 and December 2025 in Kampong Seyma Village, Battambang City. It includes water intake facilities, a treatment plant and a 94‑kilometer distribution network.

Industry Minister Hem Vanndy said the system more than doubles the capacity of the Battambang Water Utility from 33,520 cubic meters per day to 83,520 cubic meters, expanding connections to nearly 16,800 households — about 76 percent of the service area.

“This means households, traders, producers and businesses will have access to clean, safe, sustainable and affordable water to support their well‑being and livelihoods,” he said.

ADB Country Director Yasmin Siddiqi said the project delivers reliable water services that improve public health, save time for households and support local economic growth. AFD Country Director Sandrine Boucher added that the achievement goes beyond infrastructure, calling it “an investment in people, in public health, and in the city’s future.”

Officials said the project reflects strong partnership between Cambodia and development partners in advancing the water sector, improving living conditions and supporting sustainable, inclusive urban development as Battambang continues to grow.